LindaBroday – Author D.L. Finn

February Book Reviews! #NicoleSara #LindaBroday #TerryTyler #writingcommunity #mustread #whattoread

Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in January that are four stars or higher.

This is a beautiful collection of poetry infused with the colors of emotion. The poems are accompanied by a meaningful quote and a photograph that paint a complete picture. I always love it when nature and feelings are intertwined, like in this collection. As I read, I highlighted many passages, but I had to narrow them down to share here. “With smooth foggy fragments on soles of thought/I breathe in the seasons, burning within/murmuring shadows/and night…”—SHARDS OF LIGHTS, “I run along deep spirals made of words/the syllables like steps,/unwinding lightly/like in a dream I float, on air and lands/roaming through mists, and sighing/silently…”—SMILING YELLOW, “some cover the silence in words,/others, the words under silence/some dress the grey into color/and others the autumn in summers…”—SOME, OTHERS, and “Don’t lose the delicate dream…/Rays draw an infinite sight/Minutes gather like dew/Fabulous carpet of light…”—DEW DREAM NOTES. I can highly recommend this and will be reading more from this poet!

So Shall Ye Reap: BOOK #2 of the REVENGE SERIES

By Terry Tyler

I loved the first book in the Revenge Series and couldn’t wait to read the second installment of it. In the first of two novelettes, “Average Joe,” a young man named Joe liked to travel the world. When he’s in Vienna, he gets a phone call from his good traveling companion, Ziggy. Joe soon leaves his own plans and travels to Brazil for more adventures with his friend. Their big dream was to climb Everest, but they needed some money. Ziggy offers an idea that changes everything. Joe was a character that, if I could have shouted into the pages to stop him, I would have. An unexpected twist made things far worse than I could have guessed. This story not only focused on a friendship that became self-serving but also on betrayal and survival. How Joe handled himself later in life was the best part of the story. There is more focus on friendship in “King of the Playground.” Jerry and Mikkel were not only next-door neighbors but also best friends since they were six years old. Even with their closeness growing up and beyond, Jerry wanted to be popular and as liked as his friend was, but he was always second best to Mikkel. He carried this inadequacy into life and set out to prove just how successful he could be. While Mikkel lived a charmed life in Greece, dating a beautiful model and living easily, Jerry worked long hours to attain his goal of wealth. When Mikkel comes home with his new girlfriend, they reconnect, but Jerry is clinging to that grudge, unknown to Mikkel. Jerry was a character I could like, but at the same time, I wished he had gotten past his issues and listened to his mother’s wise advice. This narrative serves as a caution: be careful what you wish for. I can’t wait for the next book in this Revenge Series. A well-written, quick read that I can easily recommend.

Served Cold: BOOK #1 of the REVENGE SERIES

By Terry Tyler

“Served Cold” is two revenge-filled novelettes. Both stories were filled with twists I didn’t see coming as the characters’ pasts are revealed, offering an unexpected insight. In the first story, The Steal, Jodie had almost everything her heart desired. She had a husband she loved, a perfect house, friends, and a town she loved living in. Only one thing remained: a prospective child to enhance her happiness. Then the town welcomes a well-liked, attractive woman’s arrival. Jodie’s perfect life takes a hit that completely shocks her. The story switches over to the new woman in town, Alana, who starts sharing her side of the story. Then, it alternates between the two women. It slowly gives the complete picture of a disturbing past. Emotion-filled characters and twists that had me changing who I was rooting for. In the second story, Lucky Star, Stevie wakes up in a strange place with no memory of how she got in the cell-like room. All she remembers is going to sleep in her own bed. The confusion only intensifies when she and others are told they can’t leave, but have to play the game—or else. I felt like I was right there with Stevie, trying to figure out what was going on. I had many theories, but I never could have guessed the outcome. This was a truly chilling story that made me very glad both stories were novelettes, and I could finish each one in a single reading. There was no way I was going to put these fast-paced stories down once I started reading them. This was a well-written collection with gripping, flawed characters that I can highly recommend and can’t wait for the next in the series!

Summer’s Heart: (Book 2 Sweet Western Romance) The McIntyres

By Linda Broday

I loved meeting the McIntyres’ family in the first book and was eager to continue their journey. Summer and Cade are still trying to find their younger twin brothers and little sister, who were placed in homes after their parents’ murder. Cade had a lead and was off to find one of their siblings when a young patient ended up where Summer worked as a nurse. His story gives her hope that they may know where her brother is, but also fills her with fear as to his safety. Before her fiancé, Sheriff Dan, could investigate, a huge snowstorm hits the town, along with a woman who arrived claiming her baby was Dan’s. This left Summer unable to trust the man she loved, but more importantly, to get to her brother. I love the determination of Summer, and especially her brother Cade, as they attempt to reunite their family. I was also rooting for Dan and Summer to work out their differences, despite what was being said. Plus, the oldest brother, Jess, who had wanted posters with his face, makes an appearance. The 1800s western setting, characters, and storm set the stage for a tension-filled, page-turning read. I highly recommend this well-written story!

UPDATES

Someone took all the books from my little library. I took that time to fix a small leak and let it dry. Later, with an armful of books, I found someone had refilled it with new books. So, I got some new reading material with A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci. I just finished it. I will rate these mainstream books but not review them, as sometimes I just need a break. I make sure to add some of my indie author friends. Good way to get new readers in my neck of the woods. Excited, this is working out so far.
I also read and rated 1984 by George Orwell. I’d thought I’d read it years ago, but that was Animal Farm on my bookshelves instead. 1984 is a book that will leave you thinking long after you finish it, or at least it did me 🙂
Watch for tomorrow’s post and guest!

Embrace that inner child with a great read! D. L. Finn (Denise)

Sisters on Tour Final Stop! #ABoldBargain #CadesQuest #JanSikes #LindaBroday #writingcommunity #newrelease #mustread

I’m thrilled to be the final stop on the Sisters on Tour! Both are favorite authors, so to have both here today is an extra treat 🙂 They have a special announcement following their interview.

My reviews for both five-star stories are here: LINK

We are deeply grateful to you, Denise, for offering to let us wrap up this tour on your wonderful blog site!

When we decided to launch our new books together on the same day, Linda and I wanted to make it something special. It feels like we are making publishing history, and perhaps we are.

For this blog tour, we’ve chosen questions and answers designed to give the readers a deeper look into who we are, our background, and how we ended up where we are today, launching books together.

Question: What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex?

Jan: I think the hardest part about writing characters of the opposite sex is getting the dialogue right. Men talk and express emotions much differently than women. I think women writers who have raised sons have a deeper insight into this. Also, men tend to get angry much quicker than women. I love writing male characters who are both rugged, yet sensitive. However, I think they only exist in fiction. (Sorry guys. No offense)

Linda: Men react differently from women when under stress or fear and it’s not always easy to figure out what they should be doing. My male writer friend is very helpful whenever I’m in doubt. Also, men show emotion very differently as well. I can’t claim that I always get that right. And, as Jan said, the dialogue. Men tend to speak in short, choppy sentences and they don’t use “ly” words.

Question: How do you select names for your characters?

Jan: I almost giggled when I read this question. I honestly can’t say I spend a lot of time selecting names for characters, at least the main characters. They tell me. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. However, when I wrote Ghostly Interference, I struggled with a name for the main character. Everything I came up with didn’t fit. So, Linda suggested I interview the character and ask him. But it was his mother whom I wound up interviewing. I know that sounds crazy as this entire conversation took place in my head, but it happened. She told me her backstory. Once, when she was still in high school, she met Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and vowed if she ever had a son, she’d name him Jag. Boom! Not only did I get the character’s name but also another story (hers) that I wrote as a short story for an anthology. But if I do have to search for names for secondary characters, I have some favorite internet sites I use. It helps to put a year in the search bar for popular names in that time period. One thing I try to avoid is having character names that sound too much alike or names that all start with the same letter. I once read a story with characters named J.J. and Jay. That was super confusing.

Linda: I keep a list of names that I’m always adding to, and if none of those fit my character, I turn to the internet. Also, I’ve found names in cemeteries. Once I ran across the name Texanna on an old tombstone, and I used that in a novella. They’re a great place to look. And as Jan said, often a name will just pop into your head. Writing historicals, I need to know their nationality, and the name has to fit where they originated from. You can’t have an Alistair from Sweden. One of my favorite parts is naming characters. My hardest thing is not repeating. I love the name Luke, and I used it in four different books!! As the hero, no less. Crazy.

Question: What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Jan: This one made me stop and think. What would I give up? I’ve already given up time, money, ego, and fear of rejection. What’s really left? I’m not a big TV watcher, so that’s nothing I’d miss. I mostly read for entertainment, and I’m definitely not ever giving that up. Besides, as Linda mentioned at a previous stop, reading enhances writing. So, really, I don’t have an answer to this question.

Linda: I really love coffee but I would give it up if I could be a better writer. That’s how much I yearn to turn unique phrases and write vivid descriptions. I read books by bestselling authors and feel so inadequate next to them. I really admire good writing. A long time ago, a writer told me never to compare myself to other authors. Everyone has different viewpoints and skills. She said, “Someone is always going to write better, and you will always better than some. So, I try not to compare.

Question: Does your family support your career as a writer?

Jan: For me, the answer is yes and no. They seem proud when I win book awards, and they celebrated with champagne when I got my first publishing contract. But I don’t think any of them have actually read my books. My oldest daughter has read some, but not the younger one. It’s almost as if she has a mental block against it – like Mom couldn’t possibly be good enough to write a compelling story. Still, I always give them both an autographed copy of every new book. I envy writers who have family involvement in their writing.

Linda: Not much and I’ve been a published writer for 25 years. My oldest daughter is good about reading each new book, but she’s the only one. I’ve spoken to my writing friends about this subject, and they tell me their families don’t read their books either. My family, including my oldest, never asks what I’m writing or even seems curious, and I don’t know why that is.

PURCHASE LINKS:

CADE’S QUEST: https://www.amazon.com/Cades-Quest-Western-Romance-McIntyres-ebook/dp/B0FD7X4H5D/

A BOLD BARGAIN: https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Bargain-Bargainer-Book-ebook/dp/B0FD7VSY68/

Linda Broday bio box

LINDA BRODAY SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: https://www.lindabroday.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor

BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/lindabroday.bsky.social

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Linda-Broday/author/B001JRXWB2?ccs_id=4a2c44df-2076-43cd-8bf8-f15b530ea92f

JAN SIKES SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: https://www.jansikes.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorjansikesbooks

TWITTER: HTTPS://WWW.TWITTER.COM/JANSIKES3

BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/jksikes-author.bsky.social

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jan-Sikes/author/B00CS9K8DK?ccs_id=8185cb63-9ad0-4d7b-85ad-c2d64ce37812

September Book Reviews! #PTLPerrin #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #lindabroday #jansikes #deborahjay #laurenscott #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Here are the amazing books I read in August that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Aerie: Dragon Guild Book Two

By P.T.L. Perrin

The story continues for Gabri, Eilo, and their dragons. They are still fighting the Shadow, while back home, Gabri’s family continues to search for her. The point of view switches between the two worlds, showing the love of family and a newly created family. A fight is coming, and the Dragon Guild is preparing for it by recruiting, scouting, and training. I love the developing relationship between Eilo and Gabri, but I think my favorite parts are the dragons and their riders, along with Ting. The pull between Gabri’s past and Donny, as well as her current life and Eilo, adds another layer that had me rooting for her to make the right decision. The settings bring this world both beauty and the ugly side of it to life. A hard story to put down, as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and can highly recommend “Aerie.”

The Dance of Discord: A Short Story: Gilded Age Intrigue

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

A quick but exciting read that takes the readers to 1900s Washington, DC. Secret Service agent Milo Quick and his sidekick Duchess Felina Gattone skillfully maneuver the world of political intrigue. Told through the Duchess’s perspective, there is never a dull moment. I knew there would be a twist coming and tried more than once to guess what it was, but in the end, I was completely surprised. The settings, language, and characters pulled me deep into the story. I loved all the international implications of learning who to trust. A fast-paced story that was hard to put down. I hope there is more to come featuring Milo and the Duchess!

Cade’s Quest: (Book 1 Sweet Western Romance)

By Linda Broday

Cade’s family was torn apart after outlaws killed his parents. His siblings were separated and sent to live with new families. Now, as an adult, he has returned home looking for his family and to reunite with them, including his older brother, who he had been told was riding with a gang. On his quest, Cade is attacked and ends up being treated by a local doctor. It’s here he finds his sister, Summer, but loses his freedom when the out-of-control sheriff decides he is a criminal too. Forced to flee, he finds the perfect hideout and a young woman and child who are also hiding out. Although townspeople remember him and his family and want to help him, the sheriff won’t give up and pursues him at any cost. I love the relationship that develops between him and Rain and her nephew. They are both searching for their place in the world, with someone determined to end that quest. Cade is loyal and complex, and Summer and Rain are strong, determined women. The history and setting pulled me right into their world. Although questions were answered, some weren’t. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next to this family. I can highly recommend “Cade’s Quest!”

A Bold Bargain (The Bargainer Series Book 3)

by Jan Sikes

“A Bold Bargain” is the third book in the Bargainer Series. I loved the first two books and was eager to read this one. Jack, who was a minor character in book two, had a tough childhood. Now grown up, he is working to protect animals, but his dream is to go to college. His past did not break him but made him into a kind, caring man whose first instinct is to rescue those who need help, whether a human or an animal. His first save is a dog drowning in the river, which ends up staying with Jack. Named Wolf after his mixed breed, this character becomes one of my favorites. What Wolf brought home touched my heart. When Jack finds an older woman who needs his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He finds not only her dog but also a friend. Their developing relationship is not only sweet, but what she offers him becomes the bargain. Although being the person he was without the bargain, he would have helped out. In this mix were a gold miner and his granddaughter, who added another layer that I fully enjoyed. The human connections and setting were amazing, but there was a dark side too, that included dangerous mink trappers, illness, and an abusive ex in the mix. Another great addition to the series that might be my favorite one. I can highly recommend this!

The Prince’s Man (The Five Kingdoms #1)

By Deborah Jay

“The Prince’s Man” is an exciting fantasy with settings and characters that pulled me right into it. It starts with a young girl, Risada, who watches her parents being brutally killed as she protects her little brother. Years later, this grown-up Lady Risada, the court’s secret assassin, teams up with Rustam, the court seducer and clandestine spy, to save their kingdom from a hostile takeover. While magic has been banned and feared in their realm, they rescue a tortured elf, Elwaes, from a cruel doctor. They have to survive the trek through the mountains with a sick elf to seek crucial support on the other side. The journey forces them to deal with magical beings, including trolls, a water seducer, and a werecat. Although there is an attraction between Risada and Rustam, there is also a lack of trust and borderline hatred from Risada. Their relationship is fascinating as it progresses, but I love how Rustam and the elf, Elwaes connect. A story I found hard to put down, and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the Five Kingdoms Series. I can highly recommend this!

King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry

By Lauren Scott

“King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry” is a beautiful tribute that deeply touched my heart. The words brought back memories I had of losing our sweet dog a couple of years back and of remembering the joy she brought us too. Our pets are such a gift, and this collection not only shows that but also offers comfort to all of us who have known the loss of a beloved pet. Here is an example of the depth of emotions: “A dog barks in the distance causing me to pause,/it sounds like Copper’s wild imagination longing for one more moment”—One More Moment. I can highly recommend this for all those who have loved and lost a pet family member.

NOTE: Don’t miss Thursday’s post from Jan and Linda 🙂 Next week is the 9th Creative Perspective Challenge!

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

August Book Reviews! #ColleenLConnelly #LindaBroday #NAGranger #DanAntion #whattoread #bookreviews #writingcommunity

Here are the amazing books I read in July that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

I Have a Story

By Colleen L. Donnelly

This is a unique love story and mystery set in the WWII era. Jim is a popular crime writer who is going to an interview about a war criminal. While he travels to do this, his beloved grandfather urges him to explore his story. It’s in this town that he not only finds his grandfather’s peninsula, but he also meets the most unusual and endearing woman, Chastity. Investigating his grandfather’s history, Jim finds himself in a murder mystery while planning Chastity’s wedding with dangerous people in the shadows. In the middle of this, he finds his own story and perhaps his inner hero while still pursuing what’s behind the murder. A fun read with interesting characters like Chastity, who has a ladder to climb into her home, his high-strung editor, and his quirky grandfather. One that kept me guessing until the end about how it would all turn out. A book I can easily recommend!

Love’s First Light: The Women of Black Hawk Canyon Book #1

By Linda Broday

Young Texas woman, Rachael, has lost everything and everyone when a neighbor rancher, Heath, finds her unconscious. He and his sister take Rachael in as she heals, but Rachael is determined to go back and rebuild her family home. Heath offers to marry her, but she doesn’t want anyone’s pity. Instead, people come together and help her get back home. The problem is the secrets she holds inside, plus someone is looking for something on her property, which may mean her harm. Heath and his overbearing sister take it upon themselves to look after her, even if she doesn’t want any help. I loved the relationships that Rachael developed after being kept away from society by her father. The unexpected find by her family’s graves was a surprise and melted my heart. A heartwarming Christian western that emphasizes not only looking after your neighbor but finding love. I can easily recommend “Love’s First Light.”

A Novelist’s Guide to Pittsburgh: An illustrated guide to the city in which all my books are set

By Dan Antion

A quick read but a fact-filled guide to Pittsburgh that attracted my attention from the first page to the last. Not only did I get a tour of a city I wasn’t familiar with, but it highlighted how this city fit into Mr. Antion’s stories. Unaware of the three rivers and numerous bridges, I was most surprised by the stairs. It would be fantastic to bring this with me on a visit to the city, but it’s also enjoyable to read about always interesting settings in books. A place brought to life that I fully appreciated, and a book I can easily recommend!

Daniel Boone and Me

By Noelle A Granger

Eliza was a young girl when her parents were killed in an Indian attack. She took charge of her little brother, Thatch, and they set out to find the fort. Along the way, Daniel Boone finds the children and takes them into his large family. The story is told through Eliza’s eyes as she works hard to help the family and make sure her brother is okay. The history woven into the story was fascinating and made me appreciate how difficult life was. Seeing this frontier world through a child’s eyes pulled me right into the story on the first page. The attention to detail, like hunting, housing, and being alert to danger, made it clear how tough it was to survive. A well-written historical tale captivated me, making it impossible to put down as I wanted to know what would happen next. I highly recommend “Daniel Boone and Me!”

UPDATES and NOTES

Looking for blog hosts! I have eight spots left for my Miracles & Ghost Past Blog Tour. I spread this one out; it starts in September and ends in December. If you’re interested, email me at d.l.finn.author@gmail.com, and I’ll send you the available dates.
Next week is the eighth Creative Perspective Challenge!
I should have my new internet soon, but in the meantime, I’m finding it hard to use what I have. I spend a lot of time watching that circle. So I apologize for not sharing and visiting like I want to, but I swear this DSL gets slower by the day! From what I’m told, corporate has to approve fixing the problem, and with me leaving soon, I’m not going to worry about it!

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

April Book Reviews! #SandraCox #LindaBroday #KimSilvers #KarenBlack #charlesffrench #bookreviews #whattoread #writingcommunity

Here are the great books I read in March that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Reuben Hayes

By S. Cox

Reuben has the perfect life. He lives in Texas and loves his ranch. The only thing haunting him is he let go of the one woman he loved. A young woman, Sage, surprised him by appearing with a letter from her mother, the woman he loved, who had died. Sage ends up staying with him on the ranch. She is free-spirited and has her mother’s touch with horses but has his gray eyes. When he finds out about her father, the senator doesn’t know where she is, he insists she telegraph him. Sage runs into a man named Hawk who saves her from being run over by an out-of-control horseback rider. Hawk, a gunslinger, ends up working on the ranch. A spark develops between Sage and Hawk. Her father shows up and gives Reuben some unsettling information. It falls on Reuben to keep Sage safe while he looks into what has put her and her father in danger. I love the vibrant settings. I can picture myself riding along with the characters and enjoying the views. The relationship that developed between Sage and Reuben was touching and, at times, funny. Sage and Hawk had a spark that he seemed to back away from, but I was rooting for them and for Reuben to keep his family safe. A story told from a parental perspective that takes us into the Old West. There is romance, family, gunslingers, and a wild horse who captures Sage’s attention. I can highly recommend this well-told story.

Creek: (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 1)

by Linda Broday (Author), DMR Editing (Editor)

Gunslinger, Creek, is heading into town at the request of a dying woman who was kind to him as a boy in an orphanage run by a cruel priest. On the way into town, he saves a young girl, Willa, from a gang of boys. He gets her safely back to her beautiful guardian and now the girl believes he is her real father. Despite his desire for family life, his lifestyle was incompatible with it. Although a fast read and I read it in one setting, it was a satisfying read with many layers. I loved the relationship between Creek and Willa as they bonded, even though he didn’t want to. There were a couple of twists I didn’t expect, though I had a feeling about one of them. The setting in lawless El Paso drew me in, but it was the characters that held my heart—and one I found easy to hate, too. I was rooting for Creek to not only find out the truth about his birth mother but also some peace after his cruel treatment as a child. A fantastic read I can easily recommend!

The Christmas Ghost: An Investigative Paranormal Society Adventure

Charles F French

This is a quick read centered on a ghost haunting an orphanage. A group of paranormal investigators, all but one retired, decide to help rid a ghost of disturbing children during the Christmas season. Although this story is between the first and second book, it was easy to follow. I especially liked Roosevelt, who had lost his holiday spirit after his wife passed. This became a story of not only ghost hunting but also of finding that spark again. I’m curious about the other stories now, and I’d like to get to know the characters better. While it’s ideal for Christmas, it’s a fun read year-round, as I discovered.

Long Stories Short

By Karen Black

A great collection of short stories that take you from the edge of the paranormal to reality. Many stories had me on the edge of my seat, and a few surprised me with an unexpected twist. Several subjects were covered, including spousal abuse, a grieving widow finding shelter in a storm, Bigfoot, a Ouija board, a day on a boat, accidents, house fires, animal loyalty, and being hunted. I especially enjoyed “Indisputable Evidence,” which surprised me and offered the love of a pet in a dangerous situation. Another was “Unintended Consequences,” and the heartache following wrong assumptions that ruined a happy family yet offered a more hopeful ending. This is a collection I can easily recommend for those who enjoy scary stories with some unpredictable endings.

Broken Rhodes

By Kimber Silver

Kinsley comes home after her grandfather is murdered and wants answers. Lincoln is her grandfather’s neighbor, friend, and the town’s sheriff. Despite initial conflict, they remain committed to identifying the murderer. Kinsley’s past traumatic event comes back to haunt her in the small town, triggering her distrust and emotions. Lincoln seems to have some secrets of his own from his past. Although I didn’t like the sheriff at first, he grew on me. Kinsley is strong and successful, but to many people from her past, she is still that teenager who left their town behind. As Kinsley and Lincoln’s friendship grows, it becomes obvious the killer still wants something. A steamy romance starts to bloom in the middle of twists, secrets revealed, corrupt officials, bullies, a killer, and dealing with the past. A story I can easily recommend, especially if you enjoy romance mixed in with mystery and suspense in a small-town setting.

Next week: Creative Perspective Challege

Embrace your inner child with the gift of a good book! D. L. Finn

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Winter Edition! #jansikes #joanhall #stacitrolio #lindabroday #laurenscott #writingcommunity #mustreads #holidayreading

Here is a ten-day early Books That Changed Me: 2024 Winter Edition! If you were looking to put books under your tree, like I do, one of these might be perfect for someone on your list.

I couldn’t narrow it down to just three picks this time. I had many recent favorites, some of which will appear in other seasons.

Here’s a fun fact: This is the second time two talented sisters have been on this winter list together.

These aren’t my reviews but the blurbs for the books. Click on the title for the Amazon purchase link!

Blood Red Dawn: Legends of Madeira Book Two

By Joan Hall

Connected by the past. Torn by the present.

Honorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Connor Hughes returned to Madeira, New Mexico to start the next phase of his life. Now he owns a shooting range and volunteers with a veterans’ support group. He’s even overcome a misunderstanding with his high school sweetheart and has begun to mend those broken fences.

Abbey Lane’s gift of premonition once drove Connor away, and since they’ve reconnected, she’s sworn to not make the same mistake twice. When she learns the tragic tale of a young couple whose happiness was destroyed in the 1870s—a couple with whom she and Connor share uncanny similarities—she fears she may not be able to keep her vow.

Connor’s emotional baggage swamps him with doubts. As he wrestles with past demons, unable to leave the horrors of battle behind, someone bent on revenge emerges to destroy him. Abbey’s gift—a skill he once denied—may be the only clue he has.

And the only way to keep them both safe.

Born for Revenge

By Staci Troilo

Who once was lost now is found. But grace didn’t lead her home.

For the last year, the sinister shadow of unsolved kidnappings has haunted Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton. Their cold case turns hot when one of the abductees returns, but her traumatized silence only sparks more questions.

As the detectives unravel a web of deception, they discover depraved horrors spreading further than either imagined. Confronted by secrets and stymied by lies, they finally uncover the truth—though not fast enough.

Another girl is taken.

With their friendship straining under the weight of the case, Walsh and Paxton race to find and stop the ruthless predator, all the while battling an unforgiving clock—and sometimes each other.

The past threatens to repeat itself. Because only some people are born to seek justice.

Others are born for revenge.

A Noble Bargain

By Jan Sikes

A true testament of character, resilience, and the magic of never giving up.
The year is 1948 and folks in the sawmill town of Crossett, Arkansas, work hard and play hard. Oliver Quinn does both. Oliver is the son of Irish immigrants who firmly believe in pursuing the American dream. His deepest desire is to play major league baseball. He only needs one chance to prove himself.

Rose Blaine is living in a nightmare where dreams don’t exist. She’s suffered for years at the hands of her violent moonshiner father and his partner. During a brutal attack, she must fight back or die. The aftermath is devastating.

Fueled by desperation, Rose strikes a life-changing bargain with Oliver. If he’ll take her and her brother to St. Louis, Missouri, she’ll introduce Oliver to her uncle, a baseball legend.

While their journey is fraught with unseen perils, they forge an unbreakable bond and make surprising allies.
When destiny throws them a curve ball, they must find the courage to create a hopeful future out of the ashes of shattered dreams with newfound fortitude.

Wildwood Healer: A Novel

By Linda Broday

Secrets, lies, and danger hide deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas during the Depression of 1930.

For years, Sicily Rossi has tapped into nature’s remedies to try and ease pain and sickness in her small Texas town. With the Depression raging, most of the residents struggle to survive with no money and little food. When the town bully is found dead, rumors run wild and suspicion falls to Sicily who has been helping his tormented wife escape his clutches.

Though threatened and treated like a criminal, the law is slow to put Sicily away on gossip alone. As the stakes climb higher each day, she knows she will need some help if not a miracle.

It is not until the townspeople push back against tyrannical power and take hold of their own fate they see the faint glimpse of a better future. Their tenuous hope is on the line but will they grab hold of a better tomorrow and help Sicily, or will they give up and allow despair to wash over them once again?

Bonus one for the kids!

Cora’s Quest

By Lauren Scott, Chris Mendez (illustrator)

Cora is a curious fawn who loves spending time with her parents. On one beautiful day, they take a stroll deep into the wilderness. They trot along on the trails, and Cora finds other animals fascinating. They skitter and fly around her with joyful purpose. Every unique sound catches her attention, stirring her curiosity to discover just where that sound came from. But suddenly her delightful family day takes a turn that begins to test the courage inside of her…

NOTE: My post tomorrow for the Cookie Exchange will be my last post of the year. Watch for my Newsletter also on the 12th. Then I’ll be on a holiday break until next year.

Embrace your inner child by giving the gift of an amazing story! Happy Holidays 🙂 D. L. Finn

December Book Reviews Part 2! @authoriseult.bsky.social @teagangeneviene.bsky.social @lindabroday.bsky.social #writingcommunity #whattoread #christmasreads

Here is a second set of reviews. I thought it would be better to post Christmas stories and books you might want to put under the tree, instead of waiting until January.

Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine

By Dawn Pisturino

“Sun Haiku” is a compelling collection of haiku for each day of the year, as well as bonus short stories and poems. It covers all aspects of the sun, including worship, warmth, and growth, nature, drought, and skin cancer. It offers views of different cultures and areas. Without the sun there would be no life, but it also can be destructive when it becomes too much, and this poetry showed this. I ended up with way too many highlighted haikus to share here so I will give a few examples randomly: “thin winter sunlight/streams through the panes of broken dreams/springtime never comes,” and “dusk colors the air/with pale yellow radiance/still—so very still,” and “clouds open up to/show the gateway to heaven/in sun’s golden rays,” and “raindrops hang heavy/from water-soaked trees—glisten/in the morning sun,” and “The sun sank into/the ocean and drowned. Hear the/cries of the dying!” I could easily see the pictures painted in those words. Plus, the bonus short stories, I thoroughly enjoyed, along with the Leap Year section and the poem Father Sun. It is a mixture of emotions, nature, fantasy, lore, and vivid images that captivated me, and I can highly recommend this to all poetry lovers.

Love Comes to Christmas (Christmas Stocking Sweethearts #6)

By Linda Broday

Gillian is a young woman who owns a Christmas shop in the late 1890s. Injured as a child, she walks with a limp but doesn’t let that stop her from doing things she loves like playing the piano. Her parents are out of town when things happen in her shop, leaving her to wonder if it’s haunted or if someone is messing with her. An unpleasant man approaches her to buy the shop. She doesn’t want to sell it. She meets a young girl, Meg, and forms a friendship with her and her uncle, Brett. I love the relationship between Gillian and Meg, but I adore the attraction that grows between Gillian and Brett. This is a story of love, family, friendship, and appreciating someone for who they are. I think my favorite part is when Brett offers Gillian a dog for protection and how he is always there for her. A sweet Christmas read that can be read in one night or enjoyed over a couple evenings. I can recommend this for holiday reading or anytime you want your spirits to be uplifted.

Hullaba Christmas: Lulu and the Snatched Santa

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Lulu the flapper returns in this fun story. An abandoned subway station becomes her destination. Here, she discovers Santa is missing. Christmas might have to be canceled. I love the angel-bots and automation in the story. They are a delightful part of this diesel-punk fantasy. Lulu is a lot of fun and jumps right into things. She’s a strong character, which I appreciate, and determined to find Santa. Using 20s lingo brings that era to life and the insight into Santa’s world provides just enough magic for the reader to be there with them. It’s a fast read and can be read in a night, but it didn’t skimp on the story. I was fully entertained and can easily recommend this unique Christmas tale!

Book of Angels

by Judy Mastrangelo

This is a charming collection of different angels and beautiful illustrations. Each angel has its own information, like the Gardening Angel, which is a little girl angel in a garden surrounded by rabbits, butterflies, birds, and a chipmunk. Here’s what Ms. Mastrangelo had to say about this angel: “She tends her Garden with Loving Care,/because Everything in it is a Beautiful living Being-/whether it be a Flower, Snail or Butterfly. This little Angel shows us the way to care for Ourselves-…” It is a sweet book to enjoy with young children, although as an adult I appreciated the uplifting passages and exquisite angels.

Cora’s Quest

By Lauren Scott, Chris Mendez (illustrator)

Cora’s Quest is a sweet story about a deer’s family outing. Cora is enjoying the forest until things change quickly, and now she needs to find her courage. A fantastic story to read to your little ones or for young readers to enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and full of color, and the story is woven into a lesson that will resonate with children and their families. Here is an engaging passage: “An owl hoots/from its lofty perch./ The wind howls,/swirling around Cora./Grunts and growls/in the distance/steal her courage!/ They act like thieves!” I can easily recommend this story for young readers and those who read to them.

The Thing in Christmas Town

By Iseult Murphy

Diane’s adult children take her on vacation to a year-round Christmas town. She isn’t in the mood to celebrate the holidays after her husband’s death in an accident the year before. She reluctantly boards the train that takes them there. It seems like the ideal little village with cheerful people, but Diane notices some cracks in this picture-perfect place that no one else does. Then the story takes a dark turn, and all Diane wants to do is leave with her family. This horror story was a quick read for me. I read it in one night. The hints were woven into the story, taking an interesting twist that led to a surprise ending. If you’re seeking a chilling holiday read, this is the perfect choice!

Watch for the earlier edition of Books That Changed Me on Wednesday. Cookie Exchange will be Thursday and that will be my last post of the year.

Also, I usually tag people on Twitter/X but this time I’m trying the Bluesky tag to see how that goes.

Internet Tech coming today to fix our internet. Fifth visit, fingers crossed!

Embrace that holiday child by reading and gifting a good book! D. L. Finn

November Book Reviews! @JanSikes3 @frank_prem @LBroday @JillWeatherholt @pokercubster @SLMarchisello #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter

Here are the great books I read in October that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

A Noble Bargain

By Jan Sikes

I read and loved the first book “Beggar’s Bargain” and was eager to jump into a new story in the series. Oliver Quinn took care of his loving family after his father was killed in a work accident. His dream is to become a professional baseball player. Rose Blaine takes care of her family after losing her mother. The difference between the two is in one home there is love and respect while the other one is full of fear and abuse. When they meet at a local dance, Rose immediately captures Oliver’s attention. A friendship develops as Oliver tries to figure out how to help Rose. When Rose’s home situation reaches a critical point, she and Oliver strike a bargain. He will drive Rose and her brother to their aunt and uncle in St. Louis and they will introduce him to a famous baseball player, her uncle. This is a story of strong contrasts. On one side Oliver’s family is there for each other and they treat each other with kindness whereas Rose’s father and business partner are both cruel and each day it’s a challenge for Rose to survive. Some heavy subjects like abuse and rape were addressed, and Rose’s home situation had me worried. Yet, she had a strength that I could admire that bloomed under some kindhearted help. Oliver’s nonjudgmental nature and willingness to do the right thing, regardless of personal gain, were admirable. It was nice to see characters from the previous story and catch up on their story too. Oliver’s family and Rose and her brothers captured my heart, and I lost sleep not being able to stop reading. This is a story I highly recommend, and think is Ms. Sikes’ best yet.

Pilgrim: Volume 1

by Frank Prem

“Pilgrim: Volume 1” is a thoughtful collection of poems woven together with the word pilgrim. The blurb called “Pilgrim” small wisdoms, but it felt bigger to me as it touched on our journey through life. There are little illustrated feet that creatively guide us to the next poem. A quick but powerful read. Here are only some of the words that touched me: “listen pilgrim/do you hear/the stillness/even the sound/of a cicada/is embraced/in the silence…”—thought sound, “…listen to the sound/of your inner self/when you contemplate/your transformation/you know/this too/is an elemental magic”—elemental alchemy,” and “this is the nature of time/and what is a life/but time/spent/waiting”—natural waiting. These are poems that are meant to be read more than once. I highly recommend this poetry collection!

Wildwood Healer: A Novel

By Linda Broday

Sicily lives alone after losing the only man she loved years before and is the town healer. She gathers herbs and mushrooms to help the local people. She was the closest thing they had to a doctor during the Great Depression. One day, she finds a dog on her doorstep and later finds the young teen who has been hiding in the woods. She takes him in and helps everyone she can including abused wives. I was invested in Sicily and the town from the first page. There were some kind people but also some cruel and corrupt and Sicily had the strength to stand up to them. The story deals with serious issues such as abuse, hunger, mistreatment of children, and corruption, but at its heart, it’s about Sicily’s kindness and determination to do what’s right. I loved the relationship between her and Tate and how she handled a person from her past. The setting was lush, and I could easily picture living in this town during a difficult period in our history when people had so little. But this is where Sicily shone a light and offered solutions instead of despair, making this a hard read to put down. A well-written historical story that captured my heart, I can highly recommend it.

Guarding Her Christmas Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

Hannah Simpson moves to one of my favorite fictional towns, Bluebell, CO. She wants to start over after a tragic loss. Cody Beckett becomes the legal guardian of his best friend’s six-year-old twin girls, McKenzie, and Madison. He gets a call that McKenzie is causing some issues and has to deal with the teacher, Hannah. Although he trains companion dogs, he has no idea what he is doing with the girls. Hannah and Cody have different opinions about how to handle McKenzie. But soon they find themselves thrown together to plan a Christmas festival. The twins are thrilled to have the four of them spend time together, and Hannah is drawn to the dogs in training. I’m happy whenever I visit Bluebell and see old friends. I loved how Cody stepped up by taking the girls, but at the same time didn’t trust himself to raise them. He has a big heart that shines through to the girls and pups. But it’s the slow-burning friendship and attraction between Hannah and Cody that makes this a page-turner. He is patient with Hannah, even not knowing her story and having his fiancé break up with him while Hannah has to deal with her past and loss. Of course, it helps they both have the local grocery store owner looking out for the two of them, along with the girl’s intentions. It’s a heartwarming Christian story that focuses on hope, family, and second chances. I can highly recommend this, especially for reading around the holiday season.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour

By Dawn Pisturino

“Haiku for the Midnight Hour” is a collection of what Ms. Pisturino calls experimental, with a fun twist of darkness. There are seventeen categories, including Home Alone, Creatures in the Night, Fairy Tales, and From Outer Space. I did read it as close to midnight and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here are just a few of my favorites: “ramshackle old house-/ready to fall—hiding ghosts/abandoned spirits”—House, “full moon at midnight/stares boldly at old tombstones/dead come back to life”—Tombstones, “snakes slight through the/grass with eager hunting for/hypnotized victims”—Snakes, “mummy wrappings and/gray ash trail across the floor/unholy wand’ring”—The Mummy, “Cthulhu calling/stretching his tentacles through/space fracturing minds”—Cthulhu, and “moon maidens dancing/under full moon waxing big/pregnant with magic”—Moon Maidens. This is a fantastic poetry collection for Halloween reading, but also for any time of the year. A read I will enjoy more than once and can highly recommend it to poetry lovers.

P.S. I Forgive You

By D.G. Kaye

I read “Conflicted Hearts” and understand what the author grew up with. I could easily relate to an unhealthy childhood and what it requires as an adult to get past it. In “P.S. I Forgive You” Ms. Kaye has cut off communication and contact with her mother to heal and live a better life. But when her mother is dying, a pang of guilt creeps in and another layer of healing comes into play, forgiveness. Whether you do it in person or allow yourself to forgive from a distance, it can heal that pain carried around. This book was a journey to understand her mother while taking care of herself. We all must walk our paths in life and Ms. Kaye found a powerful one that inspired me as a reader and survivor of a damaging childhood. In life, love and liking can be separate truths. We can wish them well but not aspire to be a part of their lives, and we can forgive them to heal ourselves. The author incorporated this wisdom into an interesting reflection on her life and the lessons she learned. I can easily recommend this, especially if you come from a not-so-perfect family too.

Secrets of the Galapagos

By Sharon Marchisello

Giovanna lost her business and fiancé because of a clever con artist. She goes on a cruise with her grandmother to the Galapagos Islands to regroup and perhaps run into the con artist. Giovanna’s relaxing snorkeling trip takes a dark turn when she realizes she has been left behind and the woman she was with is missing. Everyone ignores her inquiries about her new friend and then tragedy hits the cruise ship, and the police become involved. Giovanna is immersed in more than one mystery, with her past coming into the mix. Giovanna is a fun character who is determined to find answers. Her relationship with her grandmother, who has a strong mind adds a lot of depth to the story. But it’s the islands that captured my attention. The setting was beautifully brought to life through the descriptions. I could feel the ocean breeze, see the fish when they snorkeled, and imagine the island’s celebrity turtle, Tio Armando, the passengers were all eager to see. Giovanna’s investigations lead her into danger and an attraction to the local detective. “Secrets of the Galapagos” was an entertaining mystery with a few twists and turns, and an exotic setting that I’d love to visit someday.

Blog Tour Schedule for Miracles and Ghosts

Sandra Cox: November 1^st A Perfect Ghostly Christmas

Liz Gauffreau: November 5th Miracle in ER

John Howell: November 6^th A Man and His Cat

Colleen Chesebro: November 7^th At the Mall & video

Jacqui Murray: November 12^th The Red Truck

Jan Sikes: November 13^th Christmas Reunion

Engage your inner child by reading a book! D. L. Finn

November Book Reviews! @supermegawoman @bakeandwrite @stacitroilo @teagangeneviene @SueColetta1 @Virgilante @LBroday #writingcommunity #whattoread #bookreviews #mustreads

The BEK Curse

By Jonathan Pongratz

Richard and Maria have bought the home of their dreams, where they can farm to supplement their retirement. They are a loving couple, and life seems good for them until there is a persistent knock at the door. Unfortunately, they answer and find two black-eyed children who make a strange request. Although I was rooting for this couple, I had a feeling things would not be the same for them after this visit. It is a quick read that will make you rethink opening your front door to strangers, even young ones. I can easily recommend this short horror story.

Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind Amanda Travels #6

By Darlene Foster

I am working my way through the Amanda Series, having already read and enjoyed her excursions to France and Malta. When I heard this book might have some ghosts, it seemed the perfect read, right before Halloween. Amanda is traveling with a group to New Mexico, a place I want to explore. During the trip, Amanda is to work on her writing while others take photos or illustrate their experiences. Her new travel companion, Cleo, believes in ghosts while Amanda doesn’t. Amanda’s beliefs are challenged as she tries to figure out what is going on with Cleo and other unexplainable events. Ms. Foster has done her research, and the history the group explores is rich in detail. I was so intrigued with the setting that I was ready to book my next vacation there, even if there might be ghosts. A wonderful story for not only middle-grade readers but also those who are young at heart and want to do some exploring in New Mexico. I can easily recommend “Amanda in New Mexico.”

Dark Butterflies: Poetry and short stories of mental health

By Jude Kirya Itakali

“Dark Butterflies,” explores not only mental health but the depth of human experience through poetry and short stories. These poems and stories not only moved me with their honesty but left a lasting impression. The illustrations added a beautiful layer to the pain and hope. Here are some lines from a few of the amazing poetry and stories: “Neither grudge nor ambition/Only a blurring face,/Of someone I used to love….”—THE MAROONED, “I gaze upon this island once so beautiful every heart leapt at its sight. Until it bore an injustice so deep its waters remain stained to this very day, salted with tears of bereavement…”—AKAMPENE TANKA PROSE, “In my boudoir the walls are painted black/to blind me from the shadows as they wake/Of futures so bleak and a past without luck/I pray, I confess, for my soul’s dear sake…”—FIGHTING MY DEMONS SONNET, “Rose in a dandelion field/Stain upon yellow/Plucked…”—OUTCAST, and “My refuge looms upon a wuthering cliff/Pale-white with dark soulless windows/The raging sea below…”—WARMTH IN THE HIDDEN. A deep collection that left me contemplating life. I can easily recommend this to poetry lovers.

Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon

By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle

“Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon” is a charming addition to the children’s Sir Chocolate Series. Chinese Candy Dragon takes all the Halloween candy. How will that impact Halloween and what does the Chinese Candy Dragon learn? The story is told in limericks and rhyming prose. Skillful fondant art characters add color and beauty and are sure to hold any beginning reader’s attention. It’s also a great Halloween read for a parent and a young child to enjoy together. After the story, there are a few recipes included that would make a fun-filled family experience. I can highly recommend this for preschool or beginning readers—and those young at heart.

Love Set in Stone

By Staci Troilo

Rina and Gretchen are good friends who leave work together late at night. They tell the bouncer who walks them out to their cars to go home to his family. Gretchen had forgotten something back inside, but they insisted they’d be fine. He reluctantly leaves and Rina ends up being brutally attacked by a cruel man. In steps Damien to her much-needed rescue. When the police arrive, Damien disappears, much to Rina’s confusion. While the police question Rina and Gretchen’s motives, the attacker makes it seem like he is their victim, but Rina is very much in danger. Damien feels a pull to Rina and wants to protect her but is afraid of her finding out the truth. He is a gargoyle during the day and a human who protects at night or used to. He died a warrior in the 1200s and was given a second chance with a few catches. I loved Damien’s unique and appealing character, along with his interaction with the angel, Anael. Rina was a strong female who went to school during the day and worked hard at night. She was barely scraping by, and I couldn’t help but root for her. Although they were from different times, the chemistry was undeniable. There were some surprising twists and corruption to clear up along the way. I couldn’t have guessed how this story could resolve, which I appreciate. A well-written and sometimes steamy romance that captured me and didn’t let go until the end. I would love to see more from these characters, including some of the minor ones, and can easily recommend “Love Set in Stone.”

A Peril in the Bayou

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

I read and loved Peril in Ectoplasm and was excited to see a new story. It was nice to see familiar faces from before, but it’s unnecessary to have read the first book first. Clover is the assistant to the famous psychic medium, Daphne. They travel with two friends to meet with a New Orleans Spiritualist, Mother Leafy. Upon arrival, they find out they need to take a tour of the Bayou before she will see them. Clover’s and Daphne’s relationship deepens in this story as they traverse the swamp and its mystical qualities. The two men that accompany them are so different but very loyal to Daphne. The group is unaware of the evil intentions of Mother Leafy’s rival and that makes for some exciting twists. Lush 1920 settings drew me deeper into their journey. An exciting paranormal adventure I can easily recommend.

Merciless Mayhem

by Sue Coletta

Merciless Mayhem is the eighth book in the Mayhem Series. I have read the first and sixth books and could jump right into this story with no confusion or issues. There are enough references to understand what is going on. Shawnee and Mayhem are fighting a powerful company named Killzme, which is involved in illegal animal trafficking. This corporation has set its sights on capturing Shawnee, which leads to an explosive opening to the story. Not only are their lives at stake, but the animals captured are also at risk of survival. What I love about these stories is that justice is fought for innocent ones or animals, along with Native American culture and relationships between the warriors and families. Shawnee’s dedication to learning and working with Mayhem to become a stronger warrior is fascinating. But it’s her love for her grandfather that really touches the heart. The ravens are a favorite character of mine, and the bad feelings between Shawnee and Poe add to the entertainment. Going undercover and Shawnee walking in heels was a lot of fun, but saving the orcas and dolphins tugged at my heart. There was an in-depth explanation of what capturing these intelligent creatures does to them. There are some brutal and descriptive battles that aren’t for the faint of heart, but I couldn’t help rooting for the justice behind it. Another great addition to the Mayhem Series and I will continue reading them to catch up and look forward to more stories to come.

Goodbye Old Paint (The Hat Book 7)

by C. S. Boyack

Lizzie and the Hat are back and trying to recover after disastrous flooding. Her car is barely functional, and funds are very limited as she waits for her disaster aid to come. It’s even been hard to book the band to play out. That’s when a government agency shows up needing her unusual skills to help with a gremlin infestation. They make an offer to excuse student loans. This takes Lizzie down a fun path that brings back some familiar characters from past books. I am a fan of The Hat Series and love Mr. Boyack’s humor. This book took that humor up a notch. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, but I won’t go into detail and spoil them. I enjoyed an upgrade Lizzie received and I always appreciate the Hat’s snarky comments and how he helps. Another great Hat Book I can easily recommend.

Courting Miss Emma

By Linda Broday

“Courting Miss Emma” continues the story of the Taggart sisters. Being the daughters of the hangman, they were forced out of town after their house was burned down. They took with them the town’s orphans and found solace in an abandoned mission, along with three nuns. The first of the series focused on the older sister, Maura, and now it’s Emma’s story. Emma’s life revolves around the children, and she’s made peace with being alone—and not being lucky like Maura. However, a good-looking new neighbor, Stone, moves in. Emma and Stone immediately clash over the kids wandering onto his property to see the camels. There is little time to decide what they think of each other when riders come in and tell them their land is no longer theirs. They are expected to leave. No matter what is or isn’t between Emma and Stone, they must join to fight off attackers who will do whatever it takes to claim what isn’t theirs. I love Emma’s character; she is very strong and loving toward the ones she loves even after how she and her sister have been unfairly treated. Stone is an ex-soldier who carries a heavy past with him and a determination not to marry or have kids. It was wonderful to see all the familiar characters from the first book, especially the children, and to meet the new ones introduced. The plot was layered with not only romance and the threat of losing their home but plenty of heart-racing action and unexpected twists. Mixed in is some fun humor, including Emma imagining what her tombstone would say in different situations. The setting was rich and detailed, so I could easily imagine being in Texas in the late 1800s. A fantastic follow-up to the first book and I can’t wait for the story to continue. Although it’s unnecessary to read the first book because there was enough information added to understand the story, I’m glad I read “Maura” first. I can highly recommend this.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! Click on a book title and add to your reading list 🙂 D. L. Finn

July Book Reviews! @TonyaWrites @judypost @VeraDayAuthor @LBroday @sgc58 #writtingcommunity #readersoftwitter

Flights of Fancy

By Sally Cronin

“Flights of Fancy” is a wonderful collection of short stories and a novella. Each tale was heartfelt and layered in settings that drew me into the stories. There was romance, paranormal, revenge, and justice in this mix. I loved all the well-written stories for different reasons, but a few stood out to me. “The Other Side of Heaven,” and “Curtains” were beautifully told tales that included a glimpse into the afterlife and a few well-shed tears on my part. I adored ”Henry’s Story” which was told through a cat’s eyes, but I think my favorite was the novella, “Sewing Circle.” When an older woman is murdered, her close-knit group of senior friends does not allow themselves to play the victim role. I loved their strength and determination to right the wrongs in their unique way. This is a fantastic group of stories that I can easily recommend!

One Shot at Love Pink Pistol Sisterhood #7

By Linda Broday

“One Shot at Love” is the seventh book in the series, but I had no problem jumping into this without reading the past stories. Mariah is a nineteen-year-old girl who has become the head of her household after losing both parents in the early 1900s. She is responsible for her siblings, works at the local general store, and carries a shotgun because of the absence of law in their small town and a family of criminals out of control. When Dax, the cowboy, arrives in town to search for his sister who was abducted, he and Mariah feel an immediate attraction. However, Mariah has no trust in men. Someone finds a box containing a pink pistol and gives it to Mariah along with an interesting legend. This makes her begin to question who and what to trust. I love not only the attraction between Mariah and Dax but the friendship and kindness that also develop. Mariah is a strong character and willing to sacrifice for her siblings. I couldn’t help but root for her happiness and safety. The setting and era were so richly described that I was drawn even deeper into the story. A quick but satisfying read that I can easily recommend.

Happiness Is A Warm Cat

By Emily Gmitter

“Happiness Is A Warm Cat” is a fun collection that bounces between Zoe, the cat’s point of view, and Emily, the author. Zoe provides a cat’s-eye view of the world. Zoe’s caretaker, Ms. Gmitter, provides short stories, poetry, and interactions with Kris Kristofferson. There is a little something for everyone, especially cat lovers and fans of romance, but many other subjects drew me in. Because it was unique, it is hard to narrow down my favorites. I enjoyed Zoe’s perspective throughout the collection and the short stories and poetry, all for different reasons. There was also Ms. Gmitter’s artwork added to the mix, which captivated me. Although Zoe is the star of this book, it is a fun collection for not only animal lovers but those who enjoy a nice variety.

The Rat In The Python: Book 1 The Home

By Alex Craigie

“The Rat in the Python” is a fun look into the past or the 50s and 60s in the UK. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Craigie’s fictional books and wasn’t disappointed in her dive into nonfiction. It is still well written with a touch of humor weaved into it. “Book 1 The Home” takes us back to times before not only cell phones and computers but a lot of the modern house conveniences we are used to. People in the UK were still recovering from WWll and if they wanted a meal, the women cooked it with what was available. There were no microwaves, freezers full of food, or delivery takeout to depend on. I was born during this time and remember some of it, like the rolling pictures on the small black and white televisions. This issue could usually be resolved by adjusting a knob or moving the rabbit ears, but if none of that worked, there was always the sharp pound on the side of the TV. There was a magazine article that made me cringe. It had a housewife’s itinerary that was not only a twelve-hour day, but every minute filled with cleaning, cooking, laundry, ironing, food prep, child and husband care, and all the other things expected from a 50s woman. I believe I would have been a terrible 50s housewife. This is a fascinating peek into our past that shows not only how times have changed, but how we have changed. I enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more in this series.

Venetian Rhapsody

By Tonya Penrose

Sofia has spent the last year in Venice to finish her education before going back to Boston and the job of her dreams. At the very end of her time in Italy, she comically meets Eduardo and they both end up in the mud. Although she immediately finds him attractive, Sophia is also very put out about their encounter. Later that evening, they find themselves at the same dinner party, and, even with her hesitation, a friendship blooms. I love the banter between Eduardo and Sophia and all the “help” that attempts to bring these two together. The Venice setting was so lush and detailed that it brought me back to when I visited several years ago. Plus, the food and people Ms. Penrose so eloquently describes were just as inviting and tasty as I remember for the characters too. The couple who lives outside of Venice hear the word fate a lot, but one of them always sidetracks that. The infusion of magic through meetings and later plants captured something way beyond just two people meeting. “Venetian Rhapsody” is not only a beautiful love story, but it has a soundtrack that I want to listen to after reading about Sophie and Eduardo. This is a romantic tale I can highly recommend!

When Did We Lose Sylvia?

By Vera Day

“When Did We Lose Sylvia” is a fun debut by Ms. Day. Betty is a middle-aged poet who volunteers to teach a summer class at the local high school. As she maneuvers teaching the class and gaining the upper hand, she notices a talented young goth girl, Sylvia. When Betty and her best friend, Flora, drop by Sylvia’s house, they find more than they expected. Now they have a dead body and missing people. Betty, who doesn’t drive, is determined to find out what happened. Betty’s relationships were enjoyable, especially with her husband and Flora, her comical chauffeur. A lot of humor is sprinkled into this whodunit with a couple of twists that kept me engaged. The infusion of poetry into the story was one of my favorite parts. If you enjoy small-town Christian cozy mysteries, you won’t want to miss this one.

Muddy River Mystery One (Raven and Hester Mysteries #1)

By Judi Lynn

Hester lives in a hidden supernatural community with her coven of witches. She is a long-lived and powerful witch, who lives alone with her familiar. When a coven of young witches dies suddenly, the town enforcer, a demon named Raven, investigates their deaths. Raven pulls Hester into the probe to help him because it involves magic. They are interesting characters that seem to be drawn to each other even though they are so different. Besides magic and mystery, these two characters focus on the simple things in life, like cooking a meal together. I really liked the ocelot familiar who was always there for Hester. I developed an empathy for whoever the killer ended up being. This is a clean, romantic paranormal mystery that was an enjoyable read.

I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!

NOTE: There will be no post next week. I will be off celebrating my birthday. Be back July 24th!

Embrace that inner child this summer by reading a good book by the lake, pool, or under the stars. D. L. Finn