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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jul 7, 2022  
Author Thomas H. McNeely visits my blog to discuss what it means to lose where we live in an emotional yet touching guest post. Read up on his coming of age/short stories fiction book PICTURES OF THE SHARK while you're there. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win an editorial critique of an excerpt from an unpublished short story or novel and/or an autographed copy of Pictures of the Shark.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/07/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-pictures-of.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
A sudden snowfall in Houston reveals family secrets. A trip to Universal Studios to snap a picture of the shark from Jaws becomes a battle of wills between father and son. A midnight séance and the ghost of Janis Joplin conjure the mysteries of sex. A young boy’s pilgrimage to see Elvis Presley becomes a moment of transformation. A young woman discovers the responsibilities of talent and freedom.

Pictures of the Shark, by Houston native and Dobie Paisano award-winning author Thomas H. McNeely, traces a young man's coming of age and falling apart. From the rough and tumble of Houston's early seventies East End to the post-punk Texas bohemia of late eighties Austin, this novel in stories examines what happens when childhood trauma haunts adult lives.
     
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Merissa (13389 KP) rated Eeny Meeny by Laura N. Andrews in Books

Jun 15, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)  
Eeny Meeny by Laura N. Andrews
Eeny Meeny by Laura N. Andrews
Laura N. Andrews | 2022 | Romance, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
EENY MEENY is a standalone novella in the Nursery Crimes series. I have to say, this is the first time I've read about a psychopath as the main GOOD character!

Honestly? This novella was brilliant. Originally, I planned on giving 4-stars but then I realised that there is nothing wrong with the story as it is. It's just me being greedy, wanting a full-blown novel. Of course, with it being a novella, the pacing is fast and the emotional connection between the main characters is pretty much instant, but still!

This is a complete story, including details of Elizabeth's childhood, her relationship with her mum, and her feelings for Isaac. She may not have the full scope of emotions but she loves him with all that she is. And that is enough! You also find out about those she targets and why. It really is all here.

Ms Andrews' writing never disappoints! Very different to what she's written previously, she nevertheless nailed it. Very different and I loved every word. Highly recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 8, 2022
  
Bridging Hope (Bridging Hearts #1)
Bridging Hope (Bridging Hearts #1)
Greyson McCoy | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BRIDGING HOPE is the first novella in the Bridging Hearts series. We start with Pierce - a workaholic who has ended up in the last place he ever expected... his childhood home. It doesn't hold any happy memories as he was physically abused by his father. When his sister dies though, he steps up to the mark for his niece and nephew. The complication arises when his sister puts Dalton, an ex-boyfriend, down as guardian for them though. Can the two of them work together for the sake of the children?

For a shorter-length story, this one packs a punch. The world- and character-building are clear and concise, giving plenty of details about the farm, the children, and the MCs. Pierce gets his priorities mixed up at one point, but this just makes him more realistic. I loved how Dalton was the steady one, who had dreams but wasn't afraid to either put them on hold for the sake of the children or make it work around them.

A great story that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 20, 2024
  
    By Degrees

    By Degrees

    JB McDonald

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    Con’s a firefighter; he knows a burning flame when he sees one. But as things heat up between him...

TI
The Imperfect Art of Caring
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
90 of 220
Book
The Imperfect Art of Caring
By Jessica Ryn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

er talks about herself. She’s friendly but doesn’t have many real friends. She’s become good at keeping people at a distance ever since she left home at eighteen and never looked back.

But when Violet is forced to return home to care for her estranged mother, Glenys, she quickly finds out that life as a carer isn’t easy. Feeling overwhelmed, she’s forced to turn to the other local carers, including childhood friend, Adam, for help.

Although returning home still feels like a mistake, maybe it will help Violet right some wrongs. After all, she can’t keep running from her past forever, and in learning to look after others, perhaps Violet can start to finally love herself…

I’m becoming a big fan of Jessica Ryn she has a way of writing that hits all the feels. This one didn’t disappoint either, this is a story from the other side especially when my husband is my carer I felt every word of this book on a personal level. Such a joy to read especially when I’ve been on a thriller and horror kick lately. It’s shows the ups and downs of caring for a loved one or helping a complete stranger. Highly recommend.
  
Mr Collins in Love
Mr Collins in Love
Lee Welch | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MR COLLINS IN LOVE is a genteel story that begins a few months before the better-known story of Pride and Prejudice. In here, we learn more about Mr Collins and his patroness, Lady Catherine. He is not one of the nicest characters in P&P, so I was a little dubious about reading this.

I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!

Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2025