I’m dedicating this space for highlighting small press/indie books, because, let’s face it, big press publications are more likely to be reviewed by newspapers and magazines (online and otherwise) and don’t usually need additional attention from readers like me.

Anyone who’s completed a novel-sized project knows the joys and frustrations of writing. And when writers share their creations, conflicting opinions/suggestions are the norm. No book is perfect, and oftentimes critiques skew negative. So, out of respect to authors and understanding their tremendous efforts, my reviews will concentrate on positive attributes and strengths in the stories.

Criteria and Guidelines:

• My goal is to review at least one book per month.
• I’ve met and enjoyed interacting with the author.
• Unless otherwise noted, I’ve purchased the book.

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Reviews – Most Recent at Top

The Sea Archer (The Heaven and Earth Series) by Jeny Heckman (The Wild Rose Press/2018/Fantasy Romance/376 Pages):

The Sea Archer promises and delivers a compelling story inspired by Greek mythology, and it’s an exciting ride for characters and readers alike.

Multi-talented musician Raven is highly successful, but she’s grown tired of her pop-star image. She longs to perform her own material and redefine her brand that currently requires skimpy outfits and heavy makeup. But her manipulative manager/husband Donovan insists she’ll lose fans if she changes even one dyed-hair on her head. After Raven catches him cheating, Donavan promptly divorces her, yet still keeps tight-fisted control of her emotions and career. At the urging of her twin brother Wyatt and her best friend Que, Raven travels to Kaua’i for a much needed three month respite. Once there, she slowly reclaims her power. 

Marine biologist Finn enjoys the sweetness of women but has no intention of settling down. He was raised on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i by his beloved grandmother—a delightful and quirky woman named Dee. Finn loves his job and life on the ocean and has a natural affinity toward sea creatures, particularly monk seals. When Finn encounters Raven at the beach, and he can’t keep his mind off her, his world stops making sense. Adding to his worries, his grandmother begins talking about Greek prophecies as if they’re real. But while in the midst of questioning her sanity, strange things happen to Finn that can’t be easily explained.

The premise of The Sea Archer is fascinating and entertaining. This book is skillfully written and the characters are well rounded. One of the over-arcing themes is environmental consciousness, so some scenes are heartbreaking yet necessary. Once I started reading this novel, I couldn’t put it down.

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Winter Takes All (A Seattle Wilderness Mystery Book 1) by ML Erdahl (The Wild Rose Press/2019/Amateur Sleuths /264 Pages):

Winter Takes All begins shortly after New Years on a dreary, rain-soaked morning in Seattle. Crystal hasn’t quite recovered from an evening of revelry and is riding a crowded, musty-smelling bus as she returns to work after the holidays. Discouraged from discovering her resolutions are the same as the year before, and after being reprimanded by her sadistic boss, she quits her dead-end job in grand fashion. But once her bravado wears off, and she considers her finances, she can’t remain unemployed long without serious repercussions. Fortunately, Crystal is an avid hiker and quickly secures a position as a winter mountain guide; a bit beyond her skill set, but she’s a fast learner, and, after all, it’s her dream job. For her first gig, she’s paired with expert (and attractive) Conner who shows her the ropes. The two lead a corporate group of feuding employees on a snowshoeing trek to a remote lodge in the woods. And to the dismay of Crystal and Conner, someone is dead by morning.

From beginning to end, Winter Takes All is a page turner. Crystal and Conner are relatable, and we root for their success and happiness. For anyone who loves cold weather, enjoys nature, is stuck in an unfulfilling career, and/or gravities toward cozy mysteries, this story delivers pure satisfaction. Whether you’ve spent the day on the slopes or are still wearing your PJ’s and fuzzy socks from the night before, you’ll enjoy reading this novel in front of a crackling fire, because it will appeal to sports enthusiasts and couch spectators alike. 

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In the Queue for Review

Cities by Elizabeth Thorpe (Texture Press/2016/Short Stories/134 Pages):

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Daughter of Maat by Sandy Esene (Blue Benu Press/2018/Mythology & Folk Tales/384 Pages): 2019 Nancy Pearl Book Award Finalist