Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kudos to the author! I found this tale to be witty, and it gave me pause as I reflected on some of my own poor choices. Is this a psychological thriller? Is it a redemption story? Journey along with the protagonist as she learns that it’s not all about her.
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new kind of Cinderella story. There is an evil stepmother, and a nearly-comatose father. There is a step-sister (only one, though), but she seems kind of …nice? There are rats, and there is a ball. The author has thoroughly captivated my attention, and now I can’t wait to read more of her works! The characters in this story- the somewhat familiar ones, as the unique ones- have run away with the storyline, and readers will enjoy being dragged along for this!
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author has an original take on the myth of Bigfoot. A creature feared and hunted has been framed for dastardly slayings. The characters come to life through clever illustrations. Readers will be glad they picked this one- the ultimate in escapism. The theme of small-town life versus big-city life is explored, through the lens of the author’s protagonist.
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book to read because of the title. To be frank, I knew it was a war memoir, but I was thinking seashells, not mortar shells. Once I recovered from my chagrin, I devoured the book. It is quite poignant and timely since we have the war in Ukraine going on presently. At one point, the author was sent to live with her grandmother, who was born in the same year as my grandmother. This memoir brings to life the daily details of living through a war to those of us who haven’t had the misfortune to experience such tragedy.
Noah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic read! I laughed out loud as I read this book. It was so whimsical and humorous for an apocalyptic tale. The author has a unique take on her post-apocalyptic world. A group of tweens and teens are heroic- but, do heroes exist without villains? Read to find out!
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This volume of poetry is quite interesting. Having recently completed a unit of poetry with my high school students, I was happy to come across this gem. The rich vocabulary is evocative. The rhythm is very musical. The rhyme schemes are pleasing to the ear, whether read aloud or silently. The author refers often to pop culture, and the poems are steeped in musical history, both of which serve to engage the reader.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author really knocks it home with this one! Two previous storylines wrap up in this book. I really like how a former plot that was only so-so resolved, became well and truly resolved. Characters that have previously been on the bench, so to speak, get brought up to bat in this story. The author gives nods to history, with a famous detective agency, as well as bicycles, and the still-new automobiles. This book features a strong female protagonist, and loving family/chosen family bonds.
Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great mystery read. This book features a private detective agency run by a husband-and-wife team. Three seemingly unrelated cases merge together in an explosive conclusion. I really enjoyed the characters of the private detectives, especially as they sought ways to let people have control and even dignity throughout the revelation of some pretty tough truths to handle. I wish that we as humankind in general sought ways to preserve the dignity of others.
The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fabulous book! I love the what-if concept of this take on real-life events. I find the characters to be written very well. They are believable. The heroine takes my breath away with her grit and determination to do all that she can for her siblings, as well as her family’s reputation. She comes to consider how the actions of her family may have looked to outsiders. As an added bonus, there will be more books to follow in this series.
Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is full of action and adventure! The book is set in a small rural hospital amidst a brutal blizzard. I love to watch medical dramas, so the setting of this book is a bonus for me. The two main characters are star-crossed lovers who have been reunited by a crisis. This book contains themes of native mysticism and abuse of power.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, my word! What a wonderful, beautiful story! A pampered young woman is betrayed by family and left to fend for herself in a patriarchal world. She learns to do things for herself, and for others. At the same time, she learns to fall in love. Although she falls in love, she still plans to provide for herself and earn her own income. This a lesson for all women, especially modern women of today.
Destiny of Light by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! The author does not disappoint as she wraps up this series! Sci-fi meets religion. The characters are engaging, and the storyline moves at a believable pace. Who knows? Perhaps these events could really happen, and maybe they have already begun. I am sad to leave behind these characters- some of whom I had started to think of as my friends.
Frozen by Lies by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a treat! This book features strong family ties. A forbidden romance begins to bloom between two members of feuding families. This is not the typical Hatfield-McCoy feud, but the twist is that these family groups each have special powers. The magic of Christmas is juxtaposed against the power of the solstice. This book is the fabulous first in the beginning of a wonderful series!
A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is part of a series, but a great stand-alone read. This is a classic who-done-it and it has mysteries within the mystery. The characters are well- developed, and the plot moves along at a good pace. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good, clean, book in which the author does not have to resort to sordid details (that is the plot device of a poor story). This is an excellent mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Without giving away any plot points, I think I can safely say that the author has managed to delve into yet another aspect of humanity. Issues that the world experienced prior to their pandemic, resurface a few years later. It appears that some people learn from history’s greatest mistakes, while others refuse to do so. The author explores humanity’s vulnerability. This series is a great read!
His Protector by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You should celebrate women’s history month by reading a book with a strong female lead character. This is the book for you, me, and women everywhere. Our heroine has a secret, unrequited love with a married man. Spoiler alert: he has a Very Important Job. When he becomes a widower, she is assigned to protect him. In close proximity, sparks begin to fly.
A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With three short stories weaved into a trilogy, the author packs quite a punch. Ancient Celtic tales bring to mind similarly named characters of Native American lore. If you seek a journey into a mystical land of long, long ago, you can’t go wrong with this three-in-one. The imagery is amazing. I felt myself transported to an ancient land and an ancient time.
Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is unique because it features a nonbinary main character in one of its amazing dual story arcs. I like the way the author was sensitive with her nonbinary character. The other story arc features a group of teen students who find themselves transported to another place or time. The nonbinary character grapples with sudden responsibility that follows in the wake of abducted parents. The teens must figure out what they need to learn, in order to cope with their new reality.
Mission 3047: One Soul’s Fantasy by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A science fiction book with a twist. It is all about the healing power of love. The author weaves a tale of a love so encompassing that it actually heals. Subcultures of disabled veterans and disabled people in general, would benefit from a love like this. This is a wonderful read, and it is not typical of the sci-fi genre. I can’t stress this enough- the prologue and the epilogue are essential!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two decades have come and gone since the beginning of the storyline’s pandemic. Our fledgling societies have begun to struggle with fear, discrimination, and paranoia. Some main characters struggle with PTSD. The author forced characters to come to terms with serious issues that impact a beginning society. This has been an incredible journey!
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story does not disappoint! I relish the scientific details and information to be gleaned from reading these books. I feel they are well-researched. The science behind the details is explained in such ways that non-science lovers can understand. Another great read, and the introduction of another character’s point of view adds dimension to the story.
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second installment does not disappoint! In a post-pandemic world, the main character goes on journeys both physical and emotional. And what journeys they are! From the bliss of becoming a first-time parent, to the hope of a reunion with a close family member left behind. From betrayal to forgiveness to acceptance- things we all deal with in our own lives. Readers may laugh, and they may cry. One thing is for certain though: if you pick up this book, you will learn some geography, some science, and grapple with situational ethics like never before.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If a global pandemic hit Earth, and some people were chosen to survive it, would I make the cut? Absolutely not! I’d like to think that I am intelligent enough, but as for the other criteria- ages roughly 20-30, single, no children? Well, I’m single all right, my three kids are all in college, but I have family members that I help with. Commitments. This book is so fantastic with the details of how a community would get started, as well as the difficulties that would be faced. I am so glad it is a series, and I can hardly wait to delve into the second installment!
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author addresses young children who are eagerly awaiting their chance to be finished with babyhood. Vivid illustrations accompany each scenario proposed by the main character concerning her future preschool. Readers learn what they might be able to look forward to, at least when it comes to leaving babyhood behind. The main character learns that even though she looks forward to something new and exciting, it is normal to have some anxiety to sort through. The author and the illustrator have done a truly amazing job with their precocious preschool pirate!
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A small rural community tries to withstand well-meaning outsiders. The well-meaning outsiders are uncovering corruption at the highest levels of the county government. Crimes from a quarter-century ago come full circle. It becomes a battle of vengeance versus justice, as both heroes and anti-heroes race against time. This is a fabulous stand-alone read, but readers will be thrilled to learn this is actually the third book in a series.
Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” This quote describes perfectly the plot of this captivating tale! The title derives partially from the setting of an internet chatroom. Catfishing co-workers collide with delusional personalities. It is difficult to discern which characters are telling or acknowledging the truth. It all culminates in an ending that is fantastically twisted.
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a whimsical wartime romance. A whirlwind engagement is quickly followed by the briefest of honeymoons. Our heroine is left with her (perhaps understandably) less-than-understanding in-laws. What gal can’t relate to that? As new family members become acquainted, hijinks and machinations ensue. Waiting for news of a mutual loved one brings about all sorts of tension. Overall, a great read!
Things are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an informative children’s book. The characters deal with sibling rivalry. They must learn to work together during a natural disaster. The illustrations are spectacular. The introduction of a neighbor near the end of the story brings some comedic relief to a serious situation.
A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t stand snails, so, of course the title captured my imagination. An arranged marriage, and a vengeful, petty bride. The heroine (for that is what the bride grows into) reminds me of my own pettiness. Themes explored include twinship and kinship, along with kindness and solidarity. The author has quite skillfully trapped me within the web of her creation.
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! The author gives readers a chance to revisit the winemaking scene of Portugal. I must admit to ignorance of Portugal’s winemaking until having read the first book in this series. Our hero is a flawed individual from a noble yet disturbingly dysfunctional familial dynamic. His attempts to stop a barbaric custom come at great personal costs. Yet these same attempts deliver him from his own personal darkness and demons. Personal grudges and petty differences must be put aside in order to achieve his goals.
