IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know Thursday

 

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 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts this month are: Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray! 

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

Since I didn't post last month, and I don't think that's every happened before, I'm posting last month's question: December 3 question - As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received? 

My best gift was from good bud, D.L. Finn. What a fun gift. 

 

November/December/January Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Dean Koontz

I avoid horror which is one of the reasons I’ve stayed away from Dean Koontz. My mistake😊  This is the second book of his I’ve read and it was amazing.  I’d definitely classify this as a suspense thriller, with maybe a tad bit of horror thrown in. 

The premise is based on a young woman who moves to a fortress-style home to be alone after suffering a devastating loss only to find herself in a life and death battle that if she and a young friend lose, so could the world.

What really impressed me about the read was what a satisfying ending this story had.  It’s one of those rare books that leaves you feeling good when you finish it.  It’s so much more than I was expecting.  I fully intend to read more of Koontz’s work.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

A KILLING IN RIO VISTA by Peter Bradbury

Julie Morales is a police officer in the small town of Rio Vista. When a gruesome murder is discovered, it’s left to her and her partner to solve the crime.

I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first in the series when I purchased it, but it turned out to be a great stand alone. I had no problems with following the plot or the characters—which by the way are fleshed out and well-developed. 

I enjoyed the read and recommend it for folks who like small town murder mysteries, police procedurals and women sleuths. Kick back and enjoy.

Available at Amazon 

 

THE SHIP by MK Alexander

This is the first in a series of five steampunk/sci-fi/space fleet fiction AND a fun read.

After their ship is attacked, Ensign York must journey from the bowels of the ship—one of the largest in the known world—to the bridge. In what should be a straight forward trek, he and a fascinating young woman encounter intruders, saboteurs and people in need of rescuing, while trying to reach the captain.

As with all MK’s books, the characters are well-rounded and developed.  The conversation witty and tinged with humor, and the world building top notch. 

THE SHIP is recommended for all MK Alexander fans and readers of steampunk and fleet fiction.

I look forward to the next in the series.

Available at Amazon 

 

SILENT HEROES by Patricia Furstenberg

A tale steeped in history and heroes.

This is the second book of Ms. Furstenberg I’ve read and what has struck me about both narratives is the amount of painstaking research that goes into her stories.  In HEROES, there is vast quantities of information on not only Afghanistan and Afghan culture, but on the U.S. military and the working and training of their service dogs. A fiction told with much heart, it gives the reader a window into the world of the people caught up in the horrors and brutality of war. It also shows the deep love between the marines and their dogs and the comradery shared among the soldiers even in times of terror.

Recommended for those who are fascinated by history, different cultures, military history and military dogs. Available at Amazon

 

NASH FALLS by David Baldacci

My rant review

This may be his best book yet. It’s riveting, keeps you turning pages and has at least one twist that I’d be surprised if you saw it coming. That said, it doesn’t have closure and leaves you hanging until the next book is released. I can’t begin to say how much I loathe that. I don’t mind if the author dangles some information that makes me want to read the next book at the end, but I want closure when I finish a book and it ain’t-a-happening with this one. The only thing I can think of that makes a cliffhanger (with no) ending acceptable is if the author has so much to say in the story he just can’t get it done in one book.  Doesn’t mean I have to like it though😊 Available at Amazon

 

AND 

 

SOME DEBTS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD, but this one is written on the heart and, no matter the danger, Alex will honor it.

Book Three of the Silverhills Series is available for preorder at Amazon 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 AND

 

Did you know,  that before literary fame came calling, Harper Lee author of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, worked as an airline ticket clerk?

10 Facts About Harper Lee | History Hit 

 

 

 

 

 

Ketch-up Day

How was your holidays? I trust they were as special as you.

We got to see the kiddos at Christmas, which always makes for a fun time and my bro and SIL were in from FL. On the 23rd we decided to go to McAdenville. If you live in NC, you are no doubt familiar with it. If you don't probably not. It's known as Christmas Town, USA.  The whole town decorates for Christmas. Well, there may be some exceptions but for the most part, folks put up a display.  Let me just say we did not choose our date wisely.  It wasn't just the traffic going into McAdenville. The interstates were clogged. I've never seen so many semis in my life. Luckily, the trip home was much smoother, but back to Christmas Town. Most of us drove through, but there was still a lot of foot traffic. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Here's a few pics from the drive through.

 

 

 

AND

Frank under the tree

 AND 

The Garden

 The Christmas Rose is getting ready to bloom.

Unfortunately, the spring bulbs are also trying to.

That's all from here, Blogger Buds.  Tell me about your holidays. Did you do something fun and special? Any spring flowers trying to bloom?
 

 

Weekend Wishes And....

 

 

AND

 

Happy New Year AND Did You Know

 

 

 

 Did you know, New Year's Eve/New Year is the drunkest night of the year? And on a more sober note 😀, did you know that if you eat 365 black-eyed peas it's supposed to bring you good luck throughout the year?

30 FUN Facts About New Year That Will Amaze You!