The Scotties Learn About Respect by Stephanie Robinson. Illustrations by Wendy Hope

Children learn the lesson of respect through a cute story about three Scottish Terriers: Archie, Flea, and Bonnie. After Archie destroys Mom’s garden, Flea scolds him about his lack of respect for Mom. Archie doesn’t know what respect means, so Flea explains it.

Archie trots over to Mom and apologizes. Mom understands Archie is sorry and forgives him. The next day, he helps Mom replant the tomatoes he destroyed, and all is well.

Exemplary illustrations demonstrate the possibility of the lesson learned without words.

Young readers will enjoy this tale following the dogs from page to page.

VISITS Four Times by Ginger H. Edwards

Extraordinary writing from Ginger Edwards in her four short stories about aliens from outer space, called Visits, Four Times.

Lighthearted and witty describe the ‘visits’ best. Take a few minutes to escape into Ginger’s storytelling brilliance.

The Crimson Path of Honor by M.B. Tosi

A captivating story about a wealthy young woman in the 1860’s who ran away from her stable Boston life to avoid an arranged marriage. Planning to use her skills as a teacher changed when during her escape she ended up captured by a band of Lakota Sioux. Luci Garling became Morning Star, named by her captor, Golden Eagle.

The story encompassed three long years as Morning Star assimilated into the Lakota culture. She developed into a better fighter alongside the braves than a squaw among the women. Her new life demanded courage and bravery as she fought to survive.

M.B. Tosi kept me engaged with rich Lakota Sioux history as Morning Star struggled in dangerous situations. Forced to decide unexpected choices maintained my interest throughout the book.

Along with history and adventure, a complicated romance between Morning Star and her captor, Golden Eagle, influenced both their lives. Trust and friendship prevailed over extraordinary situations revealing morals and values of the characters.

I recommend The Crimson Path of Honor by M.B. Tosi to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy historical fiction. An ideal approach to experience the Lakota Sioux Nation is by appreciating this significant novel.

Vampires IV Stories by Ginger Edwards

A captivating read from a vampire’s unique point of view describe Ginger Edwards impeccable skill of short story writing.  The author displays her true passion for the genre in each of the four engaging stories.

Pick up a copy of Vampires IV Stories, and become enchanted with the violin master, Philippe de Montpellier.

Spunk by Helen O’Reilly

In a post-apocalyptic world, can women live without men? Hell yeah, according to the tale told by Helen O’Reilly. Women can provide all the necessities of life living in the forest that used to be New York City.

Men do serve a purpose, however. The women trap and hunt the species to immortalize their community. Once the deed is done, their mantra is, waste not, want not.

I recommend Spunk by Helen O’Reilly for readers who enjoy a good fable sprinkled with humor.

Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke

Sequel to ‘Magic Fire’.

 

Bridgette Decker lives an interesting life filled with adversity. A brave woman, Bridgette returns to Honduras where she changes an orphaned girl’s life.  

Back home in Arizona, we witness Bridgette’s skills as a volunteer firefighter and nurse as she assists with The Gladiator Fire in Crown King.  During the battle, she ends up an accident victim flown to Phoenix for emergency care. Does the accident result in suffering for a lifetime?

We share Bridgette’s unexpected love experience after losing her husband in Magic Fire.

The outstanding scenery descriptions of Roatan and Phoenix remain a bonus throughout the story.

I recommend Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke for anyone who enjoys adventure and stories about true friendship.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley

A Deadly Appetite

 

La Dura possessed the treasure to save the protagonist, Maria Ropero, from ruin. She was the last of a proud Spanish family and the sole owner of a giant cattle empire along the Arizona/Mexican border. About to lose everything, she contacted a group of unsavory men to cross the border with her, into Mexico, in search of the treasure of La Dura.

Aware the dangers of the mission were life threatening, didn’t keep Maria from seeking the riches to make her the wealthiest woman in the world. As Maria begged for her life, she cried, ‘You stupid fool. I am Maria Ropero. I own La Dura.’

The story is violent, as expected on such a quest. The men hired to find the gold are the worst of the worst, and their disgusting behavior proved it during the hunt for treasure. There is one exception, Flynn O’Neil, a hero from the Iraq/Afghanistan War. He and Maria fell in love, which I found unnecessary in the midst of the story, with awkward love making scenes.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley, is an action adventure, with an unpredictable ending sure to surprise readers.