SueWickstead – Author D.L. Finn

December Book Reviews! #SueWickstead #DGKaye #RobbieCheadle #joanhall #stacitroilo #mustread #writingcommunity

Here are the books I read in November that are four stars or higher.

A Ticket to Ride: Stories and Rhymes

This is a fun collection of stories, poems, and beautiful illustrations. I like nothing more than the engaging flow of rhymes to read aloud to children, but even reading it alone, it brought a smile. The stories mixed in are charming with just the right amount of silliness, and a bonus was the jokes I know would bring a smile to a young child and the reader. A quick and enjoyable read that would be a great gift to parents and grandparents for story time. I can recommend this for all young readers and those who read to them!

About the Real Stages of Grief: A Journey Through Loss

By D.G. Kaye

The death of a loved one, especially if it’s a soul mate, is a subject I don’t like to think about. I wouldn’t usually read books on this subject, but I’ve read this author and knew it would be handled well. I wasn’t wrong; this was a quick read but had a lot of depth. Ms. Kaye was open and honest with her feelings, and I could see myself reacting in several of the same ways. Everyone loses someone they love and will have to deal with the grief that follows. Most shy away from thinking about the death of a loved one, much less know how to comfort one who contends with it. This book opens a dialogue and lets the reader know that no one is alone through the process; there is support and help, but sometimes we just need to feel what we are feeling. I know it is healing to write, but reading it can be equally healing. After closing the book, I take away the author’s journey and know that when I need this insight, it will be there, waiting. This is a book I can easily recommend.

Something Fancy A Winter Wonderland Celebration Book One

By Robbie Cheadle

This was an amazing collection of recipes, poetry, photos, and history! I loved the history, which included Christmas cakes and gingerbread houses. The images of the fondant creations showcased the author’s talent in creating some magic in the holiday season. Plus, the included recipes made me want to go bake something. A fast read packed with so much that I can highly recommend, especially to inspire during the holiday season.

Edge of Twilight: Legends of Madeira

By Joan Hall

I read the first two in the “Legends of Madeira” and loved them. So I dove into this third story as soon as it was released. It did not disappoint, and I think this is Ms. Hall’s best story to date. A dual timeline set in the 1870s and the present on a ranch outside Madeira. In the present time, Blaire escapes a loveless marriage and finds out she’s inherited a cattle ranch from a grandfather she thought had been dead for years. The story starts in the past with a young wife, Julia, in a loveless marriage to Nathan, and a new ranch hand who is running from something in his past. In both timelines, there is a strange phenomenon of lights. Legend says they are around buried treasures. This leads to greed in both times, but with any legend, there is a consequence. I loved Blaire and her journey to find what she wanted in her life. Her relationship with Eric, who ran the ranch, had a rough start, but they developed a quick friendship. But there are secrets, theft, and murder that make this hard to put down. As with Blaire, I was rooting for Julia in her time, too. The settings were detailed enough so I felt like I was watching the sunset with the characters. The pup Blaire inherited was a favorite; who wouldn’t want that loyal companion by their side? A well-written dual timeline mystery that I can easily recommend!

Raised to Kill (Paxton & Walsh Mysteries Book 2)

By Staci Troilo

I loved the first book in this series and was happy to see the detectives back in the second book. I was plunged into the story when Detective Walsh responded to a call after getting back from vacation. Not only was he forced to help someone who had hurt his daughter, but he became a suspect. What at first seemed like unrelated crimes appeared to have a common thread, if they could find it. I love the relationship between Walsh and Paxton; they always have each other’s backs. Additionally, the story examines family relationships and how they adapt to having a detective in the family. There was a side story that broke my heart, and I really felt the emotions. As many guesses as I had, none of them were right. This well-written story was hard to put down. I highly recommend this and hope there will be more to come!

COMING UP

The final two stops of my blog tour are this week on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t miss them 🙂
Next week, on December 9th, is the final Creative Perspective of this year. I think you are going to like this month’s image.
Then I will do the last Books That Changed Me on December 15th, followed by the results for the Creative Perspective Challenge on December 16th.
That’s it for 2025!

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book this holiday season! D. L. Finn (Denise)

March Book Reviews! #teripolen #suewickstead #TWDittmer#RobbieCheadle #DanAlatorre #nicholasRossis #johnhowellauthor #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Here are the great books I read in February (or were released in that month) that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Barty Barton: The Bear that was loved too much

By Sue Wickstead

Barty was a fluffy brown bear that was loved by Thomas. Time passed, and Thomas left, while Barty stayed. When Thomas was about to have his own baby, he rejected his old friend because of his appearance. This is when Barty and his friends are offered a makeover. This was a sweet story that kind of reminded me of Toy Story and the toys’ loyalty to their child. Colorful illustrations and the story drew me in, and I can see a beginning reader loving it, too. This would also make a great family-time read. I can easily recommend this story!

A Spooky Tale: A walk with our teacher

By Sue Wickstead

This is a charming book for beginning readers or for family reading time. A class doesn’t want to go on a walk, and we soon find out why they don’t feel so well. They run into a ghost, crocodile, dinosaur, a slippery waterfall, and many other things. I loved the students’ response, but I especially enjoyed how the teacher reacted at the end—I don’t blame her! Included is a map of their walk. The book’s illustrations are beautiful, and I read it on my phone to appreciate the colors and details. It would make a fantastic gift or a wonderful addition to any family’s collection of children’s books!

The Gemini Connection

By Teri Polen

“The Gemini Connection” is an engaging YA science fiction novel. Evan and Simon are twins who share a unique bond while living on a dying planet. Simon is talented and favored by their parents. He is recruited to help save their world. Evan is well-liked, but deep down, he feels his parents’ disapproval. When Simon disappears after his mentor is imprisoned in another realm, Evan feels guilty and lost without their connection. He becomes a bender who enters people’s minds to help heal them if possible. Still, his main focus is to find his brother. His brother’s partner, who happens to be his worst enemy, is someone from whom he will need assistance. I appreciate the relationship between Simon and Evan; it embodies pure love that, although severed, remains. While Evan lacks support from his distant parents, he does have his best friend, Syd, and a job where he flourishes. I also like how the narrative shifts perspectives between Evan and Simon, providing a comprehensive view of each character’s thoughts. This story explores not only family and brotherhood but also themes of power, corruption, and unique abilities. I found it to be a real page-turner, making it difficult to put down. I can easily recommend this!

Five-Toed Tigress

By T.W. Dittmer

I loved the first book I read by Mr. Dittmer, “The Valley Walker” and was eager to read “Five-Toed Tigress.” This story took off as an FBI thriller with paranormal and sexual tensions mixed in. Hawke is a vet recruited into the FBI. He is introduced to his beautiful new boss, Tulene, and an equally attractive chain-smoking partner, Gundrum. Hawke tries to keep things professional as he learns about his new job, while deeply yearning for a woman from his past. He is quickly thrown into a case where his military background is a tremendous asset in saving Tulene and Gundrum. There seem to be ties to Cambodia and characters from “The Valley Walker.” There is also a group that wants to cause harm, a rich man no one can touch, and something stalking humans in the forest. The attention to detail, including the military, made this feel even more real to me. I enjoyed the relationship between Hawke and his partner and was sometimes confused by his boss, which left me wondering how it would all play out. The best part was the unknown and how that weaved into Hawke’s life. A strong man, bearing life’s burdens, he consistently strived for righteousness. This is a very layered and unusual story that held my attention from the first chapter to the very end. I can highly recommend this one, especially to those who love a good thriller with paranormal mixed in.

Spellbound The Box Under the Bed #4

By Dan Alatorre, Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Contributor), M.D. Walker (Editor/Contributor), Ellen Best, Kaye Booth, Alana Turner, Christine Valentor, Nick Vossen, Anne Marie Andrus, Adele Marie Park, M.J. Mallon, Dabney Farmer, Ernesto San Giacomo, Betty Valentine, Geoff LePard, Frank Parker, Joanne R. Larner

A wonderfully scary collection of authors and stories. There are many stories I enjoyed consisting of authors I was familiar with and some new ones. Here are a few examples, “I watched as his arm changed into a wing, large as an angel’s, black as onyx. The other followed, and he transformed into a grotesque thing, unnatural and twofold. Half man, half swan.”—The Most Valuable Skill by Christine Valentor. “I woke to the sound of my own shrill screaming. The same nightmare, the one that constantly haunted my dreams when the climate control was out, now entrenched the strange images in my head. I was staring out a window, unable to breathe, as my parents’ bodies drifted through the cold, dark space.”— Holly and George by MD Walker. “Today was the day. In all technicality, it would be tonight, but that didn’t matter. It had been a month since the last time. The Beast was clawing at the walls to be free once more. It would get its way tonight. It would only have to be patient, twelve more hours. I would bide our time until then.”—The Killer Wolf by Alana Turner. “Some one comes. Yes, yes. No, not mistress. She is gone. I told you she is beyond our reach. Be quiet! They come. They will see us. Back. Back.”—Mirror by Adele Marie Park. Here’s the one that still haunts me with its stark reality, “The emperor’s main advisor, the High Priest of the capital city of Cusco, addressed the deity. ‘The mountain gods are angry and need to be appeased before they will send rain and restore life to our crops. A Capacocha ceremony is necessary. You must advise the chiefs to bring their sacrificial offering to the city at once and I will arrange their distribution through the empire. I will lead the ceremony at which the purest and most beautiful children will be offered.’” —Death is About Choices by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This is a good anthology for those who enjoy short horror stories where you get sixteen different styles presented to you.

Everyone Hates This Restaurant: An illustrated children’s book

By Nicholas C. Rossis

Mr. Rossis dedicated “Everyone Hates This Restaurant” to his daughter, who loves sweets. The illustrations are vivid and fun, adding to the delightful theme of the story. The family dislikes a restaurant, and it’s explained why, but still the daughter insists on going to it. It isn’t a place I’d like to eat at either with the things described, although I can fully understand her reason for wanting to go there. They have the best desserts. Who doesn’t love a good dessert? This is a story that parents can read to their children or it’s suitable for beginning readers. This would make a great gift for younger readers, and I can easily recommend it.

Detour on the Eternal Road

by John W. Howell

This has been a series I have thoroughly enjoyed, and I was looking forward to reading the third story. It didn’t disappoint and veered off into a time-traveling mystery. It was great to see all the main characters back, especially James, Sam, and the Oldsmobile, and their current souls to save. Lucifer is also around with his signature humor, although at times I wished he’d go away and leave them alone, but he always did make it a page-turner. There was a nice blend of history and current affairs, and I found it hard to put down during any of their excursions or just in general. I was touched to see a fellow author who we lost as a character. What a great tribute to him. There were some twists, and one completely took me by surprise. This series has taken us to our past, present, and future while growing relationships and making us wonder if this is how it will be. A fantastic story that I can highly recommend.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge #3!

Watch for special post Wednesday 🙂

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

#CreativePerspectiveChallenge Extra Entry! @JayJayBus #flashfiction #authorchallenge #writingcommunity

I’m thrilled another story just came in from Sue Wickstead for the challenge! Sue graciously allowed me to debut it here. I will add any late responses to the original post, and you can always find them on my website if you miss any.

Lonely girl on a cliff
by Sue Wickstead

The rains had fallen all night. The constant howling of the winds had added to the noise. With flashes of light and thunderous booms sleep had come erratically.

Nestleing down under her covers Bella tried to sleep. She seemed to doze but each time she awoke she could still hear the rain falling heavily on the roof of her house. At least she was warm and dry and out of the chilly blasts of the wind.

Turning over she snuggled down further as the sound of the storm raged on.

Come morning she still felt tired. It was gloomy and dark outside and she was tempted to stay tucked up in bed at least here she was safe and warm.

At least the rain was falling less heavily now as wearily she roused herself and got up. Drawing back the curtains she looked out at the soggy scene.

The dark grey clouds still swirled overhead, threatening to drop more rain at any moment. The gusting winds blew the clouds about rolling and stirring them up.

In the distance she could see the occasional flash of thunder and counting the seconds to the arrival of the thunder clap she was unsure whether the storm was passing on or whether trapped by the distant hills was ready to roll back once more.

As another flash of light shot across the scythe exploding boom definitely sounded closer once more.

She watched as Mother Nature seemed to play a game with the weather.

The clouds overhead continued to swirl getting nearer and blacker. Winds were again picking up a pace.

Bella took a deep breath. The storm was trapped, it couldn’t pass the high hills. There was a definite feeling of fear in the atmosphere.

It was time to call on the powers of ‘The Weather Witch’.

Bella had studied and learnt the law of the weather but shied away from using it.

Nature could be unpredictable, so she had used her ‘powers’ when absolutely necessary and only when no-one was around.

But the fear in the wind and the rain was growing, she could feel it all around her. She knew she had to at least try.

If she could calm the storm she would be able to smile to herself knowingly. But, if she couldn’t no-one would know that she had failed. This would be a test of her powers.

Bella picked up her cloak and wrapping it around her she pulled her hood over her head and headed down to the viaduct over the ravine.

Below, the normally gentle river which would tumble along lazily, now had swelled with its waters swirling around the columns of the arched way below. It certainly wasn’t a lazy journey today.

As Bella stood on the viaduct, she could feel the angry storm building up once more.

The dark grey clouds were rolling back toward her.

A flock of black crows rose into the sky cawing loudly as the wind buffeted them along.

The hood of her cloak fell from her head as the winds picked up once more. Her long hair blew behind her.

She stood firm and looked up at the skies above, swirling and rumbling ready to drop their pouring rain once more.

Looking up at the skies above she took a deep breath. She had to at least try to quell the fury of this storm.

She felt alone and vulnerable but at least there would be no witness to her success or her failure.

Taking a deep breath she whispered words of the wather. She lifted her hands high and called. She began to chant words to calm the skies. She clapped her hands and clicked her fingers to try to break the anger of the storm.

The winds swished around her as if they would push her from the viaduct and into the swirling river waters below.

But, Bella stood firm, closing her eyes and chanting.

She motioned up the valley where the hills formed a gap and she pushed her hands before her.

The gusting winds blew around her once more but the rain didn’t come.

A flash of light broke the black clouds and the trailing boom of thunder boomed off as it left.

Bella stood and watched as the black clouds squeezed through the gap in the distant hills. As the storm moved on.

Bella stayed motionless watching as the storm receded. The distant thunder and lightening becoming further away now.

One more flash from beyond the hill tops seemed to echo a farewell.

The dark grey clouds began to lighten.

Bella had stayed long enough and turning headed for home.

Bella smiled to herself.

Did I do that?

No-one would ever know, not even Bella.

But perhaps, just perhaps, it could have been her, ‘The Weather Witch’.