Tuesday Book Reviews @JacqBiggar, @dlfinnauthor, @JanSikes3, @BalroopShado #shortstories #poetry

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Warm and cozy window seat with cushions and a opened book, light through vintage shutters, rustic style home decor. Small cat on window seat, along with coffee cup by pillow, Words Book Review Tuesday superimposed over image

Welcome to my first book review post of July. If you live in the United States, I hope you had an amazing 4th of July holiday weekend. Mine was on the quiet side, but involved a great cookout and time spent sunning (and reading) by the pool. Today, I have several indie book reviews to share that run from a novella to a 15-minute read, children’s fiction, and a collection of poetry.

Because I have so many (these are all short reads) I’m going to skip the blurbs and simply post my reviews. Click the Amazon link for full details. Let’s get started!

MY REVIEW:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Katy and Ty met as teens and were destined for an HEA until circumstance drove them apart. Katy moved with her mom out of state, putting Ty and small-town life in Tidal Falls behind her. Now, years later, she returns with the intent of getting married in her hometown. She has become a cardiac surgeon, engaged to a real estate developer who is the exact opposite of Ty. Her plan is to have her wedding in the old theater her family owned when she was a child, now being remodeled by Ty’s construction company.

As expected, sparks fly when Katy and Ty reconnect. Biggar takes her characters through a gamut of emotions from denial and regret to the longing of two hearts that have never truly separated. Danger lurks in incidents of sabotage at the theater and a shadowy stalker who has Katy in his sites.

This is book three of a series, and although it does help to have some understanding of the secondary characters and their relationships, the main story reads easily as a standalone. The characters feel like neighbors. I love the small-town setting and how so many lives intertwine. The author is a pro at writing feel-good romance. I loved the inclusion of an abandoned kitten for extra warm fuzzies and an ending that delivers a perfect HEA.

MY REVIEW

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This is a whimsical story that enchants from beginning to end, weaving the lives of humans, trees, and fairies in an imaginative adventure that is part fanciful fun and part environmental teaching. The main character, Daniel, goes from child to adult over the course of the novel, plus the reader sees the progression of lives for several fairies and their families. Both human and fairy timelines intertwine in perfect symmetry.

I loved the magical feel of the story, the glitter and enchantment of disappearing into a forest where trees talk and impart wisdom, and fairies watch over animals. The reader learns about trees, fishers, owls, and martens as well as the danger environmental issues bring. There are bad guys and good guys and plenty of magic. Although the main audience for this book is middle grade and above, adults will find the beautiful descriptions and heart-warming story a bewitching journey.

MY REVIEW:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a very short read, but it delivers both a message and a huge warm fuzzy. Told from the POV of Cinders, a wild stallion in love with Satin, a domestic mare, the story delivers a tale of longing, love, and having the confidence to reach for your dream. When Cinders braves the unknown to connect with the mare he has loved from afar in spirit, he and Satin find strength in their devotion to each other. The delivery is sweet and wraps with a lovely and strengthening message about pursuing your dreams, even when it involves stepping out of your comfort zone.

MY REVIEW:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Although I am primarily a reader of fiction, I enjoy escaping into a book of poetry now and again, especially when the poet paints vivid images and deftly stirs emotions with words. Balroop Singh never disappoints with the way she weaves words in a beautiful and spellbinding tapestry. Slivers: Chiseled Poetry is a collection inspired by haiku, tanka, and acrostic poems. Subjects cover seasons, natural and abstract elements such as Clouds, Wind, Light, Love, and Change to name a few. I’m always drawn to poetry that plays off nature and those comprised my favorites. In a different vein “My Muse” really stood out for me, along with the soothing photographic images scattered throughout.

These are poems to ponder and absorb in quiet moments. The acrostic poems were different and interesting, but the tanka, and especially the haiku stole the show for me. As you read, take the time to digest these in the manner the author intended. They make a lovely escape from the frenzied rush of daily life.

107 thoughts on “Tuesday Book Reviews @JacqBiggar, @dlfinnauthor, @JanSikes3, @BalroopShado #shortstories #poetry”

  9. What a wide variety of genres! And I agree with you about Jacquie adding a kitten to the story – furry friends are always welcome. Wonderful reviews, Mae – glad you had a relaxing pool and book-filled weekend.

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  12. What wonderful reviews, Mae!! I am thrilled that you enjoyed my little micro-read. I thoroughly enjoyed “Tree Fairies” and have “Twilight’s Encore” waiting on my Kindle! Thank you for sharing!!

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  16. I am delighted to hear that poetry is “your escape” Mae. Thank you for reading Slivers and writing such good words about it. Loved your review. I am feeling blessed to be placed amongst awesome authors. Denise’s fairies have enthralled me and I like Jan’s style of writing. Jacquie’s books are hard to choose, as each one is better than the other.

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  17. I’m so happy you enjoyed meeting the fairies, Mae 🙂 Yay! A great list of books, that I enjoyed, to be included with, I only have one to still read which awaits me on my Kindle:) xo

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    • Your fairies were enchanting, Denise. From start to finish. I loved the whimsy and magic of the book, tucked in with a beautiful and important message about our environment. I know you’ll enjoy whichever of these yet remains on your Kindle. You and the others provided me with wonderful hours of reading!

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  18. I had a quiet 4th, too. The hubster visited his mom while I held down the fort. Heehee, I watched four spooky movies (not his first choice) while he was gone.:-) Good reviews! All of them sound wonderful, and I plan on reading Denise’s book this week!

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  24. I don’t have any on my Kindle yet, but with these great reviews, I think some purchases are just around the corner. Congratulations to Jacquie, Denise, Jan, and Balroop. 🙂 Thanks for giving some great insights into these, Mae.

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  26. I’m adding all of these books to my list, Mae, but I’m especially looking forward to Satin & Cinders and The Tree Fairies. Lovely reviews for all. I’m glad you had a wonderful, relaxing weekend! It was relaxing for us as well. ❤️

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  30. I’ve been reading and enjoying Tree Fairies – and soon to share it with my granddaughter! I just put Balroop’s newest collection of poems in my Kindle. Yay! I’ve fascinated with Jan’s idea of publishing a “micro-read.” Will investigate further.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Wonderful to hear on all accounts, Pam. Aren’t the tree fairies, fun? I’m sure your granddaughter will love them, too.
      I wish you happy reading with the others as well. Thanks for visiting and commenting!

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