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Review: Safe Haven


Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Margaret McGaffey Fisk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I need to say that the author is a member of the writing group I belong to, and I consider her a friend. That said, I want to be as objective and honest as I can. But Margaret need not worry. I was impressed!

I must admit that at the beginning I felt the story a bit formulaic. I started reading once and got sidetracked by other books. But I got back in and put on my text-to-speech on fast to help me get engaged into the story. Once I was, I didn’t want to leave.

Lily, the main character, is a sweet, lovable soul who became real to me. Her sister, Sam, is cute as a button. Both are now orphans. Worse… they hide a secret from everyone. Even the law. Sam is a Natural. Naturals are against the law and put in an asylum.

At first I was confused by what being a Natural meant. But as I understand it now, a Natural is a person who can make and repair things made of metal gears and steam, seemingly as if by magic. To make matters worse, Lily finds herself falling for the local cop, Henry.

I was so sad to see the story end, even with a satisfying finish. Luckily, it seems there will be more to the story. I can hardly wait. Meanwhile, I have Ms. McGaffey Fisk’s other books on my Kindle shelves and ready to read. Great job, Margaret!

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The Scriptorium Daily.  Wow! Who knew you could do this from your phone? Very inconvenient compared to laptop or tablet, but doable.


Dar49 Daily. First my laptop quits working, now my tablet won’t get wi-fi. What gives? Doing this on my cell. My eyes are about to pop out in protest!

Stranger In A Stranger Land


Check this review!

Chris Winfield's avatarChris Winfield

Stranger in a Strange Land (Remembering Tomorrow)Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How do I love ‘Stranger In A Strange Land’? Let me count the ways! This towering story by the quintessential Sci-Fi heavyweight Robert A. Heinlein is the definitive, futuristic science fiction novel that sets the standard for all science fiction writers to cling to. I first read ‘Stranger…’ in 1975. What’s most intriguing about reading ‘Stranger…,’ in 2014, however, is that it gives us the visionary Heinlein’s ingenious perception into what he believed tomorrow’s world would look like when he published his majestic work of science fiction in 1961. He also dives into socio-religious and political themes that we might very well experience in the future.

‘Stranger In A Strange Land’ tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, the first human being born on a planet that isn’t Earth. Michael is “Rescued” by the second…

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Review: Of the Lilin


Of the Lilin Of the Lilin by Paulette Hampton My rating: 3 of 5 stars This was my bedtime book for a while. It was rather boring. But during that boring time it was educational and relatable for me. Having been diagnosed with clinical depression in 2002, I could relate to Sage, the main character’s, problems. I learned of other ways to look at things I went through. I learned questions I hadn’t thought to ask my doctors. All through Sage’s experiences. Meanwhile, during the day I was reading scarier books that I knew I didn’t dare read at bedtime. This arrangement worked out nicely. Until at about 20% into Of the Lilian, that is. Without giving a spoiler, I found that this book had to replace the daytime read, which fortunately I had finished by this point. From that 20% mark the book became quite exciting. It became the thriller/mystery it was promoted as. It kept me quite anxious, worried for Sage and her family. I couldn’t decide which I liked better the slower beginning or the angsty rest. Though I don’t mind the writer’s style, and love her ideas in this book, I found the jerking between viewpoints confusing and annoying. I had to go back and reread things to know whose eyes I was looking through. This made it a very tough read. Even still, don’t let my opinion stop you from trying the book out. You might find some gems just for you in the story. By the way, this book was a read/review freebie. Thank you! View all my reviews


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Review: Torn by Fury


Torn by Fury
Torn by Fury by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before I get into the actual review, I must thank S.M. Reine for allowing me to read/review her book for free.

As usual, Ms. Reine’s book grabbed me in the beginning and wouldn’t let me go until the end. It is so full of action that I actually groaned at the beginning as I wasn’t ready to get up and fight, again. I felt tired of the fights fought in the previous books of the series. I wasn’t ready for the blood, guts and gore, again.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the characters, demons, witches, and werewolves, a lot. I care about them and want for their best lives. So of course, when they decide to gang up together to fight the bad guys (um, angels, yeah) I am on their side. Yay, let’s go get’em! So I ignore my weak stomach and gird my loins for another war. Once I understand that that is what we have to do, I fight and cheer for them.

The gore doesn’t go away and I must admit to wishing I could hide from some scenes. But then I might miss something important.

Weary. That’s what I felt most for the characters. They have been through so much already, why prolong this?

Going into this book I thought it was near the end of the series. After all, Sarah has written the beginnings of another series. But I found at the end of the book that it wasn’t the wrapped up end. Sure some things get solved but other problems are calling for help. I felt so tired at the end of this book and it wasn’t because it was nearly 4 o’clock in the morning. And I had to pull out my latest ‘boring’ read to calm myself down to sleep. (Unfortunately, that book decided to get rousing, suddenly. Why can we rely on books to suit our needs?)

So, in the end, I find myself longing for the next book in the Ascension series. Meanwhile, while waiting for Sarah to finish it, I’ll read her new series, Preternatural Affairs. Even though many of her books contain blood and gore and fighting, I think a lot of people would like to read S. M. Reine’s books. I find it best to start out with the werewolf books, Six Moon Summers, etc. Rylie’s stories, then proceed to the Cain Chronicles. Then there is Descent and Ascension series with Elise and James. Sarah drags all the characters you know and love through all the books. I love that as you get to know everyone so intimately. Charater depth at is best! Enjoy!

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