I discovered some amazing books in March!
MY REVIEW:
Having read the first book in this series, I had to follow up with this one. And I’m glad I did. The characters were like visiting old family.
World-famous medium, Daphne Moutrie, has been invited to visit with spiritualist leader, Mother Leafy in New Orleans, La. to consult with her about writing a spiritualist book.
Daphne’s entourage include her new assistant, Clover, Albert, her housekeeper’s nephew, and newspaper reporter, Phineas.
I met all of these characters in book one. But the main focus in this segment of the series was on Clover, and her developing paranormal abilities.
Right away, the reader knows something nefarious is afoot with the man who was supposed to guide the group safely through the bayou. It appears that Mother Leafy has a competitor who does not want Daphne Moutrie to be successful.
There were definitely perils galore as the group launched on this journey. The guide with an evil mission and the spirits who inhabit the place leave the reader gasping at each new development. Written in true Teagan Geneviene style, I was swept away to another world. While this book is a standalone, I was glad I had read the first book just to be better acquainted with the characters. If you are a fan of paranormal activity, plenty of action, and you have a vivid imagination, you will enjoy this book!
MY REVIEW:
What a story! As an author, I came away from this book astounded by the way this story unfolded. Tucia Hatherley had one ambition in life. She wanted more than anything to be a doctor. The only problem was in 1900, women were not accepted in the medical profession. It was undoubtedly a man’s world. But she was determined, entered medical school, studied hard and learned fast. Then she graduated at the top of her class, fighting every inch of the way. Prejudices ruled the day and the doctor who oversaw her internship was determined that she fail, but only after she refused his advances.
I won’t tell you what happened, but it scarred Tucia for life. She suffered from PTSD, even though they didn’t have a word for it back then. She began to pull out her hair leaving bald patches on her scalp. She struggled to make a meager living for her and her son, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. Again, they didn’t have a word for it back then. They called him an imbecile and told her he needed to be institutionalized. She refused.
When she was fired from her job, she was desperate. So when charismatic showman, Huey, offered her a place in his traveling medicine show, what choice did she have? He made it sound like her ticket to freedom only to discover it was anything but that. She went from one trap to another, with no means to escape. There were so many things that happened along this journey and if I went into detail, you wouldn’t need to read the book. Eventually, they wound up in Galveston, Texas for the winter with a promise of steady work and real bed to sleep in. Only, they hadn’t known about a deadly hurricane that would soon hit the island, wiping out thousands of lives. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this story. The tension went from tight to strangling. If you love historical fiction told in a realistic way with lots of action and adventure, this story is for you! I highly recommend it!
MY REVIEW:
This is a sweet and lighthearted romance that the reader knows from the first page what is going to happen. Still, it’s an entertaining read.
Fynlee is a character I related to. She is dedicated to caring for her wacky grandmother, setting aside her own dreams in life to do so.
Carson Ford is a handsome hunky cowboy who has taken over his elderly aunt’s ranch. The minute Fynlee and Carson meet, sparks fly. But it’s the antics of Fynlee’s grandmother and Carson’s aunt together that drive the story. These two old women made me smile, and I fell in love them immediately. One reviewer described them as being like toddlers on the loose in a candy factory and I’d have to agree. Their energy is contagious.
If you’re looking for a book that will leave you with a happy feeling that all is right in the world, this will do it. While there is no mystery about what will happen, it’s an enjoyable read.
MY REVIEW:
This children’s book is a creative way of teaching children about being different. Lamby managed to turn itself purple, by accident, and was shunned by all the other white lambs because of it. But the author provided the perfect solution to Lamby’s predicament and the story had a heartwarming ending. Children of all ages will relate to this sweet story.
MY REVIEW:
I became aware of Chris Couture when I was working with Texas music artist, Tom McElvain on a book project. Mr. Couture has a well-established reputation as a photographer and the photos inside this book of poetry attest to that fact. But the poetry is beyond amazing. This man has a true talent for stringing words together. The first poem in the book is a tribute to his father, who has passed away. He entitled the poem, “Heavenly Birthday Card.” Are there birthdays up in heaven? I know nobody grows old…
A poem that grabbed me is entitled “The ANighttime’s Just Begun.” Take a look at these lines:
The house is single level
But has so many stories
And more often than not
I'm takin' inventory
There's things I need to do
And demons I can't outrun
And the sun is sinking low
The nighttime's just begun...
This book is full of heartfelt poetry including some that are thought-provoking and ‘in your face’ truth. This beautiful book of poetry and photographs is only available right now directly through Chris. Sorry, I don’t know the price. I was gifted a copy, but feel free to click on the link attached to ‘Purchase Option,’ and inquire directly from him. There is a total of forty poems and photographs. The photograph on the cover is a sampling of the quality. It is a book I will treasure. It will live on my coffee table. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a lover of the arts. It is an exquisite compilation.
I hope you see something today you can’t live without!! Thanks for visiting!
Love the variety of titles! I am so impressed you manage to not only read books but can also review them AND share them with your followers. Even retired, I can’t seem to find the time for all that. Would love to keep my blog alive and get it to thrive again. When? How! You inspire me.
Nice reviews, Jan! I have Teagan’s book waiting on my Kindle. Love the idea of a purple lamb – it’s my favorite color, lol. Congrats to all the authors!
Thanks, Teri. Glad you enjoyed the reviews!
Hi, Jan. I’m delighted that you enjoyed A Peril in the Bayou. Wow, I’m in great company here. This is such a wonderfully varied reading list. I wish I could read faster. Big hugs.
I really did enjoy A Peril In the Bayou, and look forward to reading the next one. 🙂 I do love reading a variety of books. Thank you for stopping by!
Congratulations to all the winners! Amazing books and worthy of some love. Love you, Sister.
Thank you for stopping by, sister!
Lovely reviews, Jan. Congratulations to Teagan, Amanda, Shanna, Janice, and Chris.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the reviews. This is Joy, right? 🙂
I’m all in for the light hearted story, Jan, and picked that up. On the fence on Medicine Woman because I’m already worried for her and mad at how she’s treated. I also read and enjoyed Teagan’s book too. Great reviews. Xo
Thank you kindly, Denise. Your wonderful reviews on the A Medium’s Peril series (including A Peril in the Bayou) mean so much to me. Hugs.
Clicking through on The Medicine Woman”..
That book left me reeling, Jacqui. It will most definitely be on my 2025 top ten list. I hope you enjoy it. Thankfully, it was on KU. I appreciate you visiting.
Oooo, these all sound wonderful, Jan! Thanks for sharing and continuing to add to my reading list. Enjoy your week. 🙂
Lol, Mary. You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful of you to share these great reviews, Jan. The poem really gets to me.
Thank you, Tim! I appreciate you visiting!
Thank you, Tim!
Great reviews, Jan. The poem quote from Chris Couture’s book is moving. I bet the rest of his poems are, too.
It is a beautiful book, Priscilla. The poems are all deeply moving and the photography is stunning! Thanks for visiting.
Great reviews, Jan! Thanks for sharing!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Always a pleasure, Yvette!
The Medicine Woman of Galveston appeals to me. Nice to see Janice featured her with one of her cute kids books.
I also enjoyed this book of Teagan’s and have book 3 in my kindle 🩷
Many thanks, Robbie. Your reviews mean a lot to me. I hope you have a great time with A Peril in the Vines. Hugs.
The Medicine Woman of Galveston left me feeling like I have no clue about how to write a story. It will definitely make my Top Ten list this year! Thanks for stopping by, Robbie!