Wednesday, April 1, 2020

IWSG Wednesday






The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.

April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world? 

As many of you know, the stars have not beeen aligned in our family in the past few months, but I'm happy to report there are no new health issues and the fam is on the mend.  No COVID 19. Knock on wood. We're still standing! :)

AND...What I've been reading. 
HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL by Sherry Morris
Mountain girl joins secret service.
Several years back Chloe Lambert saved the president from drowning so when she comes down from the mountains and wants to join the secret service the president endorses her. Chloe’s new job brings her up close and personal to the first family, a ring of counterfeiters, a handsome agent and several madcap characters. Pure entertainment, especially for those that enjoy reads set in the 1940s. Order here.


THOUSAND DOLLAR PHARAOH by Sherry Morris
Zany suspense.
Chloe Lambert is a secret service agent on the trail of a counterfeiter who takes her to Egypt, England and then back to the U.S. Her character is reminiscent of Lucille Ball and brings levity to this 1940’s suspense novel. The author has captured the time period in both her language, setting and issues of the day. A fun read, especially for history buffs and those that enjoy humor sprinkled in with their romantic suspense. Order here

THE ADVENTURES OF HARRY PUTTER by Judy and Keith
A delightful romp on the green.
Evelyn is spoiled, rich and trash talks a lot of T and A. To balance the equation, she is also smart and has a gift for golf. Harry is poor but gifted and is determined to be a successful pro golfer. He’s a character that is likeable from the beginning. There is plenty of adventure and witty conversation to hold the readers interest. Golf lovers especially will enjoy this romp across the green. The authors’ knowledge of the game comes through in the story. Order here.


GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL By Beverly Stowe McClure
Short Blurb/Review. This story touches on two very real problems young people face today: bullying and suicide. It takes a tough subject and handles it in a positive, uplifting way. A must read for teens and tweens. 
Full review: Fifteen-year-old Gabe has his problems. He’s overweight and dyslexic. If that’s not enough, now he’s being bullied. 
Gabe is in a new school. His clumsiness and his dyslexia have made him self-conscious and he makes no attempt to gain friends. When he starts getting bullied and one of the tormenters suggests suicide, he takes the suggestion seriously.
That’s when his guardian angel steps in. He’s nothing like any celestial being Gabe has ever imagined. He has no wings and wears a straw hat and cowboy boots. With help from Charley—his angel—and his family, he begins to realize that not only is he someone that has a lot to offer others, but just maybe his bullies do as well.
The author has taken two difficult topics and turned them into a story with a positive message and a happy ending. A recommended read for teens, tweens and adults.  My favorite line: “Life is tough. So is our family.” Words to live by. Order here


ABOUT US by Elizabeth Seckman
Hayden Matthews is coming out of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. Cam Vorelli has loved her all his life. Unfortunately, it was his cousin she ended up marrying. But now that she’s free, maybe this will be a second chance for both of them.
In this story, as in her other books, the author nails her characters and their emotions. She leaves the reader feeling that that he/she could step into the pages and carry on a conversation with the protagonist and his/her associates. She takes a difficult subject—spousal abuse—and puts it in a perspective people can relate with. Order here.


BORN OF CHAOS by Jeff DeMarco
This book picks up where INTO ARMAGEDDON left off.  It’s a well-written thriller than crosses several genres including apocalyptic sci fi and military fiction. The author takes terrifying subjects and make them believable. Such as: Do scientists finally overextend themselves and create their own end? Do some religious fanatics get so focused on their cause they forget their humanity and destroy anything and anyone that doesn’t agree with them? Find the answers in this chilling, heavily researched thriller.
Warning. Like most military fiction there is violence. This is not a stand-alone. You will want to read the first book in the series before diving into this one. Order here.



Happy April Fools' Day.

37 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

You are reading some good books, but the best news is that you and your family are all doing well - that's fantastic. Stay healthy and safe! Hugs, Valerie

Elephant's Child said...

I am thrilled that your family health issues have turned around. Not before time.
And you will no doubt be shocked and surprised to hear that your reading tempts me. Rather a lot.
Stay safe, stay well - and have fun.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This is definitely no April's Fools post, Sandra. Glad many of your previous family health problems are starting to go away. Looks like you have been very busy reading. You are SO good about supporting other artists. Bless you, dear. Please stay safe and well.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Thank you for the kind words about my book. You've been the biggest support from the beginning of the story to the reviews. Hugs, sweet lady. Stay healthy. Prayers for your family and yourself to stay healthy.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - so glad your family has remained healthy and are improving. Congratulations to all the authors - particularly Beverley and Elizabeth - take care - Hilary

RO said...

Glad to hear the good news about your family. I know that takes a load off everyone's minds. I definitely need to check out that Hundred Dollar Bill. Something about that era truly fascinates me. Be well and sending some hugs your way. RO

Pat Hatt said...

All still standing and on the mend sure is a win. Some great books to read away too.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's wonderful everyone is doing well. Thanks so much for reading Gabe's Guardian Angel.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Glad everyone is on the mend!

Christine said...

Happy April Fool's. Thanks for sharing.

Computer Tutor said...

I am glad everyone is healthy in your family. I know many compare this virus to flue illnesses and deaths (far fewer) but it seems so much worse. We'll solve this.

Love the sound of Hundred Dollar Bill.

Jeanie said...

I'm so glad the Cox team is still standing and hanging in there. We're coping. The emotional/anxiety element is hard. But no boredom, lots done. That's good. Stay well.

Sandra Cox said...

For sure. Thanks, Val. You stay safe, and work on healthy, as well.
Sending a medically correct hug,

Sandra Cox said...

Heh. You absorb books through your pores, as does bud Jacqui Murray:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you for always thinking of us and the kind word. I belong to a very supportive blog community:)
Non-infectious hugs (Borrowing that one from EC).

Sandra Cox said...

Aww, thank you so much, Elizabeth. You put a smile on my face.

cleemckenzie said...

Great to hear your family is on the mend and that COVID-19 hasn't been involved. Here's to summer and the end of this rotten bug.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hilary. Much appreciated.
As you know Beverly and Elizabeth write in different genres AND each excels in their chosen field.
Best of care to you. Cheers,

AJ Bock said...

I'm glad your family is doing great! You've been busy reading what a bunch of great books!

emaginette said...

Thanks for the booklist and the attitude. One of them will get me through. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Birgit said...

The quote is perfect. Glad everyone is doing ok and they are in my prayers. Congrats to all the new books and their authors.

J.Q. Rose said...

Glad everyone is doing well.Those sound like perfect reads to escape from the reality of the C-virus. Thank you.
JQ Rose

Sandra said...

Thanks, Ro:)
The 1940s was definitely a fascinating era.
YOU stay safe. Stay healthy.
Air hug:)

Sandra said...

Yes and yes:)

Sandra said...

Thanks, Di:)
Reading GABE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL was a pleasure:)

Sandra said...

Me too! Thanks, Alex:) Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sandra said...

You hang in there too, my friend. It is an emotional time and anxiety runs high. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sandra said...

And a happy day to you, Christine.
My pleasure:)
Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sandra said...

I think it's so much worse than the flu. For one reason, its transmission rate is sooo high. And yes, we will solve it.
Sherry's bio lists her as a madcap housewife and it comes through in her writing;)

Sandra said...

Another huge plus for summer.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sandra said...

Thank you, Allie. And thanks for stopping by:)

Sandra said...

Counting on it:)

Sandra said...

I do appreciate your prayers and concern, Birgit. Thank you.

Sandra said...

Thanks, cuz. I trust you stay safe.
Good escape reads indeed.
Air hugs,

Dixie Jackson said...

Excellent news that your house is healthy. :) The topic for yesterday on another blog challenge I participate in was favorite series we've read and why. You just gave me some more ideas for my TBR list. Thanks for sharing!

Diane Burton said...

Glad your family is safe from the corona virus. Thanks for the book suggestions.

Magic Love Crow said...

I am so happy that you and your family are all doing well!!! Makes my heart sing! Wow, a lot of good books!! Big Hugs Beautiful Soul!