Tag: SandraCox

#NewRelease! “Silverhills’ Rescue” by #SandraCox #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread

I’m thrilled to have Sandra Cox here today to share her latest book, “Silverhills’ Rescue!” It’s an amazing addition to the Silverhills stories, and my review is included.

Blurb

A marker is called in.

Brandon comes home from a trail drive to find his wife on her way to Mexico to help the mission folk that took her in. Putting herself in danger. Crossing perilous terrain, where not only the weather kills, but Comancheros and bandoleros as well. He climbs back into the saddle and heads out after her. Both of them now embarked on separate journeys that involves killers, flooded arroyos and narrow divides where one misstep means a plunge to certain death. And, if that’s not enough to challenge them, at journey’s end they’ll face the most dangerous situation of all.“This book contains plenty of grit and gunfire, but no graphic violence or explicit scenes.”

Excerpt

July, 1874

The sun hit a blood-red horizon and shot upward in a crown of tangerine brilliance, hurting the eyes, lighting the trail from the top of the canyon to the ranch house like a beacon thrown across the sea.

The early July morning a warm one.

Dust rose as a horse trotted up. Jonas, a young cowhand, reined in his sorrel gelding beside the woman who stood on the veranda. “Rider coming.”

“Is it Brandon?” Hand over her eyes, Alexandria O’Malley Wade strained to make out the narrow trail at the top of the foothill that her husband and their men would come galloping over when they returned from the trail drive. Her tan split-skirt rustled as she leaned against the smooth white-painted railing, trying to get a better view.

Jonas pushed up in his stirrups. Worn leather boots peeping from canvas chaps. “Can’t tell.”

The speck at the top of the canyon grew as it came tumbling down the trail. Her heart thumped and her breath lodged in her throat. Her fingers tingled, her excitement rose.

The speck shifted into a rider.

Anticipation heightened.

Then shriveled. It wasn’t her husband.

The horse was a pinto not the big roan Brandon rode. And even from this distance, she’d know her husband with every fiber of her being.

She heaved a deep breath and waited.

As the rider trotted closer, she slid her hand to the worn wooden handle of her 4.75-inch barrel, single-action, six-cylinder Peacemaker.

Jonas did the same.

She frowned. The pinto looked familiar, but it wasn’t one of theirs.  And instead of a cowboy hat and chaps, the rider wore a sombrero along with a brightly-colored poncho.

Spying her, he yanked the sombrero off his head and waved it.

She recognized the rider and the horse at the same time. Her breath caught then whished out on a mile-wide smile.

“It’s okay, Jonas. I know him.”

Now sure there was no trouble brewing, he nodded, raised his hand to the approaching rider, and putting heels to his horse’s ribs, galloped off.

“Manuel.” She jumped off the porch and ran toward the boy who’d went in search of Brandon when she’d holed up at the mission awaiting the birth of the twins.

He leaped off his horse and grabbed her in a bearhug.

The term boy no longer applied. He was muscled and lean. A man.  A young man, but still a man.

“What are you doing here? Is your family well? Sisters Sarah and Marie? Father Jon?” The questions tumbled over each other.

The smile on his face fell away.

Something was wrong. Dreadfully wrong. Stomach knotting, she took a step back and waited, dread seeping through her pores.

My Five-Star Review
I have loved the Silverhills series and was excited to see a new story. All the familiar characters are back. When someone from the past arrives seeking help, Alexandra is ready to jump in and assist. Brandon is still away tending cattle, but there are many to watch their twins. She sets out with Manuel and a hand, Charlie, to help the people at the mission who helped her. It’s a long journey, and it doesn’t always go smoothly. I love these characters, and especially Alex. She is strong, kind, stubborn, and willing to put her life on the line for those she cares for. The setting is so beautifully described that it makes me feel like I’m riding along with them. The pace is fast as they go from one situation to another. There was more than once when I thought: Oh no, how will they survive this? Plus, there was a lovesick horse and a desperate puma in the mix. This well-written western was hard to put down, and I can highly recommend it.

Amazon Purchase Link

Author Bio

Sandra, who writes as both S. Cox and Sandra Cox, is an animal lover and avid gardener. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

She and her husband are ruled by four cats and a dog. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Sandra can be found at http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

OR http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

OR https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/

OR https://www.bsky.app @scoxauthor

OR Amazon.com: Sandra Cox: books, biography, latest update

Miracles & Ghosts Past Blog Tour Day Two #SandraCox #writingcommunity #newrelease

Today I’m visiting Sandra Cox’s blog. She is not only supportive but also helps me out with insightful beta reads. Plus, she’s always there to offer any other needed input with her wit and kindness. Before heading over to the post, if you haven’t read her vast collection of work, I highly recommend it. Here’s one of my favorites and the review:

by S. Cox
My 5-star Review
“Keeper Tyree” is a fast-paced western that focuses on revenge. Keeper is a bounty hunter who has a reputation with women and fast draws. A widow, Cathleen, approaches him to find the man who killed her son. He reluctantly agrees to help her. After meeting Cathleen’s father and daughter, he sets off to find this criminal and collect his bounty. He doesn’t expect to be followed, though. I love the story is told from only Keeper’s POV and found it fascinating to see things from his perspective. There was good chemistry between Keeper and Cathleen with fun dialog. The settings were vivid, bringing me right into the story. I love the people they came across on this journey. A favorite became Maybell and her group. The action began immediately and never let up. This was a page-turner that I read in two sittings and would have in one if I hadn’t needed to sleep. It was nice to see a nod to another bounty hunter from a past book. If you love westerns with some romance and good characters, this book is for you. I highly recommend it.
  • 9-24 John Howell
  • 9-26 Sandra Cox
  • 10-1 Miriam Hurdle
  • 10-8 Jan Sikes
  • 11-5 Lauren Scott
  • 11-6 Darlene Foster
  • 11-12 Diana Peach
  • 11-20 Robbie Cheadle
  • 12-3 Noelle Granger
  • 12-4 Colleen Chesebro

 

Books That Changed Me: 2025 Summer Edition! #writingcommunity

heading books that changed me 2025 summer edition

Happy Summer! Welcome to the Summer Edition of Books That Changed Me.

Here are my three top books that will provide great summer reading. If the blurb catches your eye, click on the book title and enjoy your next fantastic read.

Reuben Hayes

By S. Cox

BLURB

A classic Western

The crusty middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman. And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.
Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s cranky ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Badlands (Savage Land #2)

By Jacqui Murray

BLURB

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature.Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Each of the tribes considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the blight of man from her face. Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals. Be ready for a world nothing like what you thought it would be, filled with clever minds, brilliant acts, and innovative solutions to life-ending problems, all based on real events. At the end of this trilogy, you’ll be proud to call Neanderthals family.

In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break

By Staci Troilo

BLURB

A vow broken. A covenant shattered. A duty she can’t escape.

Claudia Abruzzo expected her mid-life crisis to begin when her kids left for college and culminate in a trip around the world when her husband retired. Instead, it started with Leo divorcing her for a woman young enough to be their daughter, and there was no end in sight to her heartbreak.

Five years later, the only change is her last name—back to Valenti. She still lives in the same memory-filled house in the same tiny town with the same financial and emotional struggles since losing her partner. While she doesn’t miss her ex, she does miss being married. She’d meant it when she’d said for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, and forsaking all others.

Leo had meant none of it, especially the forsaking part.

Now, his life is on the line and he—as well as his family—expects her to uphold her vows.

Crises of conscience, faith, and family test the flimsy tether of resolve that kept her moored when her life blew apart. Leo is forcing her into another no-win situation, and this time, when her world inevitably explodes, she might not have the strength to pick up the pieces.

Enjoy your inner child this summer by picking up a good book to read! D. L. Finn (Denise)

New Release! Reuben Hayes by Sandra Cox #sandracox #mustread #newrelease #writingcommunity

I’m thrilled to have Sandra Cox here today to share her latest release, Reuben Hayes. Another book I couldn’t put down. Here’s the link for the review: LINK

The tough middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman. And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

Blurb:

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.
Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s crusty ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Excerpt:

Reuben clapped heels to his big Appaloosa.

Once outside the trampled branding area, more tufts of scruffy grass sprang up in the red caliche soil along with yellow and blue wild flowers. Persistent carroty-colored dust spurted in the air with every thump of his horse’s large hooves. The rosy hues of the morning sky reflected on canyon walls, turning them a soft pinkie color, as alluring as a beautiful woman. Texas was harsh and survival wasn’t easy, but he loved her passionately. More than he’d loved any woman—with the exception of one.

Forty minutes later, he galloped down a low ridge where his rangy ranch house nestled in the center of a wide canyon that ranged five miles or better across. The sun hit the white poplar that loomed over the east side of the house and turned the leaves silver, flashing a halo of color on the pine-stained planks of the structure. A river rock chimney rose on the opposite side. Impatience warred with chest-swelling pride as he rode into his valley and saw his ranch.

But much as he enjoyed the view, he needed to get back to the roundup.

He swung out of the saddle, tied the Appaloosa to the hitching post in front of the house, and tromped inside.

“Soggy,” he hollered as he veered toward the living area then ground to a halt, his boot heels digging into the pine planks of the floor.

His legs froze. His breath caught.

A young woman stood in front of the large, river rock fireplace, gazing up at a painting of the ranch that he’d wheedled Alexandria O’Malley into doing after he’d seen her work displayed around the Silverhills’ ranch house. The painter had caught the wild feel of the valley in the middle of a ferocious thunderstorm. The ranch house, the solid in the midst of chaos and danger, as lightning struck to the right of it. But the painting wasn’t what held his attention now.

The hair on the back of his neck rose and his fingers pricked. He hadn’t seen her in near nineteen years but even with her back to him, he’d recognize her anywhere. She wore a black silk dress that fit her like a glove and looked more stylish than what one normally saw in these parts. She hadn’t aged a day.

How was that possible when he looked like a piece of old cowhide, leathery and tough? The woman who haunted him, still had the same slender figure and the same wild mane of glossy chestnut hair, now sleek and smoothed at the nape of her neck instead of in disarray around her shoulders.  The warm scent of lavender that always enveloped her drifted his way.

Character Facts for Soggy (Reuben’s cook)

Cantankerous with a heart of gold.

He’s known for his cinnamon rolls.

He been with Reuben since Reuben was a young man and fusses over him like a hen with one chick.

Soggy’s full name is Horace Eugene Winthrop

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Reuben-Hayes-S-Cox-ebook/dp/B0DWQBGT88

Bio:

Sandra, who writes as both S. Cox and Sandra Cox, is an animal lover and avid gardener. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

She and her husband are ruled by four cats and a dog. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Sandra can be found at http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

OR http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

OR https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/

OR https://www.bsky.app @scoxauthor

OR Amazon.com: Sandra Cox: books, biography, latest update

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

Reuben Hayes by Sandra Cox Preorder! #writingcommunity #newrelease #western

I’m thrilled to have good friend and “All Things Western” Sandra Cox here today to share her upcoming release! I was privileged to be a beta reader and can say it’s another good one.

Reuben Hayes

The crusty middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman. And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.

Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.

Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s crusty ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Preorder Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Reuben-Hayes-S-Cox-ebook/dp/B0DWQBGT88

Foodie Facts About Reuben:

Loves

A splash of whiskey

A good cup of coffee

AND

Soggy (his cook)’s Blackberry Cobbler

BIO:

Sandra, who also writes as S. Cox, is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and cats in sunny North Carolina.

An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Foodie Facts:

She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.

She loves pumpkin waffles. Pumpkin cream cheese, not so much.

 

You can find her at:

Website: http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

Blog: http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

Blog: https://sandracoxblogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Sandra_Cox.

Bluesky: https://www.bksy.app @scoxauthor.bsky

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Perspective Challenge Two: Links and Haibun! #jansikes #gwenplano #yvettecalleiro #sandracox #writingcommunity #flashfiction #poetry #haibun #creativeperspectivechallenge

Hi!

It’s been another fantastic week full of amazing writing. I had fun writing a longish haibun, which is below.

If you haven’t seen these posts I highly recommend visiting.

Gwen Plano: LINK

Sandra Cox: LINK

Yvette Calleiro: LINK

Jan Sikes: LINK

Robbie Cheadle:  LINK

Sue Wickstead via D.L. Finn Blog: LINK

Fear’s Plague (522 words)

It was the 326th day of the green fog that appeared the same day she was prepared to declare war on their rival kingdom. Queen Anna stepped into the icy mist to greet another day, as she had every morning. Her people hid inside their homes, fearful of the cold mist, but she couldn’t. It was her duty to protect them, but how? The sun nor moon hadn’t been seen in either night or day. Only the clock ruled now.

The strange phenomena delayed their attack until one day no one had it in them to fight. Hate turned into fear, and that ruled them now. The scouts she had sent out never returned. Anna worried they were the only ones left in this cold, cruel world shrouded by this heavy green death. No weapons, prayers, or even magic had altered their predicament.

Their food supply was limited after their pigs, cows, chickens, and goats lay down and never got up again. Most forest animals did the same. No crops would grow, no flowers bloomed, and trees were frozen in their winter state. Wombs barren. Fear ruled the land, even the criminals cowered behind closed drapes.

Anna stood alone on the old stone bridge, breathing in the heavy air and watching a flock of vultures. Surviving the destruction, they, like her people, remained.

“How can we fight the very air we breathe?” She wrapped her arms around her thin body.

Her head bowed. Exhaustion filled her soul every night when she tried to sleep. Would she wake up? Did she want to? Giving in, letting death claim her, would be simple. Just lay down, following the example of the animals and her subjects, and surrender.

“Surrender to what?”

She clung to that unanswered question. It had kept her going.

The bird circled and dove into the forest. A wave of goosebumps, prickling and crawling, spread across her arms. It was time to get out of the fog, but how long would the castle and homes provide safe shelter? Her skin itched and her eyes watered. Still, her feet remained planted on the bridge her grandfather had built. Hopelessness threatened to overtake her when the song her mother used to sing to her as a child, filled her heart. Ignoring the warnings she needed to get back inside, she sang. Low at first, but her voice strengthened and grew.

“Bless the forests with flourishing flowers

Rainbows, butterflies & waterfalls’ powers

With gratitude and love overflowing,

Nature’s sacred cedar grove is glowing…”

Anna’s face warmed like the summer sun was shining on it. The sweet perfume of her rose garden filled her senses. And for a brief second, a beam of sunlight reflected off the river. Then it vanished, and the song became hollow, echoing across the raven.

With a slight spring to her step, she hurried across the bridge to the safety of the castle. Queen Anna knew in her heart what needed to be done. It will take everyone and her childhood song to push away the hate.

voices blend in love

sing a song of gratitude.

healing will begin

 

NOTE: Watch for newsletter this week if you are subscribed.

Next Challenge March 11th!

 

 

 

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Fall Edition! @Sandra_Cox @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro #writingcommunity #mustreadbook #whattoread

Happy belated Fall! (—or Spring!)

It’s back my favorite time of year! The leaves are changing into yellows and reds while the nights are getting cooler. Summer is still trying to hang on but Fall is pushing its way in. I’ve been baking pumpkin and banana bread and thinking about an apple cobbler. My Halloween decorations are up and I’m ready for this season’s walk in the woods.

Another fun autumn thing to do is read a good book. You’ve seen these books reviewed on my blog, but they deserve another look. I’ve included their blurb and link. Happy fall reading.

The Last Pilgrim 

BLURB
This book captures and celebrates the grit and struggle of the Pilgrim women who stepped off the Mayflower in the winter of 1620 to an unknown world – one filled with hardship, danger and death. The Plymouth Colony would not have survived without them.
Mary Allerton Cushman was the last surviving passenger of the Mayflower, dying at age 88 in 1699.
Mary’s life is set against the real background of that time. The Last Pilgrim begins from her father’s point of view – she was, after all, only four when she descended into the cramped and dank living space below deck on the Mayflower – but gradually assumes Mary’s voice, as the colony achieves a foothold in the New England’s rocky soil.
What was a woman’s life like in the Plymouth Colony? The Last Pilgrim will tell you.

Mateo’s Woman 

BLURB
Delilah is dead.
With her demise, everyone should be safe, but something insidious is happening to Mateo’s town and to the woman he loves. People are dying and Blair is changing, taking on mannerisms that are clearly not her own. Becoming a danger to herself and others. He has no idea what is happening to the town’s people but he has an inkling of what is happening to Blair and what he’s thinking just isn’t possible. But whether it’s possible or not, he has to pry Blair from the evil that’s sunk its fangs into her. Now it’s a race against time to save the woman he loves and get to the bottom of who is killing Grizzly’s citizenry. And if that’s not enough of a challenge for the shapeshifting sheriff, his future mother-in-law has come for a visit.
BLURB
A collection of short paranormal and dark stories.
Includes the award-winning short story, The Bite.A group of boys participate in a reality television challenge; to the death.What does it mean to be a Canary Girl? One young woman is about to find out.Where is the bride? A beautiful young woman goes missing during a game of hide and seek on her wedding day.Some stories will make you cry, some will make you gasp, and some will leave you believing in vigilante justice. All will end with a grave.

And a powerful short story:
BLURB
JT pulled the short end of the stick when he was given his life’s journey. With a convicted felon as a dad and a drunk as a mom, there weren’t many positive influences in his life. When his mom’s boyfriend began sharing his marijuana with JT, his father fought for custody and won.
Life on his dad’s farm was simpler. JT started turning his life around until one tragic event sent him spiraling again. All choices have consequences. For JT, those choices left him staring down the barrel of a gun. Could JT rise above his circumstances, or would karma have its way with him?
Embrace your inner fall child, read a good book! D. L. Finn

August Book Reviews! @Sandra_Cox @supermegawoman @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro @dave_astor #mustread #bookreviews #writingcommunity #readingcoummunity

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

And the Grave Awaits book cover with red roses against a mainly gray backgroun.

Mateo’s Woman

By Sandra Cox

This third Mateo book continues the story of shifter Mateo and his finance Blair. They are planning their marriage, but something is wrong with Blair after being bitten by an evil enemy. Blair’s mother, Nadine, shows up to help but ends up in the middle of something I couldn’t have predicted. Fortunately, Mateo’s father, who is also a shifter, is there to assist them, but the situation becomes difficult to manage. I love the depth of the relationship between Mateo and Blair and Blair and Lisa. The exquisitely written setting and town turn fiction into a desirable destination that I would be eager to visit, especially in worry-free times. Several unexpected turns make this a gripping read, threatening to obstruct Mateo’s and Blair’s happily ever after. A fantastic addition to Mateo’s world, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend “Mateo’s Woman”!

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

By Darlene Foster

Amanda is with her friend Leah, visiting Leah’s aunt in Scotland on a small island called Arran. While visiting a castle, they run into a woman dressed in clothes from the past that they helped. Yet, after there was no trace of her. Amanda jumps into the mystery while visiting some interesting places along the way. Although written for middle-grade readers, I enjoy these stories too. They provide not only a fun mystery but also in-depth history and traditions of the places visited. Scotland has captured my interest, so the history and vivid settings were my favorite parts. I would love to visit this island. There are hidden rooms, disappearing boats, and what seems like a ghost that makes this story a page-turner. Perfect for younger readers and those like me who are young at heart!

And the Grave Awaits

by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

“And the Grave Awaits” is a well-written collection of short stories that pulled me in from the first page. Some stories were based on actual events, and others were more in the paranormal realm. The details that went into the historical fiction stories transported me to that time and place. I felt for the hardships the children who swept chimneys underwent under cruel adults in “An Eye for an Eye” or the women painting dials with radioactive paints in “All that Glitters is not Gold.” “The Bite” caught my attention immediately and when wolf spiders came up, I was all in. They are local spiders that have always fascinated me and this spin on spiders and humans was intriguingly unique. After each of the sixteen stories, there’s information like where the story has been published or the history behind it. A fantastic collection I can highly recommend, especially for those who like stories with a darker twist.

Karma Doesn’t Kill

By Yvette M. Calleiro

“Karma Doesn’t Kill” serves as a cautionary tale of a young man’s poor decisions. Growing up, JT had to overcome various difficulties, including having an alcoholic mother and a father who was a convicted felon. He started down the wrong path living with his mother, but his father stepped in and got custody of him. His life appeared to be improving, but then tragedy hit and he ended up back where he started. The story starts with JT being cared for by his little brother. JT shares his story of how he ended up bedridden. Although I knew the outcome, his journey captured my heart, and I was rooting for him. Even with a heartbreaking outcome for JT, he developed an inspiring inner strength, too. A well-written story based on a true story that illustrates the lasting impact of a solitary choice. It’s a quick but powerful read that I highly recommend.

Misty the Cat . . . Unleashed: The Spirited Adventures and Amusing Antics of an Asthmatic Feline on the Loose

By Dave Astor

“Misty the Cat … Unleashed” is told through the cat’s humorous point of view. Out on his daily morning walk, Misty gets separated from his human and chased under a porch in an unfriendly dog’s backyard. Misty waits for the dog to go to sleep at 8:30 pm—or when it gets dark. The cat keeps himself occupied reliving his life stories. He has a strong opinion on various topics, such as the ideal guitar in a song, rewriting classic titles, favorite shows, and his political stance. He can swiftly shift between subjects in his observations, showcasing his quick-wittedness. Although entertained by his stories, I was concerned that Misty was not only stuck under a porch in the heat, but was missing a dose of his needed asthma medication. If you have a love for cats or animals, you’ll enjoy spending time with Misty and his humans.

NOTE: I know I have been scarce, but between our phone line was down which runs our internet (It’s fixed now), some pulled muscles (Yes, connected to the next item), and having to do more clearing on our property in hopes of keeping our homeowner’s insurance (May now have to hire loggers. New rule trees can’t touch each other. This follows hours of work on our part. It took a few emails to get it clearly explained to me. It’s almost like they don’t want us to renew… lol)

In the middle of all of this, I am doing my final edits for my Christmas collection, too. I haven’t been able to visit blogs or have my usual blogs here like I enjoy doing. I am not sure when I’ll be back to my regular schedule. I will still post book reviews and new releases! xo

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

New Release! “Mateo’s Woman” by @Sandra_Cox #writingcommunity #mustread #newrelease #paranormal #romance #shapeshifters #evil #smalltown

Today author and friend, Sandra Cox is visiting to talk about her latest release, “Mateo’s Woman.” A fantastic addition to an amazing series!! Here’s my five-star review: LINK

Mateo’s Woman

Thanks so much for hosting me, Denise. I truly appreciate you helping me get the word out on my latest release to all the wonderful folks that follow you.  You rock…😊

Blurb

Delilah is dead.

With her demise, everyone should be safe, but something insidious is happening to Mateo’s town and to the woman he loves. People are dying and Blair is changing, taking on mannerisms that are clearly not her own. Becoming a danger to herself and others. He has no idea what is happening to the town’s people but he has an inkling of what is happening to Blair and what he’s thinking just isn’t possible. But whether it’s possible or not, he has to pry Blair from the evil that’s sunk its fangs into her. Now it’s a race against time to save the woman he loves and get to the bottom of who is killing Grizzly’s citizenry. And if that’s not enough of a challenge for the shapeshifting sheriff, his future mother-in-law has come for a visit.

Character Facts

Chief Deputy Blair Delaney, lately of Grizzly, Montana is a transplant from Atlanta. And while she may look like a cover model, she’s a lawbreaker’s worst nightmare.

She loves her old, rusty, backfiring truck Beaulah.

She also loves listening to the Full Moon band that plays at the Blue Coyote Bar on Wednesday nights.

Bio

Sandra, who also writes as S. Cox, is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and several cats in sunny North Carolina.

An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Foodie Facts

She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.

She loves pumpkin waffles. Pumpkin cream cheese, not so much.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Mateos-Woman-Sandra-Cox-ebook/dp/B0D778VS5L