According to my new blogging schedule developed by my muse, today I’m supposed to share a blog post from our community that made me marvel, laugh, cry, cheer, or gasp at its beauty. But… I HAVE to share the rest of my December reviews of blogger books before any more time flies by.
December’s second bunch of reviews includes my 5-star reads of a memoir, a poetry collection, a paranormal fantasy, a military thriller, and an anthology of short crime stories.
Click on the covers for Amazon global links.
*****
Fifteen First Times: Beginnings: A Collection of Indelible Firsts by D.G. Kaye
Kaye’s memoir Fifteen First Times reads like a conversation over a glass of wine with a bunch of besties. As I was reading, I could imagine the groans, laughter, and tender moments many women share in common as they navigate their teens and young adulthood—first kiss, first love, first car, a broken heart, the angst of menstruation, the first hair coloring disaster, and the first death that woke us up to the impermanence of life. Fifteen firsts.
I couldn’t relate to all of Kaye’s experiences. I never had a thing about shoes, for example, and didn’t have the privilege of travel, but I could relate very well to the journey of self-discovery, to struggles with self-esteem, and to finding a home within ourselves.
What struck me the most about Kaye’s recollections is how humor and a bold, flamboyant approach to life helped her overcome challenges and become the confident woman she is today. She ends the memoir by highlighting the importance of laughter in her life and in her relationship with her late husband. It’s a touching thread that connects her memories and heartfelt conclusion to her book of firsts. An entertaining two-hour read, highly recommended to fans of memoirs. (Kindle Unlimited.)
*****
The Sheltering by Khaya Ronkainen
At the end of Ronkainen’s book of poetry, she shares a poetic piece of prose entitled “All I hope to say.” It’s a beautiful reflection on her reason for writing poetry – to record her life and grief, to let future generations know that this too shall pass, and to preserve beauty and create. It’s a lovely summation of her collection.
The book reads like a chronological story, beginning with the Covid years, moving through the death of loved ones and friends, and then into the current war. It’s poignant and full of the pain of grief and loss and the stress of living in a troubled world. The title “The Sheltering” felt appropriate, suggesting both the act of isolating and retreating, but also as a means of self-care and contemplation.
The poetry finally, quietly, and gracefully emerges back into nature’s sunlight, tentatively testing life’s waters. I felt the poet’s renewal and healing, and breathed the fresh air captured in one of her final poems:
Static Apnoea
Astonished I froze, facing a whale.
Eyes adjusted and focused, I became
nervous, for I came without a song.
Eyes adjusted and focused, she gave
me a gentle prod, lifted her head above
water to suck air through a blowhole.
She was showing me how to breathe.
This is a heartfelt and beautiful collection of about sixty free-form poems that I read over several days. Highly recommended.
*****
Shadow Walker (Shadow Walker #1) by Jina S. Bazzar
Melaina has a secret—her affinity (magic ability) is forbidden. She’s a shadow walker, capable of drawing the shadows around her and turning into a winged beast. Fearful of discovery, she tries to live a normal life by avoiding the nine magic houses that wield immense power and wealth. To support her aunt and brother, she worked as a thief, but now she has a chance at a real job. Only it turns out that the job is her worst nightmare. One of the houses wants her to steal from the others. If she fails, her aunt and brother will pay the price.
This isn’t the first series that I’ve read from this author and like her others, it’s got a deeply imagined world, a complex and fast-paced plot, and some kick-ass characters, particularly the main character. Bazzar’s female leads are all tough, skilled, and smart, and Melaina is no exception. While she has a conscience and big heart, she doesn’t back down from a confrontation.
There are a fair number of characters in the novel, but they aren’t hard to keep straight, especially the secondary characters who are fully developed with distinct personalities. Their relationships with Melaina are interesting, and I’m curious about where they’ll go. The book is not a standalone, and it ends without a great deal of resolution, but the series is complete, so readers don’t have to wait. Highly recommended to urban fantasy readers who enjoy complex plots and strong female leads. (Kindle Unlimited.)
*****
The Culmination: a new beginning by Gwen M. Plano
Just like the 2nd book in this series, this one (the 3rd) starts where the last left off. Admiral Joseph Parker and his soulmate, Julie underwood, have been shot and are recuperating in the hospital. Their lives are still at risk as their team’s efforts start zeroing in on a secret cabal working to destabilize the world with an assassination and nuclear missile launch.
At the 20% mark, the book makes a dramatic shift to the world theater. New main characters, primarily the US Vice President Margaret Adler and the Russian Prime Minister Ivan Smirnov take center stage. A meeting of world leaders to address nuclear arsenal reductions ends with a tenuous alliance, an unexpected romance, plans to address Syria, and a worldwide threat to peace.
World politics, including military strategies and governmental negotiations, continue through the end of the book. Cajoling and strong-arming are balanced by logic, honor, and an altruistic desire to do the right thing. This read made me long for this fictional world where most political choices aren’t tied to greed and power.
The strong romantic subplot breaks up the fast-paced narrative and political/military action. The characters are engaging, smart, and resourceful, and perhaps a little too good to be true. It was interesting to see what might happen if the US, Russia, and the Middle East could cooperate with each other with the best interests of the world in mind. Highly recommended to fans of political thrillers.
*****
Undercover: Crime Shorts by Jane Risdon
I read this collection of six short stories (and an extract from the author’s book) in a little over 2 hours and found it highly engaging. Each story centers on a crime—theft, murder, revenge—most premeditated, some accidental or imaginary. And few criminals get caught, at least not by the police.
The stories are all unique with well-developed characters, great suspense, and satisfying conclusions. A few of my favorites were “Murder by Christmas” with its twisted plot, “The Honey Trap” for riling me up, and “The Look” which satisfied my desire for revenge after “The Honey Trap.” Lol. A highly recommended anthology for fans of crime and suspense stories.
And a 2022 Reading Round-up!
My 2022 Goodreads Challenge results. I love browsing the covers and remembering a year filled with great reads.
Myths of the Mirror 
You’ve had a wonderful year of reading, Diana. I recognise quite a few of the titles although I still have to catch up on some. Thanks for sharing your recommendations and I hope 2023 will come full of wonderful reads as well.
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Thanks, Olga. I plan a little less reading in the new year to make time for writing and other pursuits, but I’ll probably whip through my goal. I have one of yours to dive into this year. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and Happy Reading!
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[…] https://mythsofthemirror.com/2023/01/07/december-book-reviews-part-two/comment-page-2/#comment-20506… […]
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Thanks for the link, Debby. Delighted to share your book and spread the word!
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A great review for Debby’s book, Diana. I really enjoyed it – her experiences were familiar and yet so very different. Your ‘Books Read’ montage is an amazing achievement. It was a boost to see some of mine there, but I’m truly amazed at the number read AND reviewed. There must be two of you, at least! ❤ ❤
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I totally agree with your “familiar and yet so very different” comment on Debby’s book. I had the same feeling, Trish, and yet it didn’t matter a bit because growing up is hard and I could relate to that! And of course your books are in the roundup. I hope you’re feeling better and working on a new one!
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I loved Debby’s memoir collection, Diana – it just shows, wherever we grow up, we can relate to one another’s memories. And there are so many other writers’ work to check out here!! Thank you.x
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Thanks for dropping by, Judith and for the lovely comment. I totally agree with you about Debby’s work. Even though she and I lived very different lives, there’s something universal about the trials of growing up and finding ourselves that’s so relatable. And so many awesome books in our community. I never seem to get to the bottom of my kindle. Lol. Happy Reading!
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[…] of the Mirror https://mythsofthemirror.com/2023/01/07/december-book-reviews-part-two/ According to my new blogging schedule developed by my muse, today I’m supposed to share a blog […]
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Thanks again, Traci, for sharing the reviews and spreading the word about our talented author and blogger friends. Hugs.
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[…] Head over to enjoy Diana’s recommendations: Myths of the Mirror December Reviews Part Two […]
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Thanks again for sharing the reviews, Sally. So many great books in our community. I’m delighted to share them. 😀
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HI Diana, these all sound like great reads. I enjoyed Jane’s short stories very much and I have Debby’s book on my TBR.
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Thanks so much for the visit, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed Jane’s stories. I found them highly entertaining. And Debby is such a personable story teller. When you get to her book, I think you’ll enjoy it. I hope things are settling down at your place. Happy Reading, my friend. ❤
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Thanks so much, you rock. xx
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Hi Diana, my husband continues to improve. Thank you.
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Robbie, thank you for your mention of my Undercover shorts. Your review was awesome and so appreciated. And I am glad Diana enjoyed them as well. Her review is wonderful too. I am really chuffed. Thanks xx
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Diana,
I just browsed the covers of the books you read last year! Whew! The browse itself was like reading a short story. You are amazing!
Happy to say I read 4.
All the books reviewed here sound fab.
To me the most interesting book reviewed here is D.G. Kaye’s “Fifteen First Times”.
Thank you for your love of the writing community!
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Your comment made me laugh, Resa, and I’m glad you’ve read four from that long list. We have such a talented community, and it’s a delight to get such a kick from each other’s creative works. Debby’s book is a fun short read. She’s a great storyteller. Here’s to more and more creativity in all it’s forms. Hugs.
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Agree! Wallowing in each others creativity is a joy!
Debby is a neat person. I had a great time doing the “Honest Ed’s” post with her. I’ll head over there today to see if she has a new podcast up. Hugs!
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I remember that post! It was fun.
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It was fun! I saw a poster with 8 iconic buildings gone from Toronto’s landscape, and it was central.
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OH! I’m doing the part about D. Wallace Peach at the end of the post. You’re wearing I Ching coin earrings! How cool!!!!
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Ha ha ha. Yes. I never think about that, but I’m wearing them right now.
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Static Apnoea: What beautiful prose.
So, when is your next mystic fantasy coming out? I’m ready for my next fix.
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Oh dear. Well don’t hold your breath. Lol. That said, I’m hoping to get two out this year. A novelette/novella which is going through drafts right now. And a full length novel at the end of the year. Fingers crossed. Life may get in the way, but I’m hopeful!
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Ooh, these look like good reads.
Love your year in review.
Happy New Year, dear friend.
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Lots of Sandra books in that “year in review.” And more in the year to come, I’m sure. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to browse a few reviews. Have a wonderful 2023 of reading and writing!
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I read the first of Gwen’s political thrillers and need to catch up on the rest. I love the intro you gave for Debby’s memoir; it invites us to step right into the pages 🙂
Silverhills stands out to me from your 2022 reading challenge- I loved that book!
Thanks so much for taking a chance on so many of my books throughout the year, it means the world to me {{hugs}}
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There were a lot of your books in that long list! And all a pleasure to read, Jacquie. I love the way that Goodreads collects all the covers, they’re so fun to browse and remember. Some great adds to my list for this year and of course Sandra writes wonderful romantic westerns. Her books may only be second in quantity to yours!
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Aww, thank you! I agree, the covers are like gems in a jewelry box 🙂
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How kind of you, Jacquie. Thank you! I’m getting ready to format Return to Silverhills:)
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Ooooh. I’m ready for that one too, Sandra.
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Yay! That’s great news!
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Hi. Gwen Plano’s series sounds like something that would make the jump nicely to TV, on Netflix, Hulu, etc.
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Absolutely! What a great comment. She did a lot of research and it shows. It would have to be a series to get the complexity of the story, 3 seasons at least! Thanks for stopping by, Neil. Happy Reading!
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[…] Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thanks so much for linking, Annika. That was kind of you. Your post was great fun.
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Great reviews, Diana 🙂 You reminded me of ones I have to still read and ones I enjoyed already. Great selection of books read, thank you for including mine in that list. Happy reading.
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My main reason for participating in the Goodreads challenge is getting to browse all those covers at year’s end and remember the great reads. Of course, your books will always be among them. Thanks for stopping by, Denise, and Happy Reading!
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That’s what I love about it too, and it keeps better track than I would. Yours will always be there too, Diana 🙂
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❤
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A great collection, Diana, and so many I want to read. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
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I appreciate the visit and browse, Teri. I read a lot of indies, but you’ve also given me a bunch of ideas and recommendations. My kindle is still full of them and I’d love to polish a lot off this year. Ha ha. High hopes. Happy Reading!
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Big congrats to all the authors, and thanks to you for your reviews of their works. Books to check out, and authors to support! Happy new year to you, Diana.
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Thanks for the visit, Cynthia. I had a wonderful year of reading and look forward to much more in 2023. Have a beautiful new year and Happy Reading!
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Thank you. All good wishes.
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What a great collection of books you’ve read and reviewed for us, and I’m thrilled to see mine up there amongst them.
I’ve just finished Debby’s Fifteen Firsts, which I will review soon. Of the rest of this selection I’m definitely drawn to Shadow Walker – sounds right up my alley.
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Yes. I finished your series this year, Deborah, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. 🙂 Debby’s book was delightful and I think you’d enjoy Shadow Walker. Jina writes powerful and female characters, sort of like yours. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
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Reblogged this on Jane Risdon and commented:
Always such a support throughout the year to the author community, D. Wallace Peach, and here’s another example. Thanks for including such fab authors and their books and for including my short story collection, Undercover: Crime Shorts. Thrilled you took the time to read and review it. Much appreciated. Happy New Year everyone.
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Thanks so much for sharing the reviews! And I’m delighted to share your book, of course.
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Appreciated xx
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Such a fab collection of authors and their books, thanks for sharing. Also, many thanks and appreciation for being included with my short stories, I am chuffed and grinning like a loon! Many thanks and Happy New Year everyone. Jane xx
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I had a great time with your book, Jane. The stories were fabulous. Thanks so much for stopping by and keep up the writing! Happy Reading. ❤
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I am thrilled you read it and liked the stories. Thanks xx
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Brilliant Diana and apart from this months part two of your reviews, an outstanding year of wonderful support for authors ♥♥
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Almost all of the books are indies from our community, Sally. It’s been a pure pleasure to read all these talented authors, you among them. Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Reading!
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Happy birthday Diana and I hope you have a lovely day planned ♥♥
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Thank you so much, Sally. It was a quiet day with a bit of writing and lunch with my dad. Just lovely. ❤ ❤
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Great Diana, I am sure you Dad loved that it is David’s tomorrow and I am taking him out to lunch… ♥♥
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Nice. Enjoy, Sally, and Happy Birthday to David.
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Great, Diana – such great writers here. TOni x
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Thanks for dropping by to browse, Toni. There’s no end to the great books in our community. Happy Reading!
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What a beautiful surprise Diana. Thank you so much for reading my book and your review. I’m so glad you enjoyed my book, and appreciated how I tied it all together. Your reviews are always intriguing. I’m thrilled to be on your reading list among such other interesting books – some of which I have, and some others I just added to my BFK. LOL, so thanks. 🙂 And love how you got all your GR reads showing up. Hugs my friend. ❤ xx
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My sincere pleasure to read and review your book, Debby. When I was reading, it really did feel like we were sitting together drinking margaritas and sharing stories about growing up. I’m glad I added to your tbr pile once again. Enjoy, my friend. Hugs. ❤
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Thank you again Diana. I am touched you felt that way about my book. That’s exactly how I’d hoped for readers to feel. Hugs ❤
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You pulled it off beautifully.
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I’m humbled. Thank you. ❤
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I’m interest in reading Shadow Walker. It sounds amazing.
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Thanks for stopping by, Kayla, and browsing the reviews. Jina is a fabulous writer, and her female protagonists are far from wimps, that’s for sure. They’re tough cookies. I hope you give the book a try and enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Reading!
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Likewise, Diana. Occasionally I wave my hand above the pile of books, just so husband can find me!! Happy Reading indeed!! x
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Lol. Sounds familiar.
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