tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50595061164830009572024-03-12T20:50:03.258-07:00Rainy Day ReadsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger675125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-11316864424876160342024-02-12T18:48:00.000-08:002024-02-12T18:48:12.888-08:00The Warrior’s Apprentice (Vorkosigan Book 2 of 16) Kindle Edition –Lois McMaster Bujold<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B005DNGSUU</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Spectrum Literary Agency, Inc. (July 19, 2011)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File Size: 993 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text to Speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 372 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I’ve been told that one of the things all successful writers must learn is to know when to kill their darlings, and then do it. Unfortunately, authors and readers don’t always agree. She killed one of my chosen darlings, one of my most favorite characters. How dare she!!! Well, I guess she thought it was time, and since we’ve never met, she couldn’t have called for my input. Drat! (I’m still hoping he’ll get resurrected, but it’s a fading hope.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bujold has the perfect timing to write these books. The action never gets bogged down, there is enough humor to chuckle and snort and now and then laugh out loud (even when she does kill the wrong darling!). The sub plots thicken or are other wisely solved. And the adventure just keeps going.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Science Fiction at its best!<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-38811900542793562942024-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:002024-02-12T07:52:44.556-08:00Death Wins a Goldfish: Reflections from a Grim Reaper’s Yearlong Sabbatical –by Brian Rea<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Chronicle Books; Illustrated edition (February 5, 2019)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hardcover: 176 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: <b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">978-1452172552</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Death works in a cubicle farm with a bazillion other Deaths. Who knew? He reports to work and discovers a note from Human Resources telling him he has a great many unused vacation days—a year’s worth, to be exact, and starting Friday this week, he will be on vacation. A year-long vacation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book is truly all about living, not dying. He keeps a journal of things he does, from upgrading his wardrobe to attending a carnival where he wins a goldfish and now has a pet, to dating apps to traveling to warm climes and hot spots. He even takes up painting!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The journal entries are fun, but the drawings are delightful. At first glance, it almost looks like a child’s book, but as you get into it, the reader will find it is anything but a child’s book. It’s for every workaholic out there. Life is for living, and living is not being crammed into a cubicle farm 24/7, no matter how much you love your job, or how indispensable you are. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I do wish the goldfish played a bigger role, and had shown up on most (all?) pages, once introduced to Death and us.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-28094611991790774012024-02-10T07:16:00.000-08:002024-02-10T07:16:19.391-08:00Sebastian (Ephemera Book 1) Kindle Edition --by Anne Bishop<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B000PC0SD2</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Ace (February 7, 2006<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 705 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 460 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">If I have told myself once, I’ve told myself a bazillion times, “Self, DO NOT BUY the entire series at the same time! You will never pause between books to write your reviews!” I confess, and humbly apologize if this review is also a partial review of Book 2, 3, and or 4. I know better, but I must be honest, if the series is by Anne Bishop, the temptation is too great! And I’ve never been disappointed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Once again, Bishop has come up with a fantastic series, where certain people (Landscapers) can communicate with the world, Ephemera. And there are Bridges who can open gateways/bridges between the countries or lands that are cared for by the Landscapers. And, there are Wizards, who for the most part are not nice people. Oh, and demons. Oh, yes, the demons are wonderful beings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">While Bishop’s other universes tend toward darkness, Ephemera has a nice balance, and some downright humorous situations. Sebastian lives in the Den of Iniquity, a land his cousin, Glorianna Belladonna cares for as a Landscaper and built for him. Several sub plots, which get finished before those dreaded words, “The End.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Once started, I had a hard time putting the book/s down. Yes, this book is erotic, and sexy, and I really, really, Really, did not want to reach those dreaded words, “The End.”<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-91335154850310798482024-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:002024-02-10T07:09:47.698-08:00Belladonna (Ephemera Book 2) Kindle Edition --by Anne Bishop<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B000PC0SMI</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Ace (March 6, 2007<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 3609 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 477 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Belladonna follows Sebastian, another page burner. Sometimes it pays to buy the whole series at the same time and just binge read. Which is what I did. This book was a tad darker than Sebastian, but I couldn’t put it down. Due to some things going on in my life, I needed to binge on books by an author whose work I know, and I chose wisely. There is enough conflict in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat, but not enough that I had nightmares when I turned the light off at night because I couldn’t keep my burning eyes open any longer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The Eater of the World has been set free. He killed most of the Landscapers and Bridges who were close to his cage. Glorianna Belladonna is the only one who can re-cage the Eater. Can she do it? Will her brother, Lee, help her? What can Sebastian do? Well, who wrote the series? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bishop is one of the best authors, one of the best world builders I’ve ever read. And her universes are not the same one between series. I feel my reviews don’t do her justice, so just trust me, her books are fantastic and great reads.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-39576911490620162192024-02-10T07:02:00.000-08:002024-02-10T07:02:44.974-08:00Bridge of Dreams (Ephemera Book 3) Kindle Edition --by Anne Bishop<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B006LTZJA0</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Ace; 1st edition (March 6, 2012<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 1783 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-Speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 447 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The trilogy ends. Sebastian had his book, Belladonna hers, and now Lee, the Bridge, has his. I’m truly sorry the series is ended; I enjoyed these books tremendously. Not only did the Devil get his due, so to speak, but it was great fun to see the characters grow into who they truly were.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">In this book, Lee is captured, tortured, and eventually finds himself in an Asylum. The only ones who know what he is, are cut off from seeing him; but not before they manage to let him know, that he can’t escape, because they will follow him home to kill his sister, Belladonna. Now blind, among strangers, he must learn new ways to trust, to see, to love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I truly didn’t want this book to end, because the next book is a stand-alone novella in the same universe, but not more about the people I’ve grown to enjoy immensely. Alas, the trilogy ended, no matter how slowly I read. Fortunately, they are mine, and I can reread whenever I want.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-76723996335948539082024-02-10T06:55:00.000-08:002024-02-10T06:55:39.430-08:00The Voice (Ephemera Book 4--A Novella) Kindle Edition --by Anne Bishop<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B0071GEUXE</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Ace (February 7, 2012<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 1009 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 60 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I read The Voice, when it first came out. I was delighted to find it at the end of The Bridge in my version. Like another reviewer stated, reading it now, at the end, it held a lot more nuance. Meeting Nalah, Kobrah and the trauma she endured, the unnamed Shaman, Danyal who is prominent in Bridge of Dreams, and The Voice. This is a well-crafted, haunting story.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It can probably be read as a stand-alone, but I’d read it either at the beginning or ending of the trilogy, and it fleshes out some of the characters in the books. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Note to Anne Bishop: PLEASE write more Ephemera books. Please, please, please.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-35287123988196462802024-02-10T06:49:00.000-08:002024-02-10T06:49:43.717-08:00Shards of Honor (The Vorkosigan Saga, Book 1 of 16) Kindle Edition --by Lois McMaster Bujold<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B005BH9T86</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Spectrum Literary Agency, Inc (July 6, 2011<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 917 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length 295 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">If your book club needs some excitement, suggest this book. It’s a fun story, well told, with a bit of space opera, romance, conflict, and an ending. It is the first book in a series, and I appreciate the ending, not a cliff hanger to get me to buy the next book. I seldom buy the next book when I come across an ending like that. I have, however, books 2, 3, & 4 of the Vorkosigan Saga waiting in my Kindle as I write this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bujold is a masterful storyteller and this is a master story. There are several quips scattered throughout, which bring smiles to chuckles to laughs out loud. The characters are believable. The good guys are just that, and the bad guys are evil. And, it’s fiction and I love it. Lots of action, no nightmares, so it makes a great bedtime read.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The afterward at the end, seems a bit like a set up for another book, but I’m not sure. It was interesting, and a nice ending. I think people who are, at best, iffy on science fiction will enjoy this book.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Shards of Honor was the book for this month’s read in the book club to which I belong. I can hardly wait until we meet to discuss it. There is a damaged hero in this book that I hope surfaces in the later books. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-23162960054753095552024-01-10T17:07:00.000-08:002024-01-10T17:07:43.825-08:00The Echo of Old Books: A Novel (Kindle Edition) by Barbara Davis<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">ASIN: B0B9RNFT45</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (March 28, 2023)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">File size: 7ǎ53 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Text-to-Speech: Enabled<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print length: 413 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book is delightful! It’s listed in Women’s Historical Fiction, Laster in Life Romance, and Magical Realism. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Ashlyn is a young woman who had a rough childhood and tragic marriage. The last thing she wants, of getting involved with another man. So, of course, there’s a man. She owns a book store and bindery, so, naturally, she and he meet over two intriguing books. His father had them and both his parents are now dead and he inherited the house, and was cleaning out his father’s stuff. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">There is no copyright page in either book, one is obviously written by a man, the other by a woman. They tell the same story of instant love and romance and terrible break up. They both use fake names, and Ashlyn becomes more than intrigued, and begins to play detective. She bothers Ethan and he goes through the books and it’s his family. He’s sure of it. His family is not close for reasons that are told.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Are Belle and Hemi (the authors of the books) still alive? Can they find them? Okay, it’s a romance, Ashlyn and Ethan know it does not end happily ever after for Belle and Hemi, and can’t because the man they track down as Hemi, Steven, died a few years ago. But Belle might like the books.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book has everything—an overbearing and very rich father who will marry his daughters to whoever will give him the best deal. Or get rid of them. A writer who, to me, looked like Cary Grant. A sister who would make an almost perfect Evil Stepmother from any Disney movie you can name. The chapter headings give you the name of the protagonist for that chapter, and the year. Belle and Hemi are in 1941, Ethan & Ashlyn are in 1954 (I think. I don’t do numbers, so forgive me if I’m off) and later.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I had a hard time putting this book down, but there are times when my eyes burned, and tears rolled, and it was past my bedtime. For about 4 nights. Great book. Marvelous. Brava! Ms. Davis, Brava!!.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-10073075337891010442024-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:002024-01-10T16:04:49.018-08:00The Machine Dynasty Trilogy --by Madeline Ashby<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This trilogy is comprised of vN, iD, and ReV. I apologize that I am not enough of a computer person to use the “correct” fonts and size for the titles. I think it makes a difference. It is extremely helpful/important that you read the Forward and Introduction to Book One, vN. They explain the time, and the reason vN is used instead of the more familiar term of robot. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The trilogy was a gift from a friend, and an eBook, which is one reason I went straight through the three books without coming up for air. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I think this is both a hard sci fi and a fantasy series, well combined. Humans and vN co-exist, vN have been wired so if they see a human in trouble, they melt down. Not really the three Laws of Robotics by Isaac Asimov, but something equally fun. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Our heroine is a young vN, with a vN mother and a human father. No, not that way. Mom and Dad are married, but vN iterate. When they have ample food (not edible for humans) they start building a ‘baby’ vN, a direct copy of Mom. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">There is violence in the books, but nothing horrid or gratuitous. There is sex, but it’s an adult book. I thoroughly enjoyed the books. I read them straight through, and I was unaware of when one ended and the next one began, other than there was a time shift, and a location shift.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I truly enjoyed the vN. They were, for the most part, fun. The vN Antagonist, was marvelous. She was totally evil—until she wasn’t. She always was true to herself. And her family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I enjoyed the world building tremendously. A great escape from the world on which we exist and live. This was my bedtime read, no nightmares. Several chuckles and outright laughs.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-4571285340054716522024-01-01T08:12:00.000-08:002024-01-01T08:12:21.485-08:00Ruler of the Sky, A Novel of Genghis Khan --by Pamela Sargent<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Open Road Media (April d1, 2024)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Kindle: 5031 KB<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Print Length: 896 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ASIN: B00J90CDT8<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">3 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Not only does this novel give us the life of Genghis Khan, but also his extended family, his wives, his children, his friends, and his campaigns. The story itself is a solid 5 stars, the writing is good, but too much information, hence only 3 stars. I would have liked to focus on fewer main characters, and get to know, and like them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">My father would have loved this book. I can almost see him sitting in his reading chair (very comfortable with flat, wide wooden arms), his coffee on the left arm, his notepad on the right, and the book in his lap. By the time he would have finished the book, he would have all the characters names, titles, and when possible, lineage. My father also loved Russian Literature (in English). I am not my father’s daughter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I read an electronic book and being casually familiar with the story and the time, I did not take notes. I wanted to read the story, not prepare to lecture on it. I don’t know for sure, but I think the Mongols, like most other people I’ve read about, used a diminutive name for their friends and family. I wish Ms. Sargent had done so. I assume (silly me) her target audience is primarily English speakers. I would have greatly appreciated shortened names for the most part. I was reminded of the Russian Greats I tried to read when younger. Although her characters did not change names like the Russians, the names were too long and unfamiliar to easily grasp and carry from page to page. For example, Bortai is more familiarly known as Börte, or even Borte.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps the place names she used were the Mongolian names? I truly wished she’d used the more familiar names for English readers. It would have been easier to follow some of the movements. I appreciate the research, truly I do, however, it was almost like reading about a different planet. The story is good, but all the names and minutia did not add to my enjoyment. Actually, they detracted from my enjoyment. As I write this, I realize I didn’t particularly like or relate to anyone in the book. Well, maybe Borte.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-21069669709246733212023-12-24T17:20:00.000-08:002023-12-24T17:20:58.239-08:00Tales from the Café [Book 2 of 4 of the series, Before the Coffee Gets Cold] –by Toshikazu Kawaguchi<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Hanover Square Press; Original edition (October 12, 2021)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hardback: 256 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN: <span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">978-1335630988</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I’m not sure where I first read about this series, but it sounded interesting, so I ordered a book. Thought I was getting #1 in the series, but ordered #2 by mistrake. Fortunately, this book contained 4 short stories, and I think I read somewhere that each book has 4 short stories in it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The premise is, on a side street somewhere in Tokyo is a small, windowless basement coffee shop rumor has it one may travel back in time if they comply with the rules. The first rule is, you may only meet people who have been in the coffee shop. If you live in Tokyo, and wish to go back in time and meet the Emperor, and he’s never set foot in the coffee shop, well, you can go back, but not meet him. There is a rule that you can’t change reality, one that says while in the past you may not change seats in the coffeeshop, and perhaps the most important—you must return <i>before your coffee gets cold</i>, or else. Trust me, it’s the ‘or else’ that will get you! And, I did not give all the rules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Although these are not murder mysteries, I would still call them ‘cozy’—they’re fun, and ‘comfortable’ to read in bed and not have bad dreams. I’m looking forward to reading the other three books.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-37932513187697997172023-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:002023-12-22T13:43:07.132-08:00Quantum Entanglement –Poetry Apocalypse Anthology<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Bombaz Press (2023) / 548 S. Spring Street, Ste 1201 / Los Angeles CA 90013</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 160 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN: not shown<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Poetry Apocalypse is a group of poets who frequently meet on a weekly basis to read their works. This is not a critique group, but a reading venue. The poems in this book are by many of the poets who meet and read weekly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Some of the poems will bring tears to your eyes, and some will add more laugh-lines to your face. If you can find a copy, and you enjoy words, I strongly recommend you buy it. The poems (including prose poems) are written by many people, the photos are all by Janie Meine, and they are stunning. Ms. Meine is also one of the excellent poets in the book, and all the poets are excellent. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-66612396210716550382023-11-28T09:37:00.000-08:002023-11-28T09:37:34.544-08:00A Howling--by Susan F. Blair<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Press 53 (October 3, 2023)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 86 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN: <span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">978-1950413683</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">From the first poem, the first stanza of the title poem, I was hooked. “Candle flame shudders / an act of bravery / in the dark.” begins our adventure. Blair takes us on the complete circle of life—insects, small furry animals, feathered ones, and her beloved sister. I found this book full of beauty, full of love, quite a bit of humor, and full of pathos. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I do not care for spiders. At all. Well, when they are in my house. Outside, they’re fine. Her last poem, Black Widow Spider Soliloquies made me smile. I actually chuckled at “Scene V / Horatio I die / Horatio I dine”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A truly enjoyable book. Buy it. Read it. Review it.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-10969348858098824822023-11-28T09:02:00.000-08:002023-11-28T09:02:29.262-08:00Duck, Death and the Tulip--by Wolf Erlbruch<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Gecko Press; Illustrated edition (August 1, 2016</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hardcover: 38 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN: <span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">978-1877467141</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Reading age: 9+ years<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">How do you explain death to a child? For that matter, how do you explain death to an adult? I think this is one of the best explanations I’ve ever read for anyone who was ever born and will eventually die. Even though I cry when I read it, and I’ve read it several times, I find the drawings delightful, and Death as friendly, and non threatening, as Duck.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I like that Death wears a nightshirt and is Duck’s size, that he’s sympathetic. But I love that Death doesn’t really know what happens when we die, either. And that he sees death as a part of the circle of life. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">If you are raising your children to believe in a Heaven and Hell, this might not be the book for you, but if you have an open mind, if you are curious, if simplicity, honesty, and beauty intrigue you, then I beg you to buy, read, and enjoy and share Duck, Death and a Tulip.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-27804795560729883682023-10-25T08:10:00.002-07:002023-10-25T08:10:26.321-07:00blacked out borderland from an exponential crisis –by john compton<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Ethel Zine, 2023, www.ethelzine.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: hand made,54 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I had the pleasure to see Mr. Compton read at one of the Zoom Room readings I attend, loved his reading—the poetry and the voice, so invested time and money in his chapbook. Well worth it. Normally, I mark the poems I loved more than others, but ran out of markers, (they arrive soon). In going through the book again, I realize I really like them all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">His dead poet poems are marvelous, “<i>before we understood that death was here</i>” brought me to tears, as did “<i>skyla</i>.” And, I really want to know how he knows about me and my closet, as he obviously does, from his poem “<i>i am dressed in mistakes.”</i> But then, perhaps it’s a common failing of many poets and writers. “<i>i am dressed in</i> mistakes /// garnished over my body / like an appetizer… / …from sweet imperfections / scattered throughout…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">If you need capital letters this book is not for you. I don’t think I saw a single one. If you like to play with words, get raw emotion from tears to laughter, and everything in between, then this is a book for you. And how many hand-made books do you have, anyhow?</span> </p><p><br /></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-3392818568194674622023-09-27T10:57:00.001-07:002023-09-27T10:57:07.181-07:00Ten Little Indians --by Sherman Alexie<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Grove Press; Reprint edition (March 17, 2004)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 243 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-080214117;0<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">In full disclosure, I’ve been in literary lust with Sherman Alexie since I first read one of his books, and the lust lives. No, I’ve never met him. And I am NOT in lust with him, just his writing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Also, my copy of Ten Little Indians is probably somewhat different than yours, as I read an “Uncorrected Proof.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I love short stories. And these did not disappoint. I laughed in many, got sad in a couple, and angry in one or two. Most stories are funny, most offer insight and might give you something to think about. Like Rez humor? Read this book. There is a reason Alexie wins awards for his writing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">But why only 9 stories? Why not 10? Or did I miscount?<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-7105482858099679282023-09-27T10:06:00.006-07:002023-09-27T10:06:43.914-07:00All of Us --The Collected Poems of Raymond Carver<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (April 4, 1996)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 416 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-03575703805<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I knew Carver as a writer of short stories and somewhat excited when I heard he was a poet. My friend suggested I get this book, a good choice.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Carver knew no boundaries in his poetry. If he made a poor choice, he admitted it, he wrote of the beauty he saw and the pain he lived. He was honest in his poetry and accessible by anyone. Don’t think you like poetry? Try these poems, they’re like mini memoir, mini stories. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He begins with <b><i>Drinking While Driving</i></b>, “It’s August and I have not / read a book in six months / except something called The Retreat From Moscow /…” His second poem, <b><i>Luck</i></b>, explains a lot, “I was nine years old. / I had been around liquor / all my life. My friends / drank too, but they could handle it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The last poem, before the Appendixes (which you’ll want to read, too) is <b><i>Late Fragment</i></b>, “And did you get what / you wanted from this life, even so? / I did. / And what did you want? / To call myself beloved, to feel myself / beloved on the earth.” Is there a better poem to end the book? To end his life? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">There are something like 300 poems in this book, will you like them all? Probably not, but the ones you will like, and you will like some, will speak to you as no other poem possibly could. This is a book every reader needs.</span> </p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-14262855617132952632023-09-25T13:08:00.000-07:002023-09-25T13:08:00.945-07:00One Fell Swoop --poems by Dig Wayne<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: innateDIVINITYbooks (June 25, 2023)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 71 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-1953234049<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">These little poems pack a wallop. Some are pure fun; some will make you think. The book begins, “a ray of sunshine // a dog wags its tail” A subtle warning about DNA testing and the last poem, “low hanging fruit / … / let the truth be told”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Dig Wayne is a master storyteller, and these stories are masterfully told. A perfect book to read on a trip, at the beach, while visiting your in-laws. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-23316969763975463302023-09-25T12:36:00.001-07:002023-09-25T12:36:10.843-07:00Walking Backward --poems by Margaret Stawowy<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Kelsay Books (September 7, 2023)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 64 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978 1639803279<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I have had the marvelous opportunity to see Ms. Stawowy read a few times at various Zoom venues, and when her new book came out, I couldn’t wait to order and read it. The book tells the story of her mother’s decline into dementia and discovering the secrets in her birth certificate. It is written in 4 parts: A letter to her Ancestors, then parts I Biological Family 1924, II Adoptive Family 1925 – 1960, and lastly III Fractured Family 1960 – 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The letter, Dear Ancestors, introduces us to secrets, “So secret, if I could speak directly to you through soup cans, / the twine would spontaneously ignite.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>Harry the Barber: Shotgun Wedding in Retrospect</i></b>, begins Part I. And right off the bat, he blames the woman, it’s her responsibility to keep track of periods, to not get knocked up, to say no. Then we have poems by Bertha, the long-suffering wife, and Faye, the other woman. Then, the women get their say. The letter from the advice columnist is pretty true to the day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">All poems begin with the name of the person telling/writing the poem. And if you should happen to get confused, Ms. Stowawy put an easily read Family Tree in the back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Part II begins with a poem ‘by’ <b><i>Fred: Counterfeit Father. </i></b>He is part of the reasons for secrets as he begins, “When people examine the birth certificate, I want / no suspicions, no casting of aspersions. No one / thinking: rotten parents, rotten offspring. Everything / should look innocent as the infant herself.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Part III is more about <b><i>Doris: Looking Back</i></b> and <b><i>Doris’s War: Dementia</i></b> and <b><i>Doris: Return to the High Seas</i></b>. It isn’t until then we meet Margaret as <b><i>Me: Daughter of Doris</i></b>, Dear Mom, // After you died, I saw you / wrapped in a puncture-proof plastic, // You, Mother Mary/Kali, / angel/destroyer, // … // You once asked me to find / the parents who gave you away. / …// where I can her you. Them.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The last poem, <b><i>Fern: Remarrying My Parents, / I Have Mending the Ending</i></b>. Fern a daughter of Berta and Harry, brings them back together, has them married posthumously in the Mormon Church. She is, “…the needle, the thread. // I have mended the ending.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book is a fascinating read of family and family interactions. Especially when some of those interactions are meant to be and stay, secret. And how DNA and the www. can become powerful search tools.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Heartedly recommend this book. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-56992528935379977752023-09-25T10:23:00.003-07:002023-09-25T10:23:57.923-07:00The World According to Crow --by Sinead McClure<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: The Calendar Road Press (October 12, 2022)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 37 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-1739102005<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I attended a Zoom poetry reading where Ms. McClure was one of the featured readers. I don’t remember how many poems she read before I had already gone to the site and ordered her book. I marked half as favorites and on a reread, added more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The book begins with <b><i>The Word According to Crow.</i></b> It begins, “Rooks do good mimicry but this orator is no priest, / collarless and open=beaked he shifts his weight on the steeple. / His sermon, a daily litany of caws and trills. // … A black and white streak of cirrus-crow / evaporates to silence.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The poems ask questions such as, “Where does Keshcorran go in the fog?” A good question, that. Several animals and birds speak in this collection (and a hill with caves). We hear from a pangolin, a jackdaw, and the world. The poem, <b><i>Preparing my dog for reincarnation</i></b> is a delight as she tries to give it cooking tips, teach it patience, only to come to the realization at the end that the dog has, “No care or thought / for any other moment.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">We read of fox and moth and end with, <b><i>Dream Catcher</i></b><i>. </i> “The dream catcher takes our harshest winters / hold tight, to spin forever from the alder.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This is a delightful book. One to be read and enjoyed many times. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-87894808918157784812023-09-16T10:40:00.005-07:002023-09-16T10:40:49.270-07:00Poems from a Blue Dot --by Brett Nelson<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Brett Nelson, brnelson4@gmail.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 130 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN: 979-8-9867914-0-1<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Full disclosure: Brett Nelson and I read at the same open mic venues now and then. I’ve always admired his poetry, so ordered the book. I am grateful I did.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Not only does he have narrative poetry that tells great stories, his poetry is accessible to anyone who isn’t sure whether they would like poetry or not. As an added bonus, there are about 36 color photos in the book, that he took and that give a more complete atmosphere (and also make me homesick for Albuquerque).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">His first poem, <b><i>Looking Right at Me</i></b> starts with <i>“Lying outside in the darkest places-- / in the middle of the Pecos Wilderness / or remote canyons on the Colorado Plateau, / … / so it feels like each and every star is / looking right at me. / They talk to me straight and clear. /”</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Each poem is a mini memoir of his journey on this planet, this Blue Dot we all share. Each poem is a love story, whether between Nelson and Earth, or Nelson and Persons. <b><i>American Stew</i></b> tells how <i>“I cook with lots of spices and don’t measure,”</i> and ends with an admonition that he doesn’t want our country’s melting pot to melt down too much, <i>“he wants the stew to remain a stew, not a puree.”<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>Alive and Awake</i></b>, brings us to the end of this book. He’s still <i>“hiking the gently rolling hills / at the foot of the Sandia Mountains / …mindful of all I walk past,”</i> until he gets to the end where we perhaps learn his secret to long life<i>, “so I embrace it today and pull it close, / watch all I see and listen to the voice of the wind / and to my own mind and heart, / alive and awake to the day that offers itself.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Mr. Nelson embodies the Lakota <i>Mitakue Oyasin</i>, all my relations, in his book of poetry. <o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-76440051919028700882023-09-15T14:49:00.001-07:002023-09-15T14:49:07.695-07:00What's Left --by Connie K. Walle<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: MoonPath Press (September 1, 2028)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 102 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-1936657391<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I remember Ms. Walle from several years ago when we’d meet at workshops in the Puget Sound area. I was delighted to see this book, and even more delighted to read it. I remember her as having a great sense of humor, and able to turn most any story into something humorous. My memory was correct.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book of short poems (almost as short as she) gives us a fascinating look at the different faces of love, and even sex of the era. Ms. Walle tells of requited love, unrequited love, painful love, and ecstatic love, married love and not married love. There is pathos, humor, and some pain in this book. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Her penultimate poem, “The Silence of Death” may bring a tear or two, her final poem, “Dying Wish” is the perfect ending for this book, an ending with a laugh—“Then, watch billbords / for my answer.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Long live Connie Walle on our planet and in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-63969402288406089182023-09-15T10:28:00.002-07:002023-09-15T10:28:12.455-07:00Owl Poems --by Zach Hively<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Casa Urraca Press (December 13, 2022)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Paperback: 72 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: 978-1956375114<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This is a small book, with huge poems, and delightful art. Open the book and begin with the words: “World-watching Owl,” / wielder of wisdom, / … / into the necessities of both / beginnings and ends.” The poems after this first one run the gamut from prose to haiku, to narrative. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Some of these poems brought forth laughter, all brought forth thinking. And the last poem, “An owl’s blessing”, oh, what a blessing it is. “May your feet always be quick, / because a chase is more fun. / … / I will mantle my wings around you, / All is not and never will be lost.” I have read this last poem over and over and over again. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This is a delightful book, full of owl wisdom, and one I will read through many times.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-35751126987203192812023-07-29T14:10:00.001-07:002023-07-29T14:10:09.608-07:00War Dances --by Sherman Alexie<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Grove Press</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hard Cover: 210 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN 13: 978-0-8021-1919-3<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This is a collection of short stories and poetry. Someone gave it to my Elder Brother of Choice, who could no longer hold a book or turn the pages to read. I read it to him before he died. We both had many laughs, Alexie, being raised on the Spokane Indian Reservation, had lots of great rez humor in it we both loved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The first piece in the book is a poem, “The Limited,” that ends: “Why do poets think / They can change the world? / The only life I can save / Is my own.” Yes, that is true, but Mr. Alexei brought happiness, and beautiful laughter to a dying man. That’s a karma-scrubber for sure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Alexie’s characters are not only believable, but they are also gentle. They are real. And the stories they tell could easily belong to that guy alone in the diner, reading a book while he eats. Or pretends to read, because he hasn’t turned the page since I sat down. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">That’s not to say there isn’t anger now and then, but it’s resolved, and life goes on. This is a great bedtime read. It’s entertaining and won’t bring you nightmares. Heartily recommend this book.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059506116483000957.post-68553475983956237692023-07-26T15:36:00.005-07:002023-07-26T15:36:49.684-07:00The Writing Retreat --a novel by Julia Bartz<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books (February 21, 2023</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Language: English<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hardcover: 320 pages<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-10: <span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1982199458</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">ISBN-13: <span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">978-1982199456</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Cost at time of reading: $27.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This book was a page burner, and while I didn’t resent the times I had to put it down to take care of work, it was getting close. Having attended a few writer’s retreats through the years, I am extremely grateful none of them were like this one. Then, again, I may have gotten that dreamed for break.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">If thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, are your go-to genre, go now, get this book. Not my normal go-to genre, but this one was fun. Not a lot of blood and gore on the floor, not a massive gush of adrenalin, no nightmares when I put it down to sleep. And the ending/epilog was great. It was unlike any other ending/epilog I’ve ever read.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">My definition of a good novel is one where I can get lost in someone else’s world, and leave mine for a short time. I also want an HEA ending, or at least all the loose ends tied up, and a logical ending. It’s been a while since I read this book, but my memory is all the loose ends were resolved—and there might be a sequel! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A good hot weather book to read—it takes place in winter with a snow storm.<o:p></o:p></p>Lenora Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306895784336545124noreply@blogger.com0