I usually read in bed at night and pass out after one or two chapters. One book can easily take a whole month to read. Not so while on vacation. Here are two more reviews of blogger books that I read during my trip to Colorado. Enjoy.
Eclipse Lake
by Mae Clair
A blend of mystery and romance with strong characters.
Eclipse Lake is one part cozy mystery and one part romance. The story focuses on Dane Carlisle, a teenage lost-cause who grew up and turned his life around to become a multi-millionaire. He returns to his hometown with his adopted son, hoping to make amends with his older brother. But memories of the teenage Dane persist, and the discovery of an old skull raises more suspicions about his past. Set against Dane’s dark history and the current turmoil is his fairytale romance with a spunky photo-journalist who’s in town shooting pictures of the scenic lake.
The conflict between the three male characters – Dane, his teenage son, and his older brother – was what hooked me on the book. All well-rounded characters, they were emotionally genuine and likable, but also flawed. The relationships were convincingly volatile, and the emotional arcs felt authentic. Clair did a nice job with the cast of secondary characters and the quaint setting – a small mountain town where everyone knows everyone’s business. The story moves speedily along during the action and conflict scenes, and slows to a leisurely pace during romantic interludes.
Eclipse Lake is a well-constructed story with clean writing and some unexpected twists. Readers who enjoy mysteries, family secrets, and a strong romantic thread will love this book.
What’s in a Name
My Sally G. Cronin
Twenty stories by a master storyteller
What’s in a Name is a delightful collection of 20 short stories organized alphabetically by the names of the main characters. A few stories are dark, some are magical or humorous, and many close with a sense of poignancy.
Cronin is a marvelous storyteller, and for a reader, spending an afternoon immersed in the lives of the people behind the names is time well-spent. For me, the last story in the collection “Jack” was the icing on the cake, but all the stories are unique and well worth the read. Highly recommended for any reader who enjoys short stories about the human journey.
Happy Reading!
Myths of the Mirror 
Sounds like they’re good reads. I will add them to my list!
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I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. There are some great writers in the indie community. Thanks for stopping by to take a look. Happy Reading.
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I am so glad I am finally catching up on some people, especially your blog, Diana!
Mae Clair, this sounds like a great book since I like mysteries and romance novels. I like to play detective and read with interesting characters. They sound well detailed and show how family members in these relationships behave. Sincerely wishing you the best of luck, Mae. 🍀
Sally’s book of short stories sounds wonderful and like delicious box of assorted treats, some sweet, a few dark and humanity as the main thread bringing them into a delightful gift. 🎁
Thanks, Diana, for giving us summaries which had enough to pique our interest! 😊
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You’re welcome, Robin. Both books are great fun complements of two talented writers. My reviews are boring compared to your beautiful poem/reviews, but the books are not boring at all! ❤
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Sounds like another short stories collection I need to look out for, and an author I haven’t discovered yet. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
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If you’re like the rest of us, your TBR pile is huge and you keep buying more books! Thanks for stopping by to check out the reviews. 😀
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I find stories where the main character returns home (especially if they’re from a small town) really interesting, if poignant. They’re usually quite simple and focus on relationships rather than an actual plot, but they’re awfully intriguing all the the same.
Amazing review 🙂
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Sally’s book is on my TBR list. This pushes it up a bit. 😉 But…Mae Clair. Well, I don’t have any of her books but have been meaning to read, um, pretty much anything by her. I keep seeing lovely reviews of them. I’m remedying the situation and getting this one you’ve mentioned. Thanks for the kick in the pants. 🙂
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You’ll enjoy it, Sarah. I’m a slow reader and I whipped through it without taking a breath. A fun read. Happy Reading!
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Both books sound like great reads, Diana. Great reviews. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne. They were fun reads. It’s always nice to find other blogger books to rave about. 🙂
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Thanks so much for sharing – I’ve never quite gotten in to short story reading, but sounds as though it might be time to rectify that!
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I have to admit that short stories aren’t what I naturally gravitate toward. I love big fat books and series where I can get completely immersed and forget to come up for air. But I like to read the books of fellow bloggers, which expands my reading choices and I’m often glad I did. Sally’s stories are perfect for dipping into between other activities. And she’s a wonderful writer. Thanks so much for the visit and follow. I’ll be over soon to say hi. 😀
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Two terrific books and thank you for sharing with your excellent reviews, Diana! Both of these interest me, short story collections are increasingly popular genre and congratulations to Sally on this book and Mae’s part cozy mystery, part romance sounds like the perfect holiday read. Yikes, my tbr pile is huge!! 😀❤️
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Thanks for more great book reviews! But how am I supposed to keep up with all these books? HA!
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I know. It’s ridiculous. I buy two for every one I read. *Sigh* It’s a good problem to have, though. Happy Reading!
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exciting and interesting! thank you Diana for this review of Eclipse Lake. Have a wonderful week!
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It sounds like you enjoy cozy mysteries with a bit of romance, Juli. It’s a fun book. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful week 🙂
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Thank you Diana, and you too I hope your week is full of excitement. Take care of yourself!
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These both look good, so many books, so little time! 🙂
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I know, Marcia. I love ebooks because of the low cost and feel no guilt adding books to my TBR pile. The trouble is for every one I read, I buy two! Happy holiday. 😀
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Both books sound intriguing, Diana!
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They were fun, Damyanti. I trimmed down my TBR pile a bit, but now I’m back to the blog and adding more books. Have a great week and happy reading. 😀
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Two wonderful authors featured here, Diana. I am busy reading What’s in a name. I definitely aim to get to Mae’s books soon.
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It’s fun reading the books of fellow bloggers, Robbie, and finding lots of gems. Enjoy your Sunday and happy reading. 🙂
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Thanks for the mindful reviews, Diana. Wow, two excellent finds for Fourth of July weekend reading. Hugs.
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I loved having the leisure to read and pare down my TBR pile a bit and make room for more books. Have a lovely long weekend and Happy Reading!
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Oh how wonderful that you’re getting in lots of summer reading, Diana! Sally’s book is on my to-read list but I haven’t heard of Mae’s book. Have a great weekend xx
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My vacation is over and the reading has dropped off again, Christy. Boo-hoo. Sally’s book is a quick read or fun for a quick story now and then. I read Mae’s in a day, which is rare for me. Happy weekend to you too!
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The Sally Cronin book sounds intriguing! I finished Book 3 of your Dragon Soul series last night. I know I have been taking forever to get them read, but recently I have committed to reading about an hour a night. This one had a lot of heartache in it, but I see lots of hope for the future!
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Thanks so much for the comment, Kathryn. I have to admit they’re my “slowest” books. I love the story as it’s direct from my heart, but my later books fly with far more action. I hope you enjoy the last book and how it all wraps up! Sally’s stories are wonderful and great when you have limited chunks of time. Hope your having a great holiday weekend and selling lots of tacos!
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I’m having a good one so far! I’m catering a wedding up at Elk Lake later this afternoon, should be gorgeous!
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I hope you had loads of fun!
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I have Eclipse Lake on my Kindle and I can honestly say I’ve NEVER read a book by Mae Clair that I didn’t love. Great reviews. Sally’s book fascinates me too.
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Thanks for stopping by to check out the reviews. This was my first Clair book, but I’ve only heard great things about her other ones. More reading ahead!
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Oh, I’ve heard good things about both these books, Diana. I’m scared my Kindle might explode if I add any more books, but these both seem worth taking the chance! 🙂
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I know what you mean, Helen. I buy the books, and eventually, I do get to them, some quicker than others depending on my time and mood. When I’m writing, I only read in my genre, but between books… it’s really fun to see what my peers are up to. Thanks for the visit and happy writing!
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Thanks Diana, and the same to you 🙂 I find I can’t read much at all when I’m writing, funnily enough. However it’s often just a case of carving out the time…
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Fabulous reviews, Diana! I loved Eclipse Lake by Mae. I became an instant fan and have since read her Point Pleasant series. Highly recommend it. I have Sally’s book on my TBR list, and really looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by to check out the reviews. It sounds like you’re already a fan of both authors. Happy Reading!
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Excellent reviews, Diana. I can picture you lounging in a hammock perusing a lovely pile of books 😀 Both books sound intriguing. I always like a good collection of short stories. Wonderful covers also, people are just so talented. Happy reading!
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Thanks for the comment, Lana. I wish I was lounging in a hammock! Today I’m cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming dog hair instead. Ha ha. I live reading the books of fellow bloggers and I have quite a pile to get through. I’d need a year. Have a great long weekend and happy 4th!
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I would love a hammock too, but it’s too blasted hot to lounge in it here. I’m the Queen of dog hair, plus add in some cat hair too. Real life just isn’t that glamorous for sure. Here’s to piles of good books and happy 4th of July to you!
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Great reviews Diana. I’ve read Sal’s book and have Mae’s on my TBR. I know all about the stolen reading hours. 🙂
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You do a great job of reading and reviewing, Debby. I don’t know how you fit it in with all the blogging on top of it! Since I’ve returned home and back to the blog, my reading is back to a crawl. Have a great weekend and happy reading!
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Thanks Diana. I hope to get a book read this holiday weekend. 🙂 Happy upcoming 4th! 🙂 x
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Need more time to read!!
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I know. Me too! It’s a constant struggle to keep up with all the good books. The blogging community is a great source of support and reviews for our books, so it’s a pleasure to return the love. Happy Writing!
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Thanks Diana.
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Great reviews, D! I loved Eclipse Lake, and Mae’s Point Pleasant books, and her others. I haven’t read any of Sally’s books yet–my TBR list is going to get longer 😀
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Thanks for the visit, Julie. Mae’s book was fun. I expect I’ll be reading more of her books in the future. I have to make more dents in my TBR pile. It’s out of control. 🙂
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I enjoyed both books by these talented authors! Look forward to more. Love & hugs to you Bette, Mae and Sally! Xx
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There are so many good books out there, Janice. My goal is to get at least one book from all my online author friends and that is quite a stack. I seem to read one for every two I buy! Ha ha. Thanks for the visit and happy writing. 😀
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😘
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Would love to read these too, if I can find copies here. Thanks Diana.
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They’re on Amazon, Arlene, if that helps. Both are excellent books and worth the effort if you can get ahold of them. Happy Reading!
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Thanks a lot Diana 🙂
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Reblogged this on Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author and commented:
I’ve just finished reading Mae Clair’s mystery “Eclipse Lake” and have Sally Cronin’s story collection “What’s in a Name?” on my TBR. You’ll want to heck out these awesome authors and get reading! ~Bette A. Stevens http://www.4writersandreaders.com
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Thanks so much for reblogging!
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Just finished reading Mae Clair’s Eclipse Lake and have Sally Cronin’s What’s in a Name? on my TBR. Awesome authors and great reviews, Diana. 🙂
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I love how we all have each other’s books. It’s just making the time to read that’s so hard! Thanks for stopping by to read, Bette. Have a wonderful holiday weekend and Happy 4th!
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It sure is a blessing to have a direct connection to so many of our writer friends, Diana. We are surely living in an age of wonder when it comes to technology. Wishing you and yours a lovely weekend & A Very Happy 4th. too! 🙂 xo
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Both of these sound excellent. I like stories showing what happens to troubled children when they grow up, how they deal with their childhood. And I love story collections. Two winners.
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Thanks for stopping by to check them out, Jacqui. So many good books out there, it’s a pleasure to share a couple of winners. 😀 Happy Reading.
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Wonderful reviews, thanks for posting them. I’ve got to start paying attention. I didn’t know Ms. Spicy had a book of short stories out there.
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Ms. Spicy? Ha ha. She does such a wonderful job of blogging that it’s easy to overlook that she’s a fabulous writer as well. I don’t know how she manages it all. Superwoman!
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Thank you so much Diana..it is very much appreciated and What’s in a Name was a bit like a family party for me so very pleased when readers enjoy it too. ♥
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I really appreciate the variety of stories, Sally. It kept the book interesting as I never knew what was coming with the next name. A lovely book.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
In lovely company with Mae Clair on Diana Wallace Peach’s blog… lovely reviews for our books. Terrific way to end the week.
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Thanks for the reblog, Sally. It was my pleasure to read and review and share your beautiful book. 😀
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Both sound good. Thanks.
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They’re quite different, but both excellent in their own ways. One of the fun things about reading blogger books is the exposure to different genres. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews!
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Excellent! I am currently reading one of the books you recommended in a previous update and while I’m not yet done with it, at this point, I am pretty sure you and I have similar tastes. Now noting these too for the TBR list as well.
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I’m a really picky reader, Allie. I just can’t seem to turn off the inner editor and sometimes she’s really annoying. The books I post on the blog are the ones where she sat back and enjoyed the read with me. 😀
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Thanks for sharing these excellent reviews, Diana. A great guide for summer reading.
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Now that I’m back home, I’m back on my slow reading schedule, Mary. *Sigh* It was fun while it lasted though and I read some great books. 😀
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Both the books are attracting me Diana. Thanks for the reviews, they do help when they come from friends like you.
I can relate to your reading in bed and falling asleep…a very healthy ritual! 🙂 have a wonderful weekend!
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Even if I want to stay up and read, my eyes droop, Balroop. I wish I could stay up and read, but I just can’t. Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend. ❤
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What a blissful way to fall asleep! Me too! 🙂
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Can identify with segmented reading at night. One of the best parts of a vacation is time to read. Thanks for the short story book title recommendation. Short stories fit into my time frame right now
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When I was younger, my vacation goal was a book a day. Bliss. The short stories are beautifully written and there’s a variety. I hope you enjoy. 😀
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Thank you for the terrific reviews Diane. I can count you to nail the quality of reads. I look forward to getting my hands and eyes in these two, especially S. Cronin’s What’s in a Name. Sally’s a favorite if mine! ❤
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Sally is a terrific writer, Holly. These stories were all exquisite, and I say that as a picky reader who has a hard time turning off the inner critiquer. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. 😀
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I am needing some new books to get into so I love the critiques.
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Thank you very much… lovely to hear. ♥
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Thank you for the beautiful review of Eclipse Lake, Diana. That book holds a special place in my heart. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
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I’m happy to share the review, Mae. I’m a slow reader (like a month per book) and I read this in little over a day! That says something! Thanks for the visit 😀
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Wow! Now I’m really honored 🙂
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