Wednesday, July 7, 2021

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.

 

July 7th optional question - What would make you quit writing?
The awesome co-hosts for the July 7 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Victoria Marie Lees, and Louise – Fundy Blue!

 

Another good question. Unless, I was mentally or physically unable, I can’t imagine any situation that would make me quit writing. What about you?

 

June/July Reviews in no particular order

 

LAWS OF NATURE by Jacqui Murray

Once again Jacqui Murray creates an epic prehistoric adventure.

Murray’s novels are always filled with a plethora of facts about prehistoric man. What they ate. How they hunted. How they communicated. And how they survived. I can’t begin to fathom the amount of time that goes into researching the worlds she creates. What strikes me the most about her stories is how people—and animals—from different cultures learn to live together. Come together. And form a pack. It’s a wonderful lesson in today’s tempestuous times.  

This particular series is about Lucy. A Homo habilis female who takes her place among the men to step up and lead her pack. She does so with both strength and gentleness and earns the respect and loyalty from everyone that follows her.

If you happen to be looking for a book that reaches into the past and has a strong, fearless female, this series is for you. So grab your coffee, put your feet up and prepare to enjoy.

Available at Amazon.

 

THE FERRYMAN AND THE SEA WITCH by D. Wallace Peach

This tale contains a flawed hero, two strong women, with problems of their own, and  merrow—the dark magical creatures who rule the sea.

As a young boy Callum makes a deal with the sea witch and becomes the ferryman.  Each time he crosses the sea, he must sacrifice a life to the merrow.  Each life he sacrifices, results in saving many more, but that does little to lessen the grinding guilt he lives with. Caught up in intrigue between two warring factions and the merrow, there is no way out and no other options, just an obscure promise dangling out of reach.

As always, the author has created an intricate, believable world and populated it with characters just as believable. The ending is outstanding and emotionally satisfying. D. Wallace Peach has own again created an epic saga of fantasy, intrigue and love.

Available at Amazon.

 

WHITE GOLD by Sherri Hollister

The saga continues.

The Leeward Files saga continues in WHITE GOLD with Dana and Jake's story. Like the first book, this one is loaded with danger, intrigue and plenty of steam.  The protagonists are both strong and tender. The world building is outstanding.  And the storyline holds unexpected twists and turns. A perfect read for a day at the beach or just putting your feet up at home, with a glass of sweet tea at your elbow.

Available at Amazon

 

 

TWILIGHT SHIFTERS (Books 1-3) Series by Kate Danley

This is another great YA fantasy series by a new author I’ve discovered. This series is about a young girl who is the only one who doesn’t shift when the rest of the kingdom turns into weres. She must find a way to lift the curse and save several kingdoms from the monsters that hide in the mist and stalk the swamp.

Danley’s writing is clear and appealing and brings the world she has created to life.

Available at Amazon

 


SATIN AND CINDERS by Jan Sikes

This is such a heartwarming micro-read. It reminded me of Lady and The Tramp.  The stallion wild and living on the plains, and the mare much loved and cared for by her humans. The stallion wants to be with the mare but the risk is overwhelming. It could cost him his freedom, possibly his life. The stallion must decide whether to live alone and free or take a chance on humans to be with the mare.

Isn't this a gorgeous cover? 

Available at Amazon

 


SLIVERS by Balroop Singh

I am a great admirer of haiku and tanka. They are forms of poetry that take discipline, deep thought and each word stands alone. SLIVERS, Ms. Singh’s latest offering is in the tanka vein. It also includes acrostic poetry. (The first letter of each line spells out a word.) As usual, Ms. Singh doesn’t disappoint delivering lines such as:

 

‘where two hills meet

clouds play hide and seek

river watches calmly’

 

‘calmness of wintery sky

softens the morning light

magic percolates’

 

‘swaying in the sun

gold of sunflowers smile

exuding positivity’

 

And there is much, much more.

 

I found this book to be delightful. 

Available at Amazon 

 

THE LEGACY BY S. P. Brown

A Curse Goes With His Inheritance

A curse—or a legacy—is attached to the huge sums of money Harry Black inherits on his grandmother’s passing and the unbelievable becomes the norm when he is called on to fight evil.

What I most enjoyed about this novel was watching this young man’s transformation as he grows as a person and realizes saving others is more important than himself or his inheritance.

If you like a blend of paranormal and thriller, give this one a go.

For whatever reason, I couldn't find this when I went back to look for it on Amazon.

 

What about you,blogger buds? Read any good books lately?


 

 

 


60 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

You are a writer. I suspect it is at least as integral to who you are as your skeleton.
Thanks for the reviews.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - like EC I so agree with her comment. Excellent to read about the books you recommend ... a range of genres - all the best Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

I agree with you about the writing question. I've had periods where I haven't written - about a year or so after both kids were born - but always slipped back into it like pulling on a favourite pair of pyjamas!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome that you can't think of a situation that would stop you from writing. Loved seeing what books you've been reading. Glad you enjoyed Jacqui's.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You are a voracious reader!

Pat Garcia said...

I agree. Writing is such a precious gift.
Have a great month and take care.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Satin and Cinders sounds sweet.

Valerie-Jael said...

Lots of good books, my 'want' list gets longer and longer. Hugs, Valerie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am looking forward to Jacqui Murray's new book I think will be out this month.

I don't write professionally, but I use my blog to write. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't write or take photos.

Balroop Singh said...

Thank you Sandra for a lovely review of Slivers, I am feeling blessed to be placed with awesome authors. Love and hugs.

Jan Sikes said...

Thank you, Sandra, for the beautiful review of Satin and Cinders!!!

Sandra Cox said...

Well said and very intuitive.
You are most welcome;) Thanks for the support you give us all.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hils. I've found it's not so much the genre as the author's ability to tell a great story.

Sandra Cox said...

Laws of Nature is a Keeper for sure:)

D.L. Finn said...

Great reviews, Sandra:) I've read many but found one to add! As for writing, I wouldn't stop, but I might not always publish. Xo

Staci Troilo said...

Wonderful reviews of some great books and authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Chrys Fey said...

So many great books. Jacqui Murray‘s books are on my ever-growing TBR list.

Computer Tutor said...

Thank you so much for hosting me, Sandra--and such great company. I've read most of the books on the list (at least one on the TBR list) and loved them. You are the best!

Computer Tutor said...

It is a great range--Sandra does that. Even poetry!

Computer Tutor said...

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy your ancestor's struggles!

Mae Clair said...

Hi, Sandra! I've read three of these and have others on my TBR. A great collection of books, authors, and reviews!

Gwen Plano said...

Wonderful mentions for wonderful writers. Thanks for sharing!

John Howell said...

Super reviews, Sandra. Thanks for sharing.

Sandra Cox said...

I love that analogy, Annalisa:)

Sandra Cox said...

Completely my pleasure:)
Why does your having read most of these not surprise me:) You are such a voracious reader:)

Sandra Cox said...

Right back at ya, Jacqui:)

Sandra Cox said...

You are definitely in for a treat with Jacqui's books, Chrys.

Sandra Cox said...

You always find one to add:)
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

You bet.

Sandra Cox said...

It is, for sure, Di:)

Computer Tutor said...

Yay!

Computer Tutor said...

That makes my day, Chrys!

cleemckenzie said...

Great job getting out the book news! I'm excited to read Jacqui's newest.

Joan Hall said...

I saw another review of Satin and Cinder last week. Putting this on my TBR.

Sandra Cox said...

So many books. So little time:)
Looking forward to reading yours, Alex:)

Sandra Cox said...

Jacqui's writing amazes me. It's reading history in a work of fiction.

Sandra Cox said...

They are awesome and so are you, Balroop:)

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Jan. I love horses so Satin and Cinders was a treat for me.

Sandra Cox said...

Jacqui is a master at prehistoric tales, isn't she, Lee?

Sandra Cox said...

It is indeed.
Thanks, Pat. You have a great month too and thanks for co-hosting.

Sandra Cox said...

Always glad to help add to your want list, Val:)
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Great books and authors, indeed. Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting everyone, Staci.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Mae, Good on you for the reads.
Definitely great authors and books:)
Take special care.

Sandra Cox said...

Wonderful writers indeed, Gwen.
Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, John, and thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Enjoy:) Don't you love that cover?

J.P. Alexander said...

Yo creo que la muerte, siempre en mi mente estoy creando historias. Lindas portadas suertes con los libros

Harmony Kent said...

Great reviews, Sandra. Thanks for sharing :)

Birgit said...

I would stop writing if lol my friends said I can’t write. I trust their honesty. It would be like me saying I can play the tuba but my friend shoves a watermelon in it and tells me enough. Look at all the new books and how nice of you to give a shout out.

Sandra Cox said...

Keep writing, J.P.
Hugs

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by and supporting the buds, Harmony:)

Nick Wilford said...

It sounds like you've been busy reading. A good selection of stories there.

Sandra Cox said...

A watermelon in a tuba would be a serious hint wouldn't it?:)We all help each other don't we, Birgit?

Magic Love Crow said...

Thanks for the reviews! That Sea Witch one looks interesting! I can't imagine you ever not writing!!! Big Hugs!

Jeanie said...

I couldn't quit writing. I wouldn't know how!

Sandra Cox said...

So many books. So little time.
How are you, Nick?

Sandra Cox said...

Sea Witch is an interesting read for sure, Stacy.
Without you on writing:)
Big Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Exactly:)

kjmckendry said...

I couldn't stop writing either, it helps keep me sane!
I love the sound of Laws of Nature!

Computer Tutor said...

#kjmckendry Book 3 is also out (for presale) so you can finish up the trilogy. I hope you love themd!