Even though I traveled during a good portion of April, I still managed to read some REALLY good books! I hope you see something that grabs you!
MY REVIEW
How many times can one man die? The answer for Gryff is twenty-seven. It took me a while to get into the rhythm and cadence of this story as scenes are rewound and repeated with different outcomes. The premise is absolutely brilliant and the writing superb!
Gryff is a simple farmer, with a wife and two children. But an attack changes everything, and I do mean everything. When Gryff is offered the magical time travel sunwielder medallion by an old woman in the forest, he gets not only a second chance, but many different chances at life and death.
Each time he is faced with death, a ray disappears off the medallion. Is that not a brilliant story premise?
I think it is. Throughout the book, I travelled with Gryff from being a farmer who raised horses to a revered general in the king’s army. Of course, he has an arch enemy who is bent on destroying everything.
I love the way this author tied everything in together and left me with a good feeling about all the characters. While Gryff is the main character, there are a multitude of side characters who also play important parts in the story. If you are a lover of a groundhog day type fantasy set in medieval times, you are sure to enjoy this story. My hat is off to this author.
MY REVIEW:
I love all the Native American folklore and spiritual practices woven throughout the book and the fact that it’s set in one of my favorite places, Yellowstone Park in Montana.
Shawnee and Mr. Mayhem are fighting to save the buffalo, who are still so important to the native people. Trophy hunters pay big money to kill one of the big beasts and the Killzme corporation makes millions off the hunters.
There are so many different aspects of this story that I enjoyed. The depth of the relationship that has grown between Shawnee and Mayhem is shown in a big way. The author wrote one scene that is beyond any doubt, the most sensual scene I’ve ever read in any book. It is tastefully and provocatively done.
Some of the side characters I’ve met in other books in this series showed up in a big way here. Jacy Lee, Shawnee’s grandfather and Native American shaman is always there to patch up wounds, help hearts heal and cook great meals. The crows are all in this story. Poe is a bigger than life character. At times I adored him and other times, wanted to bop him on the head. Spirit Crow is a loving, gentle and beautiful character, as is Odin. But in this part of the series, Running Bear turns out to be an integral part of the team fighting to save the buffalo. There is plenty of action, as always with Mr. Mayhem, but this book let me see a gentler side of him and even a bit of humbleness I hadn’t seen before. I loved the book. It checked all the boxes for me and the surprise ending took it over the top. If you love Native American stories, you are sure to enjoy this one. I highly recommend it!
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short story memories from this author. She shared heartwarming stories, gave accurate descriptions of life on a farm, and offered a step back in time when things moved slower.
While not everything was always grand, life isn’t always grand and heartbreak is bound to come along, as Foster depicts in this book with the loss of her brother.
If I had to choose a favorite story from this collection, it would be the one about an antelope that became a family pet.
If you are interested in this historic time period and how folks came to settle on the Canadian prairie, you will no doubt enjoy this memoir. I read it easily in one sitting. It’s well written and drew me in right away.
MY REVIEW:
Every once in a great while, you pick up a book that touches you deeply and changes in you in some way. And that is the case for me with this new release from author Dee Burks.
It is a story of parallels, secrets, and years of believing untruths.
I love the way the author put this story together with the two main characters, both facing a crossroads in their lives. But a unique aspect is the roles their grandparents play in their decisions, even from beyond the grave.
Lacey is working a job that pays the bills but gives her no satisfaction or purpose in life. She’s climbed the career ladder, but now she’s stuck in a rut. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Fifteen years ago, Jack dared to buck the system, go against his mother’s wishes, leave his relationship with Lacey, and strike out to see the world. Now he’s returned to take his place in the family’s lucrative accounting business, as he’d promised. But deep inside, he knows this will kill his spirit.
I enjoyed going along with Lacey and Jack as they navigated the waters of their relationship, trying to pick up where they were fifteen years earlier, and making choices for a fulfilling life ahead. Finding the courage to step away from what is comfortable into the unknown is not easy. This story inspired me to take a look at my own existence. It made me stop and think. And I think it will do the same for you. If you love a deeply woven story with family dynamics spanning decades, in a breathtaking setting, you will enjoy this story as I did. I highly recommend it. The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars is the number of typos. But the story is great!
I am never disappointed in a Sharon Sala book, and this one is no exception. In fact, something happened while reading this book that has never happened before. At a little over halfway through the book, around midnight, I went to bed, and I dreamed about these characters. That is a first for me. And that’s an indication of how invested in the story and characters I became.
Beth Venable is in California, and that’s a long way from where she grew in Kentucky. But now, she’s witnessed a murder and her life is in constant danger. Mafia Lord, Ike Pappas, won’t rest until Beth, the only witness to his brutal act, is dead.
Ryal Walker loved Beth when they were teenagers. Then family drama and hidden secrets split them apart. So when Beth’s uncle asks Ryal to take Beth somewhere safe until Pappas was behind bars, he is torn with the love he still feels for her and his promise to protect her.
An abandoned cabin high in the Appalachian mountains seemed the perfect hideaway.
There is a ton of tension throughout this story as Beth faces one life-threatening event after another. Being thrust back with Ryal, she’s also struggling with the love she still has for him and the lack of understanding of why they were split apart.
As secrets are revealed and danger heightens, I found myself flipping the pages as fast as I could to get to the conclusion. The story has a satisfying and hopeful conclusion, with an unexpected twist in the Ike Pappas camp. Great world building, storytelling, and breathtaking setting! I highly recommend this suspenseful romance.
Hi Jan, some really good reads featured here. I recently read Darlene’s book too. Sunwielder is my favourite of Diana’s books to date.
Thank you for adding your book recommendations, Robbie. I enjoyed each of these books immensely. Sunwielder still lingers in my mind. What a story concept! I appreciate you taking the time to visit and leave a comment!
That’s the third fab review I’ve seen for Sue’s book today – congrats to her and the other authors! I’ve got Diana’s book on my Kindle. Pretty cool how you dreamed about the characters, Jan. Really says something about how invested you were with them.
That’s true, Teri, and it was a first for me. I’ve dreamed about my own characters, but never someone else’s. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the reviews!
Amazing reviews Jan. I’m checking them all out. 🙂 x
Wonderful, Debby! So glad the books got your attention!
What a wonderful surprise to see your review of Sunweilder, Jan. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. It’s my husband’s favorite as he says he has many “sunweilder moments.” Lol. And I also enjoyed Sue’s new eco-thriller and Darlene’s stories. Thanks for the reviews for a couple of books I haven’t read yet too. That’s so cool that you actually dreamed about a book. Wow. What a recommendation. Thanks again for the great review, my friend. Hugs.
It was my pleasure to read Sunweilder, Diana. I cannot even imagine the process you went through writing it. Thanks for the added recommendation for Sue’s and Darlene’s books. Dreaming about characters from a book that isn’t mine is a new experience for sure. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Spreadsheets! Lol. Thanks again.
Terrific reviews, Jan! All of the books sound great. I really enjoyed Darlene’s book. I’m glad you shared on Twitter!
Sally’s share on Twitter…sorry!
I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews, Jill, and thanks for adding your recommendation for Darlene’s book. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Thank you for the amazing review, Jan! All the books piqued my interest. Congratulations to the other authors!
My pleasure, Sue. So glad the other books grabbed your attention. Thanks for stopping by!
A wonderfully diverse collection of reads, Jan. Congrats to all these authors. Thanks for posting your reviews. Hugs.
I do love reading all genres of books, Teagan, and these were all so good. Thank you so much for visiting!
Sounds like you found some great ones.
I did, Craig. And I love that they are so different. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Wonderful reviews Jan and I enjoyed Darlene’s book very much. ♥
Thank you for your added recommendation, Sally. Darlene’s book was like taking a step back in time. I enjoyed it!
Great reviews, Jan. I’ve read three of these and agree all great reads! The other two caught me attention 🙂
Yay! Glad you found two that were new to you, Denise. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
This sounds really good. What she is going through could happen to any of us. I love that sort of story.
Thanks, Jacqui. I’m not sure which book you are talking about, but glad you enjoyed the reviews.
You read some awesome books and I’m so delighted that you included my little book of memories. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for the great review. 💖💖
I loved your little book of memories, Darlene. You really put me there. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. Thanks for visiting!
I’ve read and enjoyed one of these books, but you make them all sound wonderful, Jan. Great reviews!
So glad you enjoyed the reviews, Priscilla. Each book was absolutely a delight to read!