Tag: shortstory

September Book Reviews! #PTLPerrin #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #lindabroday #jansikes #deborahjay #laurenscott #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

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

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Aerie: Dragon Guild Book Two

By P.T.L. Perrin

The story continues for Gabri, Eilo, and their dragons. They are still fighting the Shadow, while back home, Gabri’s family continues to search for her. The point of view switches between the two worlds, showing the love of family and a newly created family. A fight is coming, and the Dragon Guild is preparing for it by recruiting, scouting, and training. I love the developing relationship between Eilo and Gabri, but I think my favorite parts are the dragons and their riders, along with Ting. The pull between Gabri’s past and Donny, as well as her current life and Eilo, adds another layer that had me rooting for her to make the right decision. The settings bring this world both beauty and the ugly side of it to life. A hard story to put down, as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and can highly recommend “Aerie.”

The Dance of Discord: A Short Story: Gilded Age Intrigue

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

A quick but exciting read that takes the readers to 1900s Washington, DC. Secret Service agent Milo Quick and his sidekick Duchess Felina Gattone skillfully maneuver the world of political intrigue. Told through the Duchess’s perspective, there is never a dull moment. I knew there would be a twist coming and tried more than once to guess what it was, but in the end, I was completely surprised. The settings, language, and characters pulled me deep into the story. I loved all the international implications of learning who to trust. A fast-paced story that was hard to put down. I hope there is more to come featuring Milo and the Duchess!

Cade’s Quest: (Book 1 Sweet Western Romance)

By Linda Broday

Cade’s family was torn apart after outlaws killed his parents. His siblings were separated and sent to live with new families. Now, as an adult, he has returned home looking for his family and to reunite with them, including his older brother, who he had been told was riding with a gang. On his quest, Cade is attacked and ends up being treated by a local doctor. It’s here he finds his sister, Summer, but loses his freedom when the out-of-control sheriff decides he is a criminal too. Forced to flee, he finds the perfect hideout and a young woman and child who are also hiding out. Although townspeople remember him and his family and want to help him, the sheriff won’t give up and pursues him at any cost. I love the relationship that develops between him and Rain and her nephew.  They are both searching for their place in the world, with someone determined to end that quest. Cade is loyal and complex, and Summer and Rain are strong, determined women. The history and setting pulled me right into their world. Although questions were answered, some weren’t. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next to this family. I can highly recommend “Cade’s Quest!”

A Bold Bargain (The Bargainer Series Book 3) 

by Jan Sikes

“A Bold Bargain” is the third book in the Bargainer Series. I loved the first two books and was eager to read this one. Jack, who was a minor character in book two, had a tough childhood. Now grown up, he is working to protect animals, but his dream is to go to college. His past did not break him but made him into a kind, caring man whose first instinct is to rescue those who need help, whether a human or an animal. His first save is a dog drowning in the river, which ends up staying with Jack. Named Wolf after his mixed breed, this character becomes one of my favorites. What Wolf brought home touched my heart. When Jack finds an older woman who needs his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He finds not only her dog but also a friend. Their developing relationship is not only sweet, but what she offers him becomes the bargain. Although being the person he was without the bargain, he would have helped out. In this mix were a gold miner and his granddaughter, who added another layer that I fully enjoyed. The human connections and setting were amazing, but there was a dark side too, that included dangerous mink trappers, illness, and an abusive ex in the mix. Another great addition to the series that might be my favorite one. I can highly recommend this!

The Prince’s Man (The Five Kingdoms #1)

By Deborah Jay

“The Prince’s Man” is an exciting fantasy with settings and characters that pulled me right into it. It starts with a young girl, Risada, who watches her parents being brutally killed as she protects her little brother. Years later, this grown-up Lady Risada, the court’s secret assassin, teams up with Rustam, the court seducer and clandestine spy, to save their kingdom from a hostile takeover. While magic has been banned and feared in their realm, they rescue a tortured elf, Elwaes, from a cruel doctor. They have to survive the trek through the mountains with a sick elf to seek crucial support on the other side. The journey forces them to deal with magical beings, including trolls, a water seducer, and a werecat. Although there is an attraction between Risada and Rustam, there is also a lack of trust and borderline hatred from Risada. Their relationship is fascinating as it progresses, but I love how Rustam and the elf, Elwaes connect. A story I found hard to put down, and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the Five Kingdoms Series. I can highly recommend this!

King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry

By Lauren Scott

“King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry” is a beautiful tribute that deeply touched my heart. The words brought back memories I had of losing our sweet dog a couple of years back and of remembering the joy she brought us too. Our pets are such a gift, and this collection not only shows that but also offers comfort to all of us who have known the loss of a beloved pet. Here is an example of the depth of emotions: “A dog barks in the distance causing me to pause,/it sounds like Copper’s wild imagination longing for one more moment”—One More Moment. I can highly recommend this for all those who have loved and lost a pet family member.

NOTE: Don’t miss Thursday’s post from Jan and Linda 🙂 Next week is the 9th Creative Perspective Challenge!

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

June Book Reviews! #PatSpencer #CindyGeorgakas #KathleenHarryman #MarinaOsipova #CSBoyack #AudreyDriscoll #whattoread #writingcommunity

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

Oceanside: A Healing Place

By Pat Spencer

“Oceanside” is a short story that tackles a difficult subject, human trafficking. Although not too graphic it was brutally honest. A young girl meets an older man, and she keeps the relationship a secret from her family. He showers her with gifts until the worst thing that can happen does. This is something I think every parent should be talking about with their teens as these types of predators exist whether we want to think about it or not. It is a tough read, but it does offer kind people willing to help. I can easily recommend it

Celebrating Poetry

By Cindy Georgakas 

“Celebrating Poetry” is a beautiful collection that touched my heart and inspired me. Although it is a companion book to “Re-Create and Celebrate” it wasn’t necessarily for me to have read it, but I sure will be now. There are many poems I loved, and more importantly, felt, and I chose a few that I highlighted to share here. “Plans change in mid flight,/like birds who move south for the winter./Keep your vision as you adapt to the elements/and nest in the new beginnings and endings…”—Plans Change, “There’s always been music perhaps,/I just didn’t hear the symphony in the background./There’s always been color, but maybe I was in a dark place and/never looked up to see…”—There’s Always Been Music, “Silence births unspoken words/longing to find a home,/where noise is drowned,/sitting quietly amongst the redwoods…”—Root Like the Redwood, and “I breathe in the morning as it breathes into me./Slowly, savoring the moment between sleep and wakefulness,/lingering in the pause…”—Morning Prayer. This was poetry I connected to in many ways and can easily recommend this for all poetry lovers!

The Other Side of the Looking Glass

By Kathleen Harryman

Kate wakes up in a hospital room unable to remember anything about her past. Soon she learns she’s married to a man she doesn’t feel anything for. Laim her husband is a character I grew to hate completely while feeling for Kate. I liked how it was told through more than one POV which made some of it chilling reading. Some twists completely surprised me, but I don’t want to give anything away. I rooted for Kate and loved her strength in the worst of situations. This was a hard book to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. A great psychological thriller where murder is as easy as ordering a pizza, but with love weaved in there the unexpected happens. A story I can easily recommend.

BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die

By Marina Osipova

A newly married woman’s tour of the hospital where she was born quickly turns into time travel. Marion ended up in Germany in 1918 at Beelitz-Heilstatten. With a bump on her head, she is taken into the nursing program to care mostly for soldiers. She mingles with the people of this time with ease but feels repulsion for one patient for good reason. Her thoughts of what to do with a pillow to that man would have crossed the mind of any person who has seen the outcome in modern times. There is a relationship she develops with a doctor who she is drawn to. The attention to historical details is the jewel of this story and made this a page-turner. The descriptions and setting made this feel very real at times to me. There was a twist that pulled the two times together in a way I didn’t see coming. I can’t say enough about the research that had to be involved in writing this but it certainly held my interest in one of our darkest historical times. A story I can easily recommend.

Run for the Roses (The Hat Book 8) 

by C. S. Boyack

I love the Hat Series and always look forward to diving into this masterfully created world. Lizzie and the Hat mingle with some familiar faces and new ones. Lizzie is worried about paying the rent and bills and needs to work when the headless horseman asks for their help. It seems a witch is terrorizing the horses so she can pick the winning horse at the track. I immediately worried about the horses and hoped they would find the witch soon. As in all the stories, the humor is strong, especially between the Hat and Lizzie. That is a favorite part for me, along with the strong and flawed characters. Another story element to appreciate is how the music is woven in so naturally with the Hat as the manager of them. There’s a nod to a few missing bodies from the past that made me smile. Another great addition to the series that I read during a long plane flight, and it made the time speed by. This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend going back and reading it from the beginning. It’s worth it!

She Who Comes Forth

By Audrey Driscoll

“She Who Comes Forth” first reminded me of a historical mystery that veered into the paranormal with a big twist. Twenty-one-year-old France is accepted to work at an archaeological dig in Egypt in 1962. She takes clothes, her precious cello, and the emerald ring given to her by her step-grandfather and heads off on an exotic adventure. She handles an older man’s unwanted attention, a jealous wife, and a nuclear physicist who intrigues her. Along the way, she questions her grandfather’s past and things that happen around her that make her question what she believes. A favorite part of this story was the setting and detail of the history. It brought the story to life. One of the gritty directions surprised me the story took, but I still found myself captivated, wanting to know what happened next. This is a story I can easily recommend for those who love paranormal mysteries.

NOTE: Watch for tomorrow’s post and my exciting news 🙂

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge. D. L. Finn (Denise)

May Book Reviews! #BFRandall #ElizabethGauffreau #RobbieCheadle #jacquimurray #stacitroilo #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #sarahpenner #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Welcome to my May book reviews! These are four and five-star reads from April.

Three Gates to Hell: Hell’s Detours Can Lead to Heavenly Destinations

By B. F. Randall

“Three Gates to Hell” was a hard book to put down. It is a Christian suspense story set in the Bay Area, which caught my attention as I was born and raised there. Bobby is a prison chaplain in San Quentin who has received a request that he didn’t like. The story flashes back in his time in Vietnam to his career in the Oakland Police Department, and his family life. The little details made it feel like it was a real story being told, not fiction. Bobby is a devoted family man and a hardened cop with a heart. The gritty story weaves his progression to faith, creating a character I rooted for. A well-written faith-based novel I can highly recommend!

Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures

By DL Mullan, Barbara Harris Leonhard, Jude Kirya Itakali, Ivor Steven, Robbie Cheadle, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Gwen M. Plano, Elizabeth Gauffreau, David Bogomolny, Dawn Pasturino, Maggie Watson, Colleen M. Chesebro

I have enjoyed the Poetry Treasures collections and was eager to read this one. As always, I found a gifted group of international poets. I appreciate how it is set up with the author’s background and then the poetry. There’s symbolic and free-verse poetry with various topics and beautiful images to accompany them. I encountered both familiar and new poets, and each one of them pulled me with their words. A perfect book for a quiet afternoon or to wind down before you go to sleep. I can highly recommend this to any poetry lovers.

Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna

By Robbie Cheadle

This book, “Burning Butterflies”, offers insight into Southern Africa with stunning art, photos, and poetry. The paintings are stunning, and the personal pictures allowed me to immerse myself in a place I’ve never been. The words, though, not only entertained but educated me about animals I’ve only seen in the zoo. Plus, Ms. Cheadle followed up poems with additional details which I appreciated. I don’t want to pick a favorite poem because I felt like they worked together to tell a story. Worry is expressed for survival for some and how others survive. Plus, there’s a focus on the environment and what grows and blooms there. I can highly recommend this fantastic collection for those who not only care about our planet but love poetry, art, and nature.

Badlands (Savage Land #2)

By Jacqui Murray

The story continues as the different groups escape the volcano’s devastation. Yu’ung leaves her tribe in the hands of B’o as she accompanies the Old One to the mountain clan along with their proto-wolf. This allows the story to be told through more than one point of view and tribes as Yu’ung runs into issues that set them back. Despite the destruction of their environment, there persists a lack of trust among different tribes and species, but it also creates an opportunity for individuals who typically wouldn’t cooperate to do so. Having read the other series and the first book, I was eager to see what happened next. This story didn’t disappoint and had some twists and heart-stopping moments. The growth of Yu’ung into a strong leader is great to watch, and I have a soft spot for the wolves. Character integration feels seamless, yet identifying trustworthy individuals remains difficult. The details though are what draw me in and I feel like I understand as best I can the life our ancestors led. I can’t wait for the third book to see how the journey goes. I can highly recommend this, and it can be read as a standalone, but I’ve enjoyed reading it from the beginning and getting to know the characters better.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break

By Staci Troilo

“Weeping Boughs Don’t Break” is a family drama that focuses on a woman’s journey to independence, despite everything seeming against her. Claudia’s unexpected divorce is five years behind her. After suffering years of mental abuse and her husband’s cheating, she still lives in the house that carries all those memories, and all the debt. When her now-married ex-husband collapses, she gets a call from her children. They need her. So, as a good mother and a person who puts everyone in front of her, she goes to support them. But instead of giving that support, she finds out she’s responsible for making medical decisions for her ex. His current wife leaves unwilling to care for a sick man. Although Claudia reluctantly agrees to help because of her in-laws and kids, it takes a toll on her and reopens old wounds. The details of her Italian family and their faith added a special level to an already compelling situation. Plus, during all of this, she meets a kind, handsome man who befriends her, just when she needed it. A well-written Christian drama that I found hard to put down and can easily recommend!

The Conjurer’s Wife

By Sarah Penner

A young woman named Olivia is the wife of a famous magician in 1820s Venice. Suffering from amnesia after an accident, she helps her husband on stage, although she has no idea how he does his tricks. The husband appears to use her as a prop, but she is slowly rebelling. When one of their acts produces a fox, she immediately takes charge of it. Her care for the little fox leads her to search places she hasn’t been before. It’s here she discovers a secret. My theories regarding her fate were almost correct, but the truth still surprised me. A short story with an engaging historical setting and fantasy for those who like a bit of mystery, and a twist.

The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: a Cornelis Drebbel Adventure

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

“The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers” was my introduction to Ms. Geneviene a few years ago on her blog, part of a weekly series. So, it was fun to revisit the story and read it in a couple of sittings. Felicity is a Victorian woman who refuses to wear the painful corsets with her gowns, but is more comfortable in her trousers. She travels with an alchemist, Cornelius, who isn’t exactly alive. Felicity comes across a young girl, Copper, who needs their help as an orphanage is coming to collect her, with her father missing. Plus, it isn’t only the orphanage that’s interested, including some unusual chimpanzees. Because of the circumstances, Felicity and Cornelius are left with only one option: keep Copper safe. Their search for Copper’s father drives the plot, featuring harmonic tuners, a purple world, villains, and an unusual green fairy. Steampunk and fantasy elements spring to life through vivid settings. An imaginative story that not only kept me entertained but also invested me in Copper, Felicity, and Cornelius’s outcome. I can easily recommend it to those who love an enjoyable steampunk fantasy.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge, which is a week late due to my vacation. Will update soon on that!

Embrace your inner child by reading and reviewing a good book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

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

January Book Reviews! #JacquiMurray #IvyLogan #yvettemcalleiro #DWallacePeach #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustreads

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

Please note my fun news after the reviews!

Endangered Species (Savage Land #1)

By Jacqui Murray

I have been eager to read “Endangered Species.” The story continues focusing on the Neanderthals who are called the People and the Tall Ones who are the homo sapiens. Their lives are about daily survival and hunting, but nature plays a powerful role in this story as they face another challenge. Yu’ung, the healer’s daughter, is a young female in the People. She has been trained to be a hunter, heal, and lead. She has unique abilities to see and read the landscape better than anyone else, but she also gets visions guiding her. Shandar is a young male who doesn’t fit in, but he also gets visions and learns of his life’s path. I love that we are revisited by a favorite character from the past, Xhosa in these visions, along with some favorite canis. Shander and his canis pack’s quest is to find and save Yu’ung and her group while Yu’ung’s is to become the alpha or leader as nature changes their world. The setting is rich and detailed and I can imagine this world from 75000 years ago. It was good to see them cooking now over how their ancestors, like Xhosa, ate their food raw. Told through mainly Yu’ung and Shander’s POV, we do see the world through Yu’ung’s mother the healer’s eyes, and nature’s too. Yu’ung is a character I quickly fell in love with and was rooting for her and her group. I kept urging them to move on as their situation became more dire. A mesmerizing story based on well-researched history that I had a hard time putting down. I read it in two sittings. It is a gift when you can learn as well as be entertained. I highly recommend this and can’t wait for the next story in the series!

And Then You Were Gone

By Ivy Logan

Something has happened to Nina’s daughter, Sophie. I had some guesses about what that could have been but ended up being wrong. The story quickly dove into the past, leading to Nina’s current fears. This is told through Sophie’s diary and Nina’s introspection until Sophie’s narration. Nina had an unsuccessful youthful marriage but found her way in writing books and raising her beloved daughter. They were very close since her ex was no longer in the picture until the bullying began at school for Sophie. She seemed unable to get past it even with her best friend, Nick’s support. This story hooked me from the first page, and I read it in one sitting just to find out what happened to Sophie. While tackling some deep subjects like bullying and its psychological effects, it also dove into family, friendship, and a mother’s love. Unexpected events followed Nina’s well-intentioned efforts. A well-written story that I can highly recommend!

Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

By D. Wallace Peach

Erith is half human and half charmed/magical and lives in between worlds. She has replaced her deceased mother as The Seasons’ Weaver and has been given the burden of weaving the next season into existence. On the eve of spring, she takes a tapestry into the charmed land. Instead of it being a simple process of changing winter into spring, the King of Winter refuses to allow the change. He insists she continues his season by only weaving winter, but the human world can’t survive if spring doesn’t come. Unprepared for this magical world, she is at a loss on how to fight for what she knows needs to be done. I could easily empathize with Erith as the odds seemed stacked against her, but she didn’t completely give up, either. The relationship between Erith and Autumn’s Prince was easy to root for and the attraction was immediate. The setting was lush and vividly painted, drawing me into both worlds, one of humans and one of magic. In a place where Erith must learn who to trust, she also must trust herself. That is one of my favorite parts as she learns who she is and her place in the world. I recommend this well-written fantasy that had me hooked, eager to discover what would unfold next.

A Christmas Homecoming: A Short Story

By Yvette M Calleiro

Mary has lost her beloved adoptive parents. After spending a year with her cold grandmother, she inherits not only her parents’ money but an address for her birth parents. Having nothing to lose, she hops on a plane to Miami at Christmas. She was told they wanted her to meet them when she turned eighteen but started second-guessing that. What if things had changed? Mary goes from the only home she’s known to a bright, warm world, and a culture she knows nothing about. I love how open she is to meeting her birth parents, but simultaneously giving her chosen parents all the love they deserve for giving her a good life. Each step of her journey she reflects on her past and possible future. Although a fast read, I was involved with Mary’s quest and felt the emotions with her. I can highly recommend this beautiful short story for the holiday season, or anytime, that shows the strength and bond of love and family.

NOTE: Next week I’ll be sharing my Creative Perspective Challenge. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. There will be an image to inspire you to write flash fiction or poetry. I’d like to keep the word count under 1000 words, but if it goes over no worries, sometimes the story decides for us. The following week I’ll post all the links of those who participated. To start off it will be once a month, the week following my Book Reviews. More information next week!

Embrace your inner child in 2025 and read a good story! D. L. Finn

October Book Reviews! @BalroopShado @Virgilante @stacitroilo @Jina_Bazzar @StevieTurner6 @DanDwayneSpenc1 @PaulaCappa1 @AlexanderZPain #writingcommunity #whattoread #readinglist

Here are the books I read in September that were four stars and higher. Sure was a great reading month. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Tracks of Infinity
by C. S. Boyack

Jenny’s reporter career takes a step backward as she is moved to desk work. Cody, her son, needs to write a paper to pass a college science class. While searching work folders, Jenny discovers something intriguing to both her and Cody. They take a day to investigate and stumble upon something curious. Cody’s Professor confirms it’s not a usual find. Things change rapidly after this as they become aware they are being followed. A fellow student, Bai, joins forces with them as they try to find the truth and report it. The relationship between mother and son is fun and natural, as they always seem to have each other’s back. Cody’s focus on sounds and how to make them had me thinking about sound effects in movies. I found that part very interesting. Bai was my favorite character though, as she was just herself and very skilled at electronics, which helped them. It was also good to see the radio show from “The Hat” make a few appearances, too.  This story was not only entertaining but also left me thinking. I can easily recommend “Tracks of Infinity.”

Just One Goodbye: Poems from the Heart

By Balroop Singh

When Ms. Singh unexpectedly lost her beloved husband, she turned to poetry as a way of expressing her grief. The first year she wrote through the seasons and found a way to share deep pain that I don’t think I’d be capable of doing. I have always admired Ms. Singh’s well-written poetry but in this collection, she made me empathize and understand as best I could without having gone through this loss. This quick read was not only a testament to a profound love but trying to make sense of it all. Every poem was powerful, and many brought tears, but I won’t share my favorites like I usually do because a couple of sentences can’t capture the emotions behind them. A collection I can highly recommend to not only poetry lovers but those who have known the sudden loss of a loved one.

Born for Revenge

By Staci Troilo

A missing teenage girl comes back after a year. She is uncommunicative and offers no insight into what happened to her. Two other girls are missing, and Detectives Cabe and Holden are determined to find those girls, but their families aren’t cooperating either. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop reading, eager to find out what happened next. The story weaves an insightful perspective from an unknown narrator, revealing the reasons behind the events without disclosing the individual involved. My favorite characters and relationships between them are the two detectives, Cabe, and Holden. One of them had a side story and another mystery to solve. I liked their banter, humor, loyalty, and determination. Finding the girls is at the heart of the story with many unexpected twists, making me reconsider my guess of who was behind the kidnappings. A captivating mystery with relatable characters that I strongly recommend.

My Grandmother, The Dinosaur Hunter (The Grandmother Protectorate #1)

By Jina S. Bazzar

An eleven-year-old boy and his younger sister visit their grandmother. One night, they follow her to the edge of the forest. When the grandmother disappears, they follow her. They end up in another world called Cruxil. They quickly find themselves in trouble and need help. It’s here they not only find out they didn’t know their grandmother like they thought, but they might be just like her. A fast and fun middle-grade read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Fantasy based with a dinosaur, hydra, and a large frog, unlike the ones back on earth, it dove into family relationships and doing the right thing. This is a book I will eagerly share with my granddaughters, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it!

Farewell: A Short Story

By Stevie Turner

A fun short story about an aging rock group pulling themselves together for a sold-out tour. They add in a new backup singer Baz met in rehab and head to get some practice in. The new guy, Steve, was my favorite character and the one I was rooting for. Wives and girlfriends were included in this reunion and mixed in were jealousy, some drug use, flirting, and band practice. It seemed to be pulling together when the old backup singer arrived. Everything changed one night when something terrible happened and the police became involved. A coverup starts. The killer’s identity came as no surprise, but the unfolding of events proved fascinating. A different type of read for me that I enjoyed, especially the music part.

Dog Walk of the Apocalypse: A Short Story About One Man, One Dog, and One Zombie

By Alexander Pain

A fun short story about a man who takes his dog for a late-night walk. He doesn’t expect to run into a zombie and calls the police. I laughed out loud at the ending and the modern treatment of zombies. I will be reading more from this author and can easily recommend this quick read.

Hildie at the Ghost Shore

By Paula Cappa

While creating delicate lace, Hildie is interrupted by a sailor. He requests she do a rune reading for him so he can contact his beloved daughter, who has passed. The eerie setting and detailed rune readings added depth to the ghost story, drawing me into Hildie’s world. The conclusion was quite touching. I was immediately captivated by the second bonus story, igniting my curiosity about that world. A girl goes to live with her grandfather. He takes a daily walk at noon, forbidding her to join him. This is a prequel, and I am eager to read the book that follows. A quick and satisfying read and I can easily recommend it.

A Christmas Season in Hell: A Short Story

by Dan-Dwayne Spencer

Aston is a bored English college professor. It’s Christmas break, and a student gets him to promise to read his story, something Aston doesn’t want to do. As he is getting ready to go home for his quiet holiday, the floor gives, and he ends up in a secret room from when the building was a theater. Luckily, his injuries aren’t too severe, and he discovers a source of water, but there is no one left at the school to be aware of his predicament. It’s here he finds a skeleton and a diary. The direction the story took next surprised me and I couldn’t put it down. An engaging short story that I recommend!

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

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 

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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.
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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:
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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

July Book Reviews! @teagangeneviene #writingcommunity #mustread #readersoftwitter #bookreviews #readersoffacebook

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

The Rabbit Hole: A Short Story

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

“The Rabbit Hole” is a fresh adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” Liddie is in a strange place but finds guidance through her friends, Catty, and Loco Hatley. A special tea helps her clear her head as they go out into this reality. I was a big fan of not only Liddie but Catty and Loco too. Although a fast read, it doesn’t feel incomplete. It’s a fantastic take on a classic with a modern twist. I can easily recommend this well-written story!

Lunar Gazing Haiku

By Dawn Pisturino

“Lunar Gazing Haiku” is a collection of 62 haiku poems that cover subjects including season, moon gazing, supernatural, and emotions. While I enjoyed all the poems, there are a couple that stood out to me, such as: “Passion burns, hurts, scars/The tender flesh of my heart/Feeling life again.”—Passion, “leaves rustle in the trees/withered gold-brown-red treasures/blowing far away.”—Leaves, “Words sprinkle across/The paper like fairy dust/Shining with magic.”—Words, and “Monsters lurk in dark/Corners where nightmares come true/Frightened children scream.”—Monsters. This chapbook is meant for endless reading. If you’re a fan of poetry, I can easily recommend this to you.

The Last Pilgrim

By Noelle A. Granger

“The Last Pilgrim” is an amazingly detailed and well-written story focused on Mary Allerton Cushman’s life. Four-year-old Mary and her family were on the Mayflower, wanting to start a new life with the freedom to practice their religion. They squeezed together below deck with many other families, enduring limited food, water, and no hygiene. The boat faced various obstacles, such as sickness and scurvy, but upon reaching land and finding a suitable place, the survivors had to hastily construct a shelter for the cold winter. They were a hardy group who not only pulled together to accomplish their survival, but I found it captivating how they pieced together a group of people with a dream of a better life into a functioning society. What caught my attention was the strong women with limited voice or rights. They were equal in the colony’s success as the men and, at times, surpassed them. Some medical treatments and punishments given to lawbreakers made me cringe. Mary’s daily life and the surrounding people were as fascinating as the politics and religion. Although a long read, I didn’t even notice because I was so drawn in. I can highly recommend this historical fiction!

“Telling Sonny” is a heartfelt story set in the 1920s. Faby is a bored small-town girl who catches the eye of a vaudeville performer, Slim White. They enjoy each other’s company for the week the show performs there. Despite things going too far on the last night, Faby moves on as he promises to stay in touch. He doesn’t, and she finds herself in trouble. Although Faby finds him, and he does the right thing. Now, Faby is married to a stranger and they are currently traveling together. The attention to detail pulled me deep into this drama. Faby is relatable, and I was rooting for her. Even though the book starts with an older Faby having to relay unwelcome news, the story goes back and relives her life up to that point. I couldn’t stop hoping she would find happiness on her journey, but it quickly became clear that Faby was just along for the ride as she explored new places. An exceptionally written coming-of-age, historical fiction, that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Congrats to my Blog Tour Winners: $10 Amazon Gift Card goes to Jan on day 3 (John W Howell’s Fiction Favorites) and $5 Amazon Gift Card goes to Debra on day 4 (Jacqui Murray’s Word Dreams)!
Thank you to all who stopped by and offered your support on the tour 🙂
Read a good book and embrace your inner child, D. L. Finn

June Book Reviews! @TonyaWrites @EichinChangLim @JillWeatherholt @piketoni1 @supermegawoman @Marjorie_Mallon #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustread #bookreviews

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

Baubles to Die For ( A Shell Island Mystery Book 1)

By Tonya Penrose

A widow who runs a bookstore, Page, is on vacation with her cousin Betsy at a seaside she had inherited. While Page contemplates selling the house, she gets an intuition about a neighbor. In the past, the cousins have been involved in murders and helped the police solve them with Page’s gift. Despite her vow to stay out of it, there’s a murder and theft that require investigation. Plus, the good-looking neighbor intrigues Page, who appears to be involved somehow in it. I liked how Page and Betsy connected with their zest for life and their effortless humor. The author’s vivid description of the setting enabled me to easily imagine myself sitting on the beach with them. A sweet, cozy mystery with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. A great start to A Shell Island Mystery Series with two entertaining middle-aged sleuths.

Ultimate Revenge: A Thrilling and Suspenseful Short Story

By Eichin Chang-Lim

Russell has tried to put his past behind him after going to jail for delivering a package. His wife waited for him, and they have a beautiful daughter together, yet revenge eats away at him. One day, he sees the man who gave him that package and then disappears after Russell is arrested. Russell plans what he considers justice. Although this is a sequel to “Love, A Tangled Knot,” which I haven’t read, I had no problem following the story. As Russell succumbs to hatred and anger, he ventures into a realm from which he may not be able to escape. I was rooting for Russell that he would make the right decision when the time came, and he’d put that energy into his healing and family. Despite being a quick read, it was still rich in depth. The additional flash fiction section was a treat and made this a fantastic read that I can easily recommend.

Her Son’s Faithful Companion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

I am happy to be back in Bluebell Canyon. It’s a town I would want to live in. Caitlyn has come back to her childhood home to fix and sell it. She is an ex-barrel racer who is under a load of debt from her adopted son’s epilepsy. Although she needs to make this sale, the town’s excessive kindness makes it hard for her to leave. Seeing characters from “Their Inseparable Bond” and meeting new ones was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing Caitlyn, Henry, and neighbor Logan’s special bond develop. While Caitlyn wants to do things for herself and Henry and move back home, it’s heartwarming to see people step up for them in big and small ways. The epilepsy was handled well, and I could relate because I had a father who had it and a daughter who outgrew it. Although, I worried when Caitlyn didn’t share that her son had it but understood Henry wanted to feel normal for a bit. I loved the duck, Donald, and Henry’s attachment to her and why. This Christian Romance is a delightful blend of rich settings and small-town kindness that I highly recommend.

Warning Signs

By Carol Balawyder

Eugene, the serial killer, meets a woman he feels he can trust. Angie is that young woman who has spent years caring for her addicted mother and all she wants is to be loved. Detective Van Ray is trying to stop the man who is killing young girls. The story is told from all their points of view and dives into the psychological effects of abuse, loneliness, determination, and blind love. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, some more than others. I couldn’t help but worry for Angie, who ignored all the warning signs in her relationship. I wondered if love could be the answer to everything or her undoing. Each character was flawed in their way and would go beyond what is expected in certain situations. Detective Vay Ray just wanted the truth, but Eugene was searching for a cure to stop a side of himself. It all blended as certain facts emerged to the surface, but that only added to more possibilities. A thrilling page-turner that kept me engaged as I sped to the conclusion.

Shh, Purely Poetry

By M.J. Mallon

A loving collection of poetry that delicately weaves in relationships at many stages. Many are sensual, full of texture and images, and some offer unique takes on human interaction. Here are a few beautiful passages: “The Sweetness/The longing/Each kiss deeper/different and the same/Like I belonged to more than him/Like I belonged to the poetry.”؅—Dining on Poetry, “…beautiful calligraphy to highlight/tiny ink splodges to add character/tear drops to remind me of sad days.”—Love Hidden In the Margin, and “She is fair and I am dark/Slight and I am robust/We fill our together/completing our silhouettes.”—Silhouettes. “Shh, Purely Poetry” is meant to be savored more than once by lovers of sensuous and thoughtful poems.

Linda’s Midlife Crisis

By Toni Pike

Linda is celebrating her fiftieth birthday surrounded by friends at a party her husband, Ron, provided. Although it seemed like a nice gesture on Ron’s part, he gave a speech that quickly summed up how he treated his wife. I immediately thought Linda should leave him, but she smiled it away, which showed how beaten down she was. She was also a teacher, a profession she’d loved until the support for teachers faded away under a new principal. This all spiraled into an event at her work that pushed her into a breakdown. When Ron lost patience in caring for his recovering wife, he left. Here, in the darkest part of Linda’s life, she found a strength she didn’t know she had. Healing began and her voice emerged. At first, I cringed at the treatment Linda allowed her husband to get away with. He was truly a horrible person. Even when he appeared to be defending his wife, it quickly twisted and became about him. When Linda took control of her life, I cheered for her. She found ways to improve her mental and physical health, step by step. There was a shocking twist at one point, but she was finally at a point to deal with it. I loved how far she went and was open to being happy again. It was satisfying that Ron got what was coming to him, too. A wonderful story of second chances and healing after an emotionally abusive marriage. I can easily recommend “Linda’s Midlife Crisis.”

Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone Amanda Travels #4

By Darlene Foster

Amanda stays close to home in this story when her friend, Leah, visits her from England. They explore her beautiful area and go to Calgary Stampede, take a horse ride with Mary, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and explore a museum. Amanda finds a rock that someone dropped with strange writing. She hangs on to it, wanting to ask Mary about it. Unfortunately, the rock has the interest of some unsavory men. I loved exploring Alberta with Amanda. It’s a place I am very curious about since my grandmother was born there. There is attention to detail in the setting and the lifestyle that I found fascinating. The relationship between Amanda and Leah was more like sisters than friends, and Amanda’s family was very welcoming. The history of the tribes and rodeos made me want to plan my next vacation there. Another wonderful adventure with Amanda that is wonderful for middle-grade readers and those young at heart. I can easily recommend “Amanda in Alberta.”

Mystical Greenwood

By Andrew McDowell

In this YA fantasy, fifteen-year-old Dermot works as an apprentice with his father, trying to overcome his rebellious past. He has a somewhat strained relationship with his mother and favored younger brother, Brian. Everything changes though, when a rare sighting of a gryphon leads to him clinging to the giant creature while the village tries to shoot it down. He ends up in the forest being helped by a recluse woman and her grandson for his injuries. Once she tends to him, Dermot ends up at the edge of the forest. Returning home, he has a run-in with the sheriff, who isn’t a fan of the young man. After this event, things change between the brothers as a small level of trust develops between them, especially when Dermot sneaks his younger brother into the forest to meet the woman. Then, the brothers must come together and join forces when the village is attacked. I am drawn in by the good vs evil theme as the good embraces nature the evil seeks to destroy it. Some of my favorite characters are the recluse woman, her grandson, and the animals, including thegryphon, unicorns, and dog. These two boys find themselves thrown into a battle they aren’t prepared for. I appreciated the amount of attention to detail that presented this world clearly, but it was the times spent with the boys or people fleeing that held me captive. The forest and animals came to life and made me root for their safety. A unique tale that fueled a battle that will continue into the second book that I have on preorder.

NOTE: I will be on vacation next week. So, it will be quiet here and on social media, other than a special post tomorrow. I will be over on Story Empire on June 12th. I’ll be back on June 18th.

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