Wednesday, April 2, 2025

IWSG and Did You Know

 

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.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional
 
April 2 question - What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?
 
I'm not picky. Either Thor or Iron Man would work for me. ;)

 

March/April Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

DEATH IN THE ABSENCE OF RAIN by Caleb Pirtle III

The fifth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles

This story centers on Graham Huston, the owner of the local newspaper, who has a ghostly visitant while fighting his own ghosts/demons from his past.

The tale is well-written and told in a mystical poetic voice. It will definitely appeal to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicle followers.

Can be read as a standalone.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

BORN AND BRED TEXAN by Jinx Schwartz

This is the ninth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series

So far, I haven’t read a book in the series I haven’t enjoyed and Ms. Schwartz’s offering is no exception. Her main character, Blue, is a feisty widow returning to her home in Magnolia Bluff, hoping to heal from the loss of her husband. She gets more than she bargains for when a dead body is found on her property, followed by several sets of human remains.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, feisty heroines, and story lines with plenty of humor running through them. 

This book can be read as a standalone. 

Available at Amazon

 

SUNFLOWER TANKA by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle

Authors from around the world have offered their renderings of ‘into the light’ using the symbolic sunflower. There was much talent and many different takes. Here are just a few lines that caught my eye:

‘into the light, she emerged

ready for her second chance’ ~ Yvette Calleiro

‘how fast time passes

youngsters—now teens or adults

elders, no longer sprightly’  ~  Robbie Cheadle

‘silent guardian

owl—a speedy feathered wraith’ ~ Colleen Chesebro

‘winter rain sputters

bruised clouds surrender the sky

a spring dawn beckons’   ~ D. Wallace Peach

‘whispers of sunlight

awaken sleeping autumn’ ~  Gwen M. Plano

There is much, much more to read. A treasure for poetry lovers who enjoy beautiful wordage.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Good bud, author D. L. Finn,  is hosting Reuben and me at her place. Denise is a multi-talented author whose writings include middle-grade stories, paranormal reads, inspiring poetry and lately she's opened a Gratitude store where she has many lovely items that display both her photography and her poetry. If you're in the vicinity, please stop by and join us.

 

Available at Amazon


 AND

Did you know, Oscar Wilde  went to prison and did hard labor because of his sexual proclivities?





For more information: 24 Crazy Author Facts You Need to Know — On Book Street

 


35 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Thanks for the reviews. I did know that about Oscar Wilde.
The fantasy character I would most like to connect with is the Ents (or more particularly) the Entwives.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - I did know about Oscar Wilde ... I hadn't realised he did hard labour - but my knowledge of early prison system in the late 1800s/1900s is v limited. Good luck with all new publications - cheers Hilary

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I did know that about Oscar Wilde, and there are those who would return to those days. Some would advocate death for homosexuals.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Going on a quest with Thor sounds good to me :-)

Ronel visiting for IWSG day Focusing on Self-Care

Liza said...

Thank you for the reviews. Happy IWSG Day and happy spring!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I didn't know that about Oscar Wilde. And I always enjoy your book reviews, especially of the mysteries.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I take it you wouldn't pick fat Thor?

Jamie Ghione said...

Those Magnolia books sound interesting. Thanks for sharing.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thor - Iron Man is too snarky for me.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Like others, I knew that about Oscar Wilde. Imprisonment and often hanging was accepted for homosexuals in those days. I fear the same may be considered by our new pres, too.

I always love your book reviews. Some sounded like I would enjoy them.

Señorida Anastasia said...

Hello!

Excellent choices even if you aren't picky. Thor would break his glass after a drink. It'd be great to hang out with him. Iron Man on the other hand doesn't get along well with everyone, I think.

Have a great day!

Gwen Plano said...

Wonderful reviews, Sandra. As for Oscar Wilde, I did not know that sad fact. Thank you for the mention.

Sandra Cox said...

EC, That's a great pick for fantasy characters.

cleemckenzie said...

Oscar had a very hard row to hoe in his life. I read a bio about him years ago. Congrats on your new book!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hils and good job on knowing about Oscar Wilde.

Sandra Cox said...

David, Unbelievably sad, isn't it? The pendulum seems to be swinging backwards instead of forwards.

Sandra Cox said...

You betcha:) Thanks for stopping by, Ronel:)

Sandra Cox said...

You are most welcome, Liza AND a Happy IWSG and spring to you:)

Sandra Cox said...

LOL. You got that right, Alex.

D. Wallace Peach said...

Excellent reviews, Sandra, and so happy to get a mention in the Sunflower Tanka. That was kind of you. I hope you're glowing from some of the reviews on your new book too! It's a winner.

Jenni said...

Thanks for the reviews. I enjoy cozy mysteries, so the Texan one sounds intriguing. Happy ISWG!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Natalie. Glad to hear that:)

Sandra Cox said...

Jamie, It's a good series:)

Sandra Cox said...

Di, Thor works for me:)

J.P. Alexander said...

Gracias por las reseñas. Te mando un beso.

Janie Junebug said...

Yes, I knew about Oscar Wilde. It's quite an example of the shameful way humanity has treated gay people.

Love,
Janie

Jeanie said...

No answer on the question but yes, I did know about Oscar Wilde.

D.L. Finn said...

I like your answer of Thor and Ironman. I'd join that quest :) You've been doing some great reading, too. Thanks for the mention and thrilled to share your wonderful new read. As for Oscar Wilde, I didn't know that and hope we don't go back to that.

Adam said...

If they didn't like Wilde being 🌈

Why send him to prison where he'd be having more of that 🤔

Sandra Cox said...

Elizabeth, We're in scary times for sure. Glad you enjoy the reviews. Hope all is well on your end.

Sandra Cox said...

You are right on both accounts:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Gwen. I thoroughly enjoyed your poetry, and yes it's very sad indeed about Oscar Wilde.

Sandra Cox said...

Sadly, he did indeed. Thanks for the congrats, Lee:) Appreciate it.

Sandra Cox said...

I am, Diana. And yours certainly added to the glow:) I thoroughly enjoyed your poetry in the Sunflower Tanka.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Jenni, It's a good one:) Happy ISWG to you:)