Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Cafe and Bookstore with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.
The first author with recent reviews is author Janice Spina for her children’s book Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar
About the book
This the second book in the magical series about Drystan the dragon and his friends. These dragons are colorful, engaging and fun to read about. They teach children the importance of friendship, caring for one another, being kind to others, and it’s okay to be different. All dragons are of different colors and their names begin with the letter ‘D’ – a fun way for young children to learn the letter ‘D’ and colors.
In Book 2 a new dragon is introduced – Damara, a different dragon who does things her own way. As she is traveling by one day she spies a dragon, Drystan, in distress. She flies down to see what is wrong. It appears that Drystan has lost his roar. What caused Drystan to lose his roar? Can Damara help him get it back? Read this book in rhyme for a comical story that will delight your children. Watch for more books in this mystical series.
One of the reviews for the book
Author Janice Spina’s second book in her new series, “Drystan the Dragon and Friends” is a fine addition to her ever-growing list of books written for enriching the lives of young readers.
In the second volume, “Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar”, Damara, a green dragon who is different than others, does not worry about what people say. She knows she’s not like everyone else, but owns her differences and is proud of who she is. This terrific message intertwines nicely with the little tale of Damara’s encounter with Drystan, who is also taught a lesson, courtesy of his new friend.
The illustrations are lovely, created by the author’s partner in life and work, Mr. John Spina. The terrific team’s growing library is impressive and recommended.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
A very small selection of children’s books by Janice Spina
Also as J.E. Spina
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
and on: Amazon UK
Find more reviews and follow Janice: Goodreads
Connect to Janice on her blog: Jem’s Books
The next author is Teagan Riordain Geneviene with a recent review for the romantic novelette Fiona Finch & the Pink Valentine
About the book
Put your feet up and enjoy a whimsical break with this quick, lighthearted story. There’s some romance, and a lot of silliness. It’s a steampunk/Victorian setting. You might call it a long-short story or a novelette.
This is a tale of an old lost valentine and the shenanigans that ensue when it turns up. Fiona Finch and her brother Steele – along with a helping “wing” from Quellie the duck, work to bring two long ago sweethearts back together. Even though it is a Valentine’s Day story, it does not include sex or passionate romance. It does, however, include a lot of imaginative fun.
One of the recent reviews for the book
I’ve read several books by this author and her creativity never ceases to amaze and delight me. This tale of a lost valentine from years ago and amusing matchmaking efforts at a masquerade ball is guaranteed to leave you with a smile. Although a quick read, character development certainly isn’t lacking, and you’ll feel as if you’ve spent time with friends by the end of this whimsical novelette. And did I mention the pet duck? An absolute scene-stealer. If you’re in the mood for a light read with a sweet happily ever after, look no further.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
Read the reviews, buy the books : Amazon US
and : Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Teagan : Goodreads
Connect to Teagan via her blog: Teagan’s Books
The final author today is Sue Vincent with a review for her poetry collection Life Lines: Poems from a Reflection
About the collection
“The pen paints the souls longing in jewel tones.”
A collection of fifty-two poems of life, love and inspiration.
There are joys for which we cannot find expression, moments that have a depth of emotion that can only be shared in images. It is here that poetry comes into its own, for the pictures we paint with words can conjure all the emotions of the human heart. From solitude to passion, from aspiration to the quest for the soul’s inner light, we seek to find ways to share our journey through life, to witness our footsteps as we pass through its shifting sands and cast a reflection on time itself. The poet is both mirror and reflection, framing the images of a human life and giving them a beating heart.
One of the recent reviews for the poetry
This collection of 52 poems by Sue Vincent is a gem. I’d give this book 6 stars if I could. It’s hard to put into words how moving I found Vincent’s poetry. The poems are free form reflections on the profound moments of life, the deep emotional wells of love, loss, and memories, the rhythms of nature reflected in our journeys, and the poignant journeys themselves.
It was almost impossible to pick out a few favorites, but I’m giving it a try: “I See You” is an exquisite poem about aging and the lasting echoes of youth that we carry inside our memories. “Flowers” (which makes me weepy just thinking about it) chronicles a woman’s life-stages in flowers from birth through death. Two touching poems are told from the point of view of someone watching a loved one sleep. They’re both gentle and heartachingly beautiful. “Just for a Moment” is a rare syllabic poem in the collection about the peace of love, and “Memory” about love lost.
Though the poems can be read in an hour or so, I would suggest savoring them. Highly recommended.
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK
And: Amazon US
A small selection of other books by Sue Vincent
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK
and: Amazon US
And you can find more reviews and follow Sue: Goodreads
Connect to Sue via her blog: S.C. Vincent
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books under your arm.. thanks Sally.
Hi Sally! Thanks so much for sharing this review of “Fiona Finch & the Pink Valentine.” It’s a good time to add whimsy to our lives. I’m proud to be featured alongside Janice and Sue. Hugs on the wing!
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Pleasure Teagan…delighted to share..hugsx
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Always great to see great writers, bloggers, and lovely people featured in your Cafe and Bookstore, Sally. Congratulations to Janice, Teagan and Sue!
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Thank you Olga and hope all is well with your family… have a good week.hugsxx
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Thank you Olga. I need to catch up at your place. Hugs on the wing!
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Wow! Poetry, lost romance and shenanigans, and helping someone find their roar, you couldn’t ask for a better collection. Three great reviews. Thanks for highlighting these talented authors.
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Thanks Dan.. they are a talented bunch…
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Thank you kindly for all your support, Dan. Hugs!
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Such a lovely surprise to find Diana’s review featured here, Sally… and in such good company too 🙂 Thank you! xx
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Pleasure Sue.. lovely review..♥
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Yes, it was 🙂 xx
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I saw this on Teagan’s blog and was going to post that I’d recently read it and how awesome it was – but it’s my review! Thanks, Sally!
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Lol… great review Teri… happy to share..hugs
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OMG! I wondered who that was, Teri. I can’t thank you enough. Hugs on the wing!
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Reblogged this on Campbells World.
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What great reviews. I have read, and enjoyed, both Teagan’s and Sue’s books.
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Great thanks for recommending Robbie…hugsxx
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I’m thrilled with your review too, Robbie. It means a lot to me. Hugs on the wing!
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You too, Teagan.
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Outstanding, Sally. Reviews and authors are excellent.
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Thank you John..hugsx
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
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Wonderful, Sally!
I enjoy Sues blog, she is very sharing. I haven’t read any of her books, yet.
I’ve been riding on the Delta Pearl since it took off, and am looking forward to the next episode.
Teagan made her “Glowing Pigs Snort Stories” available for free awhile ago, so I’ve read that. So much funny!
Now, I’ll check out Janice’s blog!
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Thanks for being on the steampunk riverboat, dear Resa. Hugs on the wing!
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Hugs back, Teagan! I’m really looking forward to the next episode!
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Great Resa thank you and I enjoyed Glowing Pigs too.. I am sure you will enjoy Janice’s blog. stay safe.
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You stay safe, too, Sally!
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Great authors and fabulous reviews! Thank you for sharing, Sally. ❤ xo
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Thank you Vashti..hugsx ♥
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❤ xo
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Thank you very much for mentioning, Sally! All outstanding, and i especially love Teagan’s fantastic coverart too. Michael
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Thanks Michael and Teagan’s covers are amazing..xx
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She puts a lot of work into it, i am sure. And the result is fantastic.
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Heartfelt thanks, Michael. Yes, I get very meticulous with the images, but I still think it is huge fun. 😀 I appreciate your encouragement. Have a wonderful week. Hugs!
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Thank you very much, Teagan! Always a great pleasure to me watching your new creations. Best wishes, Michael
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Awesome authors, books and reviews,,, Kudos all around! ❤
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Thank you Bette..hugsxx♥
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Congrats to the ladies! ❤
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Thanks Debby..♥
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What a fabulous group. Congratulations, authors, on these wonderful reviews. Toni x
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Thank you Toni..hugsxx
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out what’s new from the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore with author updates from Janice Spina, Teagan Riordain Geneviene and Sue Vincent
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Heartfelt thanks for sharing, Don. Hugs on the wing!
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You’re welcome
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