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Tag Archives: Cindy Stark

WWMB Best of 2020

29 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by WWMB in Featuring....

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Amy June Bates, Anna Lee Huber, C.S. Harris, Christine Trent, Cindy Stark, Cynthia St. Aubin, Darynda Jones, Denali Day, Erica Ridley, Grace Draven, Jodi Taylor, Juliet Marillier, Kate Racculia, Kerrigan Byrne, Kit Rocha, Kyndra Hatch, Laurie A. Green, Maria Vale, Mary Robinette Kowal, Matthew A. Cherry, Milla Vane, Nita Round, Pauline Baird Jones, Rebecca Roanhorse, Susanna Kearsley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Tiffinie Helmer, Vashti Harrison, Vicki Stiefel, Zara Ramm

Assuming I was diligent about updates on my Goodreads account, I read (or listened to) 131 books in 2020.   I like to think that I am pretty discriminating when it comes to choosing which books to read.  That means that almost every book that I read is a winner.  That makes it very difficult to pick out the best of 2020.

However, there are several that have stood out.  These are the books that come to mind long after I have read the last word.  They elicit emotions ranging from despair to hope, evoking anger, laughter and love.  In short – they leave a mark. 

Today I am presenting my selections for the WWMB Best of 2020.  I hope you find something that appeals to you.  Most were published in 2020 and for the few that are older, I’ve noted the publishing year.  If you have a favorite you would like to share, please add it in the comments.

(Note: Click on book covers for the Amazon link.  Link to Goodreads under each title.)

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Science Fiction Romance

Catnip for SciFi Reading Librarians
Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians, #1) by Kit Rocha
Goodreads

In 2020, Kit Rocha (pen name for the writing team of Donna Herren and Bree Bridges) released Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarian, #1) by Kit Rocha.  Mercenary librarians. How is someone like me, a librarian that loves Scifi romance, going to ignore this one?  Deal With the Devil is a non-stop action, post-apocalyptic scifi thriller. There are evil corporate overlords and supersoldier enforcers. Nina, Knox and their friends are the bright stars in the neighborhood (or wherever they venture to), helping out in their peaceful, quiet ways and also in their deadly, not-so-quiet ways. These are the honorable heroes of the futuristic Atlanta.  Previously known for paranormal tales, I am very happy Kit Rocha as entered the scifi realm.  Also, this is one of my favorite book covers of 2020.

Genre-Bending
Changed (The Made Ones Saga, #2) by Vicki Stiefel
Goodreads

Changed is a cross between Scifi and Fantasy that features transportation to a parallel world where the Earth-bound ravages of disease and age are miraculously wiped away. I have to say, I really like this idea. Of course, the miracle comes with a price.  One hopes the price will be worth it.  Bad guys with a dystopian-like control make things interesting.  Parallel worlds, flying horses, DNA manipulation, magic.  See – a little bit of everything.  Love this series!

Best SciFi Romance Collection
Pets in Space 5 by many authors
Goodreads

Pets in Space 5 – The 2020 release is the best Pets In Space collection of all.  Even though the anthology is supposed to be about pets, many of the cats, dogs and otherworldy creatures are so much more than pets. Many are sentient companions, have specific purposes and even seem to be as in charge of things as their partners. Pet lovers can relate to this.  I thought all the stories were great, but if I had to single out 1 or 3, they would be General’s Holiday by Pauline Baird Jones, Juggernaut by Laurie A. Green and Finding Mogha by Kyndra Hatch.

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Science Fiction

Best SciFi Series
Lady Astronaut by Mary Robinette Kowal
Goodreads

Book 3, The Relentless Moon, was released in 2020, but I read all three books in this series, plus a few short stories last year.  A lot of research was done to make the story of an early aggressive space program developed to save humanity seem real and vital. Told from the POV of the women destined to be the first Lady Astronauts, the story reflects attitudes toward women and minorities in the 50s. So, our heroines and their friends have a lot to overcome.  Notable among the short stories is The Lady Astronaut of Mars, (free to read on Tor.com)a novelette first published in 2012.  Read this after reading books 1 and 2.  Be prepared to shed some tears.  Nebula Award winning series.

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Intentional Time Travel

Time is Complicated
Just in Time (Out of Time, #2) by Pauline Baird Jones
Goodreads

This long-awaited sequel to Out of Time is the edge-of-your seat, messing-with-time adventure that appeals to the “Time is Complicated” crowd.

Best Spinoff from a Favorte Series
Doing Time (The Time Police, #1) by Jodi Taylor
Goodreads

Published in 2019, this first book in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s spinoff series features Matthew Farrell, the scion of a pair of awesome, yet calm-challenged parents.  Along with his two misfit friends, they form Team Weird, keeping the world safe from illegal time travel.  Shenanigans ensue!  I love the original series, and I am afraid I am going to love this one just as much!  The audiobook is superbly narrated by Zara Ramm.

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Steampunk Powered by Women
A Touch of Ice (The Towers of the Earth, #4) by Nita Round
Goodreads

If I think back to book 1 of this series, which I read as a mystery and not much more, I am amazed at how far the story has progressed. Every time I finish a book in this series, I think the story just keeps getting better.  While the overall story arc of The Towers of the Earth is intricate and fascinating, these books are ultimately about three strong women who will do anything for each other. Which is the true appeal for me.

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Paranormal Romance

We Should All Be More Wolflike
Season of the Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #4) by Maria Vale
Goodreads

The Legend of All Wolves is still my favorite wolf/werewolf/shifter series. From the beginning of the series, I have admired the unique take on the wolves that can wear skin. Season of the Wolf focuses on two characters. Evie, the pack Alpha, and Constantine, a shifter that got caught up the battle between the pack and the shifters.  The wolves of the Great Northern Pack have a life philosophy that includes family (pack) first, total honesty and taking care of their environment. 

 

Whiskey Drinkers
The Witches of Port Townsend by Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Aubin, Cindy Stark and Tiffinie Helmer
Goodreads

This 4-book, 4-author, 4-witch, 4-hoursmen-of-the-apocalypse series was so much fun to read.  I read all four books with a few months.  Each author wrote a section of each book, telling her witch’s story.  Long lost sisters found, the end of the world, sexy as heck heroes, and Lucifer are all thrown into the mix with familiars, zombies, religious extremists, and druids.  This series will put a spell on you – I have personal experience.  For some reason, while I was reading book 3, I found myself sipping a glass of whiskey at the end each day while I was reading the book (just like the sisters liked to do).  The 2020 versions are re-releases.

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Fantasy Romance

Characters to Fall in Love With
In the Darkest Midnight by Grace Draven
Goodreads

Grace Draven’s fantasy romance books always top my list.  This year I read Dragon Unleashed and The Ippos King.  Both were wonderful.  But the one I really loved was In the Darkest Midnight.  Published in 2018, this novella features two amazing protagonists.  The slow burn romance set in the world of the Wraith Kings is beautifully told, absolutely brimming with heart.  It joins Master of Crows and Enreat Me to become another one of my favorite Draven stories.

 

History/Myth/Imagination
Lord of Shadows by Tanya Anne Crosby
Goodreads

After having read book 1 of the series late in 2019, I was on a mission to read the entire series.  The finale, Lord of Shadows, expertly combines English history with Arthurian myth.  The author’s dose of imagination was the spice to add richness and piquancy.  Ms. Crosby also writes historical romance and contemporary suspense, but this series is my favorite by far.

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Fantasy Barbarian Romance

I don’t know if this is a genre, but there were a couple of standout fantasies that dealt with characters that live outside of typical civilizations. 

Great New Author
Hollen the Soulless (Dokiri Brides, #1) by Denali Day
Goodreads

“Dokiri Brides” is not typically a title that would stand out to me.  Judging a book by cover.  I know.  But something propelled me to try this one and I got so much more than I was expecting.  The Dokiri culture, the amazing characters and the intensive slow burn romance have made Hollen the Soulless one of my favorites of the year.  I’ve since read a prequel and 3 sequels.  Keep your eye on Denali Day.  I foresee many great stories coming from her. 

An Author by Another Name
A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons, #1) by Milla Vane
Goodreads

Last February I predicted A Heart of Blood and Ashes would be one of my favorites of 2020.  Milla Vane is the alter-ego of Meljean Brook.  Like her Iron Seas series, this new series has a complex, yet lush story line. It has sharply defined characters – flawed primary characters that are somehow still perfect and secondary characters that add depth and perspective to the tale. And it has a world intricately built just for them. And for me, the reader. 

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Fantasy

The Author that Always Makes Me Cry
A Dance With Fate (Warrior Bards, #2) by Juliet Marillier
Goodreads

It is difficult to imagine ever reading a book by Juliet Marillier that will not end up on my favorites list.  Marillier’s stories are beautifully imagined, and full of emotion.  The characters’ journey is often heartbreaking, but always magical and hopeful. 

Most Original Fantasy Setting
Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky, #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse
Goodreads

Black Sun is a highly original story of prophecy, honor, revenge and power. Told from the viewpoint of several pivotal characters, the story weaves through a timeline, back and forth.  It is full of contradictory characters, long-reaching intrigue and fascinating mythology. The mythology surrounding an eclipse in pre-Columbian America native cultures plays heavily in the story, making this fantasy stand out from the typical Euro-based fantasies.  Black Sun will appeal to fantasy readers looking for a fresh treatment of the genre.

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Historical Mystery

Best Collaboration
The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, Anna Lee Huber, C.S. Harris, and Christine Trent
Goodreads

This anthology follows the story of a cursed gold watch as it passes through time and people.  Each author put their own spin on the curse. Because these authors solve mysteries, rely on facts and believe that the evidence will point to a human culprit, the validity of the curse is constantly questioned. But it never really goes away. I was fascinated and entertained by all four stories.

Something Different from a Favorite Author
The Business of Blood (The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries, #1) by Kerrigan Byrne
Goodreads

Published 2019.  In The Business of Blood, Fiona is a protagonist with a dark past and a current life that keeps her alive in an era where single women are not generally taken care of. That she takes on the job of cleaning up after corpses is not the only thing that makes her life a dark journey. Her obsession with Jack the Ripper as well as other activities that could get her hanged complete the picture for Fiona’s grim life.

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Children

While I don’t have time to read all the new books that come into my library, I often take the time to read the picture books.  Sometimes I am blown away by how wonderful they are!

Anyone Can Be and Artist
When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates
Goodreads

What a glorious book! Somewhere between childhood and just a little bit older, most of us forget how to draw. I love how this book shows that all you need to do is put pencil (or chalk or color or…) to paper, keep going, and eventually, you get art!

 

Dad Shows His Love
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Goodreads

This utterly charming book is based on the Oscar-winning short animated film by Matthew A. Cherry. It is the story of a young black girl, her quest to make her hair look special and her daddy’s help.  Check out the video on YouTube.

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Just a Few More

Out of My Box
Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia
Goodreads

Not something I would typically pick up, this book, with so many Poe references, called to me. In answering the call, I was treated to an adventure through Boston neighborhoods while surrounded by several unusual characters whose stories are both fun and heartwarming.  The very quirky story of the brainy Tuesday Mooney and her eclectic group of friends takes the reader on a hunt for treasure, adventure, self-discovery, and friendship.

This One Cracked Me Up
Kiss of a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #12) by Erica Ridley
Goodreads

Published in 2018.  A lady chemist attempts to make a man fall in love with her because of the perfume she invents.  As you might imagine, the unexpected results are not at all what was intended. In the author’s notes she says:  “In case it’s not obvious, I spend a good chunk of my work day giggling at my keyboard.”

Brings Back Fond Memories
A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, #1) by Darynda Jones
Goodreads

Readers of Ms. Jones’ Charley Davidson series will see many similarities between that series and Sunshine Vicram – in both characters and plot construction.  This new series has less woo-woo content but just as many questions to answer.  So, if you lamented the end of Charley Davidson, take heart. Sunshine Vicram is just as charming, just as funny, just as complex, just as smart, has just as much heart, and I think I might like her even more than I liked Charley.

Best Title and Timeliest Theme
St. Mary’s and the Great Toilet Roll Crisis (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, #11.1) by Jodi Taylor
Goodreads

Free read on the authors website.  (Click on the cover.)

Which Witch is Willing? (The Witches of Port Townsend, #4) by Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Aubin, Cindy Stark and Tiffinie Helmer – Review

16 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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Tags

5 stars, apocalypse, Book Review, Cindy Stark, Cynthia St. Aubin, Kerrigan Byrne, magic, paranormal, romance, series, Tiffinie Helmer, witches


About Which Witch is Willing?

So the world is ending…

Tierra: Having bested the Devil by springing Death out of Hell, Tierra now isn’t so sure she wants to keep him. He bonded her to him, turning her immortal without even asking. For an earth witch who embraces the changing seasons, this is a nightmare. With the Devil on her heels, the world in peril, and their baby due around All Hollow’s Eve, what’s a witch willing to do? Just about anything.

Moira: Moira de Moray has decided that prophecy should be a four-letter word. When they learn that the only way to keep the world from becoming a galactic grease stain is for another of the de Morays to get knocked up, Moira is just dumb enough to volunteer. Trouble is, in order to conceive this magical force-balancing fetus, she first has to bond herself to arrogant, infuriating, and, okay—hot enough to singe the Devil’s ass cheeks—Nick Kingswood. With the final seal looming and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Moira must decide whether she’s willing to learn what to expect when she’s expecting…The Dark One.

Claire: Wouldn’t you know it? Claire finally finds the love of her life, and the devil wants to ruin everything. Chaos reigns as the world struggles to balance dark with light, and Claire fears her future with War may burn to ashes far too soon. Still, with her savage and sexy horseman by her side, Claire’s willing fight to the death to protect what is hers. As the household plots against the she-devil, one question burns in Claire’s mind. Now that she’s bonded with Dru, does immortal blood flow through her veins? The answer could make all the difference to her, her family, and the world.

Aerin: Nothing like a sabotaged hillbilly wedding to make a girl wish for a speedy Armageddon. Luckily for Aerin, it is nigh. Thing is, Julian Roarke, the elegant, brilliant, sexy-as-sin immortal is sizing Aerin up for a ring as if there’s a chance in hell they’ve a future together. But how can they? The Devil—that body-snatching bimbo—is more powerful than ever with an army of evil witches in her arsenal. Pigs are flying. The moon is blood. Everything is on fire. Hell is frozen over.
And as the final battle approaches, the fate of the world depends on which witch is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice…

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Review of Which Witch is Willing?

The Witches of Port Townsend series comes to its end in this highly anticipated book 4.  Having read the recently re-released series this fall, I was excited to get this book!

In Which Witch is Willing? the four sister witches, with their Horsemen of the Apocaloypse accomplices/lovers take on Lucifer in this final showdown between good and evil.

With 6 of the 7 seals broken, the world is in a terrible state and everybody blames the de Moray women.  Interpretation of the prophecy is an integral part of this story.  Is it the end of the world?  Is it the end of life as we know it?  Who will rise to power afterword?  And can all four sisters and their Horsemen survive?

Bookworm Julian (Pestilence) is the chief interpreter of the prophecy.  He reveals that there will be two children that will create balance in the post-apocalyptic world.  One child is already on the way – Tierra’s baby.  That means someone else will give birth to the other child.  Somebody has to get pregnant.  Which sister will that be?  Aerin’s avoidance of anything to do with children or being pregnant provides a constant source of humor.

As I read this final chapter, I kept thinking – this would make such a great mini-series.  All the events leading up to the decisive battle (in all four books) have that night-time drama feel to them, with story getting bigger with each chapter in each book.  Lucifer and several other meddling elements provide the villainy while our favorite witches and their men give us someone(s) to cheer for.  You will not want to miss the final episode!

I have really enjoyed reading this series the last couple of months.  The rapid re-release of the books meant I did not have to wait long between books.

Read these books in order to get the most of this series.  Now that they are all out, go ahead.  Treat your self to a binge reading session!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Links

Add Which Witch is Willing? to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Which Witch is Willing?:

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Which Witch is Wild? (The Witches of Port Townsend, #3) by Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Aubin, Cindy Stark and Tiffinie Helmer – Review

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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Tags

5 stars, apocalypse, Book Review, Cindy Stark, Cynthia St. Aubin, Kerrigan Byrne, magic, paranormal, romance, series, Tiffinie Helmer, witches


About Which Witch is Wild?

Hell hath no fury like witches scorned…

Aerin. So she played with some dark magic, what’s the worst that could happen? For Aerin de Moray and her sisters, it’s that witch hunters are no longer a 400 year-old problem. What’s a girl to do with this new threat when she’s already trying to corral zombies, fight a she-devil with a penchant for possession, all while attempting to thwart the prophesied apocalypse? She’ll keep her sisters close, and her enemies closer… like in her bed.

Tierra. She’s accidentally sent her baby’s daddy to hell. Who has time for the apocalypse? Dooming Death to Lucifer’s infernal realms might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but with uncollected souls swarming the manor and her unborn child’s alarming powers increasing by the minute, Tierra de Moray has a hell of a problem on her hands. If Tierra can’t find a way to rescue Killian Bane before the Devil gets her due, the world doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Moira. For Moira de Moray, fending off witch hunters, dodging ghosts from her past, and surviving Conquest’s insistent advances has become a full-time vocation. So, when it comes time to serve Lucifer an eviction notice, Moira aims for the surefire solution—jealousy. But pretending to bump uglies with another Horseman could produce results more deadly than Moira had planned, particularly if Nick Kingswood has anything to say about it.

Claire. Claire de Moray is caught between her first love and the fierce Horseman known as War. She needs to pick one and let the other go, but how can she make a life-altering decision when she’s busy hunting the witch hunters who’d like to burn her at the stake? She’s not afraid because she is Fire, but their arsenal is deadlier than she expects. Pushed to the limits, Claire takes a chance to save her family and stop the apocalypse, but gets far more than she bargained for.

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Review of Which Witch is Wild?

This is a re-release of the third book of the Witches of Port Townsend series.  The series (3 books to date) is being re-released in anticipation of the upcoming 4th book.

In Which Witch is Wild? things go from bad to DON’T ASK.  Death is in hell.  Tierra feels terrible about that. Aerin is possessed.  A certain horseman looses his virginity.  A former boyfriend-now-zombie smells terrible.  Don’t even let me get started on the witch hunters, who really should not tangle with a certain fiery witch and the Horseman that claims her.  Once again, it is a wild time in Port Townsend with the four sister elemental witches and the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse trying to stop the end of the world.  Exciting times!

By book 3, the witches and the Horsemen are teaming up to come up with a solution.  Still, if just one of the witches were to die, this whole catastrophe could be avoided – that thought never goes away.  Which means they are all constantly in danger.  Which is why I keep reading these books I’m sure.

Plus, the breaking of all but the seventh seal has the world in an uproar.  Things are never going to be the same.  I am not enjoying this wait for book 4!

I think one or more of the authors may be a witch also.  In the book, the witches (except the pregnant one) drink a lot of whiskey.  I found myself sipping a glass of whiskey at the end each day while I was reading the book.  It is like they put a spell on me.  LOL!  Or maybe it is just the power of suggestion.  Either way, I don’t mind.

Read these books in order to really get the most of this series.  This one ends on a major cliffhanger.  Actually, if I were you, I would wait until all four books are ready and then binge read them.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Links

Add Which Witch is Wild? to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Which Witch is Wicked?:

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