Welcome to the Christmas Book Fair where I will be featuring all the authors currently on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore.
The first author today is Linda Bradley with the romantic first book in her popular series – Maggie’s Way (Montana Bound Series book 1).
About the book
Middle-aged, Maggie Abernathy just wants to recuperate from cancer during the solitude of summer vacation after a tiresome year of teaching second grade. Maggie’s plans are foiled when precocious seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre moves in next door with her dad, John. Maggie’s life changes in a way she could never imagine when the pesky new neighbors steal her heart. With Maggie’s grown son away, her ex-husband in the shadows, her meddling mother’s unannounced visits, and Chloe McIntyre on her heels, somehow Maggie’s empty house becomes home again.
A recent review for the book on Goodreads
Maggie Abernathy has her Michigan summer all planned out. After a bout with breast cancer, all she wants to do is to recuperate and rejuvenate. Her life as a second-grade teacher was especially difficult this year. To add to Maggie’s problems, she is also learning to navigate life alone after her recent divorce.
When seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre moves in next door with her dad, John, Maggie’s dull life takes an unexpected turn for the better.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. The story was predictable, but somehow, comforting. The romance that buds between John and Maggie is even sweeter because of Chloe.
Chloe’s character clearly steals the show. The child possesses a pearl of certain wisdom that women much older than her often wish for. The only child in what had to be a difficult home, Chloe steals Maggie’s heart.
Written in the first-person, I immediately connected with Maggie’s character. There is a lot going on, and Maggie discovers she must learn to overcome some of her own issues before she can truly find herself. So true to life!
The only downside was that the book ends on a cliff-hanger, and you have to purchase the next book to continue her story. I understand it’s a series, but the author hints at a happy ending for Maggie and John. As is true in most romantic fiction there are always some difficulties in a relationship. It would have been nicer for this book to end on a high note. Still, I would recommend this book because of the interesting characters. I’m debating on whether to go further in the series
Read the reviews and buy the book:Amazon US And: Amazon UK
Also by Linda Bradley
Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Linda :Goodreads – website: Linda Bradley Author – Twitter: @LBradleyAuthor
The next author with a recent review is Mae Clair for the ghostly A Thousand Yesteryears (Point Pleasant Book 1)
About the book
“Masterful, bone-chilling fiction…one intense thriller. A Thousand Yesteryears will keep you guessing, gasping and turning the pages for more.” —New York Times bestselling author Kevin O’Brien
Behind a legend lies the truth…
As a child, Eve Parrish lost her father and her best friend, Maggie Flynn, in a tragic bridge collapse. Fifteen years later, she returns to Point Pleasant to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. Though much has changed about the once thriving river community, the ghost of tragedy still weighs heavily on the town, as do rumors and sightings of the Mothman, a local legend. When Eve uncovers startling information about her aunt’s death, that legend is in danger of becoming all too real . . .
Caden Flynn is one of the few lucky survivors of the bridge collapse but blames himself for coercing his younger sister out that night. He’s carried that guilt for fifteen years, unaware of darker currents haunting the town. It isn’t long before Eve’s arrival unravels an old secret—one that places her and Caden in the crosshairs of a deadly killer . .
One of the recent reviews for the book
I love this book by Mae Clair! It’s a new and intriguing take on the Mothman, made all the more interesting by a compelling romance (with a second one starting to brew for other important characters), family and personal secrets, and mysterious murders. There are other supernatural elements that I feel would be spoilers to divulge. And the suspense continues to build wither life or death threats to characters we love.
It’s my first time to read a book by Mae Clair and I plan to read many more. Deft writing, fascinating plot, well-developed and realistic characters–some to love and others to hate. What could be better?
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Mae Clair
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Mae on:Goodreads – Website: Mae Clair – Twitter:@MaeClair1
The next prolific author has recently joined the Cafe with her books and here is a recent review for Silverhills by Sandra Cox, a book that I also reviewed earlier in the year and can recommend.
About the book
In the 1870s Brandon Wade is driving a herd of longhorns over the Chisholm Trail when a youth appears out of nowhere riding a magnificent black stallion and packing a deadly looking six-gun. In need of trail hands, Brandon hires the young man. Not until weeks later, during the middle of a terrible stampede, does Brandon learn that his young sharpshooter is a beautiful woman. A woman full of fire and passion who he burns to possess. A woman steeped in mystery who refuses to disclose her past. Alexandria O’Malley is on the run and must be able to disappear at a moment’s notice. When she hires on to the cattle drive, she doesn’t expect the powerful attraction between herself and her trail boss or the response of her treacherous body.
A recent review for the book on Goodreads
Wiping tears – These are bittersweet tears. Yes, there is some sadness. The book is finished. But also sweetness. This was a beautiful story about finding yor destiny, if you will. The story of Alexandria and Brandon . . . Well, it had all the feels. A spectacular meet-cute. Heart stopping action. Forgive me, but I believe the inspiration for the hero and heroine were John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Talk about tempestuous emotions. Even the physical description brought those icons to mind. I think you really need to read this for yourself to get it. A wonderful story with great pacing that grabs and doesn’t let go.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
A small selection of Sandra’s books
Read the reviews andbuy the books : Amazon UK –And:Amazon US- follow Sandra Cox: Goodreads – Blog: Sandra Cox Blogspot – Twitter:@Sandra_Cox
The next author is M.J. Mallon with a recent review for her poetry and prose collection, Mr. Sagittarius
About the collection
Twin brothers Harold and William love the magic of the natural world.
When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request.
Will his brother William and his sister Annette honour it?
Or, will the garden work its magic to ensure that they do.
A magical story expressed via an original compilation of poetry and prose with photographic images
One of the recent reviews for the collection
Mr. Sagittarius is a collection of poems, short stories, and charming moments from a group of memorable characters. Written by M.J. Mallon, it’s not the first I’ve read from her collection, but it was time to pick up another this weekend. If you’re searching for a lovely intro to an author’s writing style and the type of stories and tales she writes, this is a great way to discover more. Mallon’s contributed to several anthologies in the past, including one she coordinated and edited herself, but this time it’s all hers!
Two brothers, twins. A sister. Relationships wrought with love, pain, concern, frustration, anger, sadness, and hope. Interspersed with lyrical poems are short, three-to-four page scenes between the family members, others who see them, and lots of beauty focused on nature and the elements. Picture a gorgeous tree in different seasons, a park bench, memories of the family members who once sat on it, and thoughts about the passing of loved ones. That’s what you’ll find here, and it’ll make you treasure your own relationships.
I most enjoyed the autumn and Halloween moments in this collection, as it’s so timely. Mallon has a wonderful way with words, and while I’m not a big reader of poetry, it’s comforting to dive into it on occasion so you can see the beautiful images around you, that you might often look too far past.
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And:Amazon US
Also by M.J. Mallon NB.. This is Lockdown is now available in print.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US –AndAmazon UK – Website:M.J. Mallon – Goodreads:Goodreads – Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
The final author today is Miriam Hurdlewith a recent review for her award winning poetry collection Songs of the Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude
About Songs of Heartstrings
Songs of Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude depicts a road traveled with optimism, hope and appreciation amid heartache and unpredictable circumstances. It also celebrates genuine love and fulfilling relationships.
The poetry collection includes nine themes: Songs of Nature, Songs of Dissonance, Songs of Physical Healing, Songs of Marriage, Songs of Parenthood, Songs of Tribute, Songs of Reflections, Songs of Challenge, and Songs of Inspiration. Each of these themes covers various aspects of her life experience.
The poems are inspiring to the mind, heart, and spirit. The readers will resonate with these experiences. Hurdle illustrates the poems with her photograph and watercolor paintings.
A recent review for the collection on Goodreads
Songs of Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude” strikes the right chord. I need the peaceful feelings of a gentle breeze that these poems put in my mind as I read. It’s as though I smell flowers and see colors, and occasionally imagine a warm hug. I see that the author says she often thinks up her poems while gardening, and this is easy to believe. Treat yourself to something calm.
Read the reviews and buy the collection also in Spanish and Portuguese: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – Goodreads: Miriam Hurdle –Blog: The Showers of Blessings – Twitter: @mhurdle112
Thank you for joining me today and I hope you are leaving with some gifts to share.. thanks Sally.
A lovely promotion for Indies and readers too. Thanks, Sally. 🙂
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Thank you, Meeka!
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My pleasure, Miriam. 🙂
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Thanks Meeks…have a good weekend..hugsx
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It’s Saturday morning here, and I’m just about to go out and do some /more/ mowing, but the weather is very pleasant so I think it will be a lovely day. Hope yours is just as nice when it begins. 🙂
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I am afraid we have had gale force winds and heavy rain.. a brief respite and then another storm front rolling in.. that is why Ireland is so green…xx
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Gah…we complain if we have a couple of days without sunshine. 😦 I hope you’re safe and warm inside, and can ignore the weather outside!
Stay well. -hugs-
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Now you know why I blog so much Meeks lol..xxx
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LMAO!!!!! Oh Sally, I’d say that’s really funny except I think it’s true! I hope you have a warm fire, a cosy chair and a glass of something nice while you blog. 🙂
-hugs-
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Thanks Meeks.. David and I share an office and it is filled with books, debate and laughter..hugsx
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-grin- The favourite room in the house. Can’t ask for better. -hugs back-
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it is xx
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Wohooo! Sounding all like fantastic reading stuff. Will save the page, and grab on to another in my lineage of reading. Thank you, Sally!
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Thank you, Michael!
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You too, Miriam! I hope you are well, and stay save. Michael
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We’re doing fine, Michael, not going anywhere. Must stay in the bubble for a while longer.
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Oh., you have a lockdown too, Miriam? I am sorry for this. Here its the same, but in this rural environment there is no distraction, you can get outdoors.:-) Have a beautiful weekend! Michael
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I live in a major city, Michael. Our County just ran out of ICU beds. We are in big trouble.
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Oh, this is sounding bad, Miriam. I hope they will find a solution. Best wishes, Michael
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Yes, they look into it, Michael.
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Thanks very much Michael..hugsxx
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Thank you too, Sally! Always very appreciated! Michael
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A fabulous group, Sally
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Thank you, John!
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Thank you John..hugsx
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Reblogged this on The Showers of Blessings and commented:
I’m excited to join Linda Bradley, Mae Clair, Sandra Cox, and M.J. Mallon at Sally Cronin’s Blog where she hosts the Christmas Book Fair showcasing the indie authors and their books. Please join the fun and support the authors. See you there!
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Thanks for boosting the post Miriam ♥
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Nice collection of books, Sally!
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Thank you, Joan!
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Thank you Joan.. have a lovely weekend.. x
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I’m honored to join Linda Bradley, Mae Clair, Sandra Cox, and M.J. Mallon today for the Christmas Book Fair, Sally. Thank you for including me. Congratulations on their fabulous reviews!
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Congratulations, Miriam. It’s so wonderful to see you showcased on Sally’s blog. 💗
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Thank you, Gwen! I’m honored to be here!
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Thanks Gwen..♥
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My pleasure Miriam.. delighted to share..hugsx♥
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What a lovely group of writers! This is a real Christmas celebration! Thank you, Sally, and congratulations to each of the authors. ✨🎄✨
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Thank you, Gwen!
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Thank you Gwen.. I love a good party ♥
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Ack! I’ve only read one of these, but A Thousand Yesteryears is outstanding. They all look great and I hope they draw a lot of attention.
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Thanks Craig.. a lot of great reading in these books..x
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Thank you, Craig!
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Reblogged this on Judith Barrow.
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Thank you, Judith!
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Wonderful authors, Sally – fantastic gift ideas. Toni x
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Thanks Toni…perhaps not quite as useful as socks but almost as good as chocolate…xxx
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Happy Holidays, Toni!
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You too, Miriam- have a very Merry Christmas 🎄
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I’m familiar with Mae’s A Thousand Yesteryears but I’ll have to check out the others. At this rate, I’ll need to keep one ereader on charge while I drain (um, read on) the other and then swap them out, lols. Thanks for all these great recommendations, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
Happy Holidays, everyone! 🙂
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lol.. I have two as well… just in case one is out of commission.. I would be lost…♥
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Happy Holidays to you, Harmony!
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Thanks so much Sally. Sending love and hugs this Christmas. ❤
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And to you Marje.. ♥♥
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Bravo, Sally. I have read books or short stories by all these authors except for Sandra and she’s on my 2021 TBR. I have Marge’s books on my TBR too.
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Great Robbie..I am looking forward to catching up over the Christmas break… my TBR needs to let out its waistband…hugsx
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Yes, I am the same, Sally.
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Thank you so much, Robbie!
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That was one of my favorite books of Mae’s. So nice to see it here. Congratulations to her and all the authors spotlighted here today.
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Thank you Staci.. and looking forward to adding your books to the Cafe…hugsx
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Aww. Thanks, Sally.
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Thank you, Staci!
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Love all of Mae Clair’s work, including A Thousand Yesteryears, and happy to see her here today amidst these other very interesting writers. I’m taking notes, and living in fear of my teetering TBR pile. Thanks so much for sharing these, Sally! 🙂
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Thanks for your recommendation for Mae’s work Marcia and I do send my heartfelt apologies to your TBR.. lol… Mine’s also in therapy..♥♥
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😀 😀 😀
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♥♥
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Thank you so much, Marcia. 🙂
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More fabulous books and authors. I loved Mae’s book – well ALL of the Hode’s Hill Series, to be honest. And Sandra’s book grabbed my attention! Thank you, Sally!
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Thanks Jan and for recommending Mae’s books.. I have enjoyed Sandra’s books and I am sure you will too…hugsx♥
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Thank you very much, Jan!
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A fabulous selection of authors again, Sally. 😊I’m a huge fan of all Mae’s work, and ‘A Thousand Yesteryears’ is one of my favorites. I look forward to exploring the other authors.
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Thanks for adding your recommendation Soooz.. and delighted to introduce the other authors to you..hugsx
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Thank you so much, Soooz! 🙂
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A wonderful group of authors and books, Sally. I’ve read all but Linda’s and Sandra’s. Must correct that! Congrats to all the authors on the excellent reviews. 🙂
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Thank you Diana…happy to bring Linda and Sandra to your attention.. have a good weekend..hugsx
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Thank you so much, Diana. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Miriam. A great review from Teagan. ❤ ❤
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Grand collection of talent here today. Congrats to everyone! 🙂 xx
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Thank you, Debby! 🙂
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Another marvelous group of authors, Sally. Congrats to all of them on the great reviews of their books! Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend and holidays! ❤ xo
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Thanks Vashti and your new book going out on 4th January.. getting 2021 off to a good start..♥
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That’s fantastic, Sally! Thank you. ❤ xo
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♥
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A wonderful blend of different writers and stories, Sally. I know some, while others are new to me. It’s always a pleasure to find new tales to read. Thank you for the introductions. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
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Thanks very much Mark. Glad to introduce you to new authors.. Have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to sharing 2021 with you.. x
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Thank you, Sally. 🙂
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Congratulations to all the authors, good luck, and thanks for the recommendations!
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Thank you Olga..hugsx
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