Hi, friends. If you live in the U.S., I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday. We had relatives on hubby’s side visit from out of state. I’m still freaky about the social distancing thing, but I am venturing out more these days—visiting family, and going to stores. We even went to a restaurant for the first time. Not sure I’ll do that again, but we wanted to get together with a friend who is leaving for the summer. I have to say the restaurant did a good job with social distancing and sanitizing.
And now for the latest round of book reviews . . .
This Last Chance
by D. L. Finn
I really enjoyed the combination of mystery and supernatural elements in this book. On the mortal realm, the story revolves around Amber who is determined to discover who murdered her sister. In the spiritual realm, angels and evildwels battle for control of human souls. At the center of that conflict is Nester, an evidwel who suddenly finds himself questioning his beliefs. Toss in a remote location, plus a group of potential suspects trapped under one roof by a snowstorm, and you’ve got a tense and intriguing plot.
I loved the claustrophobic atmosphere created by the snowstorm, and the characters (both human and supernatural) present a varied and interesting group. Nester is a standout, as is Ed, an angel. The quips between them are priceless. This Last Chance fuses mystery, spiritual warfare, even a hint of potential romance. When the climatic scenes—on both planes—happen, there are more than a few surprises in store. An engaging read!
5 STARS
Amazon Link
Genre: Supernatural Thriller > Paranormal Suspense
Songs of Heartstrings
by Miriam Hurdle
The author of this collection of poetry and short snippets takes us on a journey through life—her life—as seen through the music of words and photographs. She shares experiences through marriage, parenthood, the loss of loved ones, even cancer treatments. Heartfelt and often spiritual, the book resonates with strength, love, and faith.
There are multiple poems and snippets that touched me, but a few that really stood out are Cocoon-Butterfly, A Tribute to My Dad, and Gratitude for Being. Each reader will no doubt find poems that speak to their heart. Although this collection is a reflection of the author’s life, the beauty and spirit of the work brings something for everyone.
5 STARS
Amazon Link
Genre: Religious and Inspirational Poetry > Personal Growth and Christianity
Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine
by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
This is a cute, whimsical novella that is sure to leave you with a smile. The characters are fun, the story highly imaginative, and the descriptions dazzle like a kaleidoscope of vibrant color. Fiona Finch is a young woman with a fondness for pink.
Her brother, Steele, is an inventor whose mentor carries a heart full of unrequited love for the woman he let get away thirty-five years ago. Toss in a scene-stealing duck, a masquerade party, and a pink valentine, and you have all the elements for a light-hearted romp with threads of romance. If that isn’t enough, the ending with Quellie the duck will have you grinning ear to ear. Simply delightful!
5 STARS
Amazon Link
Genre: Steampunk > Holiday Fiction > Fantasy
That’s it from me for today, but I hope you are enjoying plenty of summer reading!
Thank you for you wonderful and thoughtful review,Mae. I’m honored. Congratulations to Denise and Teagan for getting fabulous reviews from you also, Mae. They’re my favorite authors!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks, Miriam. Your poetry and observations on life were moving. I really enjoyed Heartstrings. And that’s wonderful to hear about Denise and Teagan, too!
LikeLike
Thanks, Miriam sending lots of hugs
LikeLiked by 2 people
Warm hugs to you, Denise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three excellent reviews. Mae. I also got the opportunity to read Miriam’s book. We sure don’t take the simple things in life (like eating out) for granted these days. My wife finally got her hair done last week, and that was important to her. My way of dealing with it was to shave my head, but I’ve decided to let it grow back.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews, Pete, and also that you had the opportunity to read Miriam’s book.
I think a lot of guys did what you did. I am FINALLY getting to the salon tomorrow and I can’t wait. My hair is ridiculously long, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your excellent review also, Pete! Good to hear your wife got her hair done. It’s important to many ladies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m still shielding, so I’m a regular hermit these days, especially now that Cornwall has opened to the thousands of tourists that would otherwise have gone abroad. Many of our towns are so tiny that they’ve had to try and implement one-way pedestrian systems to try and manage and keep it safe(ish).
Great book reviews! I’ll have to check out the books. Thanks for sharing, Mae 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s scary about all the tourists, Harmony. I live in a tourist town, but it is a small one, I also generally avoid most of the places tourists go during “in season” (which is now), but even so, all those extra people in town make a difference. You stay safe over there.
Glad you enjoyed the reviews!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many restaurants and shops are open here too, Harmony. But cases of coronavirus went up again so many states have to take a step back.
Thank you for checking out Mae’s reviews! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good reviews. Yay for three 5-star reads! Don’t ya just love it when you find a good book?:-)
LikeLiked by 3 people
Absolutely. Lately, everything I’ve been reading is exceptional. Especially now, when I’m nose deep in a series! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your comment, Priscilla!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have “This Last Chance” on my TBR list. I’ll have to check out the others as well. Great reviews, Mae!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Joan. And Denise told a good tale. I really liked Nester 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have “This Last Chance” also, Joan! Thank you for checking out my book!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Miriam:) Yay!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you enjoy it, Joan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful reviews, Mae. Thank you. I’ve read Denise’s book and loved it, and I look forward to reading Teagan and Miriam’s books. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure you’ll enjoy them, Gwen. And that’s wonderful to hear about Denise’s book. I really enjoyed the two storylines (human and angel/evildwel)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to see you, Gwen. Thank you for reading my book. I love your books tremendously!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Gwen xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another eclectic selection, and they all sound wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Mae.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Staci. They were all enjoyable reads. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Staci!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome reviews, Mae. I’ve also read Teagan’s novella and whimsical is a perfect description. Such fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Teagan has quite the imagination. It was such a pleasure reading her novella. I’m glad you enjoyed it too, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teri! Mae did excellent reviews. I’ll check out Teagan’s book also.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an interesting and diverse group of reads ❤️ This Last Chance sounds very intriguing. Saying it had a claustrophobic atmosphere made my claustrophobia kick in for a second. Lol 😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL! I always think a snow storm is an excellent way for a writer to create that feeling in a book. Although I am not a fan of winter, I do love reading books set during that season!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love love books set in winter too, Mae. Adds that extra element:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t imagine of being trapped with no escape route. Thank you for your comment, Tessa!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve been snowbound a few times, I’ve always felt safe, but of course there is the what if, Miriam:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember the earthquake in San Francisco with collapsed freeway and I didn’t know how long people were trapped there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa:) I like to think of snow storms as cozy…most of the time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
These are all excellent reviews of diverse books, Mae. I totally agree with your review of Denise’s new book. I think it’s her best yet! I’ve read Miriam’s book and it is filled with inspirational and uplifting poems. Teagan’s book is on my radar! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi, Jan. This Last Chance is my favorite of Denise’s work as well. And Miriam’s was so inspiring. I know you’ll enjoy the whimsy of Teagan’s latest, to. Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, Jan. I appreciated so much of your review. I agree that Denise’s new book and Teagan’s book are great books.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Jan. That’s a huge compliment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Super reviews, Mae. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, John. I enjoy sharing them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you are so good with them too. 😁
LikeLike
Thank you, John, for your kind comment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love it. Evildwels, poetry, and steampunk–quite a collection this week:) Fun reviews. And glad you’re getting to see friends and family again–safely.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve been all over the board with my reading lately. And, of course, now I am entrenched in the world of Harry Dresden which is entirely different, LOL.
It was god to see family and friends. It’s scary though how many states (mine included) are now seeing COVID numbers on the rise again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
More and more people here aren’t wearing masks anymore. We still do when we go in the store. Better safe than sorry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way, Judi. I don’t go in any public place without a mask.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Judi! Mae has an excellent reading selection!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good reviews, Mae. I’ve been meaning to get Miriam’s book. I just grabbed it–thanks for the reminder!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s awesome, Jacquie. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
LikeLike
I agree, Jacqui. Mae’s reviews are so insightful and thoughtful. Thank you for getting my book. I look forward to seeing what you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it will be uplifting so I’m kind of waiting for that moment when I need a boost. With everything going on, that may come soon!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was disappointed when some states, CA was one, took a step back because the cases surged again. Now Florida is worse than CA because of the opening amusement parks. I don’t know how this pandemic will end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, Miriam. It’s all so concerning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to see my granddaughters in Portland, Oregon next month. I booked the premium seats so I don’t have to walk by too many passengers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these fabulous reviews with us, Mae! I, too, loved Miriam’s beautiful collection of poems. Bravo to all! Stay safe. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Miriam’s work was very inspirational and uplifting. Heartstrings was a joy to read. So glad you found it the same.
Thanks for visiting, Natalie, and stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Natalie. Mae did a wonderful job with all her reviews. I appreciated so much of your review of my poetry collection! Be well and safe. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. Mae for the wonderful review:) it certainly has me smiling here in Nevada City. I’m in fantastic company with two books I really enjoyed too! Xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Denise, Mae’s reviews warmed my heart. I have your book on my Kindle. Thank you so much for reviewing my poetry collection also!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad I could share my reviews, Denise. All three reads were engrossing, each in different way. And This Last Chance is my favorite of all of your work. You really nailed it with that one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice reviews Mae. I’ve read Miriam’s poetry and Denise’s book is on my list, quite close. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to see you, Balroop! Thank you for reviewing my poetry. Your poetry books are inspiring to me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Balroop! I hope you enjoy it:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Miriam’s poetry collection was uplifting. I know you’ll enjoy Denise’s book as well, Balroop. Thanks for visiting today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re killing my tbr Mae!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You do the same to mine, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad we have Kindle!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I really would love to get in on D.L’s series. Is The Button the first in the series?
I wish all three authors (lovely ladies all of them) the absolute best for their books! Beautiful reviews Mae 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Jessica. Mae’s reviews are beautiful. Thank you s much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pleasure, Miriram!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jessica 🙂
That’s great to hear…yay! I didn’t mean to write a series, so they can be read individually, although the angels and evildwels have a back story. Here is the order: This Second Chance, The Button, and This Last Chance. There are a couple of short stories too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks heaps, Denise! I’m off to go get the first book 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful reviews, Mae, congrats to Denise, Miriam and Teagan- I love them all!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jacquie! Mae’s reviews are wonderful! I appreciated your review of my poetry very much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jacquie xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jacquie. And I know all three authors appreciate that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed every book in the series by D.L. Finn and I have This Last Chance on my kindle. Looking forward to the read. Thatnks for sharing, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mark, somehow I missed your comment and I’m just now discovering it . Sorry for the late response, but I’m glad you stopped to check out my reviews. You’re going to enjoy This Last Chance. I thought it was Denise’s best to date!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem, Mae. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Mae, I feel like such a heel that I didn’t find this post. There’s no pun intended when I say that I’m tickled pink that you enjoyed this story. Your review is positively lovely. When you said “the descriptions dazzle like a kaleidoscope of vibrant color,” it took my breath away.
Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Teagan! Oh my—no worries, my friend! I have been so far behind on everything, including blog visits, I FULLY understand.
I am, however, thrilled that you liked my review. And I meant that about your descriptions. The whole book was wonderfully vivid and whimsical from start to finish. Such a fun treat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Book Review from the Pen of Mae Clair: Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine @teagangeneviene — – Teagan's Books
Lovely reviews, Mae. Thanks for the recommendations!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Olga. Thanks for visiting to check out the reviews!
LikeLike
I came over to read what you said about Teagan’s book. I am so very pleased. I would love to read this book, but for what I believe are good reasons, I have been boycotting Amazon for over 2 years,
Anyway, I have read 1 of Teagan’s books, and follow her blog. I’m having a gay old time on the Delta Pearl!
Thank you for these lovely reviews!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Resa! Many thanks for visiting to check out my review of Teagan’s book. She always tells an imaginative story. I have followed several on her blog.
I’m not sure if Teagan has her book on B&N, Kobo, Smashwords, or Apple, but you may be able to pick it up through one of those vendors. It was such a fun tale!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All lovely reviews, Mae, congratulations to all the authors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Valentina. Thanks for visiting and checking out the reviews. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
LikeLiked by 1 person