Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Cafe and Bookstore updates with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.
The first author with a recent review is Vashti Quiroz-Vega for The Rise of Gadreel (Fantasy Angels Series Book 3)
About the book
In The Fall of Lilith, award-winning author Vashti Quiroz-Vega took readers inside the gates of heaven for a front-row seat to Lucifer’s rebellion. In Son of the Serpent, she introduced Dracúl, tormented offspring of fallen angels. Now, in The Rise of Gadreel, Quiroz-Vega is back with the next chapter in her Fantasy Angels saga—a gripping tale of hope and redemption set against the fiery backdrop of a demon’s insatiable thirst for power and revenge.
Lilith is gone, suffering the torments of the damned in hell. Satan, once known as Lucifer, endures endless agony in an earthly prison. Yet their foul legacy lives on, spread by a corrupted priesthood that uses the blackest magic to fan the flames of evil and hate throughout the world.
The former angel Gadreel, who fought and fell alongside Lilith and Lucifer, only to join Dracúl in his fight against them, is weary of war. Repenting of past sins, she wants nothing more than to be left in peace. But when a new threat to humankind arises, Gadreel is given the chance she has prayed for—the chance to earn God’s forgiveness.
Now, with the aid of Dracúl and a trio of uncanny allies—a man of air, a man of stone, and a woman of fire—at her side, Gadreel must find the courage to confront her past and forge a new future for herself . . . and the world.
One of the recent reviews for the book
As much as I loved Dracul’s struggle in the second book “The Son of the Serpent” it was Gadreel’s journey that mesmerized me in this story. A fallen angel, she now wants redemption and sets out to battle the evil threatening to take over the civilization. The relationship between Dracul and Gadreel is almost endearing as they join forces. The story is told from both sides of the battle, and I was always happy to get back to Gadreel and her new friends. Not that I didn’t appreciate the evil point of view, but there was a cruelty that rang true of how people treated each other during the dark ages that were captured very visually. Ms. Quiroz-Vega takes history and weaves biblical stories into it with a fresh take. This was a painful fight between good and evil. “The Rise of Gadreel” isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you love a well-told tale that will keep you reading late into the night, this is for you. I recommend starting at the beginning, so you understand how the characters developed. I highly recommend this book and series.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Also by Vashti Quiroz Vega





Read the reviews and buy the books :Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Vashti : Goodreads – website:Vashti – WordPress – Twitter: @VashtiQV
The next author today is Teri Polen with a recent review for The Colony Series Book One – Subject A36
About the book
If genetic engineering could guarantee you and your family perfect health and unparalleled beauty, would you pay top dollar for it? Would you kill for it?
Residents of the Colony would. And do.
Only the Insurgents can stop them.
Seventeen-year-old Asher Solomon is a premier operative with the Insurgents. He and his team have rescued countless hostages, saving them from painful deaths in Colony labs as desirable genetic traits are stripped from their bodies.
He’s also suffered more losses than anyone should have to.
Then Asher gets intel that might give his people the upper hand. The Colony is searching for Subject A36. If the Insurgents determine the subject’s identity first, they might be able to turn the tide of the war.
Asher and his team embark on their riskiest mission ever, and the stakes have never been higher. But even if he survives the physical dangers, the devastating secrets he uncovers might destroy him.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Subject A36 by Teri Polen is a brilliant take on futuristic experiments that could allure many ambitious scientists who live in their self-created bubble of plucking everything from nature to manipulate it for the mighty and the rich. It is harrowing to imagine that “The Colony” kidnaps children to strip them of their coveted genes to create “perfect humans” for those who could pay the price!
This book engages you from page one and keeps you on the edge of your chair to read – what next? I couldn’t put it down and each time it revealed something new, I muttered wow! Written in a simple but eloquent style, Polen doesn’t waste a word in unnecessary descriptions; she focuses on the story and the outcome of action.
“Harvesting” – a shuddering term in connection with human beings but it lies at the center of this book, which gets darker as it proceeds.
Despite its theme, this book draws its strength from the emotional aspect of the story, which keeps you assured with the conviction that goodness can never be rooted out; there would always be kind people like Brynn, Noah and Paige. Love would remain the ultimate conquering force. It’s the love of Asher and Brynn, the friendship and benevolence of Asher, Noah and his team, the goodness of Garrett Solomon that shines in the abyss of darkness. I detest “The Colony” and there lies the success of Polen in crafting the perfect villains that live in it. I am eagerly looking forward to its sequel.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK
Also by Teri Polen
Read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – Follow Teri: Goodreads – website: Teri Polen – Twitter: @Tpolen6
The final book today with a recent review is Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin
About the book
With courage, depth, and passionate insight, bestselling author Paulette Mahurin captures the horrors of the German occupation of France. Where Irises Never Grow tells the story of how one book that escaped Nazi confiscation moved through time holding a cryptic note.
Unraveling its mystery brings the reader to Lyon, France. It is there war, in all its bloodstained pathos, is witnessed through the escalating cruelty of the Vichy regime. Particularly impacted is the Legrand family. Thrown into a whirlwind of turmoil they struggle to help the Resistance while maintaining deceitful relations with the government. As the Nazis move toward occupying southern France, the duplicity unravels along with all the Legrands are protecting.
Their struggle is raw. Uplifting. Nothing is held back in depicting the horrors inflicted on innocent people by the corrupt tyrannical despots. But this is more than a story of war. It is a story of friendship and loyalty. Of love and sacrifices. And choices for ultimately it is a story that shines a light on the fundamental urge by decent human beings to do right by another, to stand tall no matter the risk when millions stood silent. Where Irises Never Grow will linger in the readers gut and mind long after the last page is finished.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Thank you for visiting today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.
Excellent post, Sally. I enjoyed reading the reviews and book descriptions. I have two of them on my kindle but now will add the third. Congratulations to all of the writers. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
That is great thank you Gwen.. happy reading..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
As usual, excellent authors and reviewers, Sally
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks John..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
A great line-up of books, authors, and reviews. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Harmony.. You are a talented bunch in the cafe..hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great post featuring some great authors. I’m sharing over on my blog as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Much appreciated Don.. thanks x
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for sharing, Sally. Very grateful for your support. ❤ Paulette
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this great post featuring some great authors from the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore via Sally Cronin’s blog.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much Don..x
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for featuring Subject A36, Sally! I hadn’t even seen Balroop’s review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed A36, Balroop – you made my week!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pleasure Teri and delighted to share your new review…hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great! Thank you for remembering me, on putting some of them i have to my “reading area”. The last two weeks i had restructured some of my private workflow. 😉 Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great Michael..and good that you are making some time for other things outside of work, you always seem to be very busy..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Most time it only seems Sally! 😉 I am a wonderful procrastinator too, and if you once had lost the line, you most time have to start again. OK, its also possible getting better arguments by restarting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Procrastination is a common problem here too Michael.. especially on a sunny day lol..hugsx
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing, Sally! I was not familiar with Paulette Mahurin, so thank you for the introduction!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jan and delighted to bring Paulette to your attention..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sally for choosing my review of Teri’s amazing book. I have to check Paulette’s work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Balroop and delighted to introduce you to Paulette..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also enjoyed Subject A-36, Sally. The other two books also sound very good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your recommendation Robbie.. hugsx
LikeLike
Thank you so much for sharing, Sally. I’m grateful for your support. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure Paulette.. enjoy the rest of the week ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent line-up, Sally! I loved A36. I have Gadreel waiting on my TBR pile…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the recommendation Jessica… and great reading ahead of you by the sound of it..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic reviews! Congrats to Paulette, Teri and Vashti. I loved Vashti’s book and Paulette’s is coming up real soon in my KIndle. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Debby and something to look forward to…♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing Denise’s wonderful review of ‘The Rise of Gadreel,’ Sally! Congrats to the other authors❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delighted to share Vashti…♥
LikeLiked by 1 person