Short stories are lovely for introducing us to new authors. The 2017 feminist initiative at Tor.com acquainted me with eleven creative women, whose vaShort stories are lovely for introducing us to new authors. The 2017 feminist initiative at Tor.com acquainted me with eleven creative women, whose varied styles and perspectives have enriched me. I seldom give past three stars because it is a feat to conjure much emotion or background to root for in the few scenes vignettes contain. All of them are memorable and make us keen for a full story around the kernels they served as samples. Welsh-Canadian Jo Walton’s is a skipping poem and this one, “Astronaut”, is tenderly unique. If I understand correctly, it is a clever retelling of a piece of real history. At this, I marvel, given the surprise protagonist’s perspective.
I will be honest that another use of briefly worded stories that I appreciate, is when having spent a week on the same book and wanting to pump up the progress of my annual reading goal, especially in December. I review everything with 300 words no matter the length of the literature. Website text from authors I do not know is hardest for me to derive something to talk about. Maria Dahvana Headley made it easier to discuss.
For her message of female power, she chose Cape Canaveral space shuttle training in 1959. The candidacy pared down 13 trainees, some of whose prowess petered out, others who died in test launches. They were males in the main and taunted the heroine, Miss Baker. Our protagonist ignored their insults, vaulted overtop of their rude gestures, succeeded in her own right, and achieved that spaceflight. The photograph at the end of how this tiny astronaut looked is precious.
To my pleasant surprise, I had heard of major oeuvres by Amal El-Mohtar, Seanan McGuire, and Maria like “The Year Of Yes”. My book wish list is ever more colourful....more
“We Were From The Mountains” is the second-last story I read in 2021, an anguished year in which two of our precious cats rose to the afterlife. It ha“We Were From The Mountains” is the second-last story I read in 2021, an anguished year in which two of our precious cats rose to the afterlife. It has nothing to do with the pandemic when I say our family needs happiness and ease from now on. My reading choices have always been entirely positive, the only tone I consider pleasurable. Even in fiction, sadness and strife are avoided firmly. For me, entertainment must entail joy, fun, the thrill of a quest, the marvel of a discovery, and the warmth of humans and animals.
It works out perfectly for the way I absorb all authors chronologically, that the two Kate Morton novels I read years ago, precede this autobiographical outing of 2009. Normally writing big 500+ page paperbacks of tantalizing non-crime family mysteries, it was nice to acquaint this authoress’ own family. Although they share accents and expressions similar to the British, the best part is going on an adventure with someone besides an American or Englishwoman. Australia is a tropical and desert world of its own that I have not yet seen, so my imagination is always sparked by a visit to vibrant Oceania in stories!
What gives relatable insight into our most personal aspects, is our Grandparents! A car ride from Kate’s rural mountaintop home, shares a full day at the city house of her Grandma. I picture the rooms of my Grandparent’s various residences, my favourite places to play, and comforting objects, furniture, and pastimes I cherished with them. This is a sweet memory without any drama, of an Australian childhood, allowing me to acquaint an authoress of fiction I enjoy but about whom I had not known anything. I will appreciate the rest of Kate’s books more, thanks to being treated to her common family memories!...more
Animal communication was an amazing revelation after my childhood cat ascended in 2003, confirming a wholehearted belief. I seized a workshop that camAnimal communication was an amazing revelation after my childhood cat ascended in 2003, confirming a wholehearted belief. I seized a workshop that came to Manitoba. When our beloved boy went missing in 2017, I wanted to brush-up. We are anguished that his Mom & Dad went to the afterlife last year! I urgently learned energy healing and seek books geared for cats. I saw “Communication With All Life: How To Understand And Talk To Animals”, 2007, second-hand but disliked it so much, I would grade it with two stars if I did not recognize that Joan Ranquet means well. I no longer want her healing book, unless I encounter it in a bargain bin locally.
My circle has so long comprised animal lovers that equal sentience goes without saying but I will state the obvious for the benefit of future communicators or healers. No life is above another; we only have different interests and biological needs. If people thought they were smarter for speaking & replying in mutual conversations, the realization that all animals understand and answer telepathically nullifies that notion. It is humans who failed to hear them! I was glad I happened to become vegetarian the year I witnessed it myself. Species, brain size, and word count estimation are completely irrelevant. We just talk soul to soul. If I encounter an animal communicator who subscribes to those antiquated beliefs and eats critters, they lose credibility.
I love horses as powerful, soulful beings. My interest in racing or animal shows is nil, which promotes breeding instead of rescuing. I loathe anyone treating cats as decorative, who deem dogs their “real pets”. Cats and telepathic instruction were hardly present! Anyone new wanting to learn intuitive communication, would be furious that Joan mostly rants about logical animal care throughout this book....more
I treasure the “Tradd Street” series. Paranormal mysteries are rare in the “standard mystery” tone. I found the first hardcover on a town charity tablI treasure the “Tradd Street” series. Paranormal mysteries are rare in the “standard mystery” tone. I found the first hardcover on a town charity table in about 2012. I clued into this niche in 2015, when I was sick of “cozy mysteries” but avoid “horror”. Serious mysterious about spirits are precious and I hit the jackpot! It took two years to obtain the second hardcover. A following grew after the third. It feels wonderful to be riveted in an eerie but non-violent paranormal mystery. These all receive five star feedback from me, because my few quibbles are overshadowed easily.
I am disappointed some women interpret Melanie as quarrelsome. At forty she was cautious about marrying a man until he had said “I love you”, wisely choosing a fulfilling life for herself. I do not blame her for making certain that he initiated none of the flirting she observed from women. When her housekeeper and friend overstepped so far as to tell a bakery not to sell Melanie donuts, she objected rightly! What some call “bitchy”, I call speaking-up! Karen needs to cut these two sidebars out. I want to see her happy, alongside the surreal adventures of ghosts and treasure-hunting.
I notice and savour how sublime Karen White’s writing is. Every minor character is distinctly recognizable as a person. The mysteries are original and compelling. They are tied to Melanie’s family so intimately, their revelations are emotional and empowering. This series crafts growth that is rewarding. We met Melanie as a colourless career woman who felt no attachment to her alcoholic Dad, absent Mom, or houses. By the time of “The Guests On South Battery” in 2017, her large family and friend circle glows with the warmth of belonging. The secrets of this novel manifest spookily, in suspense that explodes!...more
I must be the last reader to join Maggie Stiefvater’s staggeringly well attended party. I bought trade paperbacks at charity events years ago and discI must be the last reader to join Maggie Stiefvater’s staggeringly well attended party. I bought trade paperbacks at charity events years ago and discerned the various series to which they belong. Everyone can see that her storylines and covers look marvellous. Fantasy steps outside my most familiar provinces of reading so I have reserved these novels a long while. Now that writing tiny stories for on-line perusal is common, her Christmas scenes were an easy way for me to sample Maggie’s writing. Short tales traditionally precede full novels and theoretically possess independent timelines suitable for new readers.
It seldom find that earlier timetables furnish comprehensive content for the uninitiated, nor that brief pieces are up to the usual calibre of an author’s writing and story-building. I must read the novels to immerse in these well-loved fictional worlds. Logically, we are preceding the action of the novels but these vignettes comprise one or a few scenes. They can only be coloured into a finished story spectrum in the imagination, by informed fans. Thus, I give three stars for an excursion I like the feeling, originality, and message of but whose axis I can sense is missing. It is like gleaning some of a phone conversation by overhearing one half. When I know “The Raven Cycle”, this outing #0.3 from 2014 will magically become a bonus.
Established fans relish “300 Fox Way Holiday Piece” as insight into the background of this family’s Christmas home life. Their tradition is that at Yuletide, four psychic women sit outside in the pure act of listening and watching the world. It is a pretty message. I can appreciate how powerful it would feel to share female, coupled, or familial communion under the stars, even if it were breezy and cold, on a seasonal Holy occasion....more
I had not heard of Henry O, William Sydney Porter from the USA. Some of his short stories are famous. A lot of people enjoyed and graded “The Gift OfI had not heard of Henry O, William Sydney Porter from the USA. Some of his short stories are famous. A lot of people enjoyed and graded “The Gift Of The Magi” highly but I was not among them. I am logical about behaviour and felt annoyed by how much the featured couple missed the boat on what construes happiness and a necessary sacrifice. Genuine love knows better than to think a swanky present is necessary. I felt mad that truly helpful boosts were needed around their humble apartment. A home item or repair would make a splendid, morale-boosting gift, if anything were sacrificed for money.
No doubt the author was making some sort of point but I felt that I saw through it to a flaw. I loathe no win situations in stories and enjoyed no part of the irony. A wife cut her hair to buy her husband a new watch wristband. He sold his watch to buy her a hair barrette. The resultant story was of a couple and this reader trying not to feel deflated or depressed. I would have felt too horrified about my husband selling a sentimental memento to enjoy the product of the proceeds. Surely lovers know a homemade gift is ample and delightful.
Another detractor for me were footnotes by the “Owl Eyes” webhost of my story copy. They educate children but the simple concepts they explained repeatedly were self-evident to the point of being outrageous.
I insist upon granting three stars because loving intentions are behind everything. Most deliciously for me, in 1905: the words, such a high calibre of eloquence, is soothing and exquisite to my writer’s ears these one-hundred-and-sixteen years after they were composed! Learning to convey meaning with graceful and smart double-entendres, makes a plain sentence sublime!...more
I had my eye on “The Bookshop On The Corner” after it came out in 2016. I myself need to make money locally, with post offices pricey and far for mailI had my eye on “The Bookshop On The Corner” after it came out in 2016. I myself need to make money locally, with post offices pricey and far for mail orders. We all dream of earning revenue from books. Scotland is another draw for many of us, a place I loved as much as I dreamed I would, when I got there. When my friend, Ellery, surprised me with this birthday gift and her memory of casually expressed interest, I dug right into it.
I hesitated awhile about granting a four-star grade because my brow furrowed at several plot and character weaknesses. Jenny Colgan is a fine and funny writer, particularly in her introduction about herself in real life but she leaned hard on the fictional angle of a lady growing some grit. Anyone would be wary of a low revenue business and a move but a city with library closures needed no bookshop. Moving to Scotland because she could not park on her street was incidental instead of decisive. I deemed it weakest of all that a conductor, not Nina, saved her life! I would have removed a star, if a train had not continued to work into this story. Dating someone without learning the basics about him is not done either. Being attracted to a surly ranch owner was predictable but it sizzled enough for me to enjoy!
Jenny had Nina bizarrely hesitate to help a labouring lamb, delay Lennox’s drive to a vet, and wrote overmuch about meat. It was an immature step back to feign shyness of her shop’s name, which everyone would share with loved-ones.
Surinder was a ball. I shared her amusement in Nina’s improvements, caring about children, and succeeding at her dreams. I might like the sequels more for featuring new protagonists....more
“To A Very Special Friend”, 2000 is a little hardcover gift for people who are close. Keep it in a nightstand, dresser drawer, or livingroom table to “To A Very Special Friend”, 2000 is a little hardcover gift for people who are close. Keep it in a nightstand, dresser drawer, or livingroom table to reread its affectionate sayings. Peruse the artwork that beautifully accompanies them. I contentedly bestowed four stars for these pairings. My book opens and closes with a pretty purple ribbon that complements the glowing purple title of the cover.
The warm paintings and messages of this little hardcover are more gorgeous than usual, even though they are stock photos by Elizabeth Mowry. She is a true artist who sets gorgeous scenes entirely of nature in this suite. Therefore all of them; be they snow, grass, or flowers are glorious to my eyes. All of the notes make me smile too because expressions of gratitude in friendship always sound pleasing to the heart. Here are my favourites.
“A best friend willingly receives and carefully treasures the keys to your heart.” “Friendship is a flower that blooms through all life’s seasons.” “When polishing my memories, I discovered those shared with friends are among my most treasured keepsakes.”
This sweet artbook is among my wonderful Mom’s belongings which are now with me. Her friends would usually have written her name and the date on the front dedication page. My guess is that my Mom bought this as a treat for herself or tucked it away to give to someone. She would be well pleased that the recipient is me.
Georgann Gouryeb-Freeman is a writer and graphic artist with an interest in poetry. Judy A. Hershner specializes in short, inspirational pieces. Katherine Q. Lyons is widely published in the areas of human development and emotional wellbeing. LeAnn Thieman is a motivational author and speaker whose message inspires. Katheryne Lee Tirrell writes sentimental verses and poetry for greeting cards....more
My friend, Erin, has intended to mail Darcy Coates’ first novel. Friends know it can take years to procure new releases second-hand. This authoress haMy friend, Erin, has intended to mail Darcy Coates’ first novel. Friends know it can take years to procure new releases second-hand. This authoress has been prolific. When another friend liked this 2016 mystery, she ordered “The Haunting Of Ashburn House” for me! Bless you, Ellery! I relished tucking into a novel from our present decade and easily gave four stars.
I love originality and this mystery produced it in spades. As a reader and writer, I examine my pleasure in a story and its cohesiveness after finishing it. A dénouement can affect our final impression. The ending for Adrienne and a community of new friends is as beautiful as her beginning was mysterious! The middle developed an edge that was scary, at a perfect pace. It made fictional sense and left breathing room as well. I would bestow all of this five star praise but a few blips in logic and behaviour are too sticky to sweep aside.
Be reassured that the cat stays safe. Darcy’s fresh phenomena with an intricate background amazed me. Some of the novel basic’s needed bolstering: a centenarian never shared a horrifying burden with friends or neighbours? Edith Ashburn only tried explaining the circumstances to Adrienne’s Mom, Pat, who was appalled. When we learn how crucial they are to control, it seems strange that Edith did not contact Adrienne after she grew-up, or leave instructions in her will. Setting a letter aside at the magnitude of what they forewarned was bafflingly risky. Edith did etch instructions around the house. I grant that they looked benign but I would have tried them as soon as things got creepy!
I take away two touching thoughts. Relatives might think of us lovingly without knowing us. Secondly, someone’s secretiveness or distance can have reasons we do not know....more
I have had a PC since 1992. Text based wisdom used to get e-mailed. Talk shows and other heart-warming advice make kernels of wisdom well-known to us.I have had a PC since 1992. Text based wisdom used to get e-mailed. Talk shows and other heart-warming advice make kernels of wisdom well-known to us. Uplifting gift books of spiritual wisdom have become sweet and inspiring but not for being new to us. What is nice, is to nod and be reminded of positive messages that are well engrained in us.
My wonderful Mother loved warm words and encouraging thoughts and many a time, gave me Mother to Daughter plaques, cards, letters, and other inspiring books and stationery. I was taught to date every photograph, card, and message and am grateful my Mom did, for I can see that this little inspirational hardcover was given to me by my parents for Christmas of 2006. “If Only I Knew: Gentle Reminders To Help You Treasure The People In Your Life” was published by in 2002.
I give Lance Wubbels four stars. I do not view God through a religious lens but most of his mantras can be absorbed in direct spiritual faith. A lot of them take a depressing tack, as if written by someone regretting not appreciating life and loved-ones better. For we who cherish, embrace, and express gratitude for everyone and everything dear in our lives; these are lovely words about kindness, respect, appreciation, and mutual love to read aloud.
I likely read this loving present after receiving it, of pretty backgrounds and profound thoughts we remember for life. I kept it near me in my night table. Now, I am savouring and enjoying everything my parents gave me and making a record of books from my Mom, by writing reviews of them. I have missed my Mom very much for two years and am taking full pleasure in every dedication and note she wrote for me....more
My jam is pure clue-solving: no crime or negativity, just the exhilaration of locating hidden chambers and other secrets. In November, my friend was pMy jam is pure clue-solving: no crime or negativity, just the exhilaration of locating hidden chambers and other secrets. In November, my friend was passionate about a new release that checked some favourite boxes. She surprised me with it for my birthday! I dug in as soon as I finished what I had been reading. You were right, Lindsay! I loved “The Night She Disappeared” by Lisa Jewell. This also gifted me with a rare treat for a used buyer: reading a new novel in its début year of 2021!
Two timelines differing by a year connect us with three protagonists. I savoured several angles that are unusual for thrillers. No one is stalked or plagued by an unknown menace. Readers can relax and rally for Tallulah, a teenager who knows what she wants: to be a great Mom, Daughter, and student but never to marry her Son’s live-in Dad. On an outing to keep the peace, she & Zach disappear. We check in with Tallulah but this story is mainly propelled by her worried Mom, Kim and a new school matron and mystery authoress, Sophie, picking up clues. I enjoyed the compassionate sleuthing of these two women, ratcheted higher by the desperate emotions, pace, and concussive twists of a thriller. I see why Lindsay wanted to know what I would make of this.
I easily bestowed four stars, with my critical “private eye”. It must be said: who includes a secret tunnel that neither victim nor sleuths explore!? It should be a dramatic moment, not storage space! Most glaringly, a helpful feature would have been obvious by walking to the end. Would you sit in a tunnel without exploring it? Finally, I always find present tense narration jarring. However, the love of friends and Mothers made this novel compelling....more
I am grateful I had my Mom for forty-seven years. She went to the afterlife from incessant mini-strokes in 2020. I value just like she did, all the keI am grateful I had my Mom for forty-seven years. She went to the afterlife from incessant mini-strokes in 2020. I value just like she did, all the keepsakes and casual life records she preserved for decades. Hers are gathered with mine at my home. Many of my mementoes are tokens that my Mom brought as treats just on plain visits, such as this dear little booklet.
“For My Daughter” has three stars for simple, mainstream pictures and words, paired with a lovely gold-plated charm bookmark. I am sure I read it after Mom gave it to me. This cheerful book cover stayed familiar, kept near me in a bedside drawer all this time after. On December 5, 2021, it felt right to read it anew and write a record of it via review. Rita Freedman edited this sweet picture and verse compilation in 1992.
I will always know when Mom gave gifts to me because she took care with the provenance of family artifacts, like I do. I urge everyone: always write the year in a corner. It is a powerful, fast thing to do that permanently provides the priceless value of identifying mementoes, cards, letters, and photographs. Mom wrote that she bought this for me in July 2003 on a trip through Vermillion Bay.
Far more meaningful to me than the pretty messages and images is my physical souvenir of the numerous times Mom thought of me with sentimental feeling and smiles, whenever she saw anything nice about Moms & Daughters. It was usually for no occasion but to convey love, that my Mom bought me simple household or thoughtful gifts regularly. Her cat Grandchildren too, explored Mom’s purse for treats every time she & Dad came over, because she was thoughtful and warm like this to everyone....more
I like leaving space between authors but it can be fun to jump right into another outing with a lovely personage. I was able to orchestrate the best oI like leaving space between authors but it can be fun to jump right into another outing with a lovely personage. I was able to orchestrate the best of both pleasures by reading the fourth “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” story 1½ month ago and reviewing it today. Next, I saw that there is a free short story about Precious Ramotswe and indulged in it straightaway. I might as well keep the good feel going and the memory of details flowing by reviewing it now, too!
Published in a British medical journal for some reason in 2005, possibly as a joke - unless the marvels of red bush tea are real; I shuddered to think what a scenario entitled “Doctors, Detectives, Commonsense” would entail. The synopsis refers to an annual physical and as a lady who will NOT accept a male practitioner, I hoped Alexander McCall Smith would not go into detail. Thankfully, he did not! Precious’s discomfort lied in Dr. Leonard Modisapodi’s disapproval of her shape. Recognizing that all sizes have inherent beauty is separate from looking out for good health. Precious knows better than to make excuses.
This nice short story sets the scene of Precious, in a time without people plucking cell phone buttons, enjoying an hour of air-conditioning in the reception room by exercising her mind. Her trusty instruction manual, Clovis Andersen’s “The Principles Of Private Detection”, clearly has taught her thoroughly and served her well because it said that she could learn to look at a room of strangers and decide who they are without asking questions and she succeeded.
Dr. Modisapodi enjoyed her treatise on the detecting in their professions and was amazed at the accuracy of her observations. It is sweet that red bush tea was her prescription for all the medical concerns!
Authoress Jo Walton is new to me and a glance at her profile tells me I would love her personality! Noticing that she is a Welshwoman who emigrated toAuthoress Jo Walton is new to me and a glance at her profile tells me I would love her personality! Noticing that she is a Welshwoman who emigrated to Montréal makes her Celtic-Canadian too. That is fun to say and write, as is contemplating the colourfulness of these nationalities, combined with French-Canadian on top of them!
I see that Jo writes a great variety of human interest and fantasy stories that always bore firmly and creatively into speculative laneways, which I read occasionally but admire highly when I do. Her answer to a fan’s question about her use of the term “fairy” impressed me with the lengths to which she strives for originality, the aspect of storytelling I prize above anything else. I am therefore, going to factor in the elements at a glance that intrigue me about Jo’s body of work and give three stars to a genre and item that appeal to me less than others.
It is thanks to a 2017 feminism initiative at Tor.com related to USA senator Elizabeth Warren, that I have become acquainted since 2021, of eleven new authoresses. Knowing and supporting additional women writers is always a treat, even if their output is not to my taste. Short stories and poetry are not necessarily their usual genres or best work but it puts their names on our radar, offering a free public sample of writing for a good cause.
“The Jump Rope Rhyme” is neat for being the only poem of the eleven projects. I do not suppose poems are as easy to recall as stories are. I did not retain the gist of this one. I suppose it could become well known if children take this rhyme up as a skipping song. I can tell that her reverberant verses would suit clapping....more
My aversion to historical fiction, war, and injustice put me outside the mainstream of tastes. I read fantasy for magic, not battles. I choose mysteryMy aversion to historical fiction, war, and injustice put me outside the mainstream of tastes. I read fantasy for magic, not battles. I choose mystery for the present day thrill of solving questions, not crime. This 2020 adventure fulfills the clue-solving quest I yearn for. With a heroine I respect, so mature and intelligent this is an adult novel; here is a book tailor made for me! Thank you, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, for making this a modern day story!!!!
Those who did not enjoy it missed its rare genre, as did those who loved it but compared it to a popular crime based film. Here at last is a ‘non-crime mystery’! It entails intelligence, resourcefulness, creativity, and genuine mysteriousness! Anyone labelling it as ‘romance’ is calling a sapphire another pebble and overlooking why it shines.
This uniquely pure mystery would garner “The Inheritance Games” five stars from me as it is. Avery’s story earned my wholehearted investment too. Her elder Sister, Libby walked out on abuse and Avery was taken out of poverty, while grieving her Mom. I grieve mine too and three beloved cats in one year, after her. I value seeing challenged people come out okay. I have taken time with my review so I could curb the possibility of this gem being interpreted as fluff. Let’s tag the underrepresented ‘non-crime mystery’ genre. The more we put this category to use, the more oddball readers will locate the books we love.
Originally, alluringly, humorously; I flew through two mysteries with glee night and day, letting nothing get in my way. To my elation, both books I was excited about, this and “Truly Devious” from my spouse for my birthday, are as excellent as I imagined they would be! At Christmas, he bought me their sequels in first editions....more
Whenever our family read criticisms of spectacular concerts, we concluded that free tickets numbed the perspective of newspaper critics. Many undeniabWhenever our family read criticisms of spectacular concerts, we concluded that free tickets numbed the perspective of newspaper critics. Many undeniably original books garner flat reactions. If authors are skilled, the years I wait to afford physical books, is worth the elation they bring me. It does not matter that these protagonists are teenagers, given their mature campus setting. Even though the original question was a crime and new ones occurred, Maureen Johnson nonetheless riveted me with the enchanting, clue solving creativity I search for. She laced it with compassion that I have seen no one else mention: this series’ principal theme.
Albert Ellingham offered a free school for creative thinkers, which endeared denizens to him. The disappearance of his wife and child melted everyone’s hearts. Stevie grew up wanting to know what happened out of compassion, developed expertise in the Ellingham’s story, and honed an aptitude for clue solving. That dream came true when she was admitted to their remote school, whose sad terrain held the answers for 82 years.
Does this not electrify the interest of any heart? Stevie could be me. This is how to write a mystery whose answers we want to know! When authors craft stories in wholly original ways, they lose people who see what they expect to and miss what is unique. I can only rave about the ingeniousness of building up to an old mystery and not dismissing it in 300 pages! That would trivialize it. Respecting the tragedy is as monumental as it should be.
For me, superfluous plots like romance, fall away from a story’s emotional, powerful centre. “Truly Devious” is so compelling, it immediately joins my favourite series of all time. My spouse bought me the rest in first editions! I am savouring each of them as personal treats....more
* I work hard on these pieces and do not want empty like button clicks. Comments from friends and readers are my reward. *
Louise Penny rocks! This is * I work hard on these pieces and do not want empty like button clicks. Comments from friends and readers are my reward. *
Louise Penny rocks! This is excellent, stirring the joie de vivre in whatever we cherish! Springing from unique mysteries are portraits of despair, illustrating that how stress and beliefs are handled can lead to crimes. Armand Gamache is formidable in justice and loyal to friends & family. We intimately know the strengths of ladies like Reine-Marie & Annie and the impatience of Jean-Guy and Superintendent Francoeur. He escaped a crackdown and stalled Armand’s career. His bitterness simmers in the background. In the foreground, “The Beautiful Mystery” of 2012 is a masterpiece of originality!
Can music become divine if it is composed for God, powerful enough to enchant listeners? Could a monastic order chased by the inquisition a thousand years ago, make it to Canada? Could they provide for themselves in the modern world, secretly? In the wild Québec forest they could. Oh, the blueberry patches, pristine lake bays, and strong ancient trees had me picturing myself among them! I could feel them! Louise does the summertime Canadian wilderness proud, making me want blueberries, chocolate, and cheese acutely.
The root story intrigued me, elevating the suspense and mysteriousness. The conundrum was relatable: some Brothers wanting to maintain the vow of silence by subsisting on selling blueberries to the nearest monastery. Others recommended a more solid income from music recordings. I relished the legend of a hymnal.... composed in marks that precede music notes! The welfare of one character will have me devouring the sequel soon.
Louise is a national treasure who brings out my French heritage, as a trilingual graduate. I picture the whole French flavour in the names, sounds, and places. We do not settle for a plain crime mystery from this auteure maîtresse. We travel on a complete cultural experience. I am pleased to have the first edition hardcover....more
Without being a horror buff, I have acquainted Ontario’s Emily Carroll just enough since 2021 to call her a national treasure. “Dream Comics” is my faWithout being a horror buff, I have acquainted Ontario’s Emily Carroll just enough since 2021 to call her a national treasure. “Dream Comics” is my favourite. My feedback of “His Face All Red” comprises three stars for being bleak all the way through to its ending and also to adequately admire the depth and eloquence of the graceful presence her language and artwork exude. A new expression of my own has come to mind for her old world dialogue and scenes: “Highbrow Horror”. As terrible as tales may be, some aspect of their quality is elevated. I always hope for a fuller story of her scenarios.
Emily started publishing web comics in 2010 and her story goes that at Hallowe’en, this comic took off. I suspect that if it were a short story of text alone, I would not appreciate it as much as this. The events are dramatic and I was swept up in anticipation of how awful things might turn out and naturally hopeful for a positive resolution. In text alone, I would have felt that the action and outcome were too dark.
Graphic artwork adds a dimension to intrigue me, even though I abhor stress or negativity. A dead wolf with sweet paws is the most unpleasant part. A story of a Brother sick of being joked about, who was prepared to take measures to stop emotional abuse.... Well, I was unopposed to that, fictionally of course. The crux is to wonder if a Brother killed his sibling or not and what else could have been done to stop the teaser from being a jerk.
The most elegant scene that I admired highest of all, is of an oak tree. It was stirring that its leaves resembled waving ladies’ hands. Great artists give us a memorable image....more
Kerri, Shirin, & I shared Maureen Jennings’ prequel and début this summer a month apart from New Zealand, Iran, and Manitoba! In November, I see I topKerri, Shirin, & I shared Maureen Jennings’ prequel and début this summer a month apart from New Zealand, Iran, and Manitoba! In November, I see I topped my author limit of thrice a year. No matter: it is 2022 upon wording this review of “Under The Dragon’s Tale”. It hails from 1998, featuring 1895. I mind historical fiction less at the stage of cars, telephones, and in Canada. I was concerned that Maureen not make Toronto sound like old England to outsiders and that faux-pas has lessened in this novel.
These two and the prequel novella all received four stars, even though I believe we three friends have liked each story successively better. We are open to any engaging story. We disliked a lot about this mystery. Besides Christmas coming along, our discussion was short during the book and flagged afterwards. Shirin’s review is coming and I have just enjoyed Kerri’s. She deemed some complaints easier to pinpoint than others.
I attribute my distaste to three things: we liked no characters save William Murdoch and his male landlord, every scene was dirty and glum except William’s personal life, and there was a superfluity of these gross characters for whom we felt nothing. Our emotions lifted for one woman and child whom we will not spoil. Kerri felt that too many sidelines bogged down the mystery. I agree. Showing poverty and religious intolerance is one matter. The input of those issues is poorly measured if they stamp out the pleasure of reading the novel.
We cannot deny that two mean characters’ demises would made the future better for all the others. William’s wholesomeness, passion for bicycling, and dancing furnished my shining moments! I roared laughing when he saucily leaped upon a dancehall stage! Cheers to the next story being superb, girls!...more
The open spirituality of my Mom and a ghost story in a grade 4 reader, fuelled my passion. I realized we can interact with spirits! I have sought storThe open spirituality of my Mom and a ghost story in a grade 4 reader, fuelled my passion. I realized we can interact with spirits! I have sought stories like it ever since. Most books and films represent spirits negatively. The rare mysteries involving secret passageways and all that goodness, are for kids. Would grown-ups not go positively bonkers to explore them? I dislike historical and war fiction. I love real history, naturally aged books, and modernity that show dreamers we can be adventurers today! The electric, subtle paranormal presences of this 2018 hardcover present from my spouse, rose above those conundrums.
William C. Ryan aced my favourite genre: “paranormal mystery”, approaching spirits with wonderment and awe. We need stories simply about spirits as a fact of life. MOST AUTHORS OVERLOOK THIS! Pure, compelling mysteriousness is rare too. “A House Of Ghosts” is original, well-written, and another emerged this January 2022! This novel is so good, there are numerous ghostly scenes that would make deliciously atmospheric films. This is how to write about spirits!
I loved acquainting Kate Cartwright, her lovable parents, and Robert Donovan. Even though this was set in 1917, war themes delivered a message and were not used lightly. We witness growth, every character starting out secretively and slowly earning familiarity with readers. Humour colourfully arises from the hosts, the Cartwright family, and Kate wryly observing frauds because she honestly can see spirits.
In the middle of these delights, with spirits surreally enriching the ambiance around its characters; I was so enchanted, it dawned on me that here was my perfect book! What an ecstatic feeling! I found this Irish author’s e-mail address and told Bill what this book means to me. He replied that he is glad and bid me to enjoy his second ghost mystery....more
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