#BookReviews: #Novel #Shortstories #Novella

Published on by balroop singh

Today, I want to begin with the latest release of my long time blogger friend, Lisa. She met me when I started my blog in 2013, and her support has been consistent though she is so laid back that she never promotes her books. She is the author of divorce self-help books, short stories and poetry. ‘Daughter of the Moon’ is her debut novel.

‘Daughter of the Moon’ is an engaging account of a daughter who is abandoned at the door-step of Nora on a cold, stormy December night. She decides to adopt the baby and raises her with immense love. The mystery child grows up into a fine woman – Joele who learns to read tarot cards at a young age and earns a handsome amount from it at Diane’s Tea House. She is also an artist.

However, it is surprising that the question of her biological parents never crops up until Nora’s death. People of the town must’ve known the secrets or was the mother an outsider? Joele decides to dig deeper and many uncanny mysteries tumble out. How will Joele handle them? Can she believe the unsavory truth? Can she forgive the lady who gave birth to her and abandoned the infant? 

The story is slow-paced yet it holds your interest, as Thomson makes it a feel good story and doesn’t disclose the backstory of Shawnee’s torturous past. Her focus is relationships and their importance in our lives. All the characters are too good. Nothing is told about the villain and his possible guilt, which could have been an interesting aspect of the plot. A journey through self-discovery, this book offers love, friendship and acceptance. If you like cozy stories, this one is for you.

True to its name, ‘Miracles and Ghosts’ is a fantastic collection of Christmas stories. It starts with a heart-warming story of Julie Sandals who returns to her childhood home after seventeen years and finds love and hope despite the sinister plans of Doug. Finn weaves an element of magic in the narrative through a rainbow, white feather and the spiritual presence of a guardian angel.

‘Christmas Reunion’ highlights human values in a subtle manner; underlines the value of sibling love, kindness and nemesis.

A poignant story of Ursa and his cat pierced my heart though their new journey speaks of light.

‘At the Mall’ holds hope despite the mounting tension that gnaws at your heart, each moment. Finn won my heart with the miracle. All the stories are crafted well and have an emotional edge. The realism blends well with the magic and miracles, as soured relationships and challenges of life unfold. Finn’s signature style peeps through her cute kittens and Bubs. An enjoyable collection!

‘The Bubble Reputation’ is a haunting comment on the modern world which is driven by money, jealousy, social media, fake news and instant gratification. The story grabs your attention from page one when we meet Ursula Bloom who reveals her intentions and manipulates one of her employees to create a scandal that escalates to unimaginable proportions. While she basks in the glory of her malicious actions, Emmie Hobson loses almost everything. Is there a way out?

Fast-paced and realistic, Craigie creates an authentic story by crafting credible characters who could stoop absolutely low to tarnish the image of a popular author. She succeeds in stirring your emotions by placing you in the midst of a chilling scenario –  a smearing campaign against Emmie would haunt you and make you wonder how public opinion turns against you within moments.

This novella reveals the darkest side of humanity. It highlights that even your own friends and siblings could turn against you. Human values hold no significance in modern society and perils of social media cannot be dismissed with a shrug. I highly recommend this book. 

Thank you. Happy reading!
Here is the Amazon link for my new poetry book.

For more poetry, hang out with  Hues Of Hope 

78 thoughts on “#BookReviews: #Novel #Shortstories #Novella”

  5. Lisa’s book sounds great. I grabbed it and look forward to the read. I also enjoyed Denise’s Christmas stories. I’ve also read the Bubble Reputation. Your reviews are spot on, Balroop. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. xxx

  7. Great reviews, Balroop! I’m thrilled to find Miracles and Ghosts as one of them. Thank you and so happy you enjoy it! Xo

  9. Excellent reviews, Balroop. I enjoyed Denise’s Christmas collection as a warm up to the holidays, and Trish’s book was intense, because I could so easily see it happening! Thanks for introducing me to Lisa’s feel-good book too. Congrats to all the authors!

    1. Thank you for endorsing Denise’s and Trish’s books. They were quick reads and I enjoyed them. Lisa is too laid back about her books. I like her style of storytelling – just like her own self!

    3. Many thanks for that lovely comment, Diana. I really enjoyed Denise’s book and am off to investigate Lisa’s now!

  10. Love your reads and reviews Balroop. I enjoyed Denise’s and Trish’s books too. And thanks for the reminder about Lisa’s beautiful book. Congrats to all ❤

    3. Many thanks for the comment, Debby. The kindness of others keeps us all bouyant and happy. xx Hugs xx

    2. Balroop’s reviews are thoughtful and considered. I’m absolutely delighted with mine!

    2. Thanks, Miriam. It’s supportive authors like yourself that help to keep Indies ticking over.

    2. Many thanks, Robbie. Despite all your other activities and commitments, you still find time to support and promote this community. It’s much appreciated.

  17. Beautiful reviews, Balroop! I’ve posted my review of your wonderful book, “Just One Goodbye,” on my blog today and shared it on Amazon, Goodreads, and social media. Thank you!

    2. I love Balroop’s poetry, Dawn, but Just One Goodbye is exceptional and such a powerful capture of grief and loss.

  18. So many thanks for reading and reviewing my book, Balroop. To find it here is an amazing boost and I’m truly grateful to you.

  20. Balroop, thank you so much for sharing your review of Daughter of the Moon here at your blog! The community of writers here are so very supportive and I will certainly be reading the other books you’ve reviewed! Cheers and my apologies I didn’t see this post sooner.

      1. Thank you, Balroop. Last summer my email glitched and we were without for over 7 days. When we got it up and running again, I lost subscriptions to some of my favourite blogs, yours included. When i went to resubscribe, wordpress said I’m already a subscriber. Short story; I no longer get your blog posts notification in my email in box. So, I’ve had trouble keeping up. Yours isn’t the only one and it is frustrating. In any case, I’m still here and enthusiastic 🙂 Some days I am chilling haha. Love ya!

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