Amy Lynn McConahy's Blog, page 22
April 14, 2021
Ceryn Roh Saga
This week's books are also part of a series that is not yet completed. I have read the first two installments and have fallen in love with the author's world and her approach to story telling. The Book Blurb for the first book "The Healer's Rune" is below.
BOOK BLURB
Three hundred years after a great war shattered the Council of Races, the warriors of Rüddan have all but eradicated their cousins, the faerie Aethel. In so doing, they decimated the Dryht sages and enslaved mortal Humanity. Now a young voice with a dangerous secret calls her people to rebel. Young Sabine, one of the Human slaves, must overcome centuries of lies and prejudice to forge an alliance among four enemy races. But what chance does Sabine have when her very existence threatens the planet?
BOOK REVIEW
I have read both "The Healer's Rune" and "Guardian Prince" and I will warn you that both of these books end in a cliffhanger. Not a "ARE THEY GOING TO DIE!?!" sort of cliff hanger, but a "I can't wait for the next part of the story!" cliffhanger. Personally, these sorts of things drive me nuts. I usually do not even START a series until all of the installments are out because I am a fast reader. On a good day I can complete a 150-200 page book, which is a feat when you consider I am responsible for 4 humans under the age of 6 most of the time.
That being said, I want to make a general comment about the writing of these books. The sensitivity that Lauricia Matuska gives her main character of Sabine is beautiful to read. Watching part of her personality grow, while other parts of her character are too ingrained to be shifted, is an enjoyable experience. I found myself cheering her on on several occasions. The complexity of this book works because the main character is so stable. She has her "demons" as we all do, but holds tight to the truth through the entire story.
ACTION
If you are the squeamish type the opening of the first book will make you cringe. The purpose of the gruesome display was to cement the overall feeling of "total domination" that the Rüddan have over the world you are entering. Though as a writer I realized the necessity, some readers will find this piece of reading extremely unsettling and may not continue reading due to aversion. I would encourage you to keep reading OR when you get to the intense part skip a few pages. (Believe me you will not be able to miss it.) This moment is quite literally the only gruesome part of either book. Though there are some aspects of torture and fear later on, nothing reaches the intensity of the "starting action" scene.
ADVENTURE
There is not much adventure in the first book of this series, but the adventure slowly builds as you move along. The author brings you slowly through the process of a very stable character losing stability and then through events that force her to leave the comfort of that stability. In this way, I really identified with this character. For me, change is a painful and strictly avoided experience even when the situation is not good for me. In my head I was like "GIRL, same!".
ROMANCE
When people say "slow burn", I nod my head. This is the type of romance that I enjoy the most probably because it is similar to how a real relationship is formed. When I say that these books have "the slowest burn of all the burns" I am not kidding. Striking the match of relationship in this series, takes a small eternity. If you are one to read a book for romance, this is probably not your jam. Personally, I find that the slower the burn the more satisfying it is when they get together. So I am settling in for a LONG wait...
RELIGION
This book has the most interesting approach to magic that I have yet to stumble across. There is a STRONG religious aspect to this book. Though God is not a speaking character as of yet, you can hear the author's Christianity shouting loud and clear. Sabine is walked through several REAL spiritual lessons that had me smiling and nodding along with the words. The author said on her website that she did not set out to write a Christian Fantasy, but there is not another title that I would give this work. It is a lovely depiction of a woman's walk with God in an intense fantasy setting.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, these books captured my heart and imagination. I was pleasantly surprised to find Sabine's journey masterfully rendered in all of its "human" detail. She is a symbol of things that all of us struggle with and the intensity of her world brings out the best in her as well as her walk with God. I highly recommend these books and cannot wait until the next one comes out.
Are you interested in Lauricia and her books? Links Below!
Lauricia Matuska
The Healer's Rune
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/books/the-healer...
Guardian Prince
Disclaimer: The link for the paperback version of "The Healer's Rune" is an affiliate link. I read these books BEFORE setting up my online bookstore: Sunset Valley Books . If you choose to purchase a paperback through my affiliate link the book is printed and delivered by Ingram Sparks at no extra cost to you. I do get a commission if you use the paperback link above. This has not in any way affected my honest personal review.
I would rate this book:
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
Check Out My Book!
Dreamlight
Blog: https://www.wbblive.com/cleanfictionblog
Email: SunsetValleyCreations@gmail.com
Web: www.SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Goodreads: Amy Lynn McConahy
YouTube: Sunset Valley Creations Channel
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-l...
BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/amy-lyn...
Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/sunsetvalle...
RedBubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/sire...
Rating System in Order of Intensity
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
BOOK BLURB
Three hundred years after a great war shattered the Council of Races, the warriors of Rüddan have all but eradicated their cousins, the faerie Aethel. In so doing, they decimated the Dryht sages and enslaved mortal Humanity. Now a young voice with a dangerous secret calls her people to rebel. Young Sabine, one of the Human slaves, must overcome centuries of lies and prejudice to forge an alliance among four enemy races. But what chance does Sabine have when her very existence threatens the planet?
BOOK REVIEW
I have read both "The Healer's Rune" and "Guardian Prince" and I will warn you that both of these books end in a cliffhanger. Not a "ARE THEY GOING TO DIE!?!" sort of cliff hanger, but a "I can't wait for the next part of the story!" cliffhanger. Personally, these sorts of things drive me nuts. I usually do not even START a series until all of the installments are out because I am a fast reader. On a good day I can complete a 150-200 page book, which is a feat when you consider I am responsible for 4 humans under the age of 6 most of the time.
That being said, I want to make a general comment about the writing of these books. The sensitivity that Lauricia Matuska gives her main character of Sabine is beautiful to read. Watching part of her personality grow, while other parts of her character are too ingrained to be shifted, is an enjoyable experience. I found myself cheering her on on several occasions. The complexity of this book works because the main character is so stable. She has her "demons" as we all do, but holds tight to the truth through the entire story.
ACTION
If you are the squeamish type the opening of the first book will make you cringe. The purpose of the gruesome display was to cement the overall feeling of "total domination" that the Rüddan have over the world you are entering. Though as a writer I realized the necessity, some readers will find this piece of reading extremely unsettling and may not continue reading due to aversion. I would encourage you to keep reading OR when you get to the intense part skip a few pages. (Believe me you will not be able to miss it.) This moment is quite literally the only gruesome part of either book. Though there are some aspects of torture and fear later on, nothing reaches the intensity of the "starting action" scene.
ADVENTURE
There is not much adventure in the first book of this series, but the adventure slowly builds as you move along. The author brings you slowly through the process of a very stable character losing stability and then through events that force her to leave the comfort of that stability. In this way, I really identified with this character. For me, change is a painful and strictly avoided experience even when the situation is not good for me. In my head I was like "GIRL, same!".
ROMANCE
When people say "slow burn", I nod my head. This is the type of romance that I enjoy the most probably because it is similar to how a real relationship is formed. When I say that these books have "the slowest burn of all the burns" I am not kidding. Striking the match of relationship in this series, takes a small eternity. If you are one to read a book for romance, this is probably not your jam. Personally, I find that the slower the burn the more satisfying it is when they get together. So I am settling in for a LONG wait...
RELIGION
This book has the most interesting approach to magic that I have yet to stumble across. There is a STRONG religious aspect to this book. Though God is not a speaking character as of yet, you can hear the author's Christianity shouting loud and clear. Sabine is walked through several REAL spiritual lessons that had me smiling and nodding along with the words. The author said on her website that she did not set out to write a Christian Fantasy, but there is not another title that I would give this work. It is a lovely depiction of a woman's walk with God in an intense fantasy setting.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, these books captured my heart and imagination. I was pleasantly surprised to find Sabine's journey masterfully rendered in all of its "human" detail. She is a symbol of things that all of us struggle with and the intensity of her world brings out the best in her as well as her walk with God. I highly recommend these books and cannot wait until the next one comes out.
Are you interested in Lauricia and her books? Links Below!
Lauricia Matuska
The Healer's Rune
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/books/the-healer...
Guardian Prince
Disclaimer: The link for the paperback version of "The Healer's Rune" is an affiliate link. I read these books BEFORE setting up my online bookstore: Sunset Valley Books . If you choose to purchase a paperback through my affiliate link the book is printed and delivered by Ingram Sparks at no extra cost to you. I do get a commission if you use the paperback link above. This has not in any way affected my honest personal review.
I would rate this book:
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
Check Out My Book!
Dreamlight
Blog: https://www.wbblive.com/cleanfictionblog
Email: SunsetValleyCreations@gmail.com
Web: www.SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Goodreads: Amy Lynn McConahy
YouTube: Sunset Valley Creations Channel
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-l...
BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/amy-lyn...
Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/sunsetvalle...
RedBubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/sire...
Rating System in Order of Intensity
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
April 7, 2021
Steel City Genie Series
Before we get into our first book recommendation I wanted to let you know a little bit about my rating system. I hope that you understand that this is purely my own creation and does not reflect the author's rating system for their book. I wanted to have some fun with this so here we go!
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you a little about this fun and humorous urban fantasy book series. I know the author personally and we have been friends since college, but A) She does not know that I am doing this. and B) I am not recommending these books JUST because she is my friend and Sister in Christ.
BOOK BLURB
So I accidentally killed a shifter. On purpose.
With genie powers I shouldn’t be able to use, thanks to my curse-mark.
In my defense, the **** grizzly was threatening civilians and might have been a vampire as well. Pittsburgh is safer without him. Only the Fae court doesn’t believe my story, and the shifters are out for blood.
Now I’ve lost my job as a romantic investigator, and I’m on death row. My only hope is an oddly outgoing vegetarian vampire lawyer who seems strangely familiar. Too familiar.
Almost like we’ve met before, and this whole thing was a set-up to take us both down.
Wishing won’t get us out of this mess.
But my forbidden wish magic just might.
Buy now and enjoy a snarky urban fantasy that's Angel meets I Dream of Jeannie and features a blue-collar genie in over her head, a romantic subplot (nothing graphic), and gleeful send ups of many romantic fantasy tropes, plus a fantastic otter-shifter.
BOOK REVIEW
To be honest, I had NEVER read an urban fantasy book until I was drawn by friendly obligation to read one of Janeen's books. It would be mild to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed through the whole of the first book and giggled my way through the second. Not that there was not plenty of action and mystery involved, but Janeen's unique snarky voice could not be contained. The story itself is intense, but she balances all of that intensity with a "light-hearted banter" way of conversing that had me smiling.
ACTION
If you are the squeamish type I would not be to concerned. I am a squeamish type myself and I had no problems with any of the action sequences. If you are looking for a book with absolutely NO mention of fighting baddies this is not your cup of tea. There are definitely fight scenes, but the main character is conflicted when it comes to harming others. I give this character trait a thumbs up. In the "language" department, there is some mild usage, but what is used fits with the character of the heroine.
ADVENTURE
Though these books are set in modern day Pittsburgh, the world Janeen has built around this framework is expansive to say the least. You will not leave the city, but the sense of adventure is there. There is a wide cast of unique characters that also add to the sense of wonder in her carefully crafted world.
ROMANCE
When it comes to romance things get a little warm, but not too hot. If you are looking for NO romance, again, not the tea you're looking for. There are a few couples in this book that have a romantic or insinuated romantic relationship. In the effort for no spoilers, that is all I am going to say.
RELIGION
The presence of God in these books is minimal. The main character is somewhat religious, but these are not books about faith. Again, this is in keeping with the character type the author is trying to portray. It is true that the series is not yet finished and it is possible God could become a larger piece later on.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I found these books to be extremely enjoyable: the mystery kept me guessing, the action kept me turning pages, and the romance was sweet with mild spice. The best parts of these books were the tight world building and the snarky voice of the author. I highly recommend that you enjoy the world that Janeen Ippolito has created.
Are you interested in Janeen and her books? Links Below!
Janeen Ippolito
If Wishes Were Curses
Wish You Weren't Here
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
Blog: https://www.wbblive.com/cleanfictionblog
Email: SunsetValleyCreations@gmail.com
Web: www.SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Goodreads: Amy Lynn McConahy
YouTube: Sunset Valley Creations Channel
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-l...
BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/amy-lyn...
Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/sunsetvalle...
RedBubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/sire...
Purchase Dreamlight
Dreamlight
Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08Z3JHKLP
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drea...
Paperback: https://www.etsy.com/listing/97784115...
Ratings in Order of Intensity
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you a little about this fun and humorous urban fantasy book series. I know the author personally and we have been friends since college, but A) She does not know that I am doing this. and B) I am not recommending these books JUST because she is my friend and Sister in Christ.
BOOK BLURB
So I accidentally killed a shifter. On purpose.
With genie powers I shouldn’t be able to use, thanks to my curse-mark.
In my defense, the **** grizzly was threatening civilians and might have been a vampire as well. Pittsburgh is safer without him. Only the Fae court doesn’t believe my story, and the shifters are out for blood.
Now I’ve lost my job as a romantic investigator, and I’m on death row. My only hope is an oddly outgoing vegetarian vampire lawyer who seems strangely familiar. Too familiar.
Almost like we’ve met before, and this whole thing was a set-up to take us both down.
Wishing won’t get us out of this mess.
But my forbidden wish magic just might.
Buy now and enjoy a snarky urban fantasy that's Angel meets I Dream of Jeannie and features a blue-collar genie in over her head, a romantic subplot (nothing graphic), and gleeful send ups of many romantic fantasy tropes, plus a fantastic otter-shifter.
BOOK REVIEW
To be honest, I had NEVER read an urban fantasy book until I was drawn by friendly obligation to read one of Janeen's books. It would be mild to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed through the whole of the first book and giggled my way through the second. Not that there was not plenty of action and mystery involved, but Janeen's unique snarky voice could not be contained. The story itself is intense, but she balances all of that intensity with a "light-hearted banter" way of conversing that had me smiling.
ACTION
If you are the squeamish type I would not be to concerned. I am a squeamish type myself and I had no problems with any of the action sequences. If you are looking for a book with absolutely NO mention of fighting baddies this is not your cup of tea. There are definitely fight scenes, but the main character is conflicted when it comes to harming others. I give this character trait a thumbs up. In the "language" department, there is some mild usage, but what is used fits with the character of the heroine.
ADVENTURE
Though these books are set in modern day Pittsburgh, the world Janeen has built around this framework is expansive to say the least. You will not leave the city, but the sense of adventure is there. There is a wide cast of unique characters that also add to the sense of wonder in her carefully crafted world.
ROMANCE
When it comes to romance things get a little warm, but not too hot. If you are looking for NO romance, again, not the tea you're looking for. There are a few couples in this book that have a romantic or insinuated romantic relationship. In the effort for no spoilers, that is all I am going to say.
RELIGION
The presence of God in these books is minimal. The main character is somewhat religious, but these are not books about faith. Again, this is in keeping with the character type the author is trying to portray. It is true that the series is not yet finished and it is possible God could become a larger piece later on.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I found these books to be extremely enjoyable: the mystery kept me guessing, the action kept me turning pages, and the romance was sweet with mild spice. The best parts of these books were the tight world building and the snarky voice of the author. I highly recommend that you enjoy the world that Janeen Ippolito has created.
Are you interested in Janeen and her books? Links Below!
Janeen Ippolito
If Wishes Were Curses
Wish You Weren't Here
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
Blog: https://www.wbblive.com/cleanfictionblog
Email: SunsetValleyCreations@gmail.com
Web: www.SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Goodreads: Amy Lynn McConahy
YouTube: Sunset Valley Creations Channel
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-l...
BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/amy-lyn...
Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/sunsetvalle...
RedBubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/sire...
Purchase Dreamlight
Dreamlight
Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08Z3JHKLP
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drea...
Paperback: https://www.etsy.com/listing/97784115...
Ratings in Order of Intensity
N - NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience.
A - Showing some ANKLE. Perfect book for the Puritan in your life.
P - Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading.
G - Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book.
B - This is the full BLUSH people! If you are prone to fainting you will need a fan.
DB - You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. None of the books I share here should reach this rating...Thank Goodness!
April 1, 2021
Clean Fiction
Yesterday was the day. March 31, 2021, the day a 23 year goal was finally accomplished. I officially released a piece of myself, a novel, out into the public. It was difficult, scary, and extremely nerve-racking. It is also something that many others have done before me.
Why did I do this to myself? I felt called.
Living in the world that we do, I have found it extremely difficult to find reliably clean fiction of any kind. The decades I have spent as a bibliophile have filled my shelves and consequently emptied them again in many cases. Why are books leaving my extensive collection? They include themes that directly thumb their nose at my Creator. As a Christian woman, I am rather conservative, but I have no problem separating fantasy from reality. Just because a book is not a "Christian" book does not automatically jettison it from my shelves, but I have found that some books, even from my favorite authors, are a step to far.
Understanding that, I want you to understand this: I am not writing this to stand on some soap box or chastise anyone. Read what you want! With this blog, I would like to introduce you, the reader, to the lovely world of authors who create Clean Fiction that I have found in the last few years. I am not aiming to reach teens out there though I have lived in the Young Adult section of Barnes & Noble for years. I want to reach Real Adults with a Real Love for reading and a willingness to keep an open mind.
As a 33 year old woman, I have grown tired of being trapped in the "teen" space just because I prefer to read books that are less graphic. The books that I have found to share with you offer more mature themes while keeping things light on the "mature themes". I humbly ask you to come along with me on this journey.
Who knows where it may lead?
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Dreamlight
Amy Lynn McConahy
Why did I do this to myself? I felt called.
Living in the world that we do, I have found it extremely difficult to find reliably clean fiction of any kind. The decades I have spent as a bibliophile have filled my shelves and consequently emptied them again in many cases. Why are books leaving my extensive collection? They include themes that directly thumb their nose at my Creator. As a Christian woman, I am rather conservative, but I have no problem separating fantasy from reality. Just because a book is not a "Christian" book does not automatically jettison it from my shelves, but I have found that some books, even from my favorite authors, are a step to far.
Understanding that, I want you to understand this: I am not writing this to stand on some soap box or chastise anyone. Read what you want! With this blog, I would like to introduce you, the reader, to the lovely world of authors who create Clean Fiction that I have found in the last few years. I am not aiming to reach teens out there though I have lived in the Young Adult section of Barnes & Noble for years. I want to reach Real Adults with a Real Love for reading and a willingness to keep an open mind.
As a 33 year old woman, I have grown tired of being trapped in the "teen" space just because I prefer to read books that are less graphic. The books that I have found to share with you offer more mature themes while keeping things light on the "mature themes". I humbly ask you to come along with me on this journey.
Who knows where it may lead?
Author & Illustrator
Amy Lynn McConahy
SunsetValleyCreations.com
Facebook: Sunset Valley Creations
Instagram: SunsetValleyCreations
Dreamlight
Amy Lynn McConahy
