Winter Woes? Read a Book

I haven’t mentioned lately all the good books that are available (and some that are on their way). The ones I’m going to talk about today are all indie authored books. Support your indie artists – download a book and curl up to escape this weather or football (if you aren’t a football fan).

Let’s start with a great series:

Legends of Windemere – this series starts with Beginning of a Hero. Luke Callindor is introduced to us as he travels through Windemere looking for adventure. He attends (under false pretenses) a school to give him the training to be an adventurer. And adventures he does have. But then Prodigy of Rainbow Tower and Allure of the Gypsies continue the adventures. Charles Yallowitz spins a great tale and you could spend your time reading a great series – all for less than $5. These are well written and edited books that will change your mind about indie authors. And while you are at it, be sure and follow Charles’ blog

Another awesome series:

The House of Crimson and Clover – Sarah M. Cradit has crafted a paranormal romance series that is delightful and engaging.  The Deschanel family is a bit, well, different from most families. But you’re drawn in to their world. There are many different family members and their interaction with each other is unique. The book is set in New Orleans and offers great word pictures of the world they are living in. Follow Oz (not a Deschanel), Nic, Ana, Adrienne and many others throughout this series. St. Charles at Dusk is the prequel, followed by novella Anne: Beyond Dusk, Book 1 The Storm and the Darkness. Book 2 is Illusions at Eventide. Beyond Darkness: Shattered and Beyond Eventide: Bound are both novellas that will be released soon. I have read all of the books in this series and I have to say that they just keep getting better and better and I’m anxious for the next book. I don’t typically read from the romance genre but these books are so good that I forget about the genre and just relish the good writing. You will also find Sarah’s blog and her website informative and entertaining.

Red Clay and Roses by S. K. Nicholls  – here is the description from Amazon:

“A fictionalized true story of life in the Deep South during the time of Jim Crow Law, and before Roe vs. Wade. Women were supposed to keep quiet and serve, abortion was illegal, adoption difficult, and racism rampant. The discovery of an old ledger opens a window into the dynamics of the 1950s-60s. Unspoken secrets are shared between Beatrice, The Good Doctor’s wife, and Moses Grier, their black handyman. The Grier’s daughter, Althea, suffers a tragedy that leaves her family silent and mournful. Her brother, Nathan, a medical student, looks for answers from a community that is deaf, blind, and dumb. A summer romance between Nathan and Sybil, an independent, high-spirited, white woman, leaves more unresolved. Nathan is thrust into the center of the Civil Rights Movement. Sybil is torn between living the mundane life of her peers, or a life that involves fastening herself to a taboo relationship. Witness social progress through the eyes of those who lived it!”

This book introduces you to the times and troubles of the 60’s in the south. If you are as old as me, you remember these events, even if not personally. If you are younger, then this will show you how it really was (and times were much different then). If you followed Susan’s blog, you can learn more about the locales within the book. She certainly has done her research. Another well written book with a tight story that I recommend.

 

Other books are highly recommend are:

Yesterday Road by Kevin Brennan

Book of Lost Doors – Catskinner’s Book by Misha Burnett

Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Ella MacNeal

The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester

The Whisky Tide by M. Ruth Myers

Fly Birdie by Jo Robinson

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tesarro

Notes from a Small Dog: Four Legs on Two by Sue Vincent

And I am currently reading Corridor of Darkness: A Novel of Nazi Germany by Patrick O’Bryon and it is looking like an excellent book so far.  So many books, so little time (darn job keeps me from reading as much as I would like).

I could go on and on about a lot of really good books. The important thing is that you are reading and supporting authors.

 

 

Book Review – Poe by J Lincoln Fenn

http://www.amazon.com/Poe-J-Lincoln-Fenn-ebook/dp/B00CQC9O5M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384128536&sr=8-2&keywords=Poe

I spent my weekend reading this book. I should have been reading a boring business book, but this was too good to put down.

I’m not sure where to start with this review. It can be summed up with one word though – WOW!

This was a well-written, intense, fast-paced book. Once I began, I could not stop reading until the very last word. The storyline was well thought out and crafted. Stephen King could take a few pointers. Many times if a book has a paranormal theme, I do a big eye roll because it isn’t very plausible. Not so with this book.

I highly recommend this book unless you are faint of heart.

Thanksgiving Project – Time Off

I think the thing I’m most thankful for today is that as of 10:30 this morning, my work week was finally over. I did take Friday afternoon off, but still put in 55 hours this week. I’m beat. So, I truly am thankful for the down time.

Of course that all comes with a price. Today’s price is dealing with my dad. He has come to the realization that he just doesn’t think he can stay home much longer. I’ve just had a feeling for the past few weeks that something wasn’t quite right. But every time I would ask, he would say things were fine. I even called my sister and asked her if she had noticed anything – in fact, I even went so far as to stop and see her at her work yesterday. She kept assuring me that it was just the time of year (whatever that thing is that the lack of sunshine affects people). Today she called and asked if I had time to talk. I knew something was up. So, it seems that today dad told her that we need to start looking for assisted living for him. His mobility is deteriorating, he is almost too much for one person to handle, and he realizes that he needs something more.

Fast forward – I stop to see dad and he tells me pretty much the same thing. Now comes the hard part – I don’t think he can do assisted living. He needs more than that. This stuff is just not fun. But, at least I had the weekend (well, most of it) off.

Now if I can just finally find some time to read. Why does that always get put on the back burner? It is my saving grace and keeps me sane so it should be way more important. I’m reading Poe by J.Lincoln Fenn – not a typical book for me but so far really good. Have you noticed I keep saying “this is not a typical book for me?” I have never read outside of the suspense thriller genre much before and with all these indie books, I’m discovering new worlds. And I’m glad I am too. I encourage all of you to read something “not typical” for you today.

The other thing I’m thank for is that I have had TWO good hair days in a row. That almost never happens – now I’m going to try for three! Although, truth be told, I’d rather not have a good hair day tomorrow in exchange for a good hair day when I will be at work. Vain, I know. But I do love my hair 😉

It was nearly 60 degrees here today – but very windy. The temperatures are going to start dropping tomorrow though and by early next week it will be down i the 20’s at night. BRRRRRRR!

Don’t forget to be thankful for all the little things every single day.