Here are three more great books you won’t want to miss:
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A Mother for his Twins — a high school romance gets a second chance
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My Maine–Haikus about Maine that put you right there
- Sunwielder–a farmer can erase the death of his family but at a price
A note about my reviews: I only post reviews about books I liked so don’t be surprised to see lots of 4/5 and 5/5. If I don’t like the book, I won’t spend time writing about it.
A Mother for His Twins
by Jill Weatherholt
5/5
In Jill Weatherholt’s A Mother for His Twins (Harlequin 2019), Joy Kelliher finds the boy she wants to marry while still in high school but, though he also professes his love, he disappears from her life without explanation. She struggles to get over his abandonment but can’t convince herself to ever trust another man. It doesn’t make it any easier when he returns to their small town a widower with twins In tow. While she swears she will never forgive him, it becomes complicated to keep that promise. First, his boys are placed in her first grade class, and then, she and he are both competing for the open position as principal. She promises that she will be a professional about it, place her emotions aside, but it just isn’t that simple. Love never is.
This is a delightful, fast-moving story with all those features of a romance we love–drama, tension, secrets, and confusion. Weatherholt has a way of tying words together in such a way that everything flows and I can’t stop reading. What do you think of this:
“Joy’s stomach rolled over like a dog hoping for a good belly scratch.”
I’ve never heard it said that way before and now, I’ll never forget it. I also love that this book includes characters like Faith (Joy’s sister) and her daughter Bella that I fell in love with in Weatherholt’s earlier books. Overall, highly recommended for those who love a sweet romance that leaves you satisfied, with a sigh of happiness.
My Maine
by Bette Stevens
5/5
Bette Stevens My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons (2019) is a gorgeous mixture of Maine facts, pictures, quotes, and poetry in the form of Haikus. Stevens presents a beautiful picture of one of America’s most unique states that gives readers rare insight into the soul of this nature-filled land, one they won’t soon forget. Through seasonally-themed haikus, we see Maine change from Spring…
“Limbs of apple blooms
Reaching—touching sapphire skies
Luring spectators”
…to Summer
“Red-tailed hawks soaring
Above highways and byways
Watch eager tourists”
…Autumn
“Golds and magentas
Vivid splashes among greens
A princely pallet”
…and finally Winter
“Frozen polar winds
Wave the ice crystal scepter
Dawn’s magic appears”
After reading this book, I came away awed by Maine in ways I never expected. Let me end with this atmospheric stanza that pretty much sums everything up:
Maine pines and people
Survivors, resilient souls
Standing tall and proud
Sunwielder: An Epic Time Travel Adventure
by D. Wallace Peach
5/5
In Sunwielder (2016), D. Wallace Peach’s fantasy world is not unlike Earth’s medieval world of hardworking commoners, feudal lords, and warring kingdoms. The hero Gryff wants only to be a farmer and raise horses when his entire family is wiped out by a man who hates him for no apparent reason. When Gryff has the opportunity to change his past with the time traveling Sunwielder, given to him by a timekeeper from a neighboring land, he takes it without questioning the cost. Even though it means he must leave the pastoral beauty of his farm, the loving warmth of his family, and spend the next years as a soldier fighting a battle his farmer self barely cares about, he takes it. His one promise to his wife when they married was that he’d keep her safe. He doesn’t intend to break that promise. From the moment he dons the Sunwielder, his life is controlled by a future he isn’t sure of. All he knows is when the present doesn’t work out ‘right’, he dies and gets to try again.
This is a fast-paced story of undying love, baseless hate, and how a family’s life becomes a pawn between those two. One of the most beautiful characteristics of this story is simply how Peach links her words. Read this:
“Nearly three hundred men in the great hall dropped to one knee, right knuckles to the floor, heads bowed.”
“Black oaks, dark with summer leaves, swathed the trail in shifting shadow. Shafts of sunlight speared the forest floor, altered only by the sway of branches in the heated wind.”
Peach has a way of picking exactly the right word to evoke so much more than the meaning would promise. Few are better at world building. This is highly recommended not only for those who love fantasies but those who enjoy a good military thriller.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, In the Footsteps of Giants Winter 2020. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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Not sure I can keep up with all these great books you keep recommending, Jacqui!!
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This was a great collection, and all from authors I feel like I know, thanks to blogging.
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It’s a great community. Only wish I had more time 😦
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I’ve read one of the three (Bette’s beautiful book of Haiku). Now you’ve given me more to add to the list.
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Bette’s book left me loving Maine. Very powerful!
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I agree. 🙂
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These all sound wonderful! I’m already a fan of Diana’s, and now you’ve made me one of Bette and Jill’s works, as well ❤
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Bette’s was such peaceful reading. I loved that.
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Thanks, Jacqui. I loved Bette’s book and have Jill’s in my Kindle. Happy Reading to all. 😀
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Fantastic recommendations thank you Jacqui.
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These were all definitely 5/5 but I still loved your book about Sam (I hope no one reads this). 6/5 for him. Sigh.
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He would have made a beeline for you Jacqui.. he did love the ladies…so delighted he touched other hearts other than just ours.x
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Jacqui Murray Nice Meet with you
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Thanks for dropping by!
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Great reviews, Jacqui:) i loved My Maine and have Sunwielder on my TBR list.
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My Maine was such an eye-opener for me, Maine through the eyes of someone who truly loves that freezing cold state. It’s so much more…
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Sounds beautiful through Bettes eyes.
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Thanks so much for my morning smile, DL. I hope you enjoy the story. 🙂
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I loved My Maine too, DL!
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I also loved Bette’s poetry book, Jacqui. I must read these other two books. I am going to purchase the audio book of Diana’s book but, I must say, that my audio book TBR is also getting out of hand now.
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Lovely book Bette really heart touching thanks
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Oh my, another TBR to watch. I have none right now but I can see it’s about to go mainstream.
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Thanks, Robbie. I’m so tickled by your interest. Let me know if you want a credit for the purchase. Audible gave me a bunch to hand out. 🙂 I hope that when you get around to it, you enjoy the listen. You made my day!
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Hi Diana, thank you for your kind offer but Audible already give me big discounts so I only pay USD 10 per book. I will purchase it and then, hopefully, you get your royalty.
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Thank you, Robbie. That’s so kind of you. I hope you enjoy the story. 🙂
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Wonderful reviews Jacqui! Congratulations ladies. Wishing you great success.
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This is an excellent collection.
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I agree Jacqui. Diana’s style is unparalleled.
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Thanks for the lovely compliment, Balroop. ❤ Much appreciated!
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Thank you, Balroop! ❤
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Ever thanks for a lovely review and for listing My Maine on the billing with two of my favorite authors. Thanks for your awesome support you provide for indie authors and our books. You’re awesome!
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Your book is beautiful, Bette, and well-deserving of Jacqui’s wonderful review. 🙂
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What a wonderful book of poetry, Bette!
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Thanks so much, Diana. ❤ xo
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Thanks and hugs from me and My Maine! ❤
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❤ ❤
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Nice reviews. I do like the sound of Sunwielder.
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That one’s great for the upcoming holiday. It’s not scary, just fantasy.
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Thanks for the hint. I’ll add it to my end-of-term list.
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Thanks so much for checking out Jacqui’s reviews, Cath. I’m honored to be here with a pair of wonderful writers. If you give the book a try, I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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A wealth of great stories here. Thanks for featuring these books – now please teach me how to read faster.
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Hehee. It’s more like a read often. I even read standing in line at the pharmacy. It’s amazing how those minutes pile up.
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I figured out how to make my phone read to me, Sharon, so my kindle pile is finally shrinking. Once you get used to robot-Siri-voice, it’s not too bad. 🙂 Happy Reading.
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Thank you, Sharon. 🙂
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I think Red Bull is her secret, Sharon. 🙂
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Sounds like more great reads.
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Oh yeah they are!
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Jacqui loves to add to our TBR lists, Juneta. 🙂
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Jacqui,
My Maine…the verse describing winter is magical and reminds me of why I wouldn’t want to live there even though I love the state. 🙂 Thanks for the book reviews!
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Me too. ‘F****cold’ is the first word I think of with Maine.
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Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, Cathy! Magical Maine–I like that… Oh, the wonder of the seasons never ceases to amaze. 🙂
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It’s lovely to see three of my blogging and social media friends featured Jacqui.
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I feel that way, too–like I know these talented folks!
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Great to see you here too, Brigid! Thanks for your lovely note. ❤
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My pleasure Bette. x
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Hi Brigid! I know you from Twitter…LOL! So happy we connected.
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Hi Jill. Yes, it is great to connect across the blogosphere.
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Three for three. That’s reading gold.
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Woohoo!
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Thanks, Staci! ❤
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Thanks, Staci!
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Great selection of titles, Jacqui! Something for everyone, and they all sound interesting.This is such a great way to feature indie writers.
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It does cover the genres, doesn’t it? It keeps me from being solely focused on the Westerns I love!
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Thanks so much for joining the conversations, Lee. 🙂
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Jacqui is so supportive, Lee. Thanks for reading!
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Seems like every time I stop by you add to my reading list.
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You will not be sorry about adding these, especially Bette’s (because you are both poets). It’s a gem.
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Andrew, I think we need to start drinking Red Bull, like Jacqui does. Maybe we could get through those lists. 🙂
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I’ve read My Maine and Sunweilder and loved them both. A Mother for his Twins sounds adorable. Excellent reviews, Jacqui. Congratulations to all the authors.
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Thanks for the kind comment, Mae. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. 🙂 Have a great week!
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My prose failed against Bette’s poetry so I just posted her words (within appropriate guidelines!). She is excellent. And Sunwielder–I know it’s not a new release, can’t believe I missed it, and it could be my favorite so far from Diana. What a find.
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Thanks so much for shout-out, dear Mae! Have an awesome week, my friend.
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Thanks, Mae! Isn’t WordPress wonderful? 🙂
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The last one sounds good!
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Thanks for reading Jacqui’s reviews, Alex. If you give it a try, I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Oh yeah it is! What a story. It’s as close to real as fantasy gets.
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Glad you liked these so much. I only post positive reviews too.
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I used to feel guilty, added this note, and am surprised how many agree! Being an author, I know how hard we-all work to write even those books some don’t like so I can’t bring myself to crush that effort.
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I sure can relate.
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Thank you, Natalie. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Jacqui, for sharing your review of Sunwielder. You’re support of indie authors and your book recommendations are priceless. And what a treat to be here with two awesome writers. I love Bette’s poetry, and Jill’s book is happily waiting in my kindle. Much appreciated, my friend. ❤
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When I started blogging as a writer, I had no idea how rich was the world of Indie authors. There are amazing reads, often better than the published type (which can be too vanilla for my taste at times). Thank you for your creativity!
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You’re welcome!
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Thanks awesome and brilliant writing. How new be can start blogging?
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Thank you. Blogging seems to go along with writing, and this is a wonderful community. I hope you enjoy the adventure. 🙂
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Thanks its a sea where we can enjoy surfing together
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I like the idea of My Maine. Very creative to describe a state in a series of haiku.
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And by season. Me, I mostly think of Maine and frigid, bone-chilling winters. Bette has reminded me it is so much more.
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Haiku seemed the perfect way to celebrate my love for the The Pine Tree State. My husband and I came to Maine in 1974 as back-to-the-landers, raised our family here and have come back home to retire. There’s no place like home! The collection includes 150 haiku poems, 49 of my photographs, plus symbols and interesting facts about Maine.
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You’ll love My Maine!
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You hit a home run with your review, Jacqui. I read Jill’s book as soon as it was published and kind of blushed at myself. I don’t read straight out sweet romance. No way, no how. But wait, I relished every page of A Mother for HIs Twins. Because who doesn’t like a story with believable characters who hurt, smile, retreat, fear, yet ultimately embrace love?
Bette’s poetry is sublime haiku. I live in MA, close enough to Maine that I find myself nodding my head while reading her poetry, feeling the life of New England nature through her words.
And DW Peach’s work? She should be “discovered” by some bigwig publisher, because the way she strings words together and builds a world that we all dive into when we read her books – it’s genius.
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Pam. I’m delighted to share the post with two stellar authors and human beings. 🙂 You helped make my day. Have a fabulous week!
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As a FYI, I had dinner with my MD relatives last weekend including my 25-year-old nephew, who I rarely get to see. Found out he loves reading fantasy. Just ordered Soul Swallowers for him. Can’t wait for him to discover D.W. Peach.
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Aww. Thanks. 🙂 That’s so cool! I hope he enjoys it. What fun. You’re the best, Pam. ❤
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Yep yep and yep. Exactly, Pam. Jill is the rare romance writer I read (though now that I see through Jill they can be good stories, I’ve added a few more).
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Yes, Jacqui, Jill has shown us that “romance” is not a single genre with a single kind of writing. Just the same as any genre – if the writing is good, the book is good. Period. ❤
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Thanks so much for your My Maine note, Pam. As for Jill and Diana–two amazing writers–it’s an honor to be mentioned among them and fondly call them my friends. What a beautiful blogging world we live in with you and Jacqui out there rooting for us. Hugs!
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Aw…thank you, Pam. Seeing what I see at the day job, I need some happy endings. Thank you for your support and friendship. ❤
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Good point, Jill. We write to survive and thrive.
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Yes!
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Hi jacqui i have read the review of these three all are best but the best story which appeal me a lot is “A mother of his twin” really touches my heart. thank you.
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You will love it, too. It’s entirely believable. I was cheering for everyone involved.
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yeah lovely books. my weekend will be the best with these. thanks
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I hope you enjoy it!
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Thanks Jill for recommendation of lovely books
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thanks Jill for recommending the best
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I’m quite taken with Sunwielder.
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Thank you, GP. I had the help of a Vietnam vet and Iraq vet (both in my writer’s group) when I wrote Sunwielder. I wanted to get as close to the war experience as I could for my character within the confines of the story. I hope that if you get a chance to read it, you’ll find it satisfying. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, my friend.
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I don’t think Diana’s background is military strategy but you’d never know it. I think you might enjoy all the detail she includes about the battles, the preparation, the horses. It is quite a find.
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I always take your word on these matters!!
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I haven’t read Bette’s haiku, but I have read her novel – Dog Bone Soup – and I know just how wonderful a writer she is. As for Sunwielder…I truly believe it’s one of Diana’s best, and her knowledge of military tactics and strategies left me gobsmacked. Great reviews, all. 🙂
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Thanks for the awesome comment, Andrea. I’m so glad you enjoyed Sunwielder. Nothing like a little research – even for fantasy. Lol. And I’m delighted to be sharing the post with Jill and Bette, both wonderful writers. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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A little research? -grin- There’s no hand waving or fudging in Sunwielder. You know your stuff. That’s why the writing sounds so authentic. 😀
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This is my first Bette book–not my last, now that I’ve discovered her. And Diana–I’ve read many of her books and have to agree with you. For me, this is a favorite.
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-grin- A woman of good taste!
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Your thoughtful note made my day, AC. Diana and Jill are outstanding writerly friends of mine. I’m moving Sunwielder up on my kindle. A Mother for His Twins is calling to me from the coffee table. Have an awesome day! xo
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I’m glad. Dog Bone Soup really is one of my favourites despite being as far from sci-fi as you could possibly get! It’s beautiful. 🙂
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Hugs… ❤ xx
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I loved Dog Bone Soup too, Andrea. After reading Jacqui’s review of Sunwielder, it’s been move up on my TBR list. 🙂
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Hi Jill. 🙂 I think they’re both classics, although in very different ways. I hope you enjoy Sunwielder as much as I did.
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I’m sure I will, Andrea. Great to meet you!
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Same here. 🙂 Cheers!
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Jacqui, a treat this morning to read your wonderful reviews of these three terrific books. Romance, poetry and fantasy – a winning combination! These are all books I look forward to reading, a couple already on my kindle! I love the quotes you’ve included to give a flavour of the writing. I lingered over Bette’s haikus, feeling the shift of seasons. Beautiful post … I feel like spending a day curled up in bed, just reading!😀
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Thanks for stopping by Annika. Happy Reading!
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I like reading my own review because of Bette’s quotes. They bring up such wonderful feelings!
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Thank you, Annika. Hugs and happy reading, my friend!
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A “day!” I want an entire month off to read, Annika. ❤
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Beautiful reviews Jaqui and I am very certain these authour s deserve
them. Each one offers aspects of life that we see, yet don’t always see.
miriam
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They are all different and excellent. I love Indie writing.
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Thank you, Miriam. ❤
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Thank you, Miriam.
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What a nice surprise, Jacqui. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review my book. I’m thrilled to be among friends Bette and Diana, too!
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Likewise, Jill. Jacqui does a wonderful job supporting indies. I’m looking forward to your book. 🙂
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Jacqui is amazing, Diana. As much as she accomplishes, I think she actually has a twin! 🙂
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I know. I’m in awe. I can barely keep up with my life. 🙂
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Me either! #letsdrinkredbull
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This was such a good book, Jill, and I see by the Amazon rating I’m not the only one who thinks that 4.9/5! Woohoo!
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Thank you, Jacqui! I appreciate your support. ❤
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Ditto all around, Jacqui, Jill and Diana. You all rock!
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