Hi,
I decided to give writing Limericks a try over on a Vocal Challenge. They have a pattern of a8-9/a8-9/b5-6/b5-6/a8-9. It gives you some play, not having to have the exact count. I’m not all the humorous, and you can tell the storms are still in my thoughts.
There are five of them. I’m sending you to my page instead of giving you links for each one.
The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill
A family receives land after a bargain with a fairy, which is then passed down to the next generation. Two sisters in this family have been warned to deal carefully with the fairies and bargains. Alaina uses the bargains for better crops, but everything changes when her sister marries into a wealthy family. Delphine later admits to her sister that her husband is cruel and abusive, but is trapped in her life. Alaina, who runs the family orchard, tries to help her sibling. Alaina was a strong woman with a supportive husband and daughter when women had few rights, including voting. Her devotion to her land and family led her down a path where she had been cautioned not to travel, and it made me very nervous that she was doing so. The book’s first half focuses mainly on the sisters and their relationships. It was a slower and more thoughtful pace as Alaina found ways to help her sister. The book’s second half deals more with the consequences as it picks up the pace and veers into another realm. This story has many layers, including family relationships, magic, folklore, woman’s rights, trust, and love. A good read that held my attention, especially at the end.
By Unity Hayes
“Secrets in the Blood” opens with a young boy witnessing his mother’s death and his older brother finding him. Then the story moves on to the current POVs set in a charming old western town park. West, the handyperson, is looking for a job, and Cassidy is drawn to him. There is a mystery to his past, and things aren’t what they seem. Plus, there is a killer on the loose with the arrival of West. I loved the developing feelings between Cassidy and West. It was obvious that West was hiding something from his first interaction with Cassidy. Although he tried to conceal his physical scars, most found it hard to trust him, including his brother. The setting was vivid, making me wish this was a place I could visit with the staged train robberies and other interactive activities. A few surprising twists, mysteries, love, and family dynamics made this fast-paced story hard to put down.
By Merril Smith
“River Ghosts” poetry evokes a depth of emotion through beautiful imagery. I enjoyed all the poems I read, and here are a few that touched me. “Too late,/watch the last butterfly/in a shimmering glow/of gold and tangerine”—Observe, And Again. “Once stars shimmered brighter in/the night,/and you left your handprint, a/symbol on the wall,”—Handprint. “and we reach up, swallow them-/then filled with honeyed light/we whisper in glimmering tones,/leap-and fly.”—Dreams and Stars. “Angel-breath flowers in the morning/and soft blush-clouds sail/in dancing rhythm/waking all the ifs—/and so—/let ghosts fly.”—The Secret of Poetry Stars. These are just some of the ones I highlighted. A wonderful collection meant to be read over and over, and I can easily recommend it to poetry lovers.
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
“Vampire of the Midnight Sun” has two stories in this horror collection that I couldn’t put down. In “Vampire of the Midnight Sun,” Billy and Frasier are on a river rafting trip in Alaska when they end up in the icy waters. Now they need to hike back without food, matches, and in wet clothes. Billy handles this much better than Frasier. I could feel how cold Frasier was as he clung to a rock for warmth. The scenery descriptions made me feel like I was there with them. It’s not only a story of survival but a friendship and exploring inner strength. There is a surprising twist, as the unexpected might become a reality. “Fire Witch and the Cowboy” is set in the old west. There is a fire coming, and the town panics and goes to the one person they know they shouldn’t, the old widow. As it unfolds, her backstory and the towns come to life. There is a sideways justice in the past and still to be. I love when the train arrives as the brave go to fight the fire before it consumes the town. But there is a twist and a price to be paid. Both were quick reads with in-depth characters and a fast pace that kept me reading. I can easily recommend this to horror fans.
The Clock in My Mother’s House and other stories
“The Clock in My Mother’s House” is a great assortment of short stories. Each piece pulled me in, and the characters were engaging. It was hard to pick, but here are a few of my favorites. “A Woman in the Van” was about an older woman living in her van, and it was clear she wasn’t wanted in the small town where she was parked. A teen had recently lost his mother and wasn’t getting along with his father. The two connect, even with his poor attitude. She has a gift and the need to help others. The problem is that no one listens to her. This was a page-turner to see what would happen next. “The Fear of Ghosts” had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what about those ghosts. With a mother dying and the blind son coming home to see her, he runs into what haunted him as a child. It was one of those stories where I kept hoping he’d leave but wanted to know what he was up against, too. The thought of trying to get away from something you can’t see in a place you are no longer familiar with was chilling. “Adventures in My Own Backyard” touched me on many levels. A young man ends up paralyzed and unable to speak after an accident. His mother takes over his care, and we see the world through his eyes in his minimal world. It was very touching that a neighbor became a part of his life—this one left me thinking when I was done. A fantastic collection that I can easily recommend.
By Steven Baird
“Asunder, Baby” is a unique assortment of short stories and poetry. The entire book has a poetic flare and presentation with a mixture of beautiful and dark images. I enjoyed many stories and poems and how some characters and storylines appeared more than once. Here are a few that caught my eye: “Where we go dancing,” “A gopherwood box,” “Appomattox,” “The middle of a very rainy afternoon,” “Louisiana baptism,” and “Pentimento.” This is for those who enjoy short stories and poetry that take them into a moment with vivid and insightful descriptions. It differs from other collections, and I appreciate that difference.
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!
UPDATE:
I mentioned I’d be busy but that changed. I will still be around 🙂
But, we are in the middle of some epic snow storms. We were without power, landline, and internet for many days until late Saturday night. That meant no cell signal except for text messages. That’s why I’ve been silent.
Then I played catch up on Sunday finally getting our taxes done. Whew! Still snowing as of Sunday afternoon. I’m not sure what this storm is going to do. They predicted between 1-3 feet more of snow through this Wednesday. Since we already have around five feet of it, I’m hoping they are wrong this time.
A tree fell in driveway but thankfully didn’t hit anything. I’m declaring this the biggest set of storms in our 33 years at our house.
Hopefully we won’t end up in the dark again, but if I’m quiet you’ll know why. On a bright note our area in Northern California is not in a drought anymore 🙂
Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn
Faith inherited her grandparents’ cabin in the deep woods of Colorado after her grandfather’s passing. Her best friend, Hope, is staying with her there through the holidays. Faith had broken off her engagement to Josiah while he was away serving in the army and did not know he had returned home. Late one night, someone tries to break into the house, scaring them. Faith believes her grandfather’s death wasn’t an accident and may be connected to the break-in. A massive storm hits, and they end up with some interesting houseguests. “Tall Pines Sanctuary” is a Christian-based story that deals with love, family, and forgiveness. I liked that one resolution was resolved early in the story, but other answers were revealed at the end. There was a beautiful setting, a place I could imagine living, and caring friendships. The pet ferret quickly became a favorite. This was an entertaining story about relationships and a mystery to be solved for those who enjoy faith-based stories.
By C.W. Bigelow
“Fractured Reflections” is a collection of poetry that has been published in various outlets but is new to me. I appreciated how emotions, observations, and subjects were approached through the vivid use of images, including nature references. Here are a few of my favorites. “Skeletal trees, up to their knees in mighty snow mounds/gather in paralyzed, mute crowds of bleak shadows”—Cabin Fever in March. “while you gave/me a final blink/and somewhere,/leapt one last time”—A Leaping Dog. “Walking by chains of sturdy oak pews/through the inebriating scent of/Frankincense and Myrrh,/my footsteps echoed off the high ceilings.”—Confirmation. “sculpted flanks shimmering, flexing tightly/each elegant vault pumped with/magnificent potency – until”—Come November. “At first the petals cling to the vine in panic/before succumbing to the darkness,”—A Death Unattended. “Each arm, some scarred with leaves,/other’s bare/slithering, climbing, never ending/their struggle for the screened rays of winter sun.”—The Greenhouse. This is poetry that is meant to be read more than more, and I can easily recommend it.
“All That Was Taken” is a contemporary dramatic thriller. John craves a solitary life. He buys a cottage in a small coastal town that suits his quest for privacy. While it is getting worked on, he stays at a local inn and develops a friendship with the owner, Sunny. As they learn about the losses the other has suffered, it becomes apparent that someone is stalking each of them for different reasons. As the couple unravels their history, their past haunts them in unsettling ways. Although it takes John much longer to share his story, there are a couple of surprises that I couldn’t have guessed. I love how John and Sunny’s dogs take to each other as much as their masters do. Sunny has a supportive group around her, and the group is careful with each other’s feelings. There are many layers to this story, and some include cruel, controlling behavior. This is a unique story for those who enjoy a darker second chance.
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
By Alex Craigie
“The Bubble Reputation” is a chilling read showing the dark side of social media and news. Emmie has it all. She is a successful children’s author, on a show, happily married, and close to her parents. After she wins an award, things change after a fabricated story is posted about her to increase profits. She tries to let it pass, but the anger and outrage directed at her take on a life of its own. Her reputation is ruined, and there isn’t a shortage of people, including a family member, trying to make money off it. She was a character with whom I felt her pain as her life spun out of control. She quickly found out who had her back and who wanted to see her downfall. I loved the relationship between her and her husband and her parents. This story was a dire warning of what can happen when an editor and journalist decides they can say whatever they want about another human, regardless of the consequences. The sad part was how a portion of her young reader’s parents quickly believed whatever they read about Emmie, and from there, it spiraled out of control. A quick read that I couldn’t put and can easily recommend.
Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance
A beautiful collection of family history that Ms. Gauffreau paired personal photographs with a tanka poem to bring history to life. “Grief Songs” is a tribute to the author’s parents and brother and their life together. It reads like a memoir that vividly transports the reader to the past through images and words. It is a quick and moving read that shares moments in time. This is a compelling reminder that even though we lose our loved ones, our journey with them is never forgotten. I can easily recommend this book to those who enjoy poetry and memoirs.
Sorrowful Soul: Book 3 in the Soul Poetry Series
By Harmony Kent
I have read and enjoyed the first two books in this series. I was looking forward to reading this collection, yet I worried it would be a heavy read. Instead of heavy, it was powerful. The free verse poetry told a story with vivid images and emotions that explored loss. Arranged by the seven stages of grief, the words painted a picture of the expected feelings during the process. All of us face a loss at some point in our lives, leaving us to deal with it in our own way. This book lets us know it’s okay to be in denial, sad, or angry at a situation out of our control. In the end, hope peeked through, offering a new road to take once we journey through our grief and hopelessness. For those who can’t see that light, Ms. Kent offered some valuable information for those who might need someone to talk to. This is a must-read for those who love emotional poetry that provides understanding and healing.
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
The landscape has been illuminated with snow that clung to the trees for several days in an icy chill. The days have grown shorter, but that only means more time to read.
I’ve read a lot of books this year, over 100 again, which I will share in January. However, reading that many good books make it hard to narrow my list of favorites each season. The books I post here have entertained me and found their way into my heart. It’s why I call my favorites “Books that Changed Me.” Because when you read a great story, it doesn’t go away once you close the book. It stays around, lingering in your thoughts and heart.
I offer three beautiful books and a heartwarming Christmas story you don’t want to miss. You might remember them from my reviews.
In no particular order, here they are:
Fairies, Myths, & Magic II: Book 2: A Winter Celebration
BLURB
In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.
From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.
Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.
Saddled Heart (The White Rune Series Book 3)
By Jan Sikes
BLURB
Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life, between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He’s been framed, but by whom and why?
He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that’s impossible. Or is it?
Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss.
The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.
By Sandra Cox
BLURB
It’s summer break and Dr. Luke Geller, history prof and part-time archeologist is in Nevada looking for potsherds. What he discovers is an antique rifle and a portal in time.
Touching an ancient piece of Chiastolite crystal, the earth rumbles, the skies darken and the ground opens. He’s hurled straight to the core of the earth then shot back up and spewed out.
When he stumbles to his feet, he finds himself where he began. Same, yet different. There are no winding roads. No parking lots. No cars. No town with bright lights in the distance. Only Lily Winter Tremaine, an angry young woman pointing a gun at him, demanding he hand over her rifle.
All thoughts of primitive pottery disappear as Luke finds himself fighting alongside three young women trying to hold onto their ranch against a dangerous scoundrel who intends to have the ranch by whatever means possible. Then there’s the little fact that Luke’s mightily attracted to the young woman he’s working for. A woman old enough to be his great-great granny. And Miss Lily Winter Tremaine does not figure into any of tenured professor Luke Geller’s lesson plans.
A Heartwarming Christmas Read
Hope‘s Angel
By Linda Broday
BLURB
Christmas? It’s nothing to celebrate and brings memories of everything he seeks to forget.
When a horrendous accident leaves Jericho Cane disfigured, he retreats to the dark refuge of his childhood home. People label him a monster, a phantom. Only while the town sleeps can he find courage to venture out and seek solace in midnight rides.
But who is making mysterious repairs to broken items, leaving food on doorsteps and wooden angels on children’s graves?
Newly arrived, Irish doctor Kathleen O’Shea, has no fear of Jericho Cane. Armed with determination, she offers hope where he can live again. Still, can he thrive walking in daylight amongst the ones who call him a monster? If she fails, the darkness will consume him for good.
A holiday read that will touch your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time of acceptance, kindness, and for healing wounds.
I know this is a day early but Happy Winter Solstice! I also want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Holidays, and Happy New Year. D. L. Finn
By Sally Cronin
“Variety is the Spice of Life” is a wonderful collection of poetry and short stories. The poetry is presented in the first half of the book. It was moving and thoughtful, as each word was carefully crafted. The short stories in the second half were my favorite part. Each story had its gift to offer us, but I wiped away a tear or two with “Mrs. Lloyd’s Robin.” “The Healer” left me with chills wondering what-if. What connected the stories and poetry to me was their humanity—or heart of them. A must-read collection for those who love poetry and stories that make you feel.
Fairies, Myths, & Magic II: Book 2: A Winter Celebration
I read and loved “Fairies, Myths, & Magic Book 1” and was eager to read the second book. This dips into a darker side of fairies and magic but also offers the coming light. Told through beautiful poetry and short stories with the addition of the history of the feminine lore of different cultures. I could learn as I was entertained. Although I love my forest, I have a healthy appreciation of it and the magic it holds. This collection brought to life our past and present, leaving the promise of the future or its consequences. A perfect read for a cold fall or winter night that inspired me to bring a few new traditions into our house.
Do What You Love: Fragility of Your Flame Poems Photography & Flash Fiction
By M.J. Mallon
“Do What You Love” is a beautiful collection of words and photos that invite the reader into Ms. Mallon’s life. It is connected uniquely through the three sisters of fate: past, present, and future, and their insights. Whether it’s a trip abroad or down memory lane, it found a way to tug at my heart or engage me in her experiences. It is a wonderful way to share reality and engage others with flowing words and mythical beings. A quick but satisfying read that I can easily recommend to any poetry, prose, or memoir fan.
Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh: Holiday Romance Novella
By
Terra and her young daughter, Kylee, are on their way to spend Christmas with Terra’s sick mother. Bad luck strikes when their car breaks down. They end up stranded in a small town with no hotel rooms available, and the vehicle won’t be fixed until after the holiday. Terra’s sister can’t leave their mom to rescue them, so they set out to get a bite to eat. The caring server invites them to stay at her brother Jude’s house with them. Jude’s daughter and Kylee bonded quickly while Terra kept looking for other options to stay, and Jude wasn’t pleased with his new guests. Everyone around Jude and Terra is rooting for a Christmas miracle, but Terra is determined to move on, and Jude clings to the past. This short and sweet holiday read will uplift your spirits, and I can easily recommend it.
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: I have one more post tomorrow, Books That Changed Me—Winter edition. Don’t miss my final good read picks of the year! Then I’ll be off until January 9th.
I will pop in once for a post over on Story Empire on the 26th.
Also, if you are subscribed to my newsletter, check your email and see what book is featured this month along with some updates.
I wish everyone a Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year!
Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn
To Hunt a Sub (Rowe-Delamagente #1)
By J. Murray
“To Hunt a Sub” is not only a thriller about preventing a terrorist from attacking America but a well-researched story with fascinating characters. Kali is trying to get her research project, Otto, funded when she catches the attention of ex-Navy Seal, Zeke, and a cruel terrorist. Her friends, son, and dog aren’t safe in this crucial battle. Otto not only traces the path and journey of prehistoric woman Lucy but can also find top secret submarines or why Kali has so much interest. I love it when Kali and Zeke join forces, each offering their strengths to the fight. The attention to detail made this scenario seem possible and real to me. The terrorist cruelty was chilling, while the love of a mother was a driving force. Many unexpected twists and surprises were mixed in, as who could be trusted came to light. This story had a unique way of blending our past with a current situation that would affect the future. Not a fast read, but one well worth the time spent reading. I can easily recommend this book.
I always enjoy poetry by Ms. Singh and this collection was more beautifully written poems. It’s seeped in emotion that not only touches the heart but gets the reader thinking. It can be read within an hour or two but is meant for the reader to savor. Here are just a few of the many lines that caught my attention and moved me. The Land of the Dead: “Someone entered the land of the dead/Dragged life along ahead/Stirred them out of their slumber/but before muffled voices/could be heard, he was yelled at/Cursed, chastised, forced to quit. Know Shadows: “Dark moonless nights/Are the nights I crave for,/All shadows vanish and merge/Into the corridors of life. Eternal Wait: “Misty mornings/Eerie silence, long walks/Through the woods/What is this place? So familiar!/Nostalgia is painfully pleasant. Magic of Heavenly Drops: “Those soft falling drops/Tiptoe into your heart/To carry you along/Into the dripping trees. A wonderful collection that I can highly recommend to all those who loved to be moved by exquisite words.
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
By Kaye Lynne Booth (Editor), Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Author), Colleen M. Chesebro (Author), Miriam Hurdle (Author), Arthur Rosch (Author), Elizabeth Merry (Author), D. Avery (Author), Harmony Kent (Author), Leon Stevens (Author), Lynda McKinney Lambert (Author), Jules Paige (Author), M.J. Mallon (Author), and Lauren Scott (Author)
“Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships” is a collection of poetry from several authors. I have enjoyed the work of many of the poets, but there were some I met for the first time in this book. It was nice how it was set up to introduce the author before their poetry. I appreciated having many poets together in one collection to experience different views, feelings, and images. The individual take on relationships offered a glimpse into not only their writing but gave me a few new authors to read. There was a lot of great poetry, so I won’t single any out to share. A fantastic read I can easily recommend for poetry lovers.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review, in that case:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner beautiful soul by reading a book! D. L. Finn
I’m excited to have fellow author, M. J. Mallon here today to share the release of her latest book: “The Hedge Witch & the Musical Poet.” I’ve included my review.
Blurb
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a collection of poetry and flash fiction celebrating the beautiful vulnerability of the forest kingdom. It begins with the poetic tale of the kind-hearted Hedge Witch, Fern, who discovers an injured stranger in desperate need of her woodland spells and magic.
The sweet pairing learn from each other and through Fern’s guidance, Devin embraces the power of magic to leave behind his trouble past to become The Musical Poet.
Poetry/flash fiction titles in section one of the collection include:
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, Rain Forest Love, A Forest Baby Boy, A Forest Baby Girl, A Modern Witch, Rock of Mine, Chester Don & I, The Network of Trees, More Trees Not Less, Two Boys Watching War, Mum Climbing Trees, Let’s Play, The Scorched Tree, Owl’s Holiday Home, A Man’s Holiday Home, A Child’s Excitement, The Teddy In The Woods, Run! The Organutans, All Hallow’s Eve Candy Girl The Forest Bash, Dreaming At Halloween, A Face on Bark, Golden Willow Tree, Rainbow – Parasol of Light, Lollipop Sunshine Tree,
In Section two I pay tribute to the following poets: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, Ruby Archer, King Forest, Bliss Carman, Woodland Rain, Emily Dickinson, Who Robbed the Woods, Rupert Blake, Stopping by The Woods on A Winter Evening,Oscar Wilde, In the Forest.
With my poetry:
The Forest Weeps, The Forest King, Raindrops and Childhood Dreams, The Woodland Treasures, Winter Woodland Moon, Child Me.
Paperback to follow.
Cover and Formatting by Colleen Chesebro’s marvellous new formatting service, more about that here: https://unicorncatspubservices.wordpress.com/my-services/
PURCHASE LINKS:
https://books2read.com/u/mv1OeV
My Review
A unique and beautifully written collection of poetry and fiction weaved magically together. I love trees and nature, so a forest setting pulled me right in. Section one starts off with “The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet.” A whimsical tale of an injured man, Dale, found by a magical woman, Fern, who takes him in to heal. It was great to see a couple more poetic pieces continue this sweet journey. Section two offered poetry based on some famous poems. The beautiful imagery captivated me throughout this book. I appreciated all the poetry and prose, especially “The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet” but here are more favorites, “Rock of Mine,” “The Forest King,” and “The Scorched Tree.” It was great to see a couple of samples that I enjoyed from “Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose” included. If you love poetry and flash fiction, especially the forest and magic, this is a collection you won’t want to miss. I plan to add the print version to my bookshelves so I can keep enjoying it.
Author Bio
MJ’s favourite genres to write are Fantasy YA, Paranormal, Ghost and Horror Stories, various forms of poetry and flash fiction. She celebrates the spiritual realm, love of nature and all things magical, mystical, and mysterious at her blog home: https://mjmallon.com
She is a reading, blogging and photography enthusiast!
M J Mallon was born in Lion city Singapore, a passionate Scorpio with the Chinese Zodiac sign of a lucky rabbit. She spent her early childhood in Hong Kong. During her teen years, she returned to her father’s childhood home, Edinburgh where she spent many happy years, entertained, and enthralled by her parents’ vivid stories of lliving and working abroad. Perhaps it was during these formative years that her love of storytelling began bolstered by these vivid raconteurs. She counts herself lucky to have travelled to many far-flung destinations and this early wanderlust has fuelled her present desire to emigrate abroad. Until that wondrous moment, it’s rumoured that she lives in the UK, in the Venice of Cambridge with her six-foot hunk of a rock god husband. Her two enchanting daughters have flown the nest but often return with a cheery smile.
MJ writes fantasy/magical realism because life should be sprinkled with a liberal dash of extraordinarily imaginative magic! Her motto is to always do what you love, stay true to your heart’s desires, and inspire others to do so too, even it if appears that the odds are stacked against you like black-hearted shadows.
AWARDS
The First book in the Curse of Time series Bloodstone has received many fantastic reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and other platforms and was awarded a finalist book award recently from Amazon influencer N. N. Light, receiving a review rating of 5+stars.
Her writing credits also include a multi-genre approach: paranormal, best-selling horror, supernatural short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She has worked with some amazing authors and bloggers compiling an anthology/compilation set during the early stages of COVID-19 entitled This Is Lockdown and has also written a spin off poetry collection entitled Lockdown Innit.
She’s been blogging for many moons at her blog home Kyrosmagica, (which means Crystal Magic.) where she continues to celebrate the spiritual realm,her love of nature, crystals and all things magical, mystical, and mysterious.
Her eclectic blog shares details and information about her new releases, author interviews, character profiles and her love of reading, reviewing, writing, and photography: https://mjmallon.com/
INDIE PUBLISHED BOOKS
Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose, (with photography,) This is Lockdown, (an anthology,) and Lockdown Innit Poems about Absurdity and The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet.
http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius
mybook.to/Thisislockdown
mybook.to/Lockdowninnit
Next Chapter Publishing
YA Fantasy series, Bloodstone and Golden Healer in The Curse of Time.
For details of publications please visit:
https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Bloodstone Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW
Bloodstone Audiobook:
UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Bloodstone-Audiobook/B09SK9GFB1/
US: https://www.audible.com/author/M-J-Mallon/B074CGNK4L
Golden Healer Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67
CONTRIBUTIONS TO VARIOUS ANTHOLOGIES
Word Weaving #1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse
Moons of Autumn by Colleen
Chesebro (Poetry,) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DWDMXWK
Poetry Treasures 2 Relationships compiled by Kaye Lynn Booth & Robbie
Cheadle: https://books2read.com/u/3kP8aK
100 Ways To Write A Book Alex Pearl (proceeds to Pen International.)
Stay Home A year of writing through lockdown – Chantelle Atkins (Chasing
Driftwood Writers Group.) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stay-Home-Writing-Through-Lockdown-/dp/B09HVB6SZ6/
Contributions to Best Selling Horror Anthologies
Nightmareland compiled by Dan Alatorre
“Scrabble Boy” (Short Story)
Spellbound compiled by Dan Alatorre
“The Twisted Sisters“ (Short Story)
Wings of Fire compiled by Dan Alatorre
“The Great Pottoo” (Short Story)
Nightmareland: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07ZG3ZXP3/
Spellbound: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08DM83XKR/
Wings & Fire: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KJ5SQND/
Contributions to Ghost Anthologies
Ghostly Rites 2019 compiled by Claire Plaisted “Dexter’s Creepy Caverns“ (Short Story) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07ZQV2Y4Q/
Ghostly Rites 2020 compiled by Claire Plaisted “No. 1 Coven Lane” (Short
Story) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M9HYBLH
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“Tell me a Story” is an impressive collection of stories that vary from light-hearted to serious subjects. I am always amazed when so much can be packed into 99 words, and Ms. Aben did it well. Each story held my interest, but here are a few that captured my heart: Bedfellow, Daybreak, Eloise, I Wish I May, Knowledge is Power, and Promises Kept. Like the poetry I enjoy from this author, this can be read more than once. A well-written group of tales that has something for everyone that I can easily recommend.
by Teri Polen
I’ve been looking forward to the continuing story of Asher and his friends. “The Insurgent” picks up where “Subject A36” left off without missing a beat. Asher is put in a horrible situation where if he doesn’t do what Silas wants him to, Brynn and his family will be killed. He had no choice but to withdraw into himself and let A36 take over. He becomes the killing machine he was bred to be. The story was fast-paced, yet allowed us to get to know Declan, Brynn, and other characters better. There were some unexpected twists and a deep look into what is really important in life. A society that only places value on the outside of a person and will do anything to get perfection, even if it means killing children, is an unsettling mirror of what could be if vanity comes before anything else. The characters are all flawed and have burdens to carry with them, but that makes it very easy for me to root for the insurgent’s success. This could be a standalone read, but I would start at the beginning, so you don’t miss anything. I loved this book as much as I did the first one and can easily recommend it.
Life & Soul (Book 2: Soul Poetry Series)
by Harmony Kent
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this new collection from Ms. Kent. The first book, “Slices of a Soul,” was woven together into a beautiful story full of emotions and vivid images. “Life & Soul” offered the same narrative of emotions that felt much like I was reading a poetic memoir. Six parts showed powerful glimpses into a life that I could easily relate to. There were so many captivating poems, but here are a few that captured my heart. From Lonely Soul: “Wild and Free,” Brief Soul: “Wonder of new things/I’ve only seen in books/Until now,” Friendly Soul: “Be Yourself,” and many from Loving Soul including: “Lost Property,” and “Unconditional.” The combination of different types of poems flows perfectly into the poetic waves. These are words that are meant to be read over and over. I can highly recommend “Life & Soul.”
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child—read a book! D. L. Finn