Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Between Decisions (The City Between #8) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Between Decisions (The City Between #8) by W.R. Gingell. 

About the Book

Life is complicated.

I mean, life has always been complicated, but there’s a difference between monsters-are-trying-to-kill-you complications and monsters-are-in-love-with-you complications. I’m still not sure which is more dangerous.

G’day. I’m Pet. Two-thirds of a pet, anyway: the vampire isn’t claiming ownership these days, but he’s definitely encroaching. On the list of other encroaching complications is the threat of heirling trials, a certain fae lord, and a mysterious librarian—not to mention the thing that’s killing people on Hobart’s waterfront…

One day, I’ll have a normal life. Today is not that day.

Book Beginnings

Housemates can be a handful. Mine more than most, but that's to be expected when two are fae and one's a vampire.

Friday 56

"Don't know how you lot lived without me," I said. "Isn't it fun when all the stuff you thought you knew might not be true?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Windward Shore (The Dancing Realms #3) by Sharon Hinck

About the Book

The island world of Meriel faces an old adversary and a new danger. Will the reformed Order die before it has a chance to blossom?

Storm clouds loom on the horizon as Carya and Brantley struggle to overcome wounds of the past and build a future together. The fragile new Order is on shaky ground, with too few dancers and sparse resources. Then trouble erupts—and now an insidious rebellion and a new foe threaten their entire world.

When she uncovers an old enemy behind all the destruction, Carya realizes the past is not done with her. With conflict tearing apart the dancers and villages, rimmers are soon overrun, and Carya must unite her people by leading the battle to protect the very heart of her world … or lose it all.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a wonderful conclusion to The Dancing Realms series. Just as with the previous two books, Windward Shore had many deep and profound spiritual messages that really resonated with me. It had so many truths that I needed to hear. It was so thought-provoking. So soul-stirring.

There was a lot going on, and I didn't know how everything would resolve itself by the end. But this held a great reminder that with the Maker, anything is possible. Never give up hope.

I've enjoyed this journey alongside Carya and Brantley, and am sad to say goodbye to these wonderful characters and enchanting world. I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves the fantasy genre. It's a must-read. I know it'll stay with me for a long time to come.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright releasing June 1. I've loved every single book I've read by Wright, so you know I'm excited for this new one from her. Plus, it sounds fantastic. "Whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill"? Yeah, I'm so here for that.

About the Book

1885.
Adria Fontaine has been sent to recover goods her father pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But when she arrives at Foxglove Manor--a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior--Adria senses wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Present day.
Kailey Gibson is a new nurse's aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Kidnapped as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling promise from her abductors that they would return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven. She'll have to risk it all to banish the past's demons, including her own.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Songs in the Night (The Song Giver #1) by Laura Frances

About the Book

From the author of The Slave Series...

Book one in a series of short novels...

What would they do if I screamed…if the force of my voice ripped these walls to shreds?

Thirteen years have passed since five-year-old Eris crossed the border into Omaria, finding shelter among a wary band of drifters. But Sithian slaves are branded like cattle, and the scars across her palms serve only to alienate her from the people she once trusted for protection.

After word reaches the forest of a violent Sithian attack in the northern regions, and fearful rumors of sorcery hum on the air, Eris is blamed when a night of violent sickness sweeps through camp.

Forced to flee for her life into unfamiliar land, Eris once again finds herself at the mercy of cruel men. Captured by traders and imprisoned in a cage, she determines to do whatever it takes to protect a fragile, sick woman chained to the bars.

But as they draw close to the border and hope of escape fades, a frightening power rises within Eris, fueled by the bitter grief warring in her heart. The scars across her palms burn, and Eris fears she may be becoming the very thing the king’s knights vow to destroy: a diavok cursed for evil.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book! The writing was so beautiful and descriptive. The story came to life. I was right there with these characters, not just an observer, but feeling everything they did. I love it when an author can completely submerse me in a story like that. It's a rare talent, and this author has it.

Eris was such an endearing character. I really felt for her. She'd been through so much hardship. Always an outsider, she never fit in and was always looked down upon. It was truly heartbreaking, the horrendous way she was treated. She had a ton of fight, and a lot of spirit, though. She never gave up, and I admired her so much for that.

This was set in a brutal world full of many evils. It touched upon some heavy subjects with grace, shining a light on the brutality of these atrocities without being graphic.

I'm curious to see where things go in the next installment. I'm eager to continue this journey with Eris and Etan. The next book can't come out soon enough. I'll definitely be checking out this author's previous work in the meantime.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Windward Shore (The Dancing Realms #3) by Sharon Hinck

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Windward Shore (The Dancing Realms #3) by Sharon Hinck. This has been such a beautiful series and this was a perfect conclusion for it. Loved it!

About the Book

The island world of Meriel faces an old adversary and a new danger. Will the reformed Order die before it has a chance to blossom?

Storm clouds loom on the horizon as Carya and Brantley struggle to overcome wounds of the past and build a future together. The fragile new Order is on shaky ground, with too few dancers and sparse resources. Then trouble erupts—and now an insidious rebellion and a new foe threaten their entire world.

When she uncovers an old enemy behind all the destruction, Carya realizes the past is not done with her. With conflict tearing apart the dancers and villages, rimmers are soon overrun, and Carya must unite her people by leading the battle to protect the very heart of her world … or lose it all.

Book Beginnings

Where could he be? I squinted toward the horizon, where stormy sky met turbulent sea.

Friday 56

Black water lapped lightly over the tangleroot and onto the stony shore. Straining my eyes to make out any ripples in the stretch of water between the islands, I shivered. The sea held too much mystery already. In the darkness, my imagination conjured all sorts of monsters that might lurk in the depths.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Secrets She Knew (Secrets and Lies #1) by D.L. Wood

About the Book

Boston police detective Dani Lake dreads returning to her small hometown of Skye, Alabama, for her ten-year high school reunion--and not just for the normal reasons.

At only fifteen, Dani tragically discovered the body of her murdered classmate, setting in motion the process that led to the unjust conviction of her dear friend and an unshakable burden of guilt she carries to this day. So when new evidence surfaces during her trip home which suggests the truth Dani’s always suspected, she embarks on a mission to expose the real killer, aided by Skye police detective Chris Newton--who happens to be the man Dani’s best friend is dying to set her up with, and also the only person who believes her.

But when Dani pushes too hard, someone pushes back, endangering Dani and those closest to her as she unearths secrets deeper and darker than she ever expected to learn—secrets that may bring the truth to light, if they don’t get her killed first.

A Secrets and Lies Suspense Novel.
Thrilling, clean suspense and mystery laced with romance and faith.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was the first book I've read by this author, and I absolutely loved it. It was so compelling and impossible to put down.

Dani's back in her hometown to clean out her parent's house and to attend her high school reunion when new evidence pops up on a case that has haunted her since her teenage years. When she was fifteen, she discovered the dead body of one of her classmates. She's always felt like the wrong person was convicted for the crime, and this new evidence might just support her theory. Now, she'll stop at nothing to expose the real perpetrator, and clear her friend's name. But the killer has other ideas and is willing to go to great lengths to keep their secret.

From the very first sentence, I was hooked. I was so invested and needed to know more. It held my full attention until the very end. There were lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I want to say more so much more, but I don't want to spoil any of it for you. Just trust me, it's so good!

This gets a big recommendation from me. It was such a masterfully told story. If you're a fan of this genre, pick up a copy of this book. You won't regret it. I'm eager to check out more from this author.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The City of Zirdai (Archives of the Invisible Sword #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The City of Zirdai (Archives of the Invisible Sword #2) by Maria V. Snyder releasing June 2. I loved the first book and preordered this one as soon as I could. I can't wait to see what happens to Shyla next.

About the Book

"It's suicide, Shyla. You're the prize they want."

Through her courage and tenacity, Shyla Sun-Kissed has awoken the power of The Eyes of Tamburah. But this feat only marks the beginning of the challenges that the magical order, the Invisible Sword, faces to free the underground city of Zirdai.

Though they have allies among the monks and splinter cells inside the city, Shyla knows the Invisible Sword doesn't have the strength to win. With the group fracturing due to the strain of losses from their latest ordeal, thinly veiled suspicions and endless disagreements, it's up to Shyla to forge a new united order.

When both the draconian Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess learn of Shyla's new powers, life becomes even more complicated as they will stop at nothing to capture Shyla and take the magic of The Eyes for themselves. Hunted at every turn and unable to hide, Shyla and the Invisible Sword must use every resource at their command - and unearth new ones - in their race to save the city from destruction. But their enemies always seem to be one step ahead. And the cost to win the battle may be more than Shyla would ever be willing to pay...

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Stubborn Love (Murphy Brothers Story #5) by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book

Their love survived his accident, but can it survive the long, hard road to recovery?

Tyler Murphy had his life all planned out: finish college, go back to Sugar Pine as his dad’s able-bodied business partner, and most importantly, marry Rebecca Colson. But a fall from a roof leaves him less than able-bodied, and the pain he suffers as a result goes beyond the physical. Wrestling with his new disability seems manageable only by way of the pharmacy. Which is fine…until the refills run out and he’s denied a new prescription.

Rebecca Colson can’t wait for the day she’ll finally become Mrs. Rebecca Murphy. Tyler’s accident and resulting amputation are traumatic hurdles on the road to marital bliss but nothing they can’t overcome together—until Rebecca stumbles onto Tyler’s secret and approaches his family for help. Suddenly, the love of her life turns cold. In his eyes, her betrayal is unforgivable, and just like that, their hopes and dreams disintegrate.

Becca finds herself facing a future she doesn’t recognize—one where each step forward is a step away from the future she’d planned with Tyler. When a recovered Tyler finally seeks her out, he’s not sure he deserves another chance with her—not after the way he broke her heart. Becca is equally uncertain that Tyler has room in his new, very different life, for her. Is it too late to restore their relationship, or will their stubborn love forge a new path for a future together?

Stubborn Love is book 5 in the Murphy Brothers Stories; Christian novels full of romance and redemption. Don't miss this family of seven brothers as they navigate through life, faith, and love.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Stubborn Love was another great one from Jennifer Rodewald. This emotional story really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved visiting the Murphy Brothers again, and even though this is book five in the series, it can totally stand alone.

I really appreciate the way Rodewald brings a story, and the characters in it, to life. There's such an authenticity to them I'll sometimes forget I'm reading about fictional characters. It all feels so genuine and grounded in reality.

This time around, the topic of addiction is addressed in a realistic, thoughtful, and compassionate way. It was hard to watch a favorite character struggle with this, but with it being such a big problem in our world today, I appreciated the spotlight this put on the issue.

Tyler had a tough road to traverse, and he didn't always handle things well. His attitude in the beginning, while understandable considering all he was dealing with, was really heart-wrenching to witness. I wanted to hug him and shake some sense into him all at the same time. The journey he went on, while not easy, was such a great testimony!

Becca was an easily likable character. Steadfast, brave, strong. She didn't always believe she was all those things, but she really embodied them.

I loved the spiritual message woven throughout these pages about trusting God. No matter what we face, good, bad, everything in between, He's there for us. He's got things well in hand. We don't need to worry about a thing. We may not always understand His plans, but there's a purpose for everything. He's got it all under control. What a great reminder!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Secrets She Knew (Secrets and Lies #1) by D.L. Wood

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Secrets She Knew (Secrets and Lies #1) by D.L. Wood, a really great cold case mystery.

About the Book

Boston police detective Dani Lake dreads returning to her small hometown of Skye, Alabama, for her ten-year high school reunion--and not just for the normal reasons.

At only fifteen, Dani tragically discovered the body of her murdered classmate, setting in motion the process that led to the unjust conviction of her dear friend and an unshakable burden of guilt she carries to this day. So when new evidence surfaces during her trip home which suggests the truth Dani’s always suspected, she embarks on a mission to expose the real killer, aided by Skye police detective Chris Newton--who happens to be the man Dani’s best friend is dying to set her up with, and also the only person who believes her.

But when Dani pushes too hard, someone pushes back, endangering Dani and those closest to her as she unearths secrets deeper and darker than she ever expected to learn—secrets that may bring the truth to light, if they don’t get her killed first.

A Secrets and Lies Suspense Novel.
Thrilling, clean suspense and mystery laced with romance and faith.

Book Beginnings

Danielle Lake was fifteen years old the first time she saw a dead body.

Friday 56

The thumping sounds of Backstreet's Back filled the civic center's event hall as two hundred-plus people danced, ate, and caught up with old friends.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding

About the Book

Jane Austen turns detective in this spooky historical adventure by award-winning author Julia Golding!

It’s 1789 and a young Jane Austen turns detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious happenings at Southmoor Abbey. When a carriage accident forces a change of plans, 13-year-old Jane is sent to be a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week as the household prepares to celebrate the eldest son’s coming-of-age party. While there, Jane vows to solve the mystery of the ghostly monk in the Abbey grounds – for she does not believe in such stories!

But this is not the only strange occurrence for the adventurous young Jane to investigate. There are shivery night-time investigations, an Indian girl with secret talents, a library fire, two prize horses in danger, and friends to save from false accusations.

With notebook in hand and her faithful dog Grandison by her side, will Jane overcome the continuous obstacles and find out the truth?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was just absolute pure fun! A delightfully witty read that was impossible to put down. I was hooked from the first sentence and lost all track of time while I was reading it.

We got to know a young Jane Austen and follow along as she tried to solve some perplexing mysteries involving a ghost, thieves, and arsonists.

Jane was, of course, an infinitely likable character. Clever, curious, and sharp as a whip. She kept things lively, for sure. And you know I loved Grandison, Jane's “lapdog”. I'm a sucker for dogs in books and Grandison was awesome. Deepti and Luke were great characters too. Full of so much depth, they all came to life.

This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend. And even though it's a middle grade mystery, it can be enjoyed by all ages. I really hope there are more mysteries to come for Jane to solve.

 FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Between Decisions (The City Between #8) by W.R. Gingell

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Between Decisions (The City Between #8) by W.R. Gingell releasing May 16. This is such a fun series! I can't get enough of these wonderfully weird characters.

About the Book

Life is complicated.

I mean, life has always been complicated, but there’s a difference between monsters-are-trying-to-kill-you complications and monsters-are-in-love-with-you complications. I’m still not sure which is more dangerous.

G’day. I’m Pet. Two-thirds of a pet, anyway: the vampire isn’t claiming ownership these days, but he’s definitely encroaching. On the list of other encroaching complications is the threat of heirling trials, a certain fae lord, and a mysterious librarian—not to mention the thing that’s killing people on Hobart’s waterfront…

One day, I’ll have a normal life. Today is not that day.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Safe and Sound (Lantern Beach Guardians #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
A call for help draws Police Chief Cassidy Chambers deep into a wooded, isolated area on Lantern Beach. What she finds shakes her to the core—a friend is bleeding out, and his last words before dying are: They know.

Figuring out who killed her friend and what his final words meant becomes Cassidy’s mission. Have members of the notorious gang that placed a bounty on her head discovered her new life? Or is someone else trying to teach her a twisted lesson?

Elements from past investigations surface and threaten more than one person’s safety. Cassidy and her husband, Ty, must make sense of the deadly secrets that unfold at every turn. If not, the life they’ve built together might come to a permanent end.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

She should have been expecting this. She’d known it was a possibility that someone would find her. She’d been living on borrowed time for nearly three years now.

Secrets that were supposed to stay hidden are starting to come to light and the past is rearing it's ugly head in this exciting conclusion to the Lantern Beach Guardians series.

What a wild ride! Safe and Sound was such a satisfying ending to this series. It's my favorite Barritt story in recent memory. That beginning? So good! It had me invested, intrigued, and anxious. And that ending? It brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones, not sad ones. And all the stuff in between was so suspenseful. All combined, it made for an unputdownable read.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and am curious about what will happen next on Lantern Beach. If you're a fan of suspense, I highly recommend this series.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a really fun middle grade mystery, Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding.

About the Book

Jane Austen turns detective in this spooky historical adventure by award-winning author Julia Golding!

It’s 1789 and a young Jane Austen turns detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious happenings at Southmoor Abbey. When a carriage accident forces a change of plans, 13-year-old Jane is sent to be a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week as the household prepares to celebrate the eldest son’s coming-of-age party. While there, Jane vows to solve the mystery of the ghostly monk in the Abbey grounds – for she does not believe in such stories!

But this is not the only strange occurrence for the adventurous young Jane to investigate. There are shivery night-time investigations, an Indian girl with secret talents, a library fire, two prize horses in danger, and friends to save from false accusations.

With notebook in hand and her faithful dog Grandison by her side, will Jane overcome the continuous obstacles and find out the truth?

Book Beginnings

1789

It had to be acknowledged that the life of a clergyman's daughter in deepest rural Hampshire was disappointingly full of duties.

Friday 56

Jane gulped. She knew she was innocent but she also realized she was the last one to have been in the library that evening, aside from the person who started the machine, of course. How long would it take for Sir Charles to find that out? And when he did, would he blame her?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Realms of Light (The Colliding Line #2) by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads

About the Book

From the Ashes, Spring Will Rise

On the run from the brutal Sage and his army of Legions and Cormorants, seventeen-year-old Cera Marlowe knows the only place strong enough to protect her is the Alliance Council Estate.

Cera’s introduction to the Estate is far from welcoming. As a Blight, her dueling powers of light and darkness make her a half-breed threat to the Alliance’s sacred powers. Cera’s ability to decipher hidden messages in classical artwork buys her shelter temporarily, but the clock is ticking as she’s faced with a daunting choice that could cost her everything.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fantastic conclusion to this duology. I loved the first book, so I was eager to pick up this sequel. It delivered, bigtime. Just like with Mortal Sight, it hooked me right from the beginning and never let go.

Cera was an easy character to root for. Obstacle after obstacle was thrown her way. She faced seemingly insurmountable odds with such bravery and fierceness. There were still times that her rash behavior frustrated me, but she had such a good heart and well-meaning intentions that I could overlook it. And, despite all that, you could still see how much she'd matured from the first book.

I loved how the epic poem Paradise Lost was incorporated into both books. It was really cleverly done. Plus, all the classic works of art, too. So cool!

I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from this author. If you're a fan of YA urban fantasy, I'm sure you'll enjoy this series.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Stubborn Love (Murphy Brothers Story #5) by Jennifer Rodewald

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Stubborn Love (Murphy Brothers Story #5) by Jennifer Rodewald releasing May 18. Jennifer Rodewald is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. She never disappoints. I've been LOVING this series and am so eager for Tyler's story. 

About the Book

Their love survived his accident, but can it survive the long, hard road to recovery?

Tyler Murphy had his life all planned out: finish college, go back to Sugar Pine as his dad’s able-bodied business partner, and most importantly, marry Rebecca Colson. But a fall from a roof leaves him less than able-bodied, and the pain he suffers as a result goes beyond the physical. Wrestling with his new disability seems manageable only by way of the pharmacy. Which is fine…until the refills run out and he’s denied a new prescription.

Rebecca Colson can’t wait for the day she’ll finally become Mrs. Rebecca Murphy. Tyler’s accident and resulting amputation are traumatic hurdles on the road to marital bliss but nothing they can’t overcome together—until Rebecca stumbles onto Tyler’s secret and approaches his family for help. Suddenly, the love of her life turns cold. In his eyes, her betrayal is unforgivable, and just like that, their hopes and dreams disintegrate.

Becca finds herself facing a future she doesn’t recognize—one where each step forward is a step away from the future she’d planned with Tyler. When a recovered Tyler finally seeks her out, he’s not sure he deserves another chance with her—not after the way he broke her heart. Becca is equally uncertain that Tyler has room in his new, very different life, for her. Is it too late to restore their relationship, or will their stubborn love forge a new path for a future together?

Stubborn Love is book 5 in the Murphy Brothers Stories; Christian novels full of romance and redemption. Don't miss this family of seven brothers as they navigate through life, faith, and love.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Embers, Dreams, and Dustfire and A Storm Grows - Poetry Anthologies by Janeen Ippolito

About the Book

outlasting the fire around me
I breathe out the fire
within me
and stand
and soar

A poetry anthology of hope, joy, and endurance through all obstacles.

When you feel like you cannot go one step further,
there is rest, strength, and hope for the future.
Always.

Amazon / Goodreads

About the Book

it is not
an evil
to thunder
shriek
scream lightning
across the sky

A poetry anthology of those who have remained unspoken for too long.

Who have silenced their hearts and souls.
Who want to break free and be heard.

There is healing in the storm and growth in rain-tears.
And always, always a way forward.

No matter what.

Inspiration from Janeen Ippolito's stories, life experiences, and various other sources.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I don't really read much poetry, but I've been wanting to try this author for a while now and when I saw Embers, Dreams, and Dustfire, a book of poems by her, I thought, why not. And I've gotta say, I LOVED it. I loved it so much I read it twice, and could reread it again and again. It was profound and moving and relatable. Many of these poems really touched my soul.

After finishing this one (twice), I went back to Amazon and checked out Ippolito's other poetry anthology, A Storm Grows, from Kindle Unlimited. It was great too. It didn't resonate with me quite as much as Embers, Dreams, and Dustfire, but it was still moving. I enjoyed it a great deal.

I can't recommend these anthologies highly enough and am very eager to read more from this author.

FIVE STARS