by

May Book Reviews (Part 1) and a Blog Break

Spring came and went in about 5 days. The garden is demanding immediate attention as are a bunch of other chores that I’ve been delaying until the sun returned. I have my dad’s storage unit to empty and sort, and a deck to scrap and paint. And I suppose it’s time to move the spiders outdoors too. I’ll be offline for a few weeks and promise to return refreshed.

I didn’t want to get too far behind on sharing reviews, so I have some great reads to chat about today. So far this May, I’ve read a lot of books that aren’t published yet. Funny how things happen in bunches like that, so a short list to browse.

May’s (Part One) reviews include my 4 and 5-star reads of a self-help book, a cozy murder mystery, a historical fiction, a book of short stories, and a contemporary fairy tale.

Click on the covers for Amazon global links.

*****

Re-Create & Celebrate 7 Steps to Turn Your Dreams Into Reality by Cindy Georgakas

Note: This book is scheduled for release on May 20th, so close that Cindy asked me to share my review now rather than wait. Keep it on your radar. It’s worth waiting for. Here’s my review:

There aren’t many people who would turn down the chance at a happier, more fulfilling, and more productive life. Re-Create & Celebrate 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality lays the framework for a multi-approach personal journey.

Though the author shares her wisdom and some practical advice, stemming from her years working as a life coach, the focus of this self-help guide is to aid the reader in a deep exploration of the personal factors that get in the way of realizing our goals. Georgakas provides questions to ponder about ourselves, our beliefs, and our experiences. She offers frequent anecdotes about her own explorations and growth, as well as what she’s observed in clients.

The tone of this book is positive and uplifting, determined to empower the reader by suggesting that the answers to achieving our best selves lie within us. All possible if we can muster the courage to seek them and if we’re brave enough to examine the worn-out messages and ways of being that hold us back. A well-written and well-organized book that deserves a thoughtful read. Highly recommended to anyone seeking to overhaul or fine-tune their lives.

*****

Death by Ice Cream (A Pismawallops PTA Mystery) by Rebecca M. Douglass

JJ is outspoken and snarky, and her running commentary on her life is hilarious. But all is not well in this cozy whodunnit mystery when a dead body shows up in the school’s ice cream case, strangled with JJ’s scarf. JJ’s a suspect, a parent, and an amateur sleuth who can’t keep her nose out of the handsome sheriff’s investigation. She’s also a member of the PTA, suddenly saddled with getting the yearbook done… and all the photos are missing. Add to that, she’s a single mom negotiating a divorce who’s sworn off men… except that the sheriff has her imagination running on overdrive. And I should mention that someone wants her out of the picture.

This book has a lot going on, and JJ is in the thick of it. She’s a great character, extremely likable with a sharp wit, a wry perspective, and a big heart despite all the snarkiness. Secondary characters are equally engaging, with distinct personalities. JJ’s best friend Kitty is the perfect sidekick, and I loved the non-romance romance with the sheriff, Ron.

The pace moves quickly, clues are dropped along the way, and they tie up beautifully in the end, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There are plenty of threads to this mystery, and I didn’t know who the murderer was until the reveal. It wrapped up with a nice twist too. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy cozy murder mysteries with a high-energy main character, a tangled plot, and lots of wry humor.

*****

A Low Diving Bird by Libby Copa

This is a beautifully written and heartfelt historical fiction. The US Civil War officially ended a year ago, but for those who fought and for those left behind it continues with poverty, lawlessness, retaliation, and death. On both sides, the wounds of war are deep and lasting, and this is true in Missouri, in the home of Hester Cain.

She’s on her own, a young woman caring for three orphaned boys while her brother and father continue attacks against Union soldiers. She’s sold everything (everything!) she owns to put food on the table. And I’m not sure which was worse, the Union militia hunting down Confederate soldiers and sympathizers, or the rebels killing Union families. Hester walks a fine line to keep herself and her family safe. Then Eben, a Union soldier, walks into her yard and offers to stay and help. Her life improves in small steps until her brother returns home and all she’s gained may be lost.

There’s a tangible feeling of melancholy pervading this story. The war’s psychological damage is profound. Hester and Eben are sympathetic characters, as are the boys though their life’s wounds are slow to heal. Even Hester’s brother, despite his despicable acts, earns some sympathy. The author makes it easy to see the terrible misery endured on both sides of the war. The story ends with a dose of hope and it’s hard-earned. The writing is beautiful and well-paced. I highly recommend this read to fans of historical fiction, literary fiction, and books about the US Civil War, and to readers who enjoy an emotional and beautifully crafted story.

*****

Comes this Time to Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez

This is the first book of short stories I’ve read from this author, and I was impressed. The quality of the writing is excellent, and the 19 stories in this generous collection cover a variety of genres including a bit of speculative fiction. I was swept away by the many heartwarming tales of friendship, love, and loss.  A number of the stories have a “slice of life” feel to them, reminiscent of flash fiction, a style that I enjoy.

I had a lot of favorites in this book including:

Sidekick – an amazing tale about the power of friendship between two boys
Veneer – a story about two people who discover the truth about each other.
Lunatic – beautiful writing about an unusual being and a little boy
Halfway House – a tender story about second chances, full of twists
Vapor Girl – a wistful sci-fi love story with amazing descriptions
Ready for Company – a sci-fi tear-jerker
Kitty Makes Three – another love story. *Sigh*
Tailwind – a story about the friendship between two old men.

Need I say more? Obviously, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of short stories and beautiful writing and to readers who want to be moved by some memorable stories.

*****

Clay Tongue: A Novelette by Nicholas Conley

When Katie’s grandfather has a stroke, he loses his ability to speak, and his care becomes more than her mom and dad can handle, especially with a new baby on the way. Katie learns, through snooping in her grandfather’s old notebook, that in a forest cave, there’s a giant magical golem who grants single wishes. One night she sneaks from the house to find the creature. But that single wish is harder to make than she realizes.

This novella-length book read like a fairytale or fable with a powerful dilemma and message about choices and kindness. The plot moves quickly, and I read it in less than an hour. It kept me engaged throughout with lovely characters and vivid action. I’d recommend this book to any child ready to read (or listen to) a chapter book, as well as adults looking for a quick magical tale.

*****

Happy Reading!

See you in June!

211 thoughts on “May Book Reviews (Part 1) and a Blog Break”

  1. Linda Raha says:
    May 23, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    Thank you for sharing all of these books. I hope you get all of your projects done…much to do in the springtime! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Jacquie Biggar says:
    May 23, 2023 at 9:22 am

    Wonderful line-up, Diana. I hope you take time to breathe in some of that delicious spring air between jobs {{hugs}}

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 23, 2023 at 2:38 pm

      I’m trying, Jacquie. Our well pump fried itself, so we’ve been without water for almost a week. The plumber comes tomorrow. It threw a bit of a wrench into the plans. But all is well over all. I’m glad you enjoyed the books. I’m working on a bunch more now. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. Launch Party Video Recording of RE-CREATE & CELEBRATE | Unique Times says:
    May 23, 2023 at 8:15 am

    […] May 15th Gabriela Maria Milton and Literary Revelations ✅  May 15th: Diana D. Peach of Myths Of The Mirror: ✅  May 15th Kym Gordon Moore from Behind the Pen ✅May 17th Barbara […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Coach Herbert says:
    May 22, 2023 at 9:36 am

    Great work

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Robbie’s Inspiration’s Review of RE-CREATE & CELEBRATE TODAY | Unique Times says:
    May 22, 2023 at 7:52 am

    […] May 15th Gabriela Maria Milton and Literary Revelations ✅  May 15th:Diana D. Peach of Myths Of The Mirror: ✅  May 15th Kym Gordon Moore from Behind the Pen ✅May 17th  Barbara […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Robbie’s Inspiration – Book blog tour: Re-Create & Celebrate by Cindy Georgakas – Robbie's inspiration says:
    May 22, 2023 at 1:03 am

    […] WHINE May 12th ✅  May 15th Gabriela Maria Milton and Literary Revelations ✅  May 15th: Diana D. Peach of Myths Of The Mirror: ✅  May 15th Kym Gordon Moore from Behind the Pen ✅May 17th Barbara Leonhard […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Oluwatobilobapens says:
    May 22, 2023 at 12:37 am

    Enjoy your blog break👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. mydangblog says:
    May 21, 2023 at 5:52 am

    Thanks for always posting such great reviews, and enjoy your time off!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm

      It’s been crazy busy so far, Suzanne, but I’m getting a lot done too. And trying to write a little every day. Thanks for checking out the reviews. I’m working on some more. Lol. Happy Reading. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Marsha says:
    May 20, 2023 at 8:56 am

    How do you get so much reading done on top of everything else, Diana? All the books sound worthy of reading. I attended Cindy’s book launch today and popped in to read your review, but I love all the reviews. The Civil War story sounds particularly compelling. Sorry, your spring was so short! I heard it was really hot up there. We are into monsoons here, so I had the heat on last night!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 20, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Marsha. So many good books this month, and in April too. I don’t think I’ll ever run out. 🙂 And Cindy’s book is wonderful – I was delighted to read and review it. Not too hot here actually (on the mountain) but it did go from an average of 40 degrees to an average of 80 over the span of about 4 days! So weird. Stay dry and enjoy the heat. 🙂 Happy Reading.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      • Marsha says:
        May 21, 2023 at 8:56 am

        Thanks Diana! Yes we are having lots of rain in Prescott and heat in Scottsdale as we travel between them. I started Cindy’s book this morning. I’m enjoying it and the time to relax and read. Have a great week, Diana.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. Resa says:
    May 19, 2023 at 11:02 am

    Lots of fab sounding books here, Diana. Hope you are having a good blog break! See you in June!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    May 18, 2023 at 10:58 am

    Terrific reviews as always Diana and can add my recommendation for Stephen and Nicholas. Sounds like you have a busy time ahead. We will miss you.♥

    Like

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 19, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      Thanks for the visit, Sally. Yes, I’ve already tackled a few big projects, but a lot left to be done. The weather is cooperating and I’m enjoying the time outside. Some great reads here that I highly recommend, including Stephen’s and Nicholas’s books. And more ahead while I’m on breatk. 🙂 Happy Reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Spillwords Interview & Video | Unique Times says:
    May 18, 2023 at 6:56 am

    […] Maria Milton and Literary Revelations LIVE TODAY✅  May 15th: Diana D. Peach of Myths Of The Mirror: LIVE TODAY✅  May 15th Kym Gordon Moore from Behind the Pen LIVE […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. SelmaMartin says:
    May 18, 2023 at 6:04 am

    I just don’t know how you do so much for others. I feel you must be endowed with more time than me. And I’m jealous.
    All your reviews are stellar. My dear, how fast do you read. Again, I’m jealous.
    I was especially drawn to what you said about Cindy’s book that launches on the 20th. Wow. Amazing review. (And again I’m jealous) you’d think I are yellow with envy by now, but it’s not envy. I am overjoyed. Truly and sincerely. Thanks for sharing all these reviews. I just preordered Cindy’s book. Thanks to you I too am looking forward to reading and reviewing it. Wow. Thanks dearly. I bless you. May all good things come to you for your generous heat. Thank you. Xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 19, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      Lol. Your comment cracked me up, Selma. And I know you’ll enjoy Cindy’s book. She really grounded herself and it’s wonderfully written and thought-provoking. Yes, I read a lot. I figured out how to get my phone to read kindle books to me, so I “read” books while driving, gardening, making dinner, folding laundry. That’s about two books per week! And then I do the reviews immediately or I’ll never remember – the old brain is mush. 😀 Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • Cindy Georgakas says:
      May 19, 2023 at 6:20 pm

      Diana is truly amazing Selma ..I agree with you and Diana is supposed to be on vacation.. ha.. Thanks for ordering my book so honored.. see you tomorrow!!! 💗

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  14. dgkaye says:
    May 17, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    Again, love your reviews Diana. Interesting to see Clay Tongue in there. Was it my review that intrigued you about it? There’s a few here today I’m going to check out. Thanks for letting us know about Cindy’s book. I will be getting that one for sure. Fab reviews. Congrats to all. Hugs and enjoy your break! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  15. Curt Mekemson says:
    May 17, 2023 at 7:26 am

    Hey D. Cindy is a good blogging buddy of mine and I’ve been following her for quite some time. I can’t wait to get her book. Beyond that, “Death by Ice Cream” seems like a perfect book for Peggy!
    Enjoy your few weeks off! Everyone needs blogging breaks from time to time. 🙂 –Curt

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  16. roughwighting says:
    May 17, 2023 at 5:43 am

    What wonderful reviews of new books I didn’t know about. Cindy’s book sounds great for all of us; don’t we all need to/want to fine-tune our lives in some way? And I’m in need of some cozy now, so I’ll start eating some ice cream along with reading the Ice Cream cozy. 🙂 Enjoy your break!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  17. Mary J. McCoy-Dressel says:
    May 17, 2023 at 3:02 am

    Thanks for sharing your reviews for May, Diana. Congratulations to the authors. I’ve snagged one book, and I’ve been waiting for Cindy’s. Enjoy your break!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 17, 2023 at 5:17 am

      That’s great to hear, Mary. All of these were wonderful reads, and quite different from each other. I hope you enjoy your new read. Cindy’s book is great, and it reinforced my decision to take a couple of weeks to relax (and take care of some much needed tasks). I just booked a haircut! Yay! Lol. Have a beautiful day, my friend, and thanks for the visit!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Miriam Hurdle says:
    May 16, 2023 at 10:39 pm

    I thought it was just me when I said, “We turned up the heat one day, and turned on the air-condition the next. Where did the spring go?” Now I know it came and went in five days!

    Great reviews, as always, Diana! Enjoy your blogging break. I love your plan. 😍💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 17, 2023 at 5:11 am

      Ha ha ha. I know. Crazy isn’t it? Oregon weather is on/off overnight in a lot of different ways. I hope you’re getting into your garden, Miriam. That’s my plan today – plant veggies. And thanks for checking out the reviews! I’ll be diving into a new book today. Love it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Miriam Hurdle says:
        May 17, 2023 at 11:55 am

        The weather is not boring for sure, Diana. We have enough trees in the neighborhood so it’s not as hot as in the downtown area. I planted some flowers in the front yard. I’ll have some construction done for the backyard before planting anytime, though. Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        • D. Wallace Peach says:
          May 17, 2023 at 4:28 pm

          We just hung out for Mother’s Day. My daughter was away on a camping trip. I hope you got to spend some time with Mercy and the girls. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          • Miriam Hurdle says:
            May 17, 2023 at 6:04 pm

            I’m glad you had a relaxing Mother’s Day weekend. I tried to make reservations several weeks prior, but many restaurants don’t accept reservations. We had dinner on Saturday instead. We went to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden on Sunday. Yeah, we had a nice weekend. 😊

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  19. michnavs says:
    May 16, 2023 at 5:59 pm

    Wow, you got a lot of really good book recommendation here Diana…im now including them on my TBA..looking forward for Cindy’s book too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Writing to Freedom says:
    May 16, 2023 at 11:37 am

    This sounds like another fun and eclectic book collection. My mom and I share a love for reading. Enjoy your time away Diana.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. H. WEND says:
    May 16, 2023 at 7:56 am

    Hi there, just stopped by to thank you for this post! I am going to share some titles with my sister she might like. Wishing you a lovely break.

    Hannah

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. boundlessblessingsblog says:
    May 16, 2023 at 7:42 am

    Wonderful and great reviews, Diana. Cindy’s book sounds amazing and very inspiring. Thanks a lot.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  23. Eugi says:
    May 16, 2023 at 6:55 am

    Wonderful reviews, Diana, and thank you so much for sharing them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Tessa Pulyer says:
    May 16, 2023 at 4:28 am

    I love the title, Death by Ice Cream. It sounds so gruesome and cold 🥶 Excellent reviews and have a great break!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 16, 2023 at 8:23 am

      Thanks for dropping by, Tessa. Death by Ice Cream isn’t gruesome, but it is hilarious. I’m a big fan of snark, I’ll admit. And the pace flies. Thanks for taking a peek at the books and for the wishes for a great break. Happy Reading!

      Like

      Reply

Comments are warmly welcomed. Don't be shy .

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s