The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.
February 2
question - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't
around anymore? Anyone you miss?
I’ve lost four. My mother, who was my biggest supporter (as mothers tend to be), my sister-in-law who bought and read everything I wrote and two writer
buds, both friends of the heart, Carmen Stenfenscu and Ginny Lester. Does
anyone remember either of them? They were both wonderful women and writers. I miss
them all. What about you? Have you suffered losses in your support group? I sincerely hope not.
The awesome co-hosts for the February 2 posting of
the IWSG are Joylene Nowell
Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!
January reviews in no particular order.
*Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore it and don’t factor it into my review.
MY MAGIC SUMMER by Brian Carmody.
On the cusp of adulthood, a young man has a magical summer.
It’s 1994 and Connor is almost seventeen. His mother has cancer and he’s sent to his Uncle Willard’s. What starts as an uncertain journey turns into a never-to-be forgotten summer filled with friendship, fantasy and adventure. While there he forms new attachments, some of them out of this world. Moon maidens, in fact.
A unique blend of normal and magic are woven together in this enchanting tale. The story touches on a young man’s first kiss with sensitivity and realism. It also shows how the protagonist overcomes his own insecurities and fears to deal with a bully and save the life of a friend.
I was thoroughly charmed.
Available at Amazon.
TIDAL FALLS, Book one in the Wounded Hearts series by Jacquie Biggar
An abused woman. A haunted Marine. A sweet little girl. And a loveable mutt.
After stealing an incriminating file from her abusive husband, Sara Sheridan takes her daughter and goes on the run.
Nick Kelley can’t get past the fact that his best friend died and he survived. Now he’s trying to find peace and a way to forget.
Both end up in Tidal Falls.
Though he fights the attraction, Nick finds himself falling for both Sara and her daughter. When the past raises its ugly head and puts Sara in danger, Nick decides it time to call in the Marines.
TIDAL FALLS is a sexy, romantic suspense. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Nick and his friends in Book Two. Great job, Ms. Biggar.
Available at Amazon.
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS, A Gambling Hearts Short Story by Jacquie Biggar
Another winner. This short is perfect for the season. It’s heartwarming and makes the reader believe in miracles and angels. Now I have to read the Gambling Hearts series—right after I finish the Wounded Hearts series😊. Grab your cocoa, curl up in front of a cozy fire, and jump into this magical story. Biggar and Christmas story fans will love it.
Available at Amazon.
MYTHS OF THE MIRROR by D. Wallace Peach
Skyriders once rode dragons as an extension of themselves, dragon and rider one unit. Decency and kindness a way of life. Then the governors take power. Two riders die. Avarice becomes the law of the land. The dragons are imprisoned and rode with savagery, till one rider nearly dies. Recovering, he reconnects with the dragons and his life is changed. A change that could alter a village and affect everyone he holds dear.
Once again, the author spins her tale with a delicate hand, drawing the reader into a realm of fantasy that she has seamlessly crafted. A must read for D. Wallace Peach fans.
Available at Amazon.
FOR THE SOUL by Barbara Daniels Dana
Charming.
These are such dear stories. The author did a skillful job of weaving fiction and nonfiction into a lovely finished product. I found myself anxious to get to the end of each story to discover if it was a true story or a compelling fictional read. My favorite: CHAPERONE TO THE MARINES and the author’s adventures with The United States Marine Corps Wing Band.
A recommended read for anyone who wants to lose themselves in feel-good moments.
Available at Amazon.
114 comments:
Hi. Thank you for co-hosting. I like that last picture. Well, I've been lucky to have family and friends by my side. We can do with all the encouragement in our creative pursuits, don't we?
Wonderful pics Sandra, hope all is well with you.
Take care.
Yvonne.
How I love your unflinching support of other people. In every arena. Thank you.
Hi Sandra - thanks for the reviews ... but I particularly like the 'Save Indies' poster in the window ... I hope smaller bookshops will be able to stick around - cheers Hilary
Thanks for co-hosting. That much be so hard having lost your mom and two close friends who supported your writing.
Like the sign.
I am hosting Brian on my blog today.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Like the Indie Sign, so true! Hugs, Valerie
Thanks for co-hosting, Jacqui. The sign is great and an important warning to heed. It should be on all our lips.
Sorry Sandra. I was off to see Jacqui next and got ahead of myself.
The Indie sign is powerful message. Speaking of power, the support of others can carry us through the tough times and share the joy of success.
Thank you for co-hosting our Feb IWSG blog hop.
Lynn La Vita @ http://la-vita.us/
I'm so happy that you enjoyed Brian's book.
Like the sign!!
I've also lost my biggest supporter. My mother. We go on, and hope they are watching over us.
That's a lot of loss, especially of people so dear to you. I am very blessed to still have my mom and my core supporters around.
Thanks for co-hosting.
A few years back, a dear friend and fellow writer passed away due to lung cancer. It's still a hard thing for me to talk about. Writing can be a very solitary and lonely activity. The encouragement and support of a fellow writer means a lot!
P.S.: That indie bookstore sign is amazing!
Thanks for co-hosting this month and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Sorry for your losses but glad they were good supportors and influences for you. MY MAGIC SUMMER sounds like an interesting read. MYTHS OF THE MIRROR sounds fun. Thanks for sharing your reviews.
Good on you for featuring Brian on your blog.
Co-hosting is entirely my pleasure, Alex. Thanks for captaining:)
Sandra, thank you so much for the honorable mention. It is supporters like you who make writing such a joy for us indies! You are a shining ray of sunshine on those gloomy days when I don't think my brain has a sentence in it worth writing. I hope others will enjoy my short stories. They are a fun journey. I am writing book #2 now. I love that sign!
Sounds like some good books. Thanks for cohosting this month.
Unfortunately, it is.
Hugs received and returned.
I'm glad you've had/have a lovely support group. Thanks for stopping by, Sonia.
I like the sound of those books. I seem to have added a ton to my tbr already this year :O
Thanks for co-hosting this month :)
Ouch to loosing four people who inspired you. Like you, my mother was my biggest cheerleader.
Losing our people is hard, and losing those who want us to succeed in our writing is even more so. Hope you have others to step up and lend the support you need to keep that ink flowing. Thanks for co-hosting today.
Those are a lot of supporters to lose, Sandra. I am sad, but I guess life goes on. Great reviews. A few I've read--heartily agree with your assessment. The others, I am now enticed.
My mom and sisters were (and sisters still are) SO proud of me. I hated to toot my own horn but they came on like ocean liner blasts every time I had a new book come out. My law office co-workers (none of whom were romance readers . . . then!) were also big promoters. One of the attorneys told me to get busy because his wife was nagging him for the next book!
Hi,
Goodbyes are always hard to deal with for me. I feel your loss at the departure of your mother.
Thank you for co-hosting.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thank you, Pat. And back at ya on losses.
I appreciate you stopping by:)
No one cheerleads like our mom, do they, Bish.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Thanks, Yvonne:) I hope all is well with you also.
Cheers,
YES to supporting our indie bookstores. I miss author events! Beautiful your mother was your biggest supporter. I feel for your loss. Thank you for co-hosting!
It's sad to lose people we care about but nice to remember them. Thanks for cohosting!
Amen to supporting indie bookstores. Thanks for reminding me--I owe a new bookstore in Las Vegas a visit! Thanks for cohosting.
Right back at ya, Sue:)
Take special care.
Thanks for stopping by, Sadira.
Enjoy that new bookstore:)
Mothers are mentors in all manner of ways. I, too, value my mother as a writing influence.
Thanks for co-hosting this merry band of writers.
Yes and yes:)
You're most welcome. Thanks for stopping by, Loni.
So many books. So little time:)
Thanks for stopping by, Jemima.
Entirely my pleasure.
Yes and yes on the reads;)
YOU have a creative day.
It was very good;) Thanks for letting me read it;)
You're most welcome. I hope the smaller bookstores make it too, Hils.
Cheers,
Thank you, Natalie, AND I'm sorry for the loss of your husband.
Hugs,
The support of others is powerful, indeed.
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn.
Thank YOU for co-hosting, Joylene:) We appreciate ya:)
Being watched over by a loved one is such a lovely thought.
Thanks for stopping by, Cathrina.
I'm pleased that you are surrounded by your core support group, Melissa.
The support of fellow writers is priceless.
I'm sorry for your loss, James.
Thanks for co-hosting! So sorry for your losses, but it's wonderful that they supported you so much!
Lots of great looking books featured here! Congratulations to all the authors!
Our mother's tend to be our biggest advocates. I know I try to fill those shoes for my own kids too. Thank you for being a cohost this month. It's really hard for me to think about loss when there's still so much uncertainly going on around us :)
You bet. I really enjoyed your stories, Barbara.
Have a grand day.
You bet. Thanks for stopping by, Diane.
Losing our people is hard for sure, Lee.
Thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Jacqui.
Our reading often marches in tandem, doesn't it?
Thanks for co-hosting.
How wonderful to have such a great circle of supporters, Nancy:)
I miss author events too, Adrienne.
Thank you for your kind words.
It's always a pleasure to co-host.
They are indeed:)
Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you. They were wonderfully supportive AND good reads for sure:)
They are indeed our best advocates, Erika, as I'm sure you are to your children.
And yes there is a lot of uncertainty out there these days.
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m so sorry for your losses. My mom is one of my biggest fans, too. I’ve read enough horror stories about families who just don’t get it that I don’t take that for granted.
I'm lucky and all my inspirations are still with me:) Great list of books that I read many of and enjoyed. I have to get started on Tidal Falls, too! Xo
Families can be so supportive can't they, Rebecca? Something we all need.
I'm glad your inspirations are still with you:)
I imagine you've read most of the books listed:)
scoxoxox
It is sad to lose so many of your supporters. This post is a wonderful tribute to them all.
Thanks for sharing the reviews, sad on the loss of your supporters
Lovely words about your special supporters. "Friends of the heart" ~ how beautiful! Thanks for sharing some interesting books. I've read Brian's, and it is really good. Have a good day, and thanks for co-hosting today!
A lovely post, Sandra. I'm sorry for the losses of such special people in your life and huge supporters of your writing talent. Those are wonderful gifts that endure. And thanks for sharing your review of Myths of the Mirror. That was kind of you, and I'm grinning ear to ear. Happy Writing, my friend.
Wonderful reflection and reviews, Sandra. Thank you for sharing. I was talking about my mom today with a close friend -- she remains an inspiration. 💗
I share your thoughts on loss of support and friendships. They are indeed special bonds, and the confidence you gain from those experiences is priceless. Your reviews are terrific ;)
Thank you for co-hosting!
Unfortunately, my list of lost supporters is long and still I treasure them. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
You have showcased some good books here and the authors must be happy about that. I agree about the indie book stores. We lost a big one 2 months ago and I am still mourning that loss. As for loss...my mom. No surprise there because she was my true rock.
Both my parents were my greatest cheerleaders in whatever endeavor I chose and I miss that support as much as I miss them. And there are also a couple of dear friends who have passed who inspired me as well. A lovely thing to consider this day.
I am so sorry you lost four important supporters for your writing, but at least you had them in your life part of the time. I can’t involve my family in my writing. They see me as wife and mum and couldn’t cope with me writing and being a writer.
Great reviews, Sandra. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It's tough to lose your greatest supporter. My husband was mine, and I miss him terribly.
I try to support our local indie bookstores as much as possible. I think it will be a fight to the death.
Great reviews - thanks for sharing those. And thanks for co-hosting today!
Hi, Sandra and happy 2022!
A great collection of reviews. I read numerous titles by Diana and Jacquie that I've enjoyed. Congrats to all the authors. Hope you are staying warm and well!
For the Soul, looks interesting.
Sorry, you lost some of your biggest supporters in the journey. sigh...
A nice selection, Sandra!
An incredibly talented group of writers! Thank you for sharing, Sandra!
It is hard, losing supporters in a creative life. We can honor them by moving forward.
Love this collection of reviews, too! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Siempre hay alfo que te inspira y que te lleva a escribir. Te mando un beso y gracias por las recomendaciones.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful books. Each one sounds like a great read. I'm sorry to hear that you lost all three people who were your writing supporters. Also, thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month.
I'm sorry you lost your mother and S-I-L, Sandra, that's hard. I do remember Carmen, she was a wonderful supporter of indie authors.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews- I love surprises like this! lol.
Good reviews, thanks for sharing!
How do we honor those we've lost? Just so, with memories as you share here. Our friendships do nurture us. Thank you also for highlighting these books for that ever-growing TBR read and for hosting IWSG.
It's great to see so many wonderful books and writers here. Wonderful reviews. Congratulations to the authors.
I remember and miss Carmen very much. Such a lovely soul, and so supportive of this community. It's a (small) comfort to know she lives on in our memories of her.
Thanks, Sandra.
Your influences brought a smile to my face as I thought back to my own mother. She was always so supportive of me about anything I did in my life. Then after I started blogging she became my most faithful reader. We would talk on the phone almost daily and the topic of my blogging would usually come up. My stepfather would print out every blog post I did. After my mother passed away and we were going through her belongings we found a sizeable box filled with those early blog post print outs. Since her passing I tend to blog less than I did then, but I think of my mother daily. She is missed!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thank you, Olga. I appreciate that.
Thank you, Christine. I appreciate that.
Thanks, Fundy:)
Brian's story was a fun read wasn't it?
Wishing you a creative day.
Hi Diana,
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Glad the review put a smile on your face. You know I'm a fan:)
So sorry to hear of your losses. I'm sure you keep them close in your heart. Unfortunately I lost my parents before I began my dream of writing. But, they would have been encouraging me and very proud to know I was actually pursing what I always wanted to do.
Moms are inspirations for sure. Thanks, Gwen:)
Thank you, Diedre. Appreciate it.
I'm sorry you have a long list of lost supporters, Anna. It does continue to grow, doesn't it? And yes, we treasure them for sure:)
Moms are indeed our rocks, aren't they, Birgit?
Ack, hate hearing you lost an Indie bookstore:(
They are indeed good reads one and all.
Here's to memories of the heart.
Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful writerly-friends support group to rely on, Rosemary.
Thanks for stopping by, John. Much appreciated.
I'm sorry you lost your husband, Lee. That has to be difficult.
Good on you for supporting your local indie bookstores.
My pleasure to co-host. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey Mae,
How are you? How's Raven?
Diana and Jacquie are both great authors, aren't they?
Soul is a good read:)
Thank you, True.
Thanks, Joan. And thanks for stopping by:)
They are for sure.
Thanks for stopping by and supporting them, Jan.
It is for sure.
Glad you like the reviews, Samantha.
That's for sure.
Thank you and I'm sending you hugs, J.P.
Thank you, Kalpana:)
I'm so glad that you remember Carmen too;)
And right back at ya on the surprise reviews:)
You bet. Thanks for stopping by, Steph.
Our friendships nurture us indeed, Beth.
I'm sure the authors are happy to add to your growing TBR list:)
You are most welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Staci,
I'm so glad that you and Jacqui remember Carmen. That makes me smile:)
Arlee, it sounds like you had such a special bond with your mom and step-dad. That's heartwarming.
I know they would, cuz. They sounded like wonderful people.
Hugs,
So sorry for your losses. My losses have mostly been drifting apart, which is it's own pain but nothing compared to your losses. Glad you are still on this journey with us!
I'm sorry you lost those wonderful supporters. There's nothing like the support of close family and friends.
Sorry for your loss.
I haven't received much support from my family. My cousins know I write and had several poems published. If my mom knew I wrote romance stories as well, she'd be shocked and scold me why I'd write that. My fiercest supporters are my IWSGers. And my husband and sons who also like to joke around about when my writing would get them the Tesla and new Xbox they've always wanted.
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