Tag: SandraCox

Unnatural Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #5)

Although I have read the Mayhem Series out of order and enjoyed the journey, I’m glad to be caught up and fully understand Shawnee’s growth and change. Throughout the journey, I have gained an education about not just Native American culture and history, but also about wildlife and our connection to it. Here, Shawnee, Mr. Mayhem, and Jacy Lee head to Alaska to save the polar bears. I knew little about polar bears other than they appear white and their territory is shrinking, so all the extra details fascinated me. Set in Alaska, a place that has always called me, only made the story more intriguing. Shawnee is still in training under Mr. Mayhem in his cabin with her grandfather and the crows. The crows always add humor, especially Poe. Their personalities as just as strong as their human counterparts. There are always surprise twists that make this a page-turner, as Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee run toward the danger instead of away from it. When they pretend to be man and wife to gather information, it can lead to some humorous moments. The corporation that makes a living from illegal animal trafficking and hunts is after Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee, too. Another great story where saving animals is not only the goal but a way of life. I can highly recommend “Tracking Mayhem.”

Protective Instinct

Shawnee has been staying with her grandfather and Mr. Mayhem. She is not only learning the ways of her grandfather, but the world. I love how Shawnee’s eyes are opened by not only her kind grandfather but someone who wanted to kill her in the past, Mr. Mayhem. While being taught the ways of her culture, Shawnee and Mr. Mayhem uncover that someone intends to disrupt their peace and nature. Skilled trophy hunters set their sights on crows, and this puts Poe and the others in danger. Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee team up to put a stop to this kill and find more than they bargained for. It’s fun seeing the world through Shawnee’s eyes as she navigates an expensive meal, moves dead bodies, or takes part in a ceremony. She is strong and open to a world most don’t experience while looking for her path. She has a job and boyfriend but is also drawn into helping save the animals and appreciates her grandfather’s wisdom as an elder and medicine man. Then there’s the relationship between her and Poe, and their intense dislike for each other that adds humor. I’ve read this series out of order and am glad to have all my questions answered. My favorite part has been Shawnee’s growth and when she embraces her culture, but it’s the crows and animals that hold my heart as they become more of a part of this series. This is a story I can easily recommend.

By Joy York

Morgan is supposed to go on vacation with her best friend at the family lake house. Instead, Morgan’s friend cancels, and she discovers she will stay in the caretaker’s cabin since the house has been rented out. When Morgan has issues, she seeks help from the guest in the house. Bash has been whisked away to escape a request by an unsavory character. He isn’t happy to find someone else is sharing his space but reluctantly agrees to help her. At first, I thought this was going to be a couple stuck together in a house who don’t get along but end up falling in love. It doesn’t take long before trouble knocks and they find themselves on the run. What they soon find out is there may be more trouble following them than expected. I love the strength of Morgan and Bash finally grew on me as his character progressed. Soon, I was not only rooting for them to survive but also giving into their affections. There were a couple of unexpected twists, which I always appreciate, especially at the end. Morgan had some surprising skills, and the things she could drive enamored me. Bonded together in survival mode, both of their pasts come into play. An exciting page-turner that captured my attention from the first escape. I can easily recommend “Protective Instinct.”

The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

By Gwen M. Plano

Sarah has it all. A happy marriage, a job she loves, and two beautiful children. While she is basking in her good blessings, the unthinkable happens: a drunk driver strikes her car. Everything changes at that moment when her two children die, and she fights for her life. While in a coma for two weeks, her husband struggles with his mental health and desire to live thinking his wife is going to be taken away too. His PTSD blends his past war experiences with his current grief. It is heartbreaking. I felt for this family whose happiness was ripped away by another’s actions. Having experienced an afterlife moment as a teen, I was looking forward to reading this family’s story. I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Plano handled the afterlife skillfully and compassionately. She showed the reader the peace I remember vividly to this day. To lose so much yet come out stronger is a testament to what faith and love offer. This story is a beautiful tribute to that and the peace our loved ones experience once they leave us. A fast read I couldn’t put down as it travels through dark times and climbs back into the light. I can easily recommend this faith-based story that reminds us there is more than we can see.

Silent Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #3)

Already a fan of The Mayhem Series, I’m now going back and reading the books I’ve missed. Silent Mayhem took everything up a huge notch. Shawnee receives a feather and a warning that her life is in danger. The problem she now faces is whether she can trust a serial killer who had wanted her dead in the past. Mixed into this is Native American history and lore that added a new level to an already exciting story unfolding. I love Shawnee’s strength and how she steps up for those she loves. But I think it is the tender relationship between Mr. Mayhem and his wife that makes him different from most serial killers. This tugs at my heart, even with his cruel side. There are crows too who seem to have it in for Shawnee, especially Poe. It’s Skinwalkers that might be the biggest danger to Shawnee in the middle of serial killers, a hidden past and scattered decapitated bodies. Although the ending offered some insight, Shawnee wasn’t safe yet. I immediately started reading book four. A book and series I can easily recommend.

I Am Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #4)

Sheriff Tyree (2^nd in Keeper Series)

I have read this Mayhem Series out of order and started it more toward the end or middle. I had no problem understanding and being drawn into Shawnee’s world, but I wanted to go back and see how it all started. This book is the one I have been eagerly anticipating, and it lived up to my expectations. Shawnee is now being hunted by Mr. Mayhem and everyone she loves is a target. I was on the edge of my seat as she tried to defend herself and make sense of a confused situation. Trying to stay alive is only part of this story, as Shawnee learns more about herself, too. Even knowing what has already happened, events continually surprised me. There was no way I could predict how this would all play out. The story also introduces a favorite character who captivates me. Mixed into the thrilling layers are crows with grudges, a serial killer, a Skinwalker, a worried boyfriend, a missing best friend, and the truth about Shawnee’s family. A definite page-turner that I can highly recommend.

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

I loved the first book “Keeper Tyree” and was eager to continue his journey. Keeper Tyree was a respected bounty hunter, but after he fell in love, he settled down and became sheriff of El Dorado. All was going well for his wife, daughter, and life. Unfortunately, someone from his past wanted justice and it involved his family. Keeper has become a favorite character of mine. He is tough, respected, and loves his family and friends deeply. His wife matches his strength and love of family, which I admire. They are an amazing couple that is put to the test in this story. I adore not only the town and its people but how well Ms. Cox brings the western setting to life. It makes me care about these wonderful characters as I try to imagine how it would have been to have lived with them. A young girl, Allie, and a small cat, Shivers, captured my heart, and a bit of light always shines when evil mixes into their world. It’s the little things that become important, like crossing a river or finding shelter in a storm, but the driving reason behind everything is love. That is unexpected for such a strong character as the sheriff. I hope there are more stories to come, and I highly recommend this book!

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

New Release! “Sheriff Tyree” by Sandra Cox @Sandra_Cox #westernromance #cowboy #newrelease #mustread #writingcommunity

I’m thrilled to have fellow author and friend, Sandra Cox, visiting today to talk about her latest release, Sheriff Tyree. I had the pleasure of being a beta reader but want to read it again when it’s released before writing my review. Yes, it’s definitely worth a second read.

Blurb:

Keeper Tyree has a reputation of being the toughest, most fearsome bounty hunter in Kansas. Now he’s sheriff of El Dorado.

Description:

There’s a new sheriff in town.

Instead of chasing bounties all over the state, Keeper Tyree has taken the job of sheriff of El Dorado.

Everything is going well. He’s tamed the town and now he doesn’t have to knock more than a few heads together a day, and has no more than one or two occupants in the calaboose at a time. Then a stranger comes to town. A stranger bent on vengeance and the man he wants to bring down is Keeper.

Mitchell Jordan holds Keeper personally responsible for his daddy being hung. He believes in an eye for an eye and he’s out to even the score. A family member for a family member.

Keeper is fearless, except where his loved ones are concerned. They’re his one weakness and there’s nothing he won’t do to keep them safe. No matter which side of the law he has to come down on. There’s no right or wrong, there’s just taking care of his own. And now they’ve been threatened.

Jordan leads Keeper out of El Dorado down a winding trail of danger and deceit, and that trail won’t end till one of them is lying boots up six feet under.

Character foodie facts

Keeper loves his coffee.

Pie goes down easy too.

He’s liked peaches since he was a younker.

Bio:

Sandra, who also writes as S. 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 a dog and several cats. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

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

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

Sheriff Tyree Buy Link:

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

Books That Changed Me—2023 Fall Edition @Sandra_Cox @HowellWave @Virgilante #writingcommunity #whattoread

Welcome to autumn—or almost. I’m posting this a day early since it falls on a Saturday. This is a favorite time for me. The landscape is changing into a rosy glowing sunset. Animals are making final preparations for the coming cold weather and I’m enjoying it all, including the cooler weather. It does make for cozy reading.

Although you’ve seen these books reviewed here, I felt they were worthy of another look—or some of my top reads. Here are the books and their blurbs for fantastic fall reading.

Once Upon a Time in the Swamp

By C.S. Boyack

BLURB

Mari and her husband opted for a simple life as farmers. It’s been decades since the world tore itself apart, pitting neighbor against neighbor and family against each other. They were happy in this re-emerging world, until disaster struck.

Mari sets out on a solo quest to avenge the deaths of her family and loss of everything she holds dear. She’s ill equipped for the task, but seems to have time on her hands. Time alone in the wilderness to deal with her personal demons along the way.

She is helped by a few sympathetic elders and a couple of animal companions with lessons Mari can use if she pays attention. Can Mari find justice for her family?

Set in a post apocalyptic, Gulf Coast world, this is a story for fans of the old Spaghetti Westerns.

Return to Silverhills

By Sandra Cox

BLURB

A Western with strong romantic elements:
The Wades’ saga continues as Alex and Brandon return to Silverhills, bringing Alex’s friend Lisa with them.
They arrive home just as Jeff Wade, Brandon’s younger brother, is about to head a trail drive across the Chisholm Trail. But there’s a problem, the cattle drive cook has a broken arm.
A week later, Lisa sets out on the drive as the camp cook along with the Silverhills’ cowpunchers and a thousand head of longhorn. Trail drives are always dangerous, but this one has more than its share of perils. Snowstorms, flashfloods, hot lead and rustlers are just a few of the dangers they encounter.
And if that’s not enough for the trail boss to be dealing with, he can’t ignore the white-hot attraction he feels for the petite, lovely blonde who drives the chuckwagon like a seasoned camp cook. Jeff is very much afraid that falling in love could prove more fatal than the bullets flying along the Chisholm Trail.

The Last Drive

By John W. Howell

BLURB

In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.
The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey takes the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.

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)

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions

“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.

By Kaye Lynne Booth, Robbie 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

April Book Reviews Part 2! @PatFurstenberg @judithbarrow77 @Sandra_Cox #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustreads #readersoftwitter #readersoffacebook

As Good as Gold: A dog’s life in poems

By Patricia Furstenberg

“As Good as Gold” is a wonderful collection of poetry for the young at heart to share with the children in your life. It gives us a glimpse of the world through an animal’s perspective. There are several themes, including seasonal and a great insight into what a dog might be thinking. Different styles of poetry are showcased, each a tiny slice of a dog’s life. It’s hard not to smile when looking through a dog’s eyes. This is a beautiful collection for dog and animal lovers of all ages who enjoy poetry.

Sunset

Return to Silverhills

Eighteen-year-old Gillian has wealth, beauty, and a stunning house, but she also lives with a curse. During the night hours, she and her best friend, Merrick, the cat, can do anything they want, but at sunrise they are whisked into a big chuck of marble to spend the day. It was a genie’s tradeoff for all her ancestor’s riches. The other catch to this wish, after falling in love, the first-born daughter dies after giving birth to their first-born daughter. Gillian lives with this, especially avoiding interaction with young men. That all changes when she saves a young girl, and realizes her caretakers have hired the handsome older brother. Gillian is determined to find the genie and break the spell, while someone means her harm. I love the relationship between Gillian and Merrick, the talking cat, and her loyal caretakers. She is a strong young woman who wants to make changes while fighting her feelings. A read that was hard to put down and I can easily recommend it, especially to those who love a good paranormal romance.

Yes I Can!

Bobbi Dot

“Yes I Can!” is a whimsically illustrated young reader’s book with a positive Christian message. It is great for parents to read with their young children or beginning readers. Its theme is not only believing in yourself, but God. This is ideal for parents and even Sunday schools that want to get that message across. A fun and meaningful debut by Ms. Dot.

Sisters

By Judith Barrow

Angie and Mandy are ordinary teenagers until a horrible tragedy tears their lives apart. It’s heartbreaking, and I wondered if the family would survive what’s happened. They don’t. Mandy takes the blame and is sent to live with her aunt and uncle. Here she becomes Lisa and finds some understanding. Angie, who doesn’t step up and do the right thing, can’t live with her guilt. She runs away, only to find life hard and survival harder. It’s at a funeral that the two girls meet again as adults. This is when pain and anger collide with a touch of love and forgiveness. Right or wrong, each character deals with the pain and loss in their own way. The past was gone and mishandled, but these broken people had the present moment. That’s when hope came into the story and brought back something that seemed impossible. I was taken on a journey through all my emotions. “Sisters” was a hard story to put down, and I highly recommend it.

Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife

I read and loved the first book, “Silverhills,” and was excited to see there was going to be a sequel. “Return to Silverhills” captivated me just like the first book did. There are many memorable characters, and revisiting the ones from the first book was like a joyful family reunion. Brandon and Alex return home with a larger family and a new friend, Lisa. Jeff, Brandon’s younger brother, is set to make a cattle run, but their cook has injured his arm. Lisa volunteers to go along and help. There is immediate chemistry between Lisa and Jeff, but she has sworn off men after what has happened to her. I love the grandfatherly relationship between Lisa and Cookie, and the sweet baby calf, Lucky, that thinks Jeff is his mother. The scenery is beautifully described, and I could easily imagine riding on the Chisholm trail with them. Lisa’s a strong character searching for her inner strength and a way to heal. As the group tries to survive the elements and cattle thieves, there is someone close to them to deal with. A fantastic western romance with healing, survival, family, trust, and love that I highly recommend.

NOTE:

Book reviews and regular posts will be back May 16th after the Blog Tour.

You may have noticed more books in my review posts. This is what I’m doing now since I want to bring in other topics but don’t want to add another day other than my challenges, new releases, or updates.

One idea floating around is Finn’s Forest. This would vary from poetry, local lore, interesting animals facts to strange orbs. Plus, I can venture out into other nature areas too.

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

April Book Reviews Part One and Vocal Challenge! @bakeandwrite @Sandra_Cox @katharinewrites @vocal_creators #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter #bookreview #vocalchallenge #poetry

By Robbie Cheadle

“Lion Scream” is a creative collection of poetry, photos, information, links, and a short story. The poetry tells a story of the wildlife in South Africa. It is not always a pleasant narrative with the loss of their habitat or cruel hunters maiming for profit. I learned a lot about the animals and found all the poems fascinating on many different levels. Ms. Cheadle discusses the Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change effect on animal life through her visits to wildlife reserves and personal interaction. She shares extra reading through links to learn more, which I appreciated. This was a meaningful way to bring the plight of animals to people’s attention. The short story, at the end, tackled another important subject of our youth’s mental health and the medication used. I won’t pick out my favorites because the message is too important. A book not to be missed by those who love animals and the world we share with them.

Black Opal Amulets #3

Tall, Dark and Undead

“Black Opal” is the third book in the Amulet series. Sabina is a famous singer who has the power amulet. While singing on stage, she is almost killed but is saved by Adam Morelly, the nephew of a mob boss. There is an immediate attraction between them that she chooses to ignore because of his relatives. Yet, he is determined to keep her safe from someone trying to kill her. Seeing Maureen and Bella back from the first two books is fun. I love their friendship and how they are there for each other no matter what. At the same time, a killer on the loose wants everything these women have, including Adam. There is a sweet moment when Adam also finds a kitten, Bones, in the garbage and takes it in. An excellent addition to the series that can be a standalone read, but I enjoyed reading it from the beginning! A book and series I can easily recommend.

https://vocal.media/poets/forest-fairies

Suzanne gets attacked by three men in an alley on the way home. A kickboxer, she can usually take care of herself, but this time she was overwhelmed. A hero appears, a handsome mystery man with strange eyes with unusual abilities, and saves her. He gets her to the hospital, where she recovers. A strong woman who has made her job as an assistant at the hospital her entire focus, finds herself drawn to two men, one a cop and one a vampire. I love the developing relationship between her and Adrian. He is a vampire with a conscience and a vegetarian, or he doesn’t feed on humans anymore. He is as torn as Suzanne as feelings grow between them. I adore the connection between Suzanne and her fatherly boss, Kess. A paranormal love story that I can easily recommend.

Lily Adler Mystery #4

Murder at Midnight

By Katharine Schellman

“Murder at Midnight” is the fourth book in the Lily Adler Mystery Series, but I could easily follow along once I got through the first couple of chapters. Set in 1816, some guests attending a ball can’t make it home because of a sudden heavy snowstorm. The host, Lady Grantham, offers her hospitality, but they wake up to a murder. Lily is one of those guests. She is a young widow who attended with her family and is known for solving mysteries. Lily immediately becomes involved in this one. Gossip and innuendos can ruin a young woman’s reputation and put a family friend, Amelia, right into the suspect’s chair. Amelia’s brother, Jack, was Lily’s husband’s best friend and is now hers. There are developing relationships, and hidden motives interweaved into this story, along with solving a murder. This is for you if you enjoy historical mysteries with a strong female character.

UPDATE:

I wasn’t going to do this Vocal Poetry Challenge but in one of my I sleepless moments, it came. I did a tanka poem 5/7/5/7/7 and made each word start with the same letter which turned out to be F. The challenge was that all the words start with the same letter. I’d love for you to stop by to like, comment and/or share it. Here is the link:

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

New Release! “Return to Silverhills” by Sandra Cox @Sandra_Cox #newrelease #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #westernromance

I’m thrilled to have friend and fellow author, Sandra Cox, here today to talk about her latest, “Return to Silverhills.”

I had the pleasure of reading this as a beta reader. I can highly recommend “Return to Silverhills,” but I decided to enjoy the story one more time before writing the review 🙂

I found all the words in the puzzle below. Fun!

A trail boss with a fast gun. A damaged woman. A cattle drive fraught with danger. And a combustible attraction.

Short Excerpt:

Boom.

The unexpected sound made her heart crash against her ribs, her hands grow clammy and her breath push in and out in sharp gasps. Her horse sidled in response to her nerves.

Boom.Boom.

More gunfire and whoops sounded in the distance.

She flinched. The bang and flash of gunfire. The sight and scent of sulphur. Always a reminder of the night the Comancheros had captured her and slaughtered her family.

Fighting back the painful memories, Lisa Reiner stared into the valley at the ranch below, the mountains behind it throwing off a blinding glitter wherever the sun touched. Alex talked incessantly about those flashes of silver in the hills. Alex. Who’d cared enough to take her out of the mission and bring her to her own home to start fresh, to live with her like a sister.

Slowly. Tentatively. Fear and nerves crawled into excitement. Silverhills.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Return-Silverhills-Sandra-Cox-ebook/dp/B0BS77JXFV

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.

Old West Puzzle

Can you find: remuda, longhorn, lasso, rope, saddle, bridle, saddlebags, coffee, gun, canteen, saloon, tobacco?

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.

You can find her at:

http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

https://sandracoxblogspot.com

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

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Return-Silverhills-Sandra-Cox-ebook/dp/B0BS77JXFV

BOOKS THAT CHANGED ME—2022 WINTER EDITION! @Sandra_Cox @JanSikes3 @LBroday #whattoread #MUSTREADS #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #mustread

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

By Colleen M. Chesebro

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.

Geller’s Find

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

October Book Reviews Part 1! @Sandra_Cox @mhurdle112 @stacitroilo @MaeClair1 #whattoread #readersoftwitter #writingcommunity

Geller’s Find