Reviews of Great Poetry, Leonberger Dogs, Mythical Adventure and Crime Fiction

I am excited to share with you my reviews of Wendy E. Slater’s stellar poetry volume, Thomas Wikman touching tale on Leonberger dogs, John Dolan’s whirlwind masterpiece Mythical Adventure, and Joy York’s newest women’s crime fiction novel.

The Perspective of the Constellation by Wendy E. Slater

Poems-Volume 17, The Traduka Wisdom Poetry Series. Inspirational Poetry

Modern and timeless mystical poetry created to enlighten you, word by word, into your own reconciliation of self-blame and judgment in today’s modern reality. Poems to transform universal and individual wounds into wisdom. (Amazon book description)

I thought that Ms. Slater’s latest poetry volume takes readers on a profound journey through life’s intricacies, navigating difficulties, enduring betrayals, relishing life experiences, embracing love, and capturing genuinely touching moments that reverberate with our own existence. With a distinct and thought-provoking style that is intricately intertwined into each line, Slater creates a collection that entices readers to return to its pages again and again.
This is more than a book; it’s a highly recommended voyage into the heart of the human experience.

I am looking forward to reading Into the Hearth next.

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The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger by Thomas Wikman

If you’re thinking of getting a Leonberger, or if you’ve already owned one and know how rewarding the experience can be, you’ll want to read the story of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, called Bronco, who came into the lives of the Wikman family of Dallas, Texas, in 2007. (Amazon book description)

As a dog person (and not only) I found Thomas Wikman’s “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger” a must-read for dog lovers in the least. In a world saturated with dog-related literature, Wikman’s book stands out as a hidden gem, capturing the essence of the Leonberger breed through a delightful blend of information, history, and heartwarming anecdotes.

The author’s deep connection to Le Bronco is palpable from the first few pages. He is more than just a dog; he is a companion, a friend, and an important member of the family. Wikman’s writing style, reminiscent of the vivid scenes I frequently see through my window, transports readers to the world of Le Bronco with a keen eye for detail. The descriptions of events are more than just words on a page; they are sensory experiences, similar to the crisp sounds of snow falling or the subtle crackling of a fireplace in a winter cabin.

The narrative alternates between lighthearted and touching scenes, reflecting the Leonberger breed’s multifaceted nature. Wikman skillfully shares the breed’s interesting history and regales readers with heartwarming stories of Le Bronco’s antics. The book is a testament to the author’s passion for his canine companion, evident in every carefully chosen word.

One of the book’s highlights is the inclusion of beautiful drawings depicting Le Bronco in action and occasionally getting into mischief. They not only add visual appeal, but also help the reader connect with the charismatic Leonberger. A clever touch that brings the story to life and makes it understandable to readers of all ages.

A beautiful, heartwarming book about an incredible dog breed with a BIG heart!

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Thomas has an incredible blog sharing stories from Leonberger’s Life.

Adventures in Mythopoeia by John Dolan

“It was neither the best of times, nor the worst of times. It was somewhere in the middle. ” So begins a modern-day epic drawing on the Greek Myths, Don Quixote, the Quest for the Holy Grail and Carl Jung’s treatise on UFOs. Packed with dark humor and eccentric characters, Adventures in Mythopoeia will take you on a madcap journey of criminality, enchantment, laugh-out-loud gags and British weather. (Amazon book description)

Be warned! Whether you enjoy classical Greek tragedies, Old Testament-style stories, or Arthurian legends, this hefty book has something for you. The story is a massive page-turner that defies categorization, ranging from modern politics to circus life, time travel, and talking cats. What a vibrant tapestry of characters this book creates! The rogues gallery presented within its pages is nothing short of captivating, with each character possessing a distinct blend of eccentricity, charm, and complexity.

But it’s not just the characters who shine in this story; the magical supernatural cosmology, reminiscent of Harry Potter, adds another layer of enchantment to the story. The author’s masterful world-building brings unforgettable settings to life, transporting readers to realms where anything is possible. What distinguishes this book is the author’s ability to create gripping plots that are supported by a cast of characters who jump off the page and into our hearts. The tangy allusions to mysterious arcana and ancient myths add depth and intrigue, while the savory dialogue and luscious humor keep the story moving.

Amidst the excitement and laughter, the book provides poignant commentary on the ills of modern society, expertly weaving in themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The allegorical nature of the story allows for characters with human flaws who are both believable and endearing, making their struggles all the more understandable. John Dolan’s deft hand ensures that every sprawling red thread is neatly tied together in an audacious plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the end.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of adventure, intrigue, and enchantment, look no further than this extraordinary tale. At over 700 pages you will cradle this book and not want to put it down.

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Protective Instinct by Joy York

When self-absorbed, international bestselling author Sebastian Bartoli refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected Maximillian Fontana, the consequences turn deadly. (Amazon Book description)

As an avid reader who had thoroughly enjoyed Joy York’s previous novels, “Genuine Deceit” and “The Bloody Shoe Affair,” I eagerly embarked on “Protective Instinct,” knowing I was in for a wild ride. True to form, York delivers an action-packed story full of twists, turns, and surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.

The plot begins with self-absorbed author Sebastian Bartoli’s refusal to write the biography of the notorious mob-connected Maximillian Fontana, which sets off a series of deadly consequences. From there, the plot moves forward at a breakneck pace, engulfing readers in a world of danger, intrigue, and high drama. The action takes us on a thrilling journey across the country, from RVs to cars to motorcycles, as our protagonists deal with not only the threats they face, but also the ghosts of their past. With each new revelation, the tension rises to a heart-pounding climax that kept me turning pages until the end.

What I enjoyed most about “Protective Instinct” was its diverse cast of characters, each with their own complexities and motivations. From the feisty Morgan, who demonstrates her ability to handle even the most dangerous situations, to the individuals lurking in the shadows, each character adds depth and intensity to the plot.

If you love thrillers with compelling characters, gripping plots, and nail-biting action, “Protective Instinct” is a must-read. York expertly blends suspense and romance, resulting in a truly captivating reading experience that will leave you breathless. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure that will keep them guessing until the very last page. “Protective Instinct” is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that you do not want to miss.

Joy York has a new book coming out very soon and I can’t wait to read it: The Moonshine Murders: The Jailer’s Daughter Mysteries!

I hope you will pick up some new reads today.
Happy leap day everyone!

When Saint Bridgid of Ireland complained over the delay in marriage proposals by men, Saint Patrick provided women with an opportunity to propose. After negotiations, they settled on a compromise: this day would occur once every 4 years.

#LeapDay #folklore #history #LeapYear pic.twitter.com/kZTYANmRaG

— 💙💛Patricia Furstenberg, Author 🏰🌲💙 (@PatFurstenberg) February 29, 2024