Hello, friends. It was brought to my attention that some of you missed my regular Monday post and I apologize for that. I was out of pocket all weekend and couldn’t get it written. I’ll try and make up for it next Monday. In the meantime. here are the rest of my April reviews. And, as the title says, “better late than never.” Once I got back in the saddle, life went from zero to sixty in nothing flat.
MY REVIEW:
I had the wonderful privilege of reading an ARC of this book! It is available now for pre-order and publishes May 21st.
The title alone intrigued me. After all, what writer doesn’t have a story to tell? But the story itself captivated me. Jim Turner is a famous crime writer in the post World War II era. His entire world revolves around creating desperate situations for criminals and their victims., and he’s great at it.
His best friend and hero in life is his aging, if not somewhat eccentric, grandfather. So when the old man asks Jim to visit a peninsula he swears will change his life, he agrees, only because it’s his beloved grandfather. The plot changes when Jim is tasked with uncovering the real story behind a high-ranking German soldier who manages to flee from Hitler’s army and bring with him the woman he loves. This puts Jim in the crosshairs of some serious danger.
His entire world tilts on its axis once Jim steps foot on the peninsula. Then he meets Chastity, a woman with ethereal qualities and smells like lemons and sunshine.
I’d say this is the must unusual love story I’ve ever read. The nuances, the criminal elements and most of all the discovery elements are cleverly woven into the storyline. I read this book in two sittings. The action never dragged and the mysteries never revealed themselves until it was time. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the author would throw in another surprise. The book is well written and engaging. If you are looking for something a little different, off the beaten path, you will no doubt enjoy this book!
MY REVIEW:
The gripping Savage Land saga continues as Yu’ung struggles to save the clan. The mountain is angry, spewing fire and ash all over their home. They must go or die, but there are so many dilemmas.
I enjoyed this segment of the series as much as I did the first one. The new characters that came into the picture offered new dimensions, challenges and unlikely friendships and alliances.
My favorite side character in this segment of the saga was Shanadar and his canis companions. They add so much to the story and especially knowing his backstory. It’s a situation of being forced to meet a challenge flung upon him out of desperate circumstances, and rising to the challenge.
It was great to see Yu’ung’s mother again. I love her and her innate wisdom.
There are some sad parts in this segment, but so realistic.
The author gives us insightful views into the understanding and wisdom the Neanderthals posses. Another very interesting aspect to this part of the story is getting a closer look at their healing modalities and methods of communicating. This is a saga. I am hoping these characters find the safety and shelter they desperately need and am already looking forward to the next part of the journey. If you enjoy learning about our ancestors, their trials and triumphs, you will no doubt enjoy this well-written book. I highly recommend it!
MY REVIEW:
Two words come to mind regarding this amazing book of poetry, art, photographs and videos and those two words are “Passion” and “Creativity.”
This author’s love for and deep abiding concern for the African wildlife that is on the verge of extinction due to man’s greed and disregard for their precious habitats is expressed in poetic form as well as personal photographs
In this collection, the author takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery and knowledge.
Each magnificent creature is given a voice through these poems. Here is one example about elephants:
An end to your days on this planet is approaching
Due to human encroachment and mindless poaching
It’s hard to understand the penchant for hunting tournaments
Even less, the human desire for ivory ornaments.
I always learn from this author. Did you know ‘tower’ is a collective word for giraffes? I do now.
I love the poems and photos of the female lion and her cubs. There’s even a video to watch their play. This poem describes it:
long night
mama’s worn out
but not tiny girl cubs
who play fight and practice
stalking life skills
There is so much contained within the pages of this book. If you are a lover of nature and all its splendor, the fragile balance that must be maintained for all creatures to survive, you will no doubt enjoy this amazing book. I highly recommend it. This book is not meant to be read, but absorbed.
MY REVIEW:
This story is not only entertaining, but educational. It gives the reader a personal point of view about how World War I affected everyone. The author did a great job of showing the sacrifices so many had to make.
The story is told from an eleven-year-old girl’s point of view. Elizabeth is forced to grow up quick when her father and brother leave to join the war. Her days of leisure are over. She has to learn and learn quick. Thank goodness for her best friend, Sarah, who had the patience to teach Elizabeth how to cook and knit.
I related to all the characters, but especially to Pearl, Elizabeth’s older sister. She is a strong determined character and longs for changes. I loved learning the author named this character after her grandmother. That makes it even more special.
When illness strikes the family, Elizabeth steps up in a big way, not only doing all the chores for everyone, but taking care of those who are sick. There is huge growth in this young girl’s life and attitude. So many situations happen that force her to take on responsibilities beyond her young years.
But when everything falls on her shoulders, including the burden of grief, she stands tall. It is a historical tale of family, love and loss. I highly recommend this beautifully written book which I read in one sitting.
I hope you found something here you cannot resist! 🙂 I love sharing great books I’ve read. Thank you for visiting!
These are great and very helpful reviews. I just wrote an Amazon review for Badlands. I loved it! I realized I had not gotten started with Burning Butterflies. I have the kindle version but I just bought the paperback version too. I prefer the paper version but I’ll start with the kindle version. I am very much looking forward to reading it. The other two books seem to be great books as well.
Thank you, Jan, for the great review! You have a wonderful audience here and I loved reading through the comments and getting acquainted with new names and faces. Thank you again!
Thank you for the reviews. I Have a Story sounding particularly intriguing.
Thank you! Writing this book was quite an experience.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for another great selection, Jan, and congratulation to all the talented authors.
Thank you!
Some good reading here Jan, and your reviews are very enticing. Congrats to all the authors for your recommend reviews. <3
Thanks!
🙂
So glad you enjoyed my view of these books, Debby. Thank you for visiting!
A pleasure Jan x
Thank you!
Excellent reviews, Jan. I’ve read and enjoyed all of these except for “I Have A Story.” Your comment that this is the most “unusual love story I’ve ever read” intrigued me. Congrats to Colleen, Jacqui, Robbie, and Denise on the wonderful reviews.
Thank you, D Wallace
Thank you, Diana!
Thank you for visiting, Diana, and I am happy you enjoyed the reviews. Colleen will be a guest here on my blog on the 28th and I think everyone will enjoy knowing how this unusual story came into being.
Oh, how fun! I’ll be sure to stop by.
Thank you very much!
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Dear Jan
Thanks for your reviews.
We only know Jacqui Murray’s book. We like her writing based on extensive research.
Happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 :-):-)
Love that part of writing.
Thank you, Jan 🙏🩵
Excellent reviews, Jan! I have Badlands and will read it soon and just finished Robbie’s book. Your thoughts mirror mine. Her advocacy is commendable, not to mention, her incredible writing, photography, and painting. Thanks for introducing Colleen, and I wasn’t aware of Denise’s book either. More for the TBR. 🙂 Congratulations to all the authors too. 💞
Thanks, Lauren. I’m so glad you enjoyed the reviews and thanks for the added recommendation for Robbie’s beautiful book. And I’m always happy to add to your TBR list. 🙂
Oooh I hope you enjoy it, Lauren!
Thanks for sharing these great reviews, Jan!
My pleasure, Tim! Thanks for visiting!
Happy to see these great reviews, Jan. 😊
Thank you for the reviews, Jan. I wanted to leave a “like” too but could not find the button. Did you remove it or did it dissapear?
Who knows, Erika? WordPress is always coming and going with stuff. So frustrating! Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!
Oh, no, one of those bugs again…
Terrific reviews, Jan. Congratulations to Colleen, Jacqui, Robbie, and Denise.
Thanks for visiting, John!
Thanks, John!
Thank you, John
Thank you, John!
Wow, you’ve really been busy, Sister! Your reading pace puts me to shame. Congrats to all the authors of these wonderful books. So many titles catch my eye and the reviews are lovely.
I had a lot of down time, sister, and I loved filling it with reading! Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing these amazing reviews, Jan! My TBR list just keeps growing!
Lol, Joy! Yes. My TBR keeps growing as well. 🙂 I love finding new authors and books! Thanks for visiting!
Hi Jan, thank you for your wonderful review of burning Butterflies. I’m delighted you enjoyed the lion cubs 💝. Elizabeth’s War is a wonderful story and the other two sound good too 💗
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
Your book, Burning Butterflies, is outstanding, Robbie. Your passion shines through not only in the poems but the photos and videos. Just beautiful! Thanks for adding your recommendation for Elizabeth’s War as well. Yes, a wonderful story. Thank you for visiting!
I haven’t heard of Colleen’s book, Jan. Thanks for introducing her and sharing your compelling review. Yes, I am always looking for something different. Jacqui’s books also offer that.
Thanks, Balroop!
My pleasure, Balroop. Colleen will be a guest on my blog later this month and I think everyone will enjoy learning more about her. I totally agree about Jacqui’s book! Thanks for visiting!
Thank you for the review, Jan! As always, spot on, and I have good company in this post. Sharing…
Hmm… Chrome lost all the SM shares, but it can’t outsmart me! I’ll just switch to Edge!
It is my pleasure to share Badlands, Jacqui. I am loving this series! Thanks for stopping by and for sharing.
I just started Jacqui’s book, and it is really good!
Yay! You are in for a treat, Kymber! Thank you for stopping by!
Love hearing that, Kymber! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these stories, Jan. I am reading an adult WWI book (Unfit to Serve). I think little Elizabeth’s story would be a good companion read.
I hope you enjoy it, if you read it, Priscilla 🙂
I’m not familiar with Unfit to Serve, but I do think you’d enjoy Elizabeth’s War! Thank you for visiting, Priscilla!
I’ve been seeing great reviews for several of these books. Glad you’re feeling better, Jan!
I’m always happy to share my thoughts on the books I read, Teri. Thanks for stopping by and for the positive vibes!
You wrote great reviews. I was precisely in the middle of reading Badlands when I started reading this post. I am looking forward to reading the other books.
That’s great, Thomas. I’m sure you are enjoying Badlands! I certainly did. Thanks for stopping by and glad you found some new books to add to your list!
I know just about where you are, Thomas. I hope you’re enjoying it.
Great reviews for awesome books. I really must read Elizabeth’s War. Thanks.
I know you would really enjoy Elizabeth’s War. I read it in one sitting. It’s so good! Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you enjoy meeting Elizabeth, Darlene 🙂
Thank you for the great review, Jan, and taking the journey with Elizabeth 🙂 I also agree about Robbie and Jacqui’s books. Plus, I found one to add to my TBR list. Xo
I truly enjoyed Elizabeth’s story, Denise. Thanks for adding your recommendation for Robbie and Jacqui’s books! And whoo hoo! Glad you found one to explore! Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, Denise!