MarshaIngrao – Author D.L. Finn

June Book Reviews #AlexCraigie #LauraLyndhurst #RobbieCheadle #ColleenMChesebro #CindyGeorgakas #VWSang #MarshaIngrao #JoyNealKidney #YvettePrior #whattoread #mustread #writingcommunity

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

The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland

This is a fantastic collection of family historical short stories and a few poems that were published and shared in the past. I’m glad I was able to read these heartfelt short reads from the past, and I found it so easy to relate to the stories. I connected to many of the author’s personal narratives, including one about lilacs, which I can’t wait for them to bloom every year, too. Sky gazing is something I do, and I appreciate those meteor showers. One story caught my eye about Jesse James and a horse. My family was from Missouri, and my great-grandmother had tales of the outlaw as well. There is not only an understanding of time periods, from the depression to more recent times, but it is also beautifully written. It is a reminder of how our relatives survived hardship and how the little things in life bring so much joy. I can highly recommend this nonfiction peek into our past.

Version 1.0.0Hopes, Fears and Reality: Stories, Poems and Personal Tales

By Alex Craigie

“Hopes, Fears and Reality” is a compelling blend of not only personal stories and poetry but also fiction. I enjoyed being entertained while learning a bit about the author. I had many favorites of reality, poetry, and fiction, so I’ll narrow my selection down to just a few. One was a story I could easily relate to, with that heart-pounding terror in the middle of the night: “Reality: Fear in the Night.” In “Hope on the Shore,” the words beautifully reflect the peace of standing on the ocean shore and the hope that it will be there in the future. “There was Nothing I Could Do” showed a woman who lacked self-perspective and empathy. Done so well, it was chilling to think of someone so self-absorbed that it wouldn’t occur to them to help a fellow human being. In only a hundred words, the scene was set in pure fear with a twist in “The Intruder.” And in the final example is a poem, “Bottling It.” It not only tackled addiction but also cleverly presented the words as a bottle. A wonderful collection that was not only a quick read but a satisfying one. I can easily recommend this!

FATAL

By Laura Lyndhurst

An unknown person murders Ken Brady. The story then goes back and not only shows what type of person he was, but also the many suspects in the crime. Ken was a character I could easily hate, but I sympathized with the people around him. His mother, Lou, is a kindhearted widow who wants nothing to do with him. Monica, Ken’s ex, has two children from her marriage to Ken, who are 12 and 14 years old. Their father has no interest in his children, only finding ways to make Monica’s life miserable. Lou invites Monica, a struggling single mom, and her grandkids to live with her. Ken’s current girlfriend, the man in love with Monica, a piano teacher, an ex-con, a popular sports figure, and many others whose point of view is offered. Any of them would want Ken dead. This was a story that grasped me from the first page until the last, as I wanted to know who committed the murder. Yet, at the same time, I hoped they wouldn’t get caught, and everyone could get a happily ever after. Monica and her two children were the ones who captured my heart. Those three, along with the mother, definitely deserved some happiness. Did I guess the killer? The person was on my short list, but it still surprised me. A whodunit with heart and grit that I can easily recommend.

Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons: Poetry Treasures, #6

by Robbie Cheadle , Cindy Georgakas , Freya Pickard , V.M. Sang , Michelle Ayon Navajas , Marsha Ingrao , Nolcha Fox , Joy Neal Kidney , K. Morris , Jean-Jacques Fournier , Melissa Lemay , Yvette Prior, and Colleen M. Chesebro

I always look forward to the Poetry Treasures collections. This one focuses on the seasons. I love how each poet brought a different insight to this with thoughtful reflection, humor, everyday life, and wonder. The best part is not only that I find authors whose poetry I enjoy, along with the new ones introduced, but also the international flair. Each author had a month, but the month didn’t limit them to that one season. A special guest closed the book and left me with a smile. I enjoyed all the different types of poetry, including freestyle, symbolic, and flowing rhymes. I won’t focus on any favorite poems because they were all so unique and offered such wonderful poems; I enjoyed them all. Besides the poetry, I want to mention how beautiful the cover is, and I’m glad I bought it in book form to see it. I will be passing it on in my Little Library so others can enjoy it. I can easily recommend this collection!

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! Denise

April Book Reviews! #JoyNealKidney #MarshaIngrao RobbleCheadle #MiriamHurdle #YvettePrior #PeteSpringer #CindyGeorgakas #MarshaIngra #CarolAnnTayloro #GeoffLePard #EJAshmore #sharonmarchisello #writingcommunity #mustread #bookreviews

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

Leora’s Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression

By Joy Neal Kidney

“Leora’s Dexter Stories” brought a time to life that I heard about through my great-grandparents. This follows the Wilson family through the Great Depression, showing how a family with seven children moved from house to house and navigated a time when many families did without. Based on Ms. Kidney’s family history, there is so much detail lovingly researched, and the added insights with pictures and letters. My family came from Missouri and lost the family farm during this time. I heard many stories growing up about my great-grandparents losing their home, sleeping in a car or camping, as they called it, and their quest to find a better life. I found the same hope in this book, plus it gave me a new appreciation of everything my family and this family went through. The extreme temperatures, scarcity of jobs, government help, and what really shone through was how the family took care of each other. It was heartbreaking when illness would run through a family, and the loss of babies. But the strength and never giving up is something many of us come from. Even with some help, they took matters into their own hands by growing food, hunting, canning, and sewing. I appreciated the attention given to the kids getting a high school diploma, too. A beautiful family memoir that I found hard to put down. It touched me on many levels, and I can highly recommend it.

Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet: An Anthology of Short Stories & Poems (Story Chat Series Book 3)

by Marsha Ingrao and various authors

I really enjoyed the second Story Chat and was eager to read the third one in the series. Again, I wasn’t disappointed with the mixture of stories and poems from all over the world. It offers many insights, perspectives, and genres. The book was divided into sections, each with a unique introduction that, like the stories, was very entertaining. I found it hard to narrow down favorites as I felt many emotions while reading. There was one that not only lingered but touched my heart. “As Old as We Feel” by Cathy Cade is about an older woman who feels like a prisoner in a place that is taking care of her. Although she puts on a brave face for her son, inside, she just wants her life to finally end. Heartbreaking. I have always dreaded getting to that point in my life, and this brought up all my fears in a well-told story. But that’s just one of the many that I loved. Another thing that is special about this collection is the questions for readers at the end, and some comments from the beta readers on the longer short stories. It is a perfect read, no matter how much time you have to read, and I can easily recommend this collection.

This Is How We Eat: Stories About Food, Culture and Connection

By Yvette Prior and other authors

“This is How We Eat” is a wonderful collection of personal stories, poetry, and fiction, all focusing on the theme of food. Seventeen authors approach this with a different point of view. I found myself nodding a few times when eating disorders came up; I dealt with that in my teens. This not only covers our relationship with food but also the history, family, and social traditions that go with it. Some authors were familiar to me, but I was introduced to new ones, which I always enjoy. I learned a lot about several authors through their food stories and recipes. On the other side, I was equally entertained by the fiction and poems. At the end of the book, the editor summarizes each story beautifully and gives each one a limerick. I won’t pick a favorite; each one was unique and a special treat. I can easily recommend this anthology!

The Art Of Spirit Capture

by Geoff Le Pard

Everything seems to be going wrong for Jason. He is still recovering from a failed relationship, his brother is in an induced coma after an accident, and he was just laid off from his job. This is when unexpected news comes: his aunt, whom he hasn’t seen in years, has passed. After sorting through what’s left of his time with his ex, he heads to a meeting with the lawyer to see what’s going on. Not only did he and his brother inherit the house and all that comes with it, including a dog, but someone from his childhood, Charlotte or Lotti, is working with the lawyer. He plans to stay a few days, and Lotti will help him go through everything. Yet, there seems to be something she is withholding from him, plus there are things his uncle made, Captures, that everyone is interested in. He has many things to work through now, including what to do with his life, this house and dog, and what is the mystery behind the Captures and the town’s untrust of him. Jason has limited memories of his times stayed with his aunt and uncle. He now has trust issues and doesn’t like to be the one making the decisions, but his brother may or may not recover to help. Jason is a kind character who wants to do right by everyone and feels an attraction for a woman now who seems to treat him as a little brother. Many side stories are going on, including his ex and her boyfriend, his childhood, a strange neighbor, and what is behind his uncle’s project. I like the relationship he develops with not only Lotti but the pup that came with the house. This is a very unique read that blends family, drama, relationships, a bit of romance, personal growth, mystery, and paranormal. Although a longer-than-normal read, you barely notice, and I can easily recommend it.

For This Very Purpose

By E.J. Ashmore

“For This Very Purpose” is a Christian/Religious, historical story set in Egypt during the time of Moses. The narrative is told from two opposing points of view: Eliza, a Hebrew slave, and Seti, the oldest son of a wealthy Egyptian family. Sixteen-year-old Eliza and her younger sister work under Seti’s mother. She has fallen for the spoiled oldest son, Seti, who is studying to become an Egyptian priest like his father. Eliza doesn’t have an easy job, but it’s better than making bricks, especially for her little sister. In her time at the house, Eliza has fallen for the son who barely acknowledges her except to tease her. Seti lives in his wealthy status and gives little thought to the slaves, but he does start to question things, including his faith in his gods. He is engaged and feels his future is secure. But Moses/Moshe returns, and the ten plagues begin. I loved seeing the pre-exodus through the eyes of Eliza and Seti, because it gave me a different perspective on a well-known biblical event. The setting was rich, and I could envision their daily lives. I think my favorite character was Eliza. She showed strength beyond her age, even though she still did things she shouldn’t have as a teen would do. She always chose those she loved over her own well-being. Love is a strong theme woven throughout. If you enjoy Biblical stories, I found this to be a page-turner, even though I knew many of the outcomes. I can easily recommend this story!

Trap, Neuter, Die (DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue #1)

By Sharon Marchisello

DeeLo has moved from Los Angeles to Pecan Point in Georgia, where her mother and niece live, to start over. She has a new job and boyfriend, but also ended up with a DUI and forty hours of community service. She chooses to work with a cat rescue. Catherine runs the operation, and the first night they go trapping cats to fix, vaccinate, and release, they find a business owner’s cat wandering and a murder victim. A cop appears and tells them to leave without taking a statement. This triggers DeeLo’s curiosity, and luckily, she works in the perfect place: a law office where her boyfriend is the attorney. Besides the murder, she is also drawn into changing an old law that prohibits releasing feral cats back where they were found after being fixed. When the police arrest Catherine for releasing the cats, DeeLo steps up to defend the cats and the woman who had been nothing but unpleasant to her. There are several suspects as the information is slowly revealed. I changed my mind a couple of times, but couldn’t guess the reason. I found the cat rescue information and how laws had to be changed very interesting. I have captured and released a couple of feral cats who lived in our area, and I never thought it could be illegal in some places to do that. This story covers many bases, including a cozy murder mystery, cats, redemption, relationships, and doing the right thing. I can easily recommend this, especially if you love cats or animals.

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

November Book Reviews! #SallyCronin #MarshaIngrao #BalroopSingh #DarleneFoster #PriscillaBettis #ElizabethGauffreau #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread

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

What’s in a Name?

By Sally Cronin

“What’s in a Name?” is a collection of short stories that are centered around a name. Each story evoked different emotions as each person emerged from their name. There was a nun, an orphan, a widower, and so many more wonderful characters that pulled me right into their story. I can’t pick a favorite story as they were all so different, yet I connected with each one. A well-written collection that I can easily recommend.

Embracing the Power to Live

By Marsha Ingrao

“Embracing the Power to Live” is a unique collection of poetry and insights that weave through Ms. Ingrao’s life. It’s spiritual and humorous through some of life’s toughest times. I enjoyed the quotes that gave a strong sense of the author’s faith and strength, plus the background that accompanied the poetry tied it all together. The poetry is a delicate mix of symbolic and free verse spread over nine sections. Here’s a sample of poems, of many, that I highlighted: “It’s hard being semi-smart because,/It’s so hard to choose./I have many skills with several flaws/And activities that enthuse…”—It’s Hard being Semi Smart, “Someone might pamper their ferret/Might even pamper their parrot/No proud Shih Tzu owner forgets/Oh how I could pamper my pets…”—Pampered Pets, “So many thoughts inside a poet’s head,/Grasping for words,/Combinations of words churning inside,/Longing to become profound…”—Compelled to Write, “gentle, knees-to-chest/plant in hand, waiting for love/centuries elapse…”—Patience Over the Centuries, and “towering oak trees/leaves disappear, dangling limbs/from storms long ago/silhouette against the moon/worn dependability…”—Aging Gracefully. I can highly recommend this for all those who love poetry and life’s journey.

Beyond the Fetters

By Balroop Singh

“Beyond the Fetters” is a beautifully told story of Earthy and her family in India. Earthy is raised in a family where her brother is the favored child, as is their custom, and she is either ignored or poorly treated. Although she is expected to be obedient and know her place, she and her sister are able to get an education. The story centers on Earthy, but the thoughts and motives of many of the surrounding people are also mixed in. The story focuses on events in her life from childhood and beyond. I quickly fell in love with Earthy, as she always spoke her mind and sought to understand. However, I think her strongest characteristic was her determination and refusal to give up. Her relationship with Dolly was a genuine friendship, and the support she needed growing up. I like how that plays out later when they are older. Earthy had to deal with a mom who either ignored her or was cruel, an arrogant brother, caring for her little sister, and an arranged marriage. Still, she slowly found her voice. An emotionally driven story that has some journal posts mixed in that are poetic and thought-provoking. The places traveled captured my imagination, and the unfairness of how women were treated made me more invested in Earthy and her journey. A wonderful debut novel from a favorite poet, and I hope there will be more! I can easily recommend this.

Amanda in Ireland: The Body in the Bog

By Darlene Foster

Twelve-year-old Amanda is off to Ireland to be a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding. As she falls in love with Ireland, so do I. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and I got a beautiful glimpse of it through the lush descriptions and interesting history. Amanda feels immediately welcomed and starts exploring, but she finds herself in another mystery. First, there’s a missing horse, and then the bride. As she sets out to figure out what happened, there are a few not-so-nice people who don’t want her to. I love how I was captured from the very first page; plus, it was easy to get to know the characters, even if you’ve never read one before. Although it is intended for middle-grade readers, I also enjoy this adventure. I can highly recommend this story for children and adults who love clean mysteries, history, amazing scenery, and great characters.

Whispers of a Southern Moon

By Priscilla Bettis

“Whispers of a Southern Moon” is a beautiful faith-based collection of short stories and poetry. The stories take the reader on a journey where the message is that one is never alone, even in the darkest circumstances. It’s a well-balanced combination of entertainment and Christian reading. The poetry is lush and full of imagery and emotion connected to the stories. Many subjects are covered, like aging, inner beauty, addiction, relationships, reality, and Alzheimer’s, which offered a truth I could relate to. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Whispers of a Southern Moon” was a beautiful tale of an ex-dancer who never got over the loss of her family. The house felt like a character within the story. What made this more special was the author’s sharing of her personal journey of how she found and grew in her Christian faith. I can easily recommend this collection.

The Weight of Snow and Regret

By Elizabeth Gauffreau

“The Weight of Snow and Regret” is a historical fiction that focuses on the closing of Sheldon’s Poor House and its history. Hazel has a long history with the poorhouse, with her youthful experience there and currently with her husband as caretakers. Though mainly told through her, it also dives into Claire and how she came to end up there. How she was drawn into music and pulled in a different direction than her family. Both of their stories captured my heart, and at times, I shed tears, especially for Hazel and the heartbreaks she suffered. A well-written and beautifully told story, it switches between the current time in the sixties to past events and lives. The research shone through, and I learned a lot about poorhouses that I didn’t know much about. The people and stories became real, and I found myself wanting the best for them. Untreated mental health led to the downfall of many, and it was sad to see how little was done for them. This is a book and characters I will think about long after I read the last page, and I can highly recommend it.

UPDATE

I am back after a week with the grandkids while hubby was sick, and the minute they went home, I got sick. Although I spent the vacation sick, I managed to enjoy Halloween with more limited events. No trip to Oregon this vacation, next time. I should be good with getting sick for a while 🙂
Next week is Perspective Challenge Eleven! Second to last one.
Watch for tour stops this week.

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

February Book Reviews! #MarshaIngrao #carolanntaylor #RobbieCheadle #DaveWilliams #ColleenChesebro #DWallacePeach #GwenPlano #YvetteCalleiro #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #writingcommunity #whattoread

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

A Homemade Christmas

By Carol Ann Taylor

I have seen Ms. Taylor’s posts about food and her recipes, so I was excited to read through her cookbook. This collection focuses on Christmas and family traditions. The book is split into sections that start with Christmas starters and end with Christmas Leftovers. It all starts with a note from the author explaining that the recipes come not only from her grandmothers and mother but also from some of her friends or her travels. These are more than ways to cook food. They bring back wonderful memories, but they also are healthy and made from scratch. Holiday tradition remains important; however, incorporating novel elements enhances the experience. I especially like the chapter on making gifts to give. Memories and cooking notes were helpfully added. Here are a few recipes I want to try: Prawn Cocktail, Spiced Red Cabbage, Red Wine Vegetarian Gravy, A Honey Jar Ferment with Garlic, Pickled Garlic, Homemade Mustard, and Gluten-free Christmas Pudding. I was excited to see a couple of gluten-free options included. At the end is a helpful US-UK Conversion Chart to help with measurements. Plus, there are nice images throughout. A great gift, ideal year-round, expanding our traditions; some I’ll experiment with beyond Christmas. I can easily recommend this festive cookbook.

STORY CHAT VOL II: INTERNATIONAL SHORT STORIES GENERATING CONVERSATIONS

By Marsha Ingrao

“Story Chat Vol. II” is a collection of short stories in all genres, including nonfiction. There are six sections, and the last one includes Horror and Science fiction, which is always a go-to for me, but I had many favorites outside that category. With the unique differences it was hard to pick a favorite but here are some that I’m still thinking about: “A Cautionary Tale on the Dangers of Allowing Your Characters to Take Over Your Story” by Geoff Le Pard, “The Grand Adventure” by Diana Peach, and “Anxious About Sea Horses,” by Gary A. Wilson. However, the exceptional nature of this collection did not stem solely from the great stories. It was the Questions for YOUR Story Chat Group that followed, and the best part was the Discussion Excerpts that many had. The other authors gave valuable story advice. Tips on improving writing were also included in the nonfiction. This had it all, and I found some favorite authors, along with new ones that I will be reading. This group appears both supportive and talented. I can easily recommend this collection.

Gasp! Poetry!

By Dave Williams

This collection of poetry is like its title, “Gasp! Poetry!” is a fun and introspective read. There are eighty-eight poems with a wide variety of topics like unicorns, human nature, history, and science. Written in free verse with some rhyming included. I highly enjoyed the humor that poked fun at many subjects, along with the whimsical and serious side. Here are some of the ones I highlighted: “I lift a handful of sand,/watch the grains/cascade in the spaces/between my fingers,/thinking there’s/got to be metaphors/for time, uniqueness, perseverance—/maybe insignificance…”—Is a Poem about Grains of Sand on a Beach Too Pretentious? or “He felt bad/that she thought/their relationship/wouldn’t work/because she thought/his ventriloquist doll/was so creepy…”—Buddy’s Secrets or “The leaves dropping/could be said to be/eaves dropping on us,/walking as we are on this forest trail…”—Leaves Dropping or “In this busy blurry/hurly burly world,/she likes to slide/into the lines…”—Under the Covers and “The drive from their house/to the parking lot seemed/to take a long time to Joe,/as did the walk…”—Unicorn Migration. A group of poems that I can easily recommend!

Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka

Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle (editors)

By Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, and Cheryl Wood.

“Sunflower Tanka” is the first annual anthology with contributions from over thirty-five talented poets. Many I recognized and already was a fan of their poetry, but the rest were new to me. Meeting both new and known poets under the theme “into the light” was wonderful. The editors offered their insight into sunflowers at the beginning of the book. It was enlightening to understand the importance of the flowers to them. Then the great poetry started and kept coming. There was no way I could choose my favorite lines or poems; I enjoyed them all. I love all forms of tanka poetry, but I think the garland tanka fascinated me the most. This is a collection meant to reread, especially with its uplifting messages. I can easily recommend this to all poetry lovers!

A Peril in the Vines: A Medium’s Peril Book 3

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Daphne, Clover, and Phineas continue their story set in the 1920s. Daphne is a medium who has seen a massacre in her visions, which somehow link the pumpkins and vines that grow everywhere in the new town they end up in. Clover has a vivid dream that refers to tarot cards and a message. It all seems to center on a young girl and a doctor looking after her. Additionally, some matchmaking is happening. I love the setting and era and all the little details that bring it alive. Besides the paranormal, there is a mystery to figure out, along with some humor. I have been enjoying this series and, like all the characters, there’s a special place in my heart for Clover, Daphne’s assistant. I can easily recommend this quick read that can be a standalone, but I have preferred reading it from the beginning.

Note: Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge and also a new release post!

Embrace your inner child with a good read! D. L. Finn