February 7, 2019
1:24 p.m.

Today, it's all about those books.

I love to read. We all know it. The last couple of days I checked out 2 novellas, and loved them. They're short and sweet, so no excuses! Give them a try--I've provided the links.

My recent review of Cathleen Townsend's "Stolen Legacy":

As a human, I fear the Kelpi. I don't want my last ride to lead to a watery death! I fear the Siren, whose sweet song could persuade me to commit crazy or treasonous acts, or perhaps lead me to a different sort of watery death.

I'm scared of the water. Truth.

I am not the sort of human who kills what she doesn't understand, but I might avoid them.

Silly me.

This is a story of loyalty and friendship that transcends boundries like species and proves there is bravery to be found in all.

While this is likely meant for younger readers, I don't hesitate in recommending it to all ages. It never hurts to be reminded that goodness isn't exclusive to one lifeform or another, but exists in all.

You can find it here:

Stolen Legacy by Cathleen Townsend
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My recent review of Lolli Powell's "The Gift":

Sometimes you read a story that turns out to be exactly what you needed at the time you needed it most. "The Gift" was certainly a present for me yesterday.

From the first page, when Carla is suddenly swept up in an emotion she least expected to feel in response to the sight of the person she'd least expect to cause it, I was swept up and knew I wouldn't be putting the book down until I was done.

I was wrong. By the end of the first chapter, I had to pause and get a box of Kleenex.

Reading this was like ripping the bandage off a wound and letting it bleed afresh. I mean this in the best possible way: a good bloodletting is a cathartic cleansing.

This story tapped a well of darkness I've been denying for some time now, and--wow!--do I feel better after letting those tears go. No doubt the well will re-fill. Life is that way. But for now, I am relieved.

Carla, the POV character, has been having a rough time. Following the recent death of her father, she's learned that her husband, a soldier, has gone missing in Afganistan.

It's Christmas Eve, and her now-widowed mother, Elizabeth, has come for the holiday, along with Carla's brother.

Elizabeth has chosen tonight, of all nights, to relate a tale from her past that she's never spoken of. It's a tale of love, loss and profound hope. But will Carla be able to endure the telling?

It has been a joy to read this story, and I highly recommend it.

You can find it here:

The Gift by Lolli Powell

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Okay! These are not expensive in the least, they're quick and easy, and they're enjoyable. 

Read on!

Bye!