Sandra Cox's Blog, page 49

It's Ketch-up Day

 Greetings Blogger Buds, Hope your weekend and Monday were good ones.

Got some Florida sky pictures taken by my brother. These were shots taken are different times pre-Ian.

AND my brother took this trailer while Ian was passing through Lakeland.

If anyone is interested, I found this article, on a solar-powered town and how it withstood Ian, fascinating.

A Solar-Powered Florida Town Withstands Hurricane Ian (entrepreneur.com) 

 

AND a picture of a lake in Illinois that my other brother took.

AND a few pics of the winery we occasionally visit.

AND I leave you with flowers. Remember the cuttings I stuck in the ground when Captain died? This is what they grew into.

Got flowers, sunsets and wine? Sounds romantic, doesn't it?

Your Weekend Read: THE NEWCROMANCER'S DAUGHTER

 

Thanks for having me over to your blog, Sandra, and the fun request for character foodie facts.

 

My main characters spend a lot of time feeling hungry, and they satisfy the need for food by foraging. Because it’s winter during most of the story, they can’t be as picky as I am and have to settle for some nasty-tasting treats—like acorns.

I thought I’d share three things I eat out of my forest that are quite tasty, and that my character Aster might forage around her home during the spring and summer:

Stinging nettle leaves:  Use gloves when you pick these!  You can boil them or dry them for teas, or cook them in soups. Both drying and boiling destroy the little stingers. I could survive for a year on the annoying nettles bordering my road.

Milkweed pods: Pick these when they’re young and well before they open into clouds of whirly seeds. They’re bitter (like acorns), so you’ll need to boil them three times in fresh pots of water (like acorns). But then they’re good in stir-fries and casseroles (a lot better than acorns!).

Wild daylily petals: The plain orange daylily petals make beautiful additions to salads along with pink rose petals. Don’t eat ornamental daylilies or tiger lilies (they’re poisonous), but the common orange ones are wonderful and will brighten up any dish.

Check your local foraging guides to see what’s edible where you live and have fun eating wild.

I hope you enjoyed my fun foodie facts. Bon appetit!

Blurb:

A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.

Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.

While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.

Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.

A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.

Bio:

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

***

The Necromancer's Daughter Links:

Amazon Links: 

US: https://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach/dp/B0B9FY6YZJ
IN: https://www.amazon.in/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-necromancers-daughter-d-wallce-peach/1142003172

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-necromancer-s-daughter-1

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-necromancers-daughter/id6443278849

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1160370

 

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/D.-Wallace-Peach/e/B00CLKLXP8

Website/Blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com

Website/Books: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dwallacepeach

 

 

Did You Know

 Did you know, Queen Elizabeth was a subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WWII were she drove a truck and worked as a mechanic?

 

IWSG Wednesday

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and yours truly 😉

 

This month's question:
What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?
Remember, the question is optional!

In reference to my favorite writing genre, there are two main draws (no pun intended) for me in Westerns. The strong moral code that runs through all Westerns and the action/adventure aspect. 

One of my favorite writing genre is thrillers and the same applies. Take the Reacher series. Jack Reacher lives by a strong moral code that may or may not run in sync with the law, yet it's a code he follows AND there's always plenty of action and adventure in Lee Child's stories;)

 

 September/October reviews in no particular order.

Occasional typos do not figure into my reviews.

 

THE HAUNTING OF CHATHAM HOLLOW by Mae Clair and Staci Troilo 

An intricate blend of past and present.   Mae Claire and Staci Troilo handle a seamless transition between past and present in this eerie, edge-of-your-seat story of revenge and hidden treasurer. And even though the story is written by two authors, they’ve managed to skillfully create one voice. The story ball is tossed back and forth between modern day reporter Aiden Hale and, a villain in the past, Benedict Fletcher. Unfortunately for the Chatham Hollow residents where the tale takes place, Benedict isn’t the only villain. Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow will appear at the drop of a séance.  One rogue is bad enough, but together both men create enough havoc to last a lifetime or two. This is a must-read for Claire and Troilo fans or for folks that just enjoy a well-told tale. I hope these two talented women continue to blend their voices and turn out another great read.Available at Amazon
   

 

NECROMANCER’S DAUGHTER by D. Wallace Peach

 

The author’s best story yet.

 

Ms. Wallace Peach is an excellent fantasy author. Her world building is unparalleled and her stories are a rich tapestry of imagery and imagination. In Necromancer’s Daughter, she has outdone herself. The characters charmed me: A mishappen healer with a huge heart. His daughter who, he brought to life, is willing to sacrifice herself again and again to heal others. And the soldier who is conflicted between his religious beliefs and his heart.

I loved this story.  It kept me way up past my bedtime😊Highly recommended.

 Available at Amazon

 

 

LAGRANGE RISING by Doug Cooper

 

The author had me at Cuss Abbott.

Can you think of a more perfect name for a hotshot law enforcer? Or a more fun concept than an Interworld Marshal? The author has outdone himself at world building. The story is well written, the characters developed and fleshed out. You love the good guys and hate the bad. I found his relationship with his partner Ygo fascinating. Between the two of them they cover all bases when on the trail of murder and cyber theft. It’s obvious the author knows his way around sci fi.

This is a highly enjoyable space opera. Cooper fans are going to love Cuss and his hi-jinks.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

DRUID’S MOON by Deniz Bevan

 

Lyne Vanlith is on an archeological dig when she discovers an ancient curse and a beast.  A grateful kiss on the snout of the beast after it rescues her from danger places a handsome stranger by her side. Tension mounts as the two find themselves in one dangerous scenario after another as evil adversaries do their best to keep Lyne and Frederick from breaking the curse.

A novel and intriguing take on the beauty and the beast theme, I found this to be a fascinating read. Once the action started it didn’t stop but kept me turning pages. Recommended for those who love a blend of romance, fantasy and action rolled together in an archeological setting.

Available at Amazon

 

TRAD:

THE INK BLACK HEART by Robert Galbraith

 

First let me say that I consider Robert Galbraith to be one of the premiere trad authors today and that up until this book, Cormoran Strike was my favorite series. That said, I found this read to be a disappointment.

I’m a big believer in closure. I don’t mind a dangle at the end of the book, if the ending weaves all the threads together satisfactorily. Galbraith has successfully drawn out the relationship or lack thereof between Strike and Robin for six books. In the first five, you were left with the feeling that maybe they’d get together in the next one. Especially with book five. It ended on a hopeful note, leaving me eager to read book six. Book six ends on a very unsettling note. I’m sure they’re going to be continuing the same dance steps they’ve been doing through the previous books, if she writes anymore. I realize relationship tension is a tried-and-true formula for romances, but I’m not sure it’s necessary in a detective thriller. A small amount yes, but not to stretch it to the breaking point. This was a twenty-five-hour read and it was definitely stretched out. And, personally, I don’t think getting these two together would hurt this series at all. J.K. Robb’s Death series is a prime example of bringing a couple together without sacrificing story.

Besides the unsatisfactory finish, large chunks of the book take place in gamers chats which I didn’t feel moved the story forward.

Lastly, there were formatting issues. As an Indie/Hybrid author, I can relate to this, but it surprised me from a large, established press.

For me, this book was a disappointment and probably the last in the series I’ll read.

This said, over nine thousand reviews gave her an average of 4.2, which says the majority liked it.  

 

 

Ketch-up Day

10-4, good buddies. Hope you had a great weekend and Monday, and if you live in FL that you are safe and sound. We were very, very lucky. Four inches of water Saturday and that was about it.

So,

 I was doing my due diligence Friday and weeding, though it was a bit windy, when a limb came tumbling down and popped me in the chest. The moral of this story: grab any excuse you can to stop weeding.

AND

I finally tried the pumpkin Alfredo sauce my daughter and SIL sent me.  My taste buds are still making up their mind as to whether I like it or not:) 

AND

CJ always does a 5 Good Things Friday. Wednesday I had a 4 Good to Wondrous Things.

I received two wall hangings I ordered for the bathroom.  As you can see they're still in their plastic wrappings. And yes I have an ocean theme😄

  I got this delightful surprise from good bud, D.L.Finn.  Isn't it great? Thank you so much, Denise. I love it Made my day.

AND last but most wondrous. This is a phone vid and probably doesn't come through very clearly, but our little Cancer Warrior is finally walking on his own. It's been a long haul for him, and his parents. The cancer disrupted the communication system between the left and right side of his brain, making everything for him so much harder. He's had a lot of therapy and it's paying off. He's my hero.

 AND

Mr. Nosy.

  AND

Flowers for you.

Tried Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce?Got flowers? Good things to share? 

Weekend Wishes

 

Did You Know

Did you know, Robert De Niro's famous line 'You talkin' to me?' from Taxi Driver was improvised?

 

Writerly Wednesday

 What's your word for

Ketch-Up Tuesday

 Greetings Blogger Buds,

How was your weekend and Monday?

Below are the last pictures of our visit to Washington D.C.

Here's the White House:

 

And the National Mall:

The Vietnam Memorial Wall:

This was very poignant for me. Growing up, I went to school, church and ran around with Danny Kick.Even square danced in his basement. I don't think he was much over twenty-one, if that, when he died.I'm so sorry Danny was on that wall and so relieved I didn't know anyone else.

Thank you, Danny, for your service and your many kindnesses.  Wishing you peace and happiness.

Our trip home was wall to wall cars most of the way.

AND that's the end of the D.C. trip. On totally different topics:

Has anyone ever seen one of these before or know what it is?

A cicada shed on our screen.

AND

Silly Frank.

I leave you with roses.

Got flowers? Strange insects? Do anything fun over the weekend? Thanks so much for stopping by.
 

DRUID'S MOON

 

Druid’s Moon
By Deniz Bevan

Beauty to his Beast…

Lyne Vanlith, an archaeologist who seeks a logical explanation to any mystery, discovers an ancient Druidic curse on her first dig. When the signs foretold by the curse descend on her, Lyne can’t find a reasonable interpretation.

And that’s even before a Beast rescues her from a monstrous sea-creature. She drops a grateful kiss on the snout of the Beast, who transforms into a man, Frederick Cunnick, Baron of Lansladron. Lyne is meant to be Beauty to his Beast—and break the curse forever.

Now both spellkeeper and monster are targeting Lyne. She must take up her legendary role, to defeat the curse and save Frederick—and herself. Instead of logic, for the first time, Lyne must trust her heart.

Fantasy – Romance  / Paranormal  / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Print ISBN 9781939844866 / EBook ISBN 9781939844873

BIO:

A firm believer in burning the candle at both ends, Deniz Bevan is generally writing a new novel while editing another and blogging about her reading and research adventures. Other days, she tries to stay off the web altogether, as she delves into the history, mystery, and romance of her characters’ lives. 

http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/

Links:
Apple - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1588920227
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HRDWJZ8
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165040276
Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844873
Scribd - https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844873&language=0
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HRDWJZ8
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59360035-druid-s-moon