BOOK REVIEW: Shepherd of the Black Sheep by Kristopher Triana

Vermont winters harden more than land.

After the untimely death of his daughter. Rancher Tom Hardgrave is given sole custody of his granddaughter, ten-year-old Paige. He desperately wants to be a good guardian, but the personal hardships keep coming for him and the child.

 When an unknown assailant takes the life of Paige’s best friend, the police are baffled and the small town of Middlebury grows fearful and suspicious.

COMING SOON ON AMAZON & GOODREADS SEPTEMBER 2018

REVIEW

*Note this book has not been released yet coming soon September 2018*

Hauntingly beautiful you will not be able to put Shepherd of the Black Sheep down. Kristopher Triana is in the likes of if I dare say, Stephen King. You are lulled into ordinary guy Tom Hardgrave’s cold world of Middlebury along with his sweet tragic granddaughter Paige. Then a child is murdered, and his granddaughter is the witness. Tirana grip has you now. You’re with Tom as his world goes into this unspeakable thriller that it is. In the end, the question remains. At what lengths would you go for your child?

Triana writing is superb. The book is set in winter so the overall tone of the book has this overcast melancholy feel it is so easy to get lost and transported like you were in Middlebury itself. Triana writes Tom with an odd likable and relatability even for a female reader. While this book is a thriller all the way it also has a hidden underlayer that I found pleasing. Not sure if I am correct or if it's just me but check out this book and see if you can find it too.

My Rating **********10 stars! SUBERB!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristopher Triana is an American author. His works include The Ruin Season, Body Art, The Detained and Growing Dark. His next horror novel, Full Brutal, is scheduled for release by Grindhouse Press. His fiction has appeared in many magazines, anthologies, audio books and on websites, and some of his stories have been translated to Russian. His novel Body Art was translated to German by Festa Verlag. His fiction has drawn praise from Publisher’s Weekly, Rue Morgue Magazine, Cemetery Dance and more. While primarily a horror writer, he also writes crime fiction, literary fiction, southern gothic, noir, westerns, and whatever else his brain sets ablaze.

More books and information about Triana visit him at his website

http://kristophertriana.com/

BOOK REVIEW: Glenys, The Cartographer’s Daughter A Romance Novella by Ronda Eileen Henry

Synopsis: 

This story is set in the fictional medieval-like Kingdom of Penruddock.

Glenys is thirty-three years old, a widow, and the mother of a sixteen-year-old son. Her father, Master Glendower, is a cartographer of great renown. Called to a meeting in the Royal Palace with Prince Adelard, the heir to the throne, regarding a royal commission to make drawings of the boundaries between the six traditional regions of Penruddock, Glenys meets a tall, handsome, forty-year-old widowed officer of the Palace Guards named Captain Lewin. He's to accompany them on their travels. Unbeknownst to Glenys, Captain Lewin is looking for a wife and settles on her. Sparks will fly, but what will come of them, especially when the Captain's almost sixteen-year-old daughter joins them?

                             AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND BARNES& NOBLES

REVIEW

If you're a lover wholesome romance novellas with a bit of taboo then you will enjoy Glenys, The Cartographer’s Daughter. Henry does an excellent job in story-telling and is a master of creating strong women characters without them losing one OUNCE of femininity that makes them a lady. I love that her women characters are ever much a lady but will kick your arse if you mistake that for weakness. That is our leading lady Glenys in this charming double-decker romance novella. Why do I say double decker? Well, read the book to find out. Glenys female empowerment though almost lost the love altogether. That is until the Captain’s daughter joins the group and that is when the true sparks fly and confusing things happen, but you then remind yourself back in those days they did those things.

I was riveted!

My rating is *****5 stars I was engrossed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic, and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age.

Retired now, she lives in Florida.

BOOK REVIEW: Petra, The Forrester's Daughter, A Romance Novella by Ronnda Eileen Henry

This story is set in the fantasy world of Penruddock, a vast island kingdom in a medieval-like world.

Four friends go to war. though common-born, they are knighted on the field of battle. Returning to Penruddock, they can't initially find work as knights. Two returns to the work they did before going to war. One, Richard, will later find work as a knight. One, William, will compete for an award at an archery competition, win, and be offered a position as a forester by the Duke of Crozby's master forester, Lord Peter. Some months later, he will meet Lord Peter's daughter, Petra Grace. Only, he will suddenly recognize that they saw each other once before when he didn't know that she was a forester's daughter and felt, at that one meeting with her, that his heart was lost in her eyes and smile. Will William woo Petra and win her hand?

                          

                      AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON and Barnes&Noble

                                                            

REVIEW

Petra, The Forrester’s Daughter is a surprisingly enjoyable adventurous romantic read. While a bit slow at the beginning Henry does not disappoint you. The book turns into a jolt of sweet romantic adventure tale leaving you with a smile at the end. I could not believe the shocking twist either which I will not give away. The only sad part is you wish the book was longer. Oh, how much more tantalizing the book could be if certain parts were fleshed out more. Still, Henry does amazing work creating such an amazing well-detailed world as well such well-developed characters and putting it all in a short novella format.

 Overall I loved it and I recommend it. It is a good read.

My Rating *****(5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age.

Retired now, she lives in Florida

BOOK REVIEW: Henrietta, The Diplomat's Daughter: A Romance Novella by Ronnda Eileen Henry

Synopsis 

Henrietta, The Diplomat's Daughter is set in a medieval-like world and told, in part, through the eyes of a twenty-three-year-old scribe named Henrietta. Her father is a royal diplomat and has been assigned to complete a trade treaty and bring about a royal wedding between Prince Harold, a twenty-nine-year-old widowed father who is the nephew of their own King Lambert of Penruddock, and Princess Mai, the niece of a king in a far-off kingdom called Galicia, which is famous for the weaving of fine silk. However, just as they begin the journey to take the Prince to Galicia, he flirts with Henrietta, which makes her think very ill of him. What happens afterward is an adventure in murder, insurgency, upset stomachs, and romance as Henrietta and Harold face danger and find out what royal love really means.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLES

REVIEW

Love just seemed to be a backburner in this very juicy medieval murder insurgency tale. Overall though the tale, nevertheless, is about Henrietta and Prince Harold, whose romance is simple, sweet, and funny. When Harold tries to steal a kiss on Henrietta and she catches him turning away... it was just at the right moment. You can just imagine his puckered lips deflating at that moment in rejection.

 I also love Henry's character development. Her characters have instant depth, are well rounded and solid. And she squeezes all that in a novella length book not once distracting from the flow of the tale. Henry has produced quite a list of short sweet romance novellas under her belt. I have read all of them as they are the perfect read for a busy mother of three. Henrietta, The Diplomat’s Daughter ranks in my top fave.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age.

Retired now, she lives in Florida.

BOOK REVIEW: Emily, The Beekeeper’s Daughter A Romance Novella by Ronnda Eileen Henry

SYNOPSIS

Sir Robin, a common-born knight, comes to Borrowdale valley as a young knight in service to the widowed Earl of Borrow. The Earl's youngest daughter, Lady Grace, who will come of age in a few months, decides she wants to persuade her father to arrange a marriage between her and Sir Robin. The other young knight at Borrowdale, Sir Andrew, is also a common-born knight. He was wooing Lady Grace before Robin arrived, but her interest in Robin quickly pushes Andrew out of her mind. Robin, however, is taken with Emily, the beekeeper's daughter. Out of loyalty to the Borrow family, she holds back her own attraction to Robin, leaving him to think that she has no interest in him. Will love win in the end? And if so, for whom?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON and Barnes & Noble

REVIEW

Emily, The Beekeeper’s Daughter is a book to be adored. A poetic love web is one way to best describe this must gobble up this book. Henry writes her characters strong and instantly likable as we meet the handsome Sir Knight Robin coming into service to the Earl of Borrowdale. Robin is instantly smitten with seeing Emily and so is Emily. Her friend Grace and the Earl’s daughter has her sights on Robin too and let’s face it what the Earl’s daughter wants she gets. Unbeknownst another a young man-at-arms Andrew who has constantly been there to listen to Grace flattering her at any cost secretly pines for Grace as well. What ensues at the annual best of the best tournament is nothing but page turning goodness. How this love confusion turns out and how Henry makes poop romantic... you'll have to read for yourself!

RATING: *****(5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age.

Retired now, she lives in Florida.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Thrice Nine Legends Saga: Volume I by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd

While I haven't had the luxury to read any of his books...yet I have spotlighted Joshua and J.C.'s books before on my site. Well, GUESS WHAT! Anaerfell, The Blood of Dragons, Book 1 is now FREE! Available wherever books are sold. No excuses now Get hooked on the magic!

 You know you are going to want to read the rest so here they are in chronological reading order for full enjoyment. You can search for any of the books anywhere books are sold.

Anaerfell, The Blood of Dragons,Book 1

Warden of the Ash Tree

The Highborn Longwalker

Melkorka, The Kaelandur Series, Book 1

When Blood Falls

Dyndaer, The Kaelandur Series, Book 2

The Name of Death

Maharia, The Kaelandur Series, Book 3

Heshayol, The Blood of Dragons, Book 2

HECK BUY THE WHOLE COLLECTION IN THE  Thrice Nine Legends Saga: Volume I

BUY NOW!

AVAILABLE AT  

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                                                                           Apple

                                                                           Kobo

About The Authors

Joshua Robertson was born in Kingman, Kansas on May 23, 1984. A graduate of Norwich High School, Robertson attended Wichita State University where he received his master’s in social work with minors in psychology and sociology. His bestselling novel, Melkorka, the first in The Kaelandur Series, was released in 2015. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He counts R.A. Salvatore and J.R.R. Tolkien among his literary influences.

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J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs and has an M.A. in English Literature. The first novel in his world, Blood, and Bile, was released in 2017. Before completing junior high, J.C. had received his first box set of Dungeons & Dragons and devoured J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Since, he has been heavily influenced by a myriad of fantasy authors, such as Weis and Hickman, Robert Jordan, and Ed Greenwood.

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BOOK REVIEW: Dear Tarquin By Dan Heiser

 Louis has had a good life, an exciting life. Now as his life comes to an end, he is ready to share it with his eldest son, Tarquin. Louis writes to his son about his experiences during the Second World War, a story he wanted to keep to himself forever. Now as he is dying he is ready to share. Take a journey with an old man as he recalls the past and shares his hopes, dreams, and fears as a young soldier in the United States Army.

Dear Tarquin is the retelling of the events of D-Day to shortly after the events of VE Day told from the memories of an old man writing his story to his oldest son. Return to World War II with an old man as he retells his story as a young US Army Soldier.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON

REVIEW

As novice history lover I have to say Dear Tarquin is beautiful! A book has not affected my soul like this in a long time. I believe it is intolerable to imagine what these soldiers went through, but Heiser with his wring prowess does fantastically! He clasps your hand vividly dragging you down into the cold dirty ditches of war with our lead character Louis as he shares his story with his oldest son.


Dear Tarquin is breathtakingly written. Only the switching from 1st person to 3rd person is the only downside to this book. As a reader, it was kind of bothersome. In the end, though it did not take away from the story itself.  All hail our veterans who fought for freedom in this land.

My rating *****(5 stars)


BUY NOW!! 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Heiser is an author of historical fiction focusing on the early-mid 20th century. His previous titles include These Four Days (about the Titanic), Where I've Been (First World War),  and It Begins in Rye(first book in a six book series on World War II). A recent graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor's in Game Design he currently attends Norwich University to get his Masters in History. If he is not writing he is spending more time with family and friends.

Book Review: The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection by Ronnda Eileen Henry

Synopsis: A collection of seven romance novellas set in the fantasy world of the vast island continent of Penruddock. Marigold, Poppy, Rose, Violet, Krysantha, Peony, and Hyacinth aren't just the names of beautiful flowers. They're also the names of the romantic protagonists in seven novellas. These women follow different paths in their pursuit of love and romance; and may experience adventure, danger, conspiracy, comedy, and tragedy on their way to finding a sweet love. For some, it's the first love. For others, a second. In spite of opposition and obstacles that sometimes block their way, they all strive for a love which is sweet and true. Three of the women are commoners. Four are of the nobility. Each in her own way challenges the conventions of her time. Come and meet The Flowers of Penruddock. Also included is the Jane Austen fan fiction fantasy romance novella, "Cousins, One and All," which takes place partly in Penruddock. Or does it?

AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBLE      

REVIEW

Released individually Henry has now compiled her fanciful tales into one collection The Flowers of Pendruddock: A Romance Collection. As a bonus, you get her special Jane Austen fanfic novella Cousins, One and All she collaborated with Aleksandra Layland. Each romance tale is emotionally unique and different on its own as they feature love at different stages of life. The sole connection these stories have is that each story takes place in a certain time period in the fantasy world of Pendruddock. Additionally, each heroine is named after a flower.

I personally read each novella individually as they were released. In the collection, they are placed in Pendruddock’s historical, chronological order. I fell in love with Henry’s writing style, and her sweet emotional romance tales she spun. I thrived on her innocent romantic tales that inevitably leave your smiling when you are done. If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up read Ronnda Eileen Henry the author to be.

My Rating ****(4 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age.

Retired now, she lives in Florida.

Book Review: Love, Royal and True: A Romance Novella by Ronnda Eileen Henry

Synopsis:

"In the medieval world of Penruddock, the Lady Hyacinth is promised in marriage to Prince Adelard from the time she is born, and the two grow up to love one another. As she approaches marriageable age, however, one obstacle after another prevents their wedding. In an unexpected tragedy, Prince Adelard's father suddenly becomes king and Adelard the heir to the throne. Forces of intrigue attempt to separate Hyacinth and Adelard so that he might marry another. Will their love for each other survive?"

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON 

                                          and BARNES & NOBLES

                                                                                                       

REVIEW

Love, Royal and True is the 7th book released in what Henry calls her Flowers of Penruddock collection (which I heard will be released soon with all the books in one collection). I love Henry’s romance writing and style. You always feel good after reading her books.

 In Love, Royal and True though I was conflicted. When it came to the romantic leads in the story Adelard and Hyacinth, while likable characters their romance fell flat to me. I felt no love from them other than the fact the author wrote that they did love each other. They seemed more like good friends than this epic love that seemed stated. A love that survived obstacles and tragedies, which were quite saddening, to say the least. I was like man this book is depressing too!

Henry is known for her sweet, pure, innocent romance novella’s that show you don’t have to go to the explicit to make a heart swoon. In Love, Royal and True it was a bit amiss. 

From a writing perspective Love, Royal and True faltered as well. There were a few contradictions in the story too that were amiss as well.One is at one point it stated that Hyacinth daughter was the oldest of her children. In just a few pages back it stated Hyacinth gave birth to a son first. Huh? How? This all combined made it a lesser read than it could have been.

MY RATING *** (3 STARS)     

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronnda Eileen Henry is originally from Michigan and was raised in California and Virginia. She read a lot of history, biography, science fiction, and Regency romances when she was young, and her two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Aleksandra Layland. She has the heart of a romantic and believes romance is for people of any age. Sweet romance is her favorite, whether it's for a teenager or a person in middle age. 
Retired now, she lives in Florida.