August Book Reviews! @supermegawoman @FizaPathan @teagangeneviene @SelmaWrites #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #bookreviews

You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie: Stories about growing up on the Canadian prairies

By Darlene Foster

“You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie” is a heartwarming collection that glimpses into the author’s life of what it was like growing up in Southern Alberta in the 1950s and 60s. I have always had a curiosity about Alberta since my grandmother was born there in the 1920s. The heartwarming stories had me either laughing or shedding a few tears, and immediately drew me in. Ms. Foster’s family didn’t have all the extras that others had, but she was blessed with a beautiful childhood full of love. I loved the relationship between not only her and her grandmother, but her father, too. It wasn’t always an easy life and there was heartbreak along with the celebrations, but this was a family that was always there for each other. I read this in one sitting and can only hope there are more stories to come. I can highly recommend these stories.

In The Shadow of Rainbows

By Selma Martin

“In The Shadow of Rainbows,” is Ms. Martin’s debut poetry book that I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a nice blend of nature with the emotional side of poems. The words flowed through the pages with vivid images and insights. I enjoyed them all but here are a few lines and poems that caught my eye: “nurtured under the illimitable/distant sun, fulfilling stories/among the starlight…”—Give Back, “Light illuminates/all who wander/in darkness and delusion…”—Let Go. “When death comes/I want to be led into eternity/curious, full of joy…”—When Death Comes, “The green outside is winking at me/it arose merely moments ago,/like a well-rested child rising from sleep,…”—Nature’s Tender Doings, and  “I almost died of exuberance/snorkeling around the unspoiled/coral reef/ when, in the dull hum of silence…”—I Almost Died. A wonderful collection to savor more than once that I can easily recommend for poetry lovers.

Murder at the Bijou: Three Ingredients I

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Ms. Geneviene wrote “Murder at the Bijou” as a part of her weekly blog serial story. This is one I missed, so I was eager to read it. Readers contributed three words each week or chapter. At the end of some chapters, or installments, a list of ingredients that made me hungry was included. Pip is sent to live with her grandma to learn how to cook, but she ends up dealing with a murder mystery and criminals. I love it was set in the twenties and Pip considers herself a flapper or a modern woman. A quick read that includes gangsters and a budding love story that took a sharp turn. Besides Pip, Granny, a parrot, and a rabbit were also my favorites. This unique cozy mystery is great to snuggle up with in any season.

Nirmala: The Mud Blossom

By Fiza Pathan

“Nirmala” is a painful and sometimes inspiring read that was hard to put down. Nirmala was born to a family that didn’t want a female child, so they threw her away. She was found, though, and returned to her family. Growing up she suffered through not only staggering poverty but beatings and abuse which are graphicly described. She could go to school only to teach her younger brothers and advance them. In school, she was shunned because of her lack of hygiene, but she also was a top student. Her dream was to be a doctor. I couldn’t help but root for a girl in a society that wasn’t welcoming. She had a deep strength that shined through, even in the darkest of situations until the very end. Although she didn’t get to pursue her dream, a marriage was arranged, and it seemed to be a place of peace for her—until it wasn’t. The heart-wrenching part was this is the stark reality for some women in Mumbai. A beautiful young girl who was gifted with intelligence being constantly told she was trash. There is no happy ending, but it fits her situation. A well-written story I can easily recommend that shines a light on how unfairly some women are still treated in our world.

More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose

By Lauren Scott

“More than Coffee” is a thought-provoking collection of Ms. Scott’s memories mixed with beautiful poetry. Her stories tell of past events, such as how her parents met and her own beginning with her husband. I could easily relate to spiders always finding her. The poetry in between the prose added extra insight and layers to this great read. I read it in one sitting, but it would be good to savor each part with a cup of coffee or, in my case, tea. I enjoyed all the stories and the positive spin they had, no matter where the emotions went. There were glimpses into relationships between people, ventures into nature, and childhood. I can’t pick a favorite narrative, but I can share some of the many poems that caught my eye. “With childlike fascination,/I leaned against the door frame/watching her apply a little/powder to her nose, a touch of red to her lip./No more, no less…”—Red Lipstick, “Gazing high beyond their treetops/Where birds build family dwellings,/Dreams begin to bloom, worries lessen…”—Forever Steady, “Harmony lives in each flow of a breeze/In each gentle embrace of evergreens/The clear blue is our enchanting shield…”—Her Offerings, and “It’s freedom, fun, and magical/as tires hum on the road/A wave of a hand/befits the two-wheel code…”—Riding with the Wind. This is an inspiring collection I can easily recommend!

Watch for an exciting announcement from Story Empire this week and a special post from me on Wednesday!

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

May Book Reviews, updates, and blog tour winners! @Virgilante Sandra_Cox @Dwallacepeach @CherylOreglia @bakeandwrite @GodsAngel1 @SmithaVishwana4 @JMastrangeloArt @YvetteMCalleiro @Dwallacepeach @bubbalee04

I know this is a day late but I decided to wait until the blog tour was over. Thank you too all the hosts who kindly opened up their blogs and made this such a big success. Huge hugs to all!

Blog Tour winners follow the reviews.

Now on to the reviews:

Once Upon a Time in the Swamp

By C.S. Boyack

“Once Upon a Time in the Swamp” starts with a peaceful moment as Mari is hunting for a meal for her family. What she comes home to is heartbreaking and a loss so bad that her life is never the same. At first, it seems the story is being told in the past, but as details are added, it becomes clear that something has happened—a civil war that ended modern society. When Mari attempts to get help from local authorities, she is brushed aside. So, she sets out to hunt down the men who did this to her family. Some of my favorite characters were the ox, Dirt and the puppy, Worthless, and Mari’s interactions with them. Although set in the grim aftermath of a war, there were people still willing to help her. These were the places I hoped she’d find some peace and give up her vengeance. But Mari’s strength and determination became inspiring when she refused to give up on getting her family some justice. The settings were highly detailed, down to making soap and learning to shoot and fight, which immersed me in this world and made me wonder if I could do what she was doing. This was a hard story to put down, and I honestly wasn’t sure how this would all turn out, but I was happy with the conclusion. A well-written post-apocalyptic world that gives us a glimpse of what could be if we stay on our current path. Despite that, there is some hope weaved into it as there’s still good left too. I can easily recommend this story.

Love, Lattes and Angel  (Mutants #3)

By Sandra Cox

“Love, Lattes and Angel” continues where the second book left off. Piper is with her grandfather, boyfriend, Tyler, Amy, Joel, and Angel—who is Piper and Joel’s biological daughter. The group believes they are safe but soon finds out they have been located again by a man who is determined to recapture the product of his lab experiment, Angel. She is a dolphin hybrid like Piper and Joel and is prized. The group splits up to escape, and Piper, Joel, and Angel take a strange trip through the Bermuda Triangle. They end up on an island where the religion of Vodou is practiced. I enjoyed the love triangle between Piper, Tyler, and Joel, and I’m glad this story clarifies who ends up with whom. I envy them as they swim so carefree in the ocean, especially Angel. My favorite part is the pet Angel ends up with, and the island they have found refuge on. An excellent conclusion to the Mutant Series that kept me up late toward the end as I wanted to see how it all played out. I can easily recommend it to YA readers and those who are young at heart.

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions

By Kaye Lynne BoothRobbie Cheadle, Patty Fletcher, D. Wallace Peach, Yvette Prior, Penny Wilson, Colleen M. Chesebro, Abbie Taylor, Yvette Calliero, Smitha Vishwanath, Chris Hall, Willow Willers, and Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.

“Poetry Treasures 3: Passions” is a beautiful collection of poetry and poets. I started highlighting my favorites to include here but decided against it. Each poet brought their flavor to this poetry mixture, and they were all good in different ways. I was familiar with about half of the authors and was happily introduced to the others. The poets were given their own month, except December, and a brief history of their works. There were two guest poets included at the end. I liked how they all interpreted passion in expected and unusual ways. An excellent opportunity to enjoy good poetry penned by authors I already enjoy, plus find new ones to follow. This is a collection to be read more than once and one I can easily recommend.

Grow Damn It!: The Feeding and Nurturing of Life

By Cheryl Lynn Oreglia

“Grow Damn It!” is an insightful and often humorous collection of essays that blend into an amazing memoir. It was like I was sitting with an old friend having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and Ms. Oreglia was sharing life stories with some lessons weaved into them. Subjects varied, some light and some not, like the drive to the hospital after her son was in a car accident. There was an adventure on a tandem bike, which intrigued me as I have always wanted to try it. I laughed at the silly comment they got over and over when they rode. Clear Lake, where they bought a second home, was beautifully captured. I spent a lot of time there as a child, and the essays made me re-live my memories. I appreciated the love of family plus an enduring marriage. The raw honesty was welcomed because things aren’t perfect all the time, but love is always there. We all need to learn life lessons and live life to the fullest. This book captures living and reminds us that each day is a gift to enjoy and, on those certain days… survive. A book I felt on many levels. I highly recommend this collection. I know I will read it again and add it to my bookshelf.

Sunwielder

By D. Wallace Peach

“Sunwielder” is a fantasy that not only offers a second chance but twenty-seven of them. Gryff is a farmer who loves his family. Everything changes for Gryff when his farm is attacked, and he loses his family and is dying. Here he is offered a medallion to change his path. This part of the story reminds me of “Groundhog Day,” where Gryff relives certain moments trying to get it right. Although he gets his family back, his life goes in a direction he couldn’t have foreseen. Because of a lord’s unreasonable hatred, Gryff gets pulled into a war. I love this part of the book where Gryff grows and learns as his path shifts and changes. His loyalty to those he loves as he tries to correct wrongs had me rooting for him to find happiness. The details weaved into the story brought Gryff’s world to life, whether on the farm or battlefield. It is a wonderful fantasy that not only explores new possibilities when things are bleak but friendship, family, and love—a fantasy I can easily recommend.

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!

UPDATES:

  • Huge congrats to the Blog Tour Winners! I threw all the hosts name in a hat and picked three. From there I had my daughter, Danielle, pick a number from the amount of people who commented on that post. That’s how the winners were chosen 🙂
  • D. Wallace Peach won the $20 Amazon Gift Card on Craig’s post! Valerie Jael won the $10 Amazon Gift Card on Sandra’s post, and Vera Day won on Beem’s post. Thank you for all the support and comments, it was a lot of fun.
  • Newsletter went out today! If you are subscribed check your email 🙂
  • I will be gone next week on vacation. Book reviews will be back on June 5th and Finn’s Forest will debut June 19th.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book. Aloha! D. L. Finn

February Book Reviews! @HowellWave @JacqBiggar @officerwoof #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #readinglist #whattoread

They Call Me Mom: Making a Difference as an Elementary School Teacher

By Pete Springer

“They Call Me Mom” is an insightful look into being an elementary teacher. It starts with not only how Mr. Springer became a teacher after a few years of working minimum wage jobs to the wisdom gained through over thirty years of teaching. This is a great book if you want to understand what it takes to be a skilled teacher and the work behind it. As a student, I had a few outstanding teachers motivate me. As a parent some teachers encouraged not only their class but the parents too. It’s not only from hard work but a level of caring that shines through as it does in this memoir. I enjoyed reading not only his philosophies but how they were applied. The student stories were touching and sometimes amusing. Reading this was good timing for me as my son just signed up to get his high school teaching credentials—so I will pass this along to him. I can easily recommend this to all new teachers, parents, and those who want to be inspired by someone who loved their job and gave it their all.

Virtually Gone

By Jacquie Biggar

“Virtually Gone” is book six of the High-Tech Crime Solvers. I haven’t read the first five in the series, but I had no problem jumping into this fast-paced story. Julie is a widow and investigative reporter trying to find a serial killer. Matt is a detective whose sister was killed ten years before, but the person was never caught. Although Julie is dating his partner, they clash as they both try to find a cruel murderer. DNA connects the past murders with the present, adding more urgency to catch this killer. This thrilling, quick read follows the clues to a chilling conclusion. I felt for Matt as he tried to seek justice for his sister. An added bonus, it tied in with Ms. Biggar’s Mended Soul Series. A story that I can easily recommend, especially for those who love a great whodunit.

The Last Drive

By John W. Howell

I loved “Eternal Drive” and was eager to see where the second book would go. I wasn’t disappointed and glad to see James, Sam, and the 1956 Buick Oldsmobile reunite. They were tasked to locate a missing guide, Eddie Rickenbacker, and a new soul, Ryan Sanders, who had died a hero in Afghanistan. One of my favorite parts of the story is the history weaved in and how it is navigated by this group, with Lucifer always a step behind or ahead of them. They visit the Titanic, World War l trenches, the Roman Coliseum, a gold mining camp, and the Auschwitz concentration camp. It is obvious how much research went into the story, which brought their journey to life. Some past events are hard to relive as the group was challenged not to change history. Sam was cruelly treated in their travels by not only Lucifer but men in the past. Luckily there is not only some humor mixed in but hope and faith to counter the hopelessness of a situation. Even with the heaviness of some subjects covered, this story left me hopeful. “The Last Drive” was a wonderful blend of history and paranormal that I can easily recommend.

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!

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

January Book Reviews Part 2! @Ivyloganauthor @NoFacilities @pokercubster #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #bookreviews #whattoread

 

Fifteen First Times: Beginnings: A Collection of Indelible Firsts

By D.G. Kaye

“Fifteen First Times” is a group of personal stories told in a humorous yet perceptive manner. It felt like I was sitting with Ms. Kaye having a cup of tea while she shared some of her life stories. I found it easy to relate to a first kiss, first heartbreak, or first-time driving. It got me reflecting on many of my firsts and how I navigated life after. The author’s strength, fashion sense, and humor shined through the words, painting a picture of her moments. This is a book of youthful reflections and what we can learn from all our firsts. There was also a loving dedication to her departed husband that touched my soul. This is a beautiful collection of coming-of-age stories I can easily recommend.

When Evil Chooses You: Book Three in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series

By Dan Antion

“The Evil Chooses You” is a fun sequel where Zach quickly discovers the FBI isn’t through with him and his exceptional skills. Zach wants to enjoy his retirement, but someone from his not-too-recent past has other ideas. His ability to go into his dreams and travel is too hard for some to resist using. Agent Dyer has a personal vendetta against a Senator, a Mob boss, and a local cop. He will stop at nothing to take them down, using Zach and murder to get what he wants. I enjoy the relationship between Zach, his daughter, his brother, and his best friend, Billy. They are good support for him when he needs it. He must learn whom to trust outside this circle and, in an interesting twist, find a new ally. I kept thinking about the show and movies Mission Impossible as their plan unfolded. An entertaining and unique series that offered an ending I found satisfying.

 

Origins: The Legend of Ava

By Ivy Logan

Having read and enjoyed the first two books of the Breach Chronicles, I was excited to see there was a prequel to the first story. Ava is a Heichi Sorceress who can see the future and sometimes end up there. She helplessly watches a girl racing deep into the forest. Her attempts to help or change things have repercussions she has to deal with. Ava is a character full of compassion that isn’t always appreciated. I loved she followed her heart even in the worst of situations. This quick read can be a stand-alone, but it is a great addition to a series I can easily recommend.

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!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn