I’m not about much over the next few days, as we’re off to Portsmouth for a concert and then over to our caravan to drain it up for the summer. However, I’ll be back on Wednesday and in the meantime will try to answer any comments when I can…
Today authors/bloggers can share a link in the comments to an Indie book they’ve read and enjoyed (not their own). They can even add their review too, if they’ve written one.
If you see a book featured that interests you, please give it a tweet or perhaps even buy it. You’ll be doing an Indie author a huge favour!
I’ll get the ball rolling by sharing a review below that I’ve written on Goodreads for Beem Weeks’ collection of short stories, ‘Strange Hwy‘.
Description:
If you ever find yourself on the Strange Hwy—don’t turn around. Don’t panic. Just. Keep. Going. You never know what you’ll find.
You’ll see magic at the fingertips of an autistic young man,
•A teen girl’s afternoon, lifetime of loss.
•A winged man, an angel? Demon—?
•Mother’s recognition, peace to daughter.
•Danny’s death, stifled secrets.
•Black man’s music, guitar transforms boy.
•Dead brother, open confession.
•First love, supernatural?—family becomes whole!
You can exit the Strange Hwy, and come back any time you want.
See, now you know the way in, don’t be a stranger.
My Review:
A collection of short stories written with great insight about the vagaries of human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The stories encompass (amongst others) grief, guilt, resentment, acceptance, love, fear, and a nostalgic longing for the past. Some were based in reality, and some had a paranormal element to them or a twist at the end that had been unforeseen.
I think my favourite story was ‘Songs of the Lost’; Curtis gathers walnuts to sell in order to keep Mr Jenks supplied with booze, for only when he drinks does the old man pick up his guitar to play the blues. Mr Jenks will eventually pay Curtis back in a way the boy could not have imagined, when Curtis discovers an unwelcome truth about his own father.
The stories are well written and entertaining, and kept me turning the pages. A five star recommended read.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, although I haven’t read Strange Hwy. I’ve requested it at my local library and hope they stock it soon. I’m reading less right now, since I’m publishing my blog each week and working on my second book. Ah, the busy writer’s life—sometimes I just can’t keep up!
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I know how you feel. Sometimes, like tomorrow, I don’t keep up and go off to my caravan.
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I absolutely loved Strange Hwy. Among my favorites is Looking For Lucy. Just a wonderful tale of . . . supernatural or not?
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Thanks for your comment.
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Thank you so much for your kind words about Strange Hwy, Stevie. I am honored to be mentioned on your blog. I am grateful.
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You’re welcome, Beem. I enjoyed the book.
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Enjoy your break, Stevie. Shared on Twitter.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete.
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Beem’s collection of stories sounds very good. Here is my 5-star review of Lauren Scott’s More Than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
I enjoy the natural, easy-to-relate-to, style of Lauren Scott’s writing. In the preface, she mentions that – “Whatever roast I sip, it’s the people, places, experiences, and memories that matter most to me-coffee just happens to be a bonus.” I’m sure I will be forgiven for relaxing with a cup of tea as I devoured her collection of short vignettes and poems inspired by her life, past and present. Some of my favourite pieces include “Silver Heirlooms”; memories of parents no longer with us. “Red Lipstick” which made me recall watching my own mother put on her make-up. “Belong” is a perfect poem for couples in love; perfect for Valentine’s Day. “97 Years” is a wonderful legacy of a man of substance and made me think of my dear mom and how she had to deal with the loneliness of the pandemic. “The Phone Call” reminded me of my daughter and our lengthy phone calls discussing everything and bringing us closer in spite of an ocean between us. There is something for everyone in this well-written collection which is definitely more than coffee.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59022655-more-than-coffee
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Thanks for sharing this review, Darlene.
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