I’m so excited it’s April. Spring has arrived and all of the nasty white stuff is gone. That’s reason for celebration!
Another reason is all the great books I read last month, reviews of which I’m sharing today. I’m splitting the post in two parts, since I managed to read nine books in March. Moving forward, I plan to break my reviews into a mid-month post and an end of the month post so there isn’t so much back-to-back (although It’s unlikely I’ll read this many books again in a single month!).
To read the blurbs and learn about each title, click the Amazon link after my review. I hope you discover something to add to your TBR. And remember to check back tomorrow for part two!
The Beast Within
by Jacquie Biggar
A wonderful blend of multiple genres, The Beast Within, is the second book the Mended Souls trilogy, but it also reads as a stand-alone. I had no problem picking up the storyline involving Guardian Angels, Lucas Carmichael and Mike, both of whom died in the same car crash. While struggling to overcome their animosity for each other, they’re also charged with watching over Mike’s wife, Julie Crenshaw. A reporter, Julie, is still adjusting to life without Mike, as well as the loss of her unborn baby girl when she begins investigating a string of bizarre serial murders. Enter Conner O’Rourke, a homicide detective who is working the case.
Biggar does well in providing insight to her myriad cast of characters. Paths cross, lives become entwined, and puzzle pieces (you’ll find an interesting side line with them) slot into place while others veer in unexpected directions. The story provides suspense, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural along with a romantic sub-plot as Julie and Conner discover mutual attraction. The writing is polished with excellent scene setting, vivid descriptions, and a storyline that provides multiple twists with plenty of danger. The author is clearly a pro and knows how to deliver a tale that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Amazon Link
Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense
When You’re the Only Cop in Town
A Writer’s Guide to Small Town Law Enforcement
by Jack Berry, Debra Dixon
This is an old book that’s been on my shelf for a while. I read the hardcover (which I believe is difficult to find now) but I’m including the link for the Kindle version. There is nothing like first hand information from a man who spent his entire career in law enforcement, seventeen years of which were as a police chief in a small town. This is quick and easy read, filled with anecdotes, straight-on facts, and plenty of humor. I read it with a highlighter in hand, and colored tabs to mark pages. An excellent resource for writers, I can see myself referring to it often as I unleash plot bunnies on my fictional small towns.
Informative and VERY entertaining!
Amazon Link
Genre: Reference > Writing Craft
No Easy Street
By Julia Donner
Step back in time with this well-written and engaging tale set in the American west. The period detail is exceptional! When seamstress Elsbeth Soderberg inherits a cattle ranch in Wyoming, she’s thrust into a role she never expected. She’s a woman in a man’s world dealing with hardened cowhands, multiple prejudices, and a ruthless employee. Fortunately, she has neighbor Ezekiel (EZ) Street and his young daughter to help her adjust.
Elsbeth is a strong character, but she shines exceptionally bright when she’s standing up for herself and taking charge of a situation. She has a steely backbone, but at the same time she’s portrayed as a woman with doubts and fears. That combination of determination, conviction, and vulnerability makes her a likable and believable character. The romantic elements are well done and the supporting characters add vivid color. I especially liked EZ’s daughter Penelope and her friend Flora. Hitch a ride and travel west with this delightful book!
Amazon Link
Genre: Western Romance
Sun Dance
Why Custer Really Lost the Battle of The Little Bighorn
By Garry Rodgers
Of the non-fiction books I enjoy reading, I have a collection on George Armstrong Custer, Crazy Horse, Native American culture, the Plains Indian War, and the expansion west. When I saw that Garry Rodgers was offering an ARC of a book he’d written about the Battle of Little Bighorn, I jumped at the chance to read it. If you’re unfamiliar with Garry, he’s a retired homicide detective and forensic coroner. He also blogs for the Huff Post.
In Sun Dance…Why Custer Really Lost the Battle of The Little Bighorn, Rodgers examines not only Custer’s combat strategy and the reason why it failed but sets the playing field from Grant’s presidency down through army command. We get the mindset of the time, are witness to several conflicts leading up to LBH and understand the significance of the sacred Black Hills. Native American treaties are examined in detail (I was shocked by some I was unfamiliar with). Past military strategy is analyzed—remember that Custer was a Brevet Major General during the Civil War and no stranger to battle. As Rodgers points out, that may have been part of his undoing. He was unprepared for the mentality of the opposing force. Yes, mentality. In Sun Dance…Why Custer Really Lost the Battle of The Little Bighorn, Rodgers shows us why that state of mind—a collective state of mind—was key.
After reading this book, there is no question of the psychological impact of the Sun Dance ceremony and why that ritual was especially powerful when performed by Sitting Bull. The vision of the great Chief became a battle standard for the massive number of Native Americans ready to defend their way of life. Rodgers walks us through understanding how sheer numbers alone didn’t win LBH for the Native Americans. He backs up his theory with concise explanations and detailed research. Written in an easy to read style, with a staggering amount of resources included, this book is excellent for both dedicated students of history, and even armchair followers like me.
Although Sun Dance…Why Custer Really Lost the Battle of The Little Bighorn has yet to be released, you can follow Garry’s blog, dyingwords.net to keep current of news. You can also request and ARC and learn more about the research behind the book HERE.
I was kind of all over the place with my reading in March, which happens sometimes, but everything I read was awesome. I’ll be sharing five more books tomorrow and hope to see you then!
These books sound interesting, especially the police one (pertinent to my family) and the Custer one. I have long had a Custer and Libbie fascination and want to read this new take. Thanks for the recommendations!
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Custer and Libbie’s story always fascinated me too, Flossie. A handful of years ago (before I started publishing) I considered writing a book about Libbie, but the research (despite my vast collection of books and everything I’ve read) eventually was too monumental to undertake.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks for sharing!
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I have started with the Jacquie Biggar novel, as this one sounded too good to miss!
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Oooh, glad you found something you liked. I know Jacquie will like hearing that, too!
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It sounded like something I would enjoy…
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Thanks for the share and your support!
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You’re welcome, Jacquie…
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Some interesting titles Mae. I didn’t know you were into the “west” so much 😊
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I’ve love stories of the west from the time I was a kid. I have a large collection of old westerns on DVD, and enjoy fiction and non-fiction about it. I don’t really care for modern western fiction but I love the old stuff with gunslingers and ranchers.:)
I written a ton of westerns (mostly short stories), including one full length novel, all safely tucked away in a trunk. 😉
I’ve also done a fair amount of non-fiction reading on the American Civil War and the American Revolution. What can I say? I’m a geek.
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Oh boy. Please don’t read my weird western when it comes out… my nerves couldn’t take it!
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LOL! I’m waiting for your weird western 🙂
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Some good-looking books there, Mae. Thanks for sharing. Reblogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/march-book-reviews-part-1/
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Thanks, Harmony. Much appreciated!
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Thanks, Harmony!
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I’m normally not into history reads, but Sun Dance sounds really interesting!
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It was awesome reading, Priscilla. I’ve read so much about the battle of LBH and the events leading up to it. Garry approached it with an original slant and an idea of why the Native Americans were victorious that hasn’t been explored before.
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Some good books here. Glad you included Jacquie’s book.
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Thanks for checking them out, Darlene. Jacquie’s book was awesome. I’ve read several of her stories and always enjoy them!
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I came across this post on FB (thanks, Robbie Cheadle!) and it totally made my day 🙂
Thank you, Darlene!
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Some great books, Mae! You are a “bad” influence on the length of my TBR 😀
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Come back tomorrow and there will be more! Bwhahahaha! 😀
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Nice spread across genres. I’ve always loved the westward expansion and history.
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I was was all over the place with genres this month.
American history, and especially the expansion west, has always been a favorite subject of mine.
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I tend to read and write the same way. Dedicating time to sequels is a challenge for me.
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You’re handling it well 🙂
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I have Sun Dance on my Kindle and can’t wait to read it. Excellent reviews, Mae. If you’re looking for ARCs, Mae, I’d be happy to send you SILENT MAYHEM. *wink wink*
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Garry’s book is excellent, Sue. He really took a new approach to the events at LBH.
And yes, I would love an ARC of Silent Mayhem. I will email you!
I’m doing a happy dance 🙂
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You have eclectic taste in reading. All of those intrigue me though about half I wouldn’t have time to read. 9 books! You’re my soulmate!
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LOL! I was in editing mode over writing mode in March, which is probably why I was able to read so many titles this month, Jacqui.
I love reading across genres, but this month was really all over the map, LOL!
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Mae, I’m impressed with your nine books read in March! These are excellent reviews and I am intrigued by a couple. I know barely anything about Little Big Horn apart from the name and Sun Dance sounds fascinating and Julia Donner’s book interests me! Yep, my TBR is growing but this is a good thing, I tell myself! 😀
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Hi, Annika! I love to read almost as much as I love to write, LOL. I am so glad you found a few titles to intrigue you. They were all excellent reads, and I’m always happy to share reviews and, hopefully, bring attention to other authors.
I just started posting reviews this year, and have no clue why I never took the time to post them on my blog before, considering how much I read!
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Mae, I’m so glad you started to share the books you’re reading! I thought it was new for you! It’s lovely to chat about books here on WP – enjoy!😀
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Wow, Mae! Nine books in one month!! Amazing! When I read three in a month, I think I’ve really accomplished something. 🙂 Love the reviews!!
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LOL! I always have my nose buried in a book, Jan. It’s a disease, but one I’m happy to embrace. Thanks for checking out the reviews!
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Awesome share, Mae! I’m so far behind in my reading. This gives me inspiration! Cheers, my friend! 🙂
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I wish you happy reading, Natalie. Nine books in a month was better than usual for me, but I found myself with more time on my hands since I was mostly in editing mode vs. writing mode! 🙂
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I love the variety of books – mine tend to revolve around the few genres, lol.
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I stick mostly to mystery and suspense, but stray every now and then when a title interests me…and lately that’s most anything and everything, LOL.
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I shared this on my author Facebook page. Great reviews! I bought The Only Cop in Town after reading your review on it. A great reference book for my mysteries. I can’t believe you read NINE books in one month! Wow. And what a variety! This was fun.
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Hi, Judi. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re going to love The Only Cop in Town. It’s packed with good information,and written in a humorous, easy to read style. It also helped me a great deal in getting the logistics down for law enforcement in my new WIP.
I’m not sure I’ll ever hit nine books in a month again. It must have been the cold March weather, LOL.
So glad you enjoyed the reviews!
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A great selection, Mae. I enjoyed Jacquie Biggar’s book and have a few of the others on my TBR.
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Great to know, Robbie!
I’m always finding new reads for my TBR. I just wish I had more time to dedicate to them!
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Thanks for sharing on FB, Robbie! I’m so glad you and Mae enjoyed The Beast Within 🙂
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Great reviews, Mae:) I’m heading off to add a couple to my TBR list now. Thanks!
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That’s awesome to know!
Thanks, Denise, and happy reading!
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🙂
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out these book reviews for March from this post on Mae Clair’s blog.
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Thanks for sharing, Don. I know the authors will appreciate it, too!
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You’re welcome. Glad to help.
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🙂
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Thanks for the share, Don!
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You’re welcome.
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I always look forward to your review posts. You read such an eclectic mix, there’s always something that appeals to me. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoy these, Staci. I don’t know why I didn’t share reviews before. Duh! 😀
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Mae Clair shares her March reading reviews, including a fab one of The Beast Within. Thanks, Mae!
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Thanks for the reblog, Jacquie. I started my March reading with your book and it set a high bar for those to follow! 🙂
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Coming from you, that means a LOT! ❤
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🙂
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What a nice surprise! Thank you for the fantastic review, Mae. I had a lot of fun writing this thriller (does that sound as weird to you as it does to me? lol)
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LOL! I can relate to that, Jacquie. I love writing thrillers/suspense, despite the sometimes not-so-sunny slant they take. Your. books are always so polished. This one was yet another winner on your list of many!
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Right back atcha!
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Thank you, Mae. I could’ve really used that small-town police book while I wrote my last book. My female MC is a police chief. That would’ve been a big help. Oh well, next time.
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Kim, is that you’re newest release? A female police chief sounds intriguing. Can you post the link in a comment for me (sorry, I know I saw the post, but the last couple weeks have been crazy for me!).
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No problem. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/2OJv463
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Thank you!
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Great reviews. All sound interesting.
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Thanks, Michele. They were excellent reads.
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