Book Review: Fifteen First Times @pokercubster #memoir #review

Blurb

This book is a collection of stories about some of Kaye’s first-time experiences with life’s most natural events. Told through the intimate conversational writing we’ve come to know from this author, poignant personal steppingstones to learning moments are revealed. She encompasses the heart of each matter with sincerity and sprinkled inflections of humor.

From first kiss to first car to walking in the desert with four-inch heels, Kaye’s short coming-of-age stories take us through her awakenings and important moments of growth, often without warning. Some good and some not, life lessons are learned through trial and error, winging it, and navigating by the seat of her pants.

My review

Fifteen first times is a lovely memoir by D G Kaye. Reading it I recalled many of my first times too! In this short memoir, she mentions memories such as her diets, first kiss, colouring her hair, Christmas tree, first apartment, getting her driving licence, travel to Israel and Europe and much more. It is a personal, and relatable collection which I enjoyed.

I think it would be enjoyed by all and in particular bloggers, writers (a lot of the content is female centric such as the short section on first period!) This is a topic that needs to be spoke about openly! So hats off to D G Kaye for being so honest sharing her personal memories.

She also shares her sadness at loss of several family members, a dear friend Alba and her much loved husband.

So, at times humourous, sometimes poignant, a sneak peak into the author’s life.

A recommended read. 5 stars.

And I’d also like to recommend Have Bags Will Travel which is one of my Christmas Book pics for this author. More about that here: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/10/merry-indie-christmas-bookstoread-recommendations-writingcommunity/

D.G. Kaye was born and resides in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of Conflicted Hearts – A Daughter’s Quest for Solace From Emotional Guilt, Meno-What? – A Memoir, Words We Carry, Have Bags, Will Travel, P.S. I Forgive You, and her newest release – Twenty Years: After “I Do”. Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir writer and writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.

Kaye writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and the lessons that were taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome some of the many obstacles that challenged her. From an emotionally neglected childhood, to growing up with a narcissistic mother, leaving her with a severely deflated self-esteem, D.G. began seeking a path to rise above her issues. When she isn’t writing intimate memoirs, Kaye brings her natural sense of humor into her other works.

D.G. began writing when pen and paper became tools to express her pent-up emotions during a turbulent childhood. Her writing began as notes and cards she wrote for the people she loved and admired when she was afraid to use her voice.

Through the years, Kaye journaled about life, writing about her opinions on people and events and later began writing poetry and health articles for a Canadian magazine as her interest grew in natural healthcare. Kaye became interested in natural healing and remedies after encountering a few serious health issues. Against many odds, D.G. has overcome adversity several times throughout her life.

D.G. began writing books to share her stories and inspiration. Her compassion and life experiences inspire her to write from the heart. She looks for the good and the positive in everything, and believes in paying it forward.

“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return, Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”

D.G.’s Favorite Saying: “Live. Laugh. Love …and don’t forget to breathe!”

When D.G. is not writing, she’s reading. Her favorite genres of reading are: biographies, memoirs, writing and natural health. Kaye loves to read about people who overcome adversity, victories and redemption and believes we have to keep learning–there is always room for improvement! She loves to cook, travel, and play poker (when she gets the chance).

You can find D.G. on social media and her author and blog pages:

http://www.dgkayewriter.com

http://www.goodreads.com/dgkaye

http://www.amazon.com/author/dgkaye7

http://www.twitter.com/@pokercubster

http://www.facebook.com/dgkaye

http://www.youtube.com/DebbyDGKayeGies

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dgkaye7

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Book Review Fairies, Myths & Magic II by Colleen Chesebro #yuletide #magic #fairies #myths #review #newbook

Blurb

In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.

From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.

Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.

My review

I really enjoyed reading the 2nd book in Fairies, Myth and Magic series. It’s a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice, with a fabulous mix of stories, flash fiction and poetry.

There are details of international myths and legends in the Introduction To The Myths & Legends of Yule section at the end, highlighting pagan yule traditions. Two of my favourites were Iceland’s Christmas Troll Grýla! And Amatersu (Shine Your Light,) from Feudal Japan.

I certainly learnt a lot from this book and it is clear the author, Colleen Chesebro researched, loves and breathes magic into her subject matter.

There is a light-heartedness within the collection with the tale of the winter Green Fairy and the fairies drinks recipes which the author shares! This continues with flash fiction pieces such as Trash or Treasure.

As well as this, there are more serious pieces such as Fairy Hoar Frost, a short but powerful piece of flash fiction about the ever growing fear of climate change.

Colleen is an accomplished poet and wordsmith. She runs her own weekly poetry challenge and there is no doubt that her poetry shines. I particularly loved the opening poem, Samhain’s song as well as The Night of The Mothers, a celebration of women and motherhood, and the luscious darkness of The Wild Hunt.

Highly recommended.
A lovely collection to savour at wintertime.

My rating 5 stars

I was recently part of the blog tour do visit that post here: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/14/fairies-myths-magic-ii-a-winter-celebration-colleen-chesebro-newrelease-poetry-winter-myths-magic/

Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called Tanka Tuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry.

Along with JulesPaige, Colleen is also a co-editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse,” at wordweavingpoetryjournal.com. The debut issue of this journal will publish in October 2021.

Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in various other online publications. Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for Carrot Ranch. Colleen’s poetry has poetry in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures,” and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships.

Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.

Find Colleen at Word Craft Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com, or her author blog at https://colleenmchesebro.com.

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Book Review: Fortune’s Well Project Pandora #supernatural #series

Evil doesn’t stay buried forever…

A few weeks have passed since that nightmarish summer, and for JJ Carson the future is uncertain.

Thrown into care and banned from seeing his uncle, the strange mist that follows him around has become his one and only companion.
Each day it grows stronger and more powerful, but that only draws the attention of a strange doctor with an even darker plan.

As for Darcie Duffield, life is back to normal, as she returns to school and desperately tries to forget the boy she met at the river, and the mysterious power he possessed.

But when her friend goes missing, and a ghost from the past returns, Darcie realises she’s barely scratched the surface of Fortune’s Well’s hidden secrets, and the sinister truth that lies beneath

My review

Highly entertaining novel from two authors I really admire. What a page turner! Loved it. One word sums it up perfectly: exciting!

This is full of supernatural excitement, teen emotion, (loved the relationship vibes between J J and Darcie,) and magical powers!

There is a fair amount of dialogue in this book but the speech is written enviably well that it manages to carry the story seamessly.

You would not guess this is written by two authors, it flows so naturally.

The plot is well devised carrying on with ease from the 1st book in the series, Fortune’s Well Book 1 Hangman’s Revenge, which I read and enjoyed very much.

There is a curious and explosive episode about the mirror girl that leaves me wondering hey how did that happen! The ending brings exciting elements that will encourage the reader into the next book, Fortune’s Well, Book 3, Days End.

There is an awesome teaser snippet at the end.

Look forward to reading more in this enticing supernatural series! Highly recommended.

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Sally Cronin: Variety Is The Spice of Life – @sgc58 #Book #Review #poetry #shortstories #flashfiction

Blurb

Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.

The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.

The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.

My review

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a beautiful collection of poetry, flash fiction and short stories about life, love, getting older, experiencing as well as cherishing the world and all its magnificent inhabitants: birds, cats, bees, and much more! It certainly lives up to its lovely title: Variety is The Spice of Life and its fantastic cover.

The collection starts with three lovely poems, two to take us with the author on a journey and one to celebrate friendship, love and family: Pilgrimage, Expedition, and Kinship.

There are many relatable pieces including these favourite flash and poetry combos: Bear Witness and Face In The Mirror. Loved the last line: “I’ve morphed into my mother.”

Ha, this is me too! Not that I’m complaining. My mother is a wonderful human being, so if I have morphed into her I have nothing to worry about.

The Waltz is so cute, and my other favourite poems in the collection are:
The Moonlight Concerto,
Dress Rehearsal, Dolphins
Origins ( sad and poignant )
Strawberries ( the words are written so well that you can taste them – the strawberries I mean… not the words!)

Flash and poetry favourites include:

Useful… to be so, with a smile, is a wonderfully good thing to be!

The Robin’s Size Doesn’t Matter and Starlings, Neighbourhood Cats, all were delightful as were all the other garden gems.

The collection ends with a bunch of fantastic short stories.

The Neighbourhood Watch, is one for cat lovers, with a marmalade cat. In The Green Hill we are treated to a poignant long lasting love story. Sadly, there are more serious tales with mentioned abuse in On The Run. There is a touching family tale in The Secret, and a positive and light-hearted tale about getting older in The Home Help, and more besides!

Something for everyone in this lovely collection!

Highly recommended. 5 stars from me. Thoroughly enjoyed.



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Book Review. Do what you Love, by Marjorie Mallon. #bookreview #newrelease #dowhatyoulove #booktwt #writingcommunity #readingcommunity via @RichardDockett1

Thank you so much to Richard for his review of my latest poetry, prose and photography book Do What You Love.

Richard is a talented author – I’ve read many of his books and I can attest to that! So, I value his opinion very much.

Do pop over to read this lovely 5 star review at source … and to check out his  awesome blog.

Source: Book Review. Do what you Love, by Marjorie Mallon.

REVIEW

This is a wonderful, uplifting collection of poems, short fiction pieces and pictures.

The three fates of Greek myth and their imagined interaction with the author is a great way to hold this selection of musings together.  

The overriding message is joy, hope and love. And the celebration of a life well lived.

There are some beautiful descriptions, from the Hibiscus flower to the loss of a sock, the memories of life and the poems span the globe.

I particularly liked the set of poems about the trees and the reminiscences of times spent by the sea.

Recommended for anyone who likes to be taken on a journey through the eyes of another.

Highly recommended.

Jungle Green (The Balcom Dynasty Book 2) @richarddockett1 #scifi #mystery #organisedcrime #drugtheme #bookreview #recommendation

Synopsis

“This one’s a nail biter.” Vine Voice reviewer.
One tablet a day, it’s supposed to keep you alive. But it might just kill you.
TC is the wonder drug. Manufactured in secrecy, on a remote planet at the edge of the galaxy. It makes worlds inhabitable; and Balcom Industrial lots of money. Suddenly, the people who need to take it to stay alive start to die!

For Layla Balcom, the news is devastating. She’s just resumed her rightful place as head of Balcom. This problem threatens to spoil her moment of triumph. Can the drug be flawed? Or is something else going on?

The answer needs to be found, quickly.

Whether Layla or Balcom will survive is not guaranteed.

“One of those books that you can’t put down until finished.”

“Fascinating lead character and intricately plotted”

Phew busy o’ time… time for a quick review before my book launch tomorrow. This is for a favourite author of mine Richard Dee. If you haven’t read any of Richard’s work you are missing out!

Jungle Green by Richard Dee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed the continuation of The Balcom Dynasty. This is book 2 following on from the first book in the series, Ribbonworld which I read and enjoyed too.

Jungle Green has much to recommend it with its mystery, sci fi appeal, planets and also a drug theme – the wonder drug TC for swamp fever and its counterfeit, in this second book… creating opportunities for nasty thugs to get onboard and cause threat, fear and some serious issues.

I thought the concept for this story was brilliant, imaginative, and alarming too!

The pace is a little slow to begin with but really hots up as the story continues. It’s well plotted and the characters and descriptions are fab. I particularly enjoyed Miles Goram, Layla Balcom, and Marissa, and how Layla encouraged Marissa to carry on and be brave, (won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers.)

I listened to this tale on audiobook. The narration from Stephen Bungay was good. He had quite a host of voices to narrate and overall he did a great job.

Highly recommended for sci fi, mystery, organised crime with drug theme, readers,



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Authors Blog: http://www.richarddeescifi.co.uk

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Book Review: Shadow Walker ( Shadow Walker Book 1) @Jina_Bazzar #ya #heist #magic #dystopian #setting #readingcommunity

Goodreads Synopsis

Nine Houses rule the nation, and Melaina stays away from them at all costs. She lives by one hard rule: never mingle with the supernatural.
Driven by fear of discovery, she remains on the fringes of society, occasionally stealing to provide for her aunt and her brother. When the opportunity to work for a corporation not owned by a House falls into her lap, she can’t believe her luck. With a forged non-magical certification in hand, she’s ready to embrace a bright future.
Unfortunately, the future is an ambush by blackmailing thugs, notorious assassins, and an unscrupulous House leader.
Entrenched in House conflict, Melaina’s dream of normalcy has turned into her worst nightmare.
Now, to save her brother and family secrets, she’ll have to partake in one last dangerous heist. Success means exposing her forbidden magic, but failure could cost the lives of everyone she loves

My review

4.5 stars.

Melaina is a Shadow Walker with inherited ‘despicable’ ‘forbidden sinister magic,’ but her ‘fire was weak and manageable, and it had been easy to hide it from the outside world.’

Melaina is a loveable thief, and was once known as the chameleon, she wants to retire… BUT…!!!


I loved the characterisation in this story, the mention of all sorts of magic abilities, the powerful houses, Melaina’s disguises, her roller skating and physical exertions even with an injured ankle! And her obvious love and devotion to her family, plus the lovely touches of humour and vivid descriptive scenes.

It’s an exciting and intricate tale, which needs a far amount of close reading to understand the finer points of the world building and set up.

Melaina is a fantastic female heroine with guts aplenty!

There is sizzling mention of her attraction to former boyfriend Bradley but in this novel relationships are more focused on family loyalty to her Aunt Camila and brother Aiden than to gushing over romantic love. Though it sits there as a tempting prospect… which I enjoyed!

This is book one. The ending is more heartfelt than explosive and encourages the reader to find out more in book two, Shadow Pawn.

Highly recommended for YA fans of heist, magic, fantasy and shadow characters – a favourite of mine! I am a recent member of Ms. Bazzar’s arc team, many thanks to the author for a copy!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Walker-book-dystopian-setting-ebook/dp/B0BFVHDPTK/

A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

Thank you so much to Willow for this lovely review, and beautiful blog post about new book which is currently on kindle preorder, releases November 25th.

Review quote: I really enjoyed this very personal book by Marjorie, her past, present and her future, her family and her friends . The magic she finds in the every day, her love of insects, creatures and trees her love of life. Don’t be put off by the word personal, this book is so welcoming. I strongly recommend it to you all.

Willow

To read the full review and blog post at source click on the link: A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

5 stars for The Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet by @Marjorie_Mallon @NNP_W_Light #poetry #flashfiction #nature

Thank you to Vine Voice Reviewer N.N. Light for this lovely 5 star review of the Hedge Witch.

Forests are a kingdom unto themselves with magic waiting to be discovered.

I love reading flash fiction and poetry. In this stunning collection, the author writes emotive poems and prose with the theme of forestry. Each poem tells a story, and the reader is left to ponder its significance. The poetic tale of the hedge witch touched me deeply.

The imagery reflected in this collection is impressive. Each word has been carefully chosen by a wordsmith to evoke a feeling, a memory, or even an unspoken truth. The author is a very talented poet and I feel honored to have read this collection.

Five knotty pine stars

My Rating: 5 stars

Buy it Now:

https://books2read.com/u/mv1OeV

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61376179-the-hedge-witch-the-musical-poet

https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-hedge-witch-the-musical-poet-poems-flash-fiction-by-m-j-mallon

Source: 5 stars for The Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet by @Marjorie_Mallon #poetry #flashfiction #nature

5+ stars for Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose by @Marjorie_Mallon @NNP_W_Light #NNLBH #nature #poetry #prose #bookreview

Thank you so much to Vine Voice Reviewer N. N. Light for this 5+ stars review for Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose.

REVIEW:

Siblings grieving the loss of their brother find magic in nature. William is lost without his twin brother, Harold. He lashes out at his sister without meaning to. She almost leaves but he convinces her to stay. Will they honor Harold’s request, or will nature make sure it’s taken care of? A heartfelt story about the circle of life and death told through poetry, prose, and photographs.

Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose is a beautiful tale about life, death, and nature. There’s magic in the natural world. I feel it each time I walk outside, and this magical feeling is poignantly portrayed in this book. It weaves seamlessly from prose to poems to photos. The prose is crisp, and clean, with a fair share of emotion. The poems are creative and capture the reader’s imagination. The photographs are snapshots of nature and are expressive without words. Together, they present an emotive experience to the reader. Expertly crafted, Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose is a must-read for any nature lover. Highly recommend!

Rating: 5+ stars

Buy it Now:

Source: 5+ stars for Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose by @Marjorie_Mallon #nature #poetry #prose #bookreview

http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51004313-mr-sagittarius

https://www.bookbub.com/books/mr-sagittarius-poetry-and-prose-by-m-j-mallon

N. N. Light

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