Here are reviews of some non-poetry books I’ve read recently. If you’re one of the authors, feel free to drop your website and/or blog links in the comments!
SEXY ROMANCE & MYTHOLOGY
Heart of a Warrior, by Eden Robins, is the super steamy romantic adventure of a mortal contemporary Arizona woman, Dora, who meets an immortal from the time of Greek mythology and is awakened to knowledge of a past life she never knew she had. Dora, or Pandora, as she once was called, needs all her empathic healing powers and strong warrior qualities to deal with the evil Silvers. The immortal, Philoctetes, joins forces with Dora—or does he? Is their relationship destined for war or will their ignited passions result in the love-making Dora fantasizes? A question is implicit throughout: What if loving someone could kill you?
The contrast of the realistic Arizona setting that includes cacti, caverns, cars, and computers with the mores and ethics of the gods and goddesses, past intrigues, and the evil machinations of the Silvers makes every plot event and character trait believable. The plot moves quickly, but a sense of suspense kept me engaged throughout. In fact, the suspense is whether or not Dora and Phil will achieve success against the Silvers, but also what they will do about their outlawed attraction for each other. I was surprised by a cliffhanger ending, and then I realized that this is the first in the Gold series planned by Robins. I can’t wait for book 2!
FAIRIES!!!!!
D.L. Finn’s middle-grade short story collection, Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories, is a charming read. I think young children would be able to understand, as well, and this adult reader certainly loved it. The tree fairy world that Finn has created is delightful, the characters–both fairy and human–are well-drawn, and the environmentalism that underlies the book is important to the health of humans, animals, and our planet. I’m so glad I read this book, and in my imagination I can still see the fairies flying in the forest and visiting the Wise Trees!
MURDER MYSTERIES WITH A UNIQUE TWIST
I always enjoy reading Carol Balawyder’s books. The Lilac Notebook is no exception. In fact, it might be my favorite. When I first heard that it was a mystery, and that the “detective” character at the center of the book was a woman, Holly, with early onset Alzheimer’s, I was intrigued but not sure that the book could really work. After all, if Holly was losing her memory, how could she put together a proper answer to the question “who done it?” Well, Balawyder imagination, knowledge, and knowhow accomplished the seemingly impossible. I was fully enmeshed in the tragedy of Holly’s life, watching her go through the agony of starting to lose pieces of herself all the while she had to create a new life for herself after her husband left her. I cheered for her when she joined a poetry class and began to do what she wanted, rather than what her husband wanted. I cried for her when she couldn’t remember—and most especially when she didn’t know if she was missing a memory or if someone wanted her to think so. Ultimately, Holly does solve the crime, although perhaps not in the manner we expect out of a murder mystery. This book, though, is so much more than a murder mystery. It is a caring, compassionate look at early-onset Alzheimer’s and a person faced with it. It is bound to generate more compassion in its readers for future encounters with those suffering memory loss. You won’t want to miss this wonderful book by Carol Balawyder.
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Fractured Oak: This hybrid genre of fantasy and murder mystery is well-written, engaging, and a joy to read. I don’t know how Dannie Boyd (Carrie Rubin) does it, but she manages to have a tree as a detective! This is no ordinary tree, though, but a 19th century woman who has turned into a tree. From her vantage point she witnesses murder, and she does all she can to try to bring the murderer to justice. Another aspect of the book I really liked is that the tree-woman was the first female medical school student at her school in Ohio. This brings in the author’s medical training and adds to the realism and intelligence of the novel. The writing is sensitive and lyrical, but smart and, when needed, even tough. I have enjoyed several books by the author under her own name, and this one is my new favorite.
ADVENTURE AND FANTASY
John Howell’s novel The Last Drive, the sequel to Eternal Road, well satisfies my curiosity in the continued journey of Sam and James as they try to accomplish their heavenly tasks amidst interference from the powerful and disgusting Lucifer. In this narrative, the angelic duo enlists the help of Eddie Rickenbacker (a historical figure) to save the soul of his charge, the newly dead Ryan. The four time travel between historical events, such as the Holocaust, the sinking of the Titanic, and WWI. As in Eternal Road, Howell is adept at merging the fantasy of time travel with the details of history. Sam and James are adept at following God’s plan for Eternity and his angels. This book is a thoroughly enjoyable, engaging, and rewarding read.
MEMOIR
What happens when you’re given a diagnosis of a very rare and fatal cancer, but there is a horrible experimental treatment being offered to you? In The Winding Road, we learn what Miriam Hurdle decided–to undergo the grueling chemo and radiation schedule–and how she copies with it. She set her daughter’s still unfulfilled life mileposts of marriages and children as a goal–she wanted to see her daughter married and to meet her future grandchildren. The reader knows from the beginning of the story that Miriam will overcome the cancer because she has written her memoir about it. But life is in the details, and this book provides many. I loved getting the inside information on how her illness affected her job, as well as seeing the loving support she got from friends and fellow church members. Because I lived for over twenty years in the same general geographic location, I could picture all the hospitals and other places she talks about. But that knowledge isn’t necessary because we all know what hospitals and medical care can be like. When a doctor ignores a referral for three weeks when Miriam has no time to lose, it is so easy to imagine her visiting the office, being completely ignored by the fools at the counter, and sitting there in the waiting room until someone takes pity on her after hours and tries to help her. This is a short book, and you will want to read to the finish in one or two sittings.
They sound like good reads!
Yes, they were all excellent!
Thank you, Luanne, for this offering of summer reads. Fractured Oak by Dannie Boyd is the one that will go on my wish list. As always, too many books and too little time. Hope this finds you well!
Yes never enough time! You will love Fractured Oak! Hope all is well with you!
Such interesting summer reads, Luanne! Your reading is as eclectic as your poetry!
I am drawn to The Lilac Notebook – combo of mystery with dementia intrigues me – thanks for the suggestions!
A very special book!
These look awesome Luanne! I’d love some fairie stories taking note of that one!
Yes! It was so fun and so inspiring!
Wow! Those books sound amazing. Thanks for bringing them to our attention! 👁
I would particularly choose The Lilac Notebook for you, knowing your interests.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on Fractured Oak and giving it some love on your blog. I really appreciate that! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I went out on a *limb* (hee hee) with this book, but it was a story that wanted to come out.
I read Carol Balawyder’s The Lilac Notebook and loved it. Nice to see it and the other books here as well. They look wonderful.
Thank you again and have a great Fourth of July!
Loved it! A limb hah. Happy 4th, Carrie!
This is a great selection, Luanne.
Thanks, Anneli. I love your books as well, as you know!!!
Thank you, Luanne. That put a smile on my face.
A well-deserved smile.
Thanks.
Thank you, Luanne for your recommendation of The Last Drive. I’m especially honored to be mentioned among these other fine books that you have read and enjoyed. I am, above all, so glad you enjoyed the book.
Very much, John! I love the adventures of those two angels!!!
😁
I can add my enthusiastic endorsement for The Last Drive and The Winding Road!
Woot!!!!!
Thank you for adding your endorsement of my book The Winding Road, Liz! <3
You’re welcome, Miriam!
Thank you so much, Luanne, not only for taking the time to read my book but also to write such a kind review of it. I am very grateful and happy that you liked it. I’ve read and loved many of Carrie’s books (Dannie Boyd) and am intrigued by Fractured Oak and how a tree turns into a detective. All the other books you suggested seem wonderful.
Have a Happy Fourth of July! <3
So glad you like the review! Thank you re the 4th. I am going to be sorry to hear people setting off their own fireworks and terrifying animals and people with PTSD though . . . . xo
Tomorrow, July 1 is Canada Day and the city has banned fireworks but not because it frightens the animals (Oh, my dog is terrified when he hears them) but because of all the fires we are having. They don’t want to add more smoke which is a good thing. Happy July 4 to you, your family and all your cats. <3
Happy Canada Day! I hope the smoke goes away soon!
You’ve written enticing introductions to each of these. Wonderful!
Thank you, Eilene!
Thank you so much for reading and writing the beautiful review of my book, Luanne! I’m honored to have The Winding Road on your suggested reading list. I love Denise’s books (D.L. Finn) and Joh Howell’s books. It’s wonderful to meet Eden, Carol, and Dannie here!
You are welcome, Miriam. I never knew when I started to read your book we would have so much in common!
Yes, I’m glad we’ve met each other, Luanne! Thank you for your emails. If I didn’t talk to you, I wouldn’t have thought of asking for a referral!
Good luck with it!
My book list is already way too long! These sounds intriguing, but to be honest, I am not a big fan of either mysteries or fantasy. 🙂
I am wondering if hybrid genres and fantasy are in style right now. Mysteries always. I am a Nancy Drew girl myself so even for TV I tend to choose mysteries.
I did enjoy Nancy Drew when I was a kid, and I have read some Donna Leon mysteries because I like anything related to Italy. But for the most part I don’t like mysteries or crime stories. I do like Grantchester because the characters are interesting (and the first actor who played the lead was drop dead gorgeous), but we also don’t tend to watch mysteries on tv or movies. I like more character driven stories than plot driven.
We like Grantchester, too. The characters are all so interesting and I love Leonard. Both leads have been very handsome, although neither is my type. That first one looks like a handsome cousin of the royal family.
Not my types either, but still nice to look at.
True!
That’s quite the eclectic collection of books, Luanne. I started the Fairies book but wasn’t quite in the right head space. I’ll go back to it soon. The Winding Road I will recommend to a fellow blogger who has recently been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. She is having a hard time, as would anyone. The Lilac Notebook and Fractured Oak sound like they may go on my list. There are so many good books out there. Thanks for the information and recommendations. Happy 4th to you.
Hi Maureen!!! I hope you enjoy the ones you choose to read! I think your friend will like Miriam’s book because she shares the ups and downs of a very difficult health crisis very well.