Sarah Butland's Blog, page 8

Mistletoe Magic by Kelly Moran

*Side note, before we get started: Every darn time I write Mistletoe I first write Mistletow. I even think about it but automatically add that ‘w’ and hope I am not the only one.*

Kelly Moran is not only a talented author who lives south of the Canadian border, but I’ll forgive her for that, she is also a wonderful friend who, like me, once struggled, but now has a resume a mile long that she should be proud of.

I remember first meeting her, online – only ever online but I hope to remedy that at some point, and she had the same struggles and doubts but also confidence and determination as a writer as I did. We immediately connected and bonded over the journey of needing to write versus wanting to find readers. By the looks of her author page and the results of Amazon searches, by golly I think she has arrived!

Not to mention her award wins and International best-selling fame! So many congratulations to this lady who figured it out!

With Mistletoe Magic, the sixth installment of her Redwood Ridge series, Moran tackles romance by having the community put forth efforts to match a match maker. With many successful pairings to their credit, Marie, Ruby and Gayle aka “The Battleaxes”, two of the three of these sisters are single and one of their… victims, is out for revenge. Vowing to match one of the three with the new guy in town, Brent gets to work by aligning a lot of coincidences that force the promising couple together again.

A cozy addition to the Redwood Ridge Romance series which is filled with characters, including those who walk on four paws, Mistletoe Magic is a sweet read that will warm your heart – hot cocoa recommended but not required.

My only slight negative about this book is that I got lost in the characters as there were, in my opinion which is what a review is, too many introduced in the first few pages. I found it hard to keep them straight but maybe that’s just a reminder that I should be re-reading the previous five books to make it easier. The box set is available now!

*links included are Amazon affiliate links which means if you purchase using them my son makes a little bit of money, at no cost to you!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

Canadian readers https://amzn.to/3njlPwd
American readers https://amzn.to/3Cmz43B

PS: How inviting is that cover, though! Seriously!

Writing With Pen

Often times I see a piece of paper or my son’s school binder and miss my public school days. I never thought I would as they certainly weren’t easy or fulfilling overall but the days contained some gems I’ll always remember.

These jewels included a walk with a friend at lunch that made us late for math class. We didn’t go far but got completely lost, turned around and really didn’t rush back to class anyway. We just wandered and chatted and dreaded going back to the study of angles of triangles and, ironically, mazes. During that unit I also remember using a maze from a cereal box for my project as you couldn’t get more in your face than that and I desperately wanted to make the monotone teacher smile at the ingenious of it all.

While it bothers me that I didn’t remember to clean out my locker, and no, I don’t remember my locker combination and nothing really of significance was inside, I do remember learning about Socrates and Voltaire in art class. This, of course, after I got lost but had all good intentions and followed a classmate who, how was I to know, wasn’t taking art.

Most of all I remember writing notes. The feeling of loose leaf with pen, or pencil, I guess just general penmanship. That feeling of slight indentations, the softening of the page and the delight of finding just the right pen or pencil to complete the task. The pure innocence of believing it would all be such a crucial part in our lives and help to determine how successful we’d be in the end. Those marks from Outdoor Pursuits, Health class, and science (I did design the boat that held the most pennies and still floated – what do they use now, without pennies and the system too broke for nickles, I wonder.

I remember just aimlessly wandering and imagining what comes next and now it’s all about schedules, chores and expectations. It’s about how quickly you can type, ensuring spell check is on and catches everyone. Success has never really been defined, but always this elusive light at the end of a journey of obstacles, lessons and losses. Always hoping for the next achievement and level of what people perceive to be something we’re all trying to be while others are simply happy where they are.

Is technology to blame for our haste to finish a project instead of enjoying and savouring each wrong turn? Or is that our own fault of natural design and misunderstanding of what success actually is and how personal it can be. With all this talk of minimum wage and essential works, with the government speaking on behalf of the people by telling them they are not fulfilling what we should all be striving for, shouldn’t we just go back to our happy place and understand that wrong turns may not be so wrong after all? Should we try for a moment, just for a moment, to breath and focus on the written word – actual penmanship – and send a letter to a friend to be connected where Facebook or Meta, Twitter and Instagram and the world of selfies can’t offer?

Maybe we should stop trying to look happy and actually write down what makes us happy. Probably we should connect more with people who inspire, motivate and make us forget the time and the standards of living or the cost of bacon and just notice the falling leaf or the camouflaged creature of wildlife. Couldn’t we learn a lot from the swooping owl who trusts the tree it lands on? Or the deer that stands still, ever so quiet looking back?

Let’s love nature again and slow down.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

Dying Season by Rebecca MacFarlane

I am so happy to celebrate the relaunch of Canadian author from New Brunswick Rebecca MacFarlane with Dying Season. After putting writing aside for a bit to focus on her family, MacFarlane has a plan to emerge with a punch and this book packs a lot!

The premise of the story line, a virus that is turning everyone into zombies, is not something I usually read (these days, it seems all too real) but I was committed from the first page. The characters stories on their own were enough to keep me turning the page, eager to learn more about the people and their back stories as well as their methods of escaping the madness.

I often think that summer is the only season that’s not long enough but after reading “Dying Season” I realize this season wasn’t long enough either. While there is a sequel planned, I do wish all sequels were combined into one book but maybe that’s coming…

With unique monsters, back stories that tore at my heart and events that made me jump, Dying Season includes a lot of heart racing visuals, heart pumping story lines and reasons to keep your eyes wide open.

Well written, very much like a Stephen King story, and I cannot wait to learn more about the next adventure these same characters go on and who they meet. I am definitely rooting for them.

One thing I wouldn’t recommend is reading this book while eating… it may give you nightmares. This story is a nightmare on a page but one that will make you want to continue to be immersed in it.

Thanks for reading. I Read Canadian and hope you do, too!

Sarah Butland

Canadian buyers: Dying Season
American buyers: Dying Season

*The links contained are Amazon affiliate links so they don’t cost you more but support me when you use them. Thanks!

Reality and The Positive Power of Perspective by Aaron Bethune

When I first learned about the Bethune family through an article printed in Ah! At Home on the North Shore I knew I needed to reach out. Life, especially over the past almost two years, hasn’t been easy for many of us, so being introduced to a lovely family through Calligraphy was welcome.

The article focused on Laura Lavender, Bethune’s wife, who practices beautiful calligraphy and has worked on illustrating the delightful complimentary images in this book but it was Bethune who stood out for me. The title of his book, especially as Reality and The Positive Power of Perspective is something we can all and should all be working on daily.

Bethune, a musician at the core, embodies passion for the arts and anyone who does deserves to be celebrated. When I reached out and asked how to get a copy of his book to be reviewed honestly and everywhere possible, he didn’t hesitate to invite me to his beautiful new home to pass along a copy. I was immediately struck by its compact, colour and boldness and knew immediately I would love it.

But I had deadlines and, chores to get done so while it laid on my bedside table tempting me I had to put it off, until I didn’t. And then when I started, reading the pages instead of my initial glance through, I was definitely hooked and read it within two days. While taking my time reading it to let the moments and points of view sink to my core, I realized this is one of the rare books I would add to my special shelf and return to again and again.

Reality and The Positive Power of Perspective packs an easy to read but interesting to digest package of action steps, insights and is one of those books that grabs hold and keeps its grasp long after the last word is savoured. This book is therapy on paper that has moments and phrases that seeped into my soul and, while they may get buried with time, will be dusted off often enough with the reading of the passages that they will shine and be brilliantly lit permanently with practice, patience and like-minded friends.

Much appreciation goes out to Aaron Bethune, the author who now lives in Nova Scotia, for writing this book and sharing it with the world.

Thank you for reading my review now, please, do go get it yourself and let me know what you think.

Canada: https://amzn.to/2ZhctIa
USA: https://amzn.to/3pheteh
*These are Amazon affiliate links so I do make a percentage of the sales purchased through these links.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More by DiAnn Floyd Boehm

Immediately I was drawn to the story of Ruby and her determination and confidence we should all be eager to have, not to mention her reading nook and love of books. In Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More, we are brought back to life in the 1920’s and the balance of accepting and questioning societal norms.

Floyd Boehm was able to tell the story of her grandmother in a way that I could quickly relate to and eagerly wanted to learn more of. While inspired by the woman in her life, and past, this story is fictional while being motivational. It talks of young Ruby wanting more out of life than to care for a man and a family. She dreams of going to the places she is expected only to read of, and then only between chores consisting of cooking dinner and plucking feathers off chickens. She is respectful, resourceful and far beyond curious as she gets glimpses of what her own mother could have been but sacrificed.

This story touches on the concept of acceptance of people’s choices and desires, finding different pathways to bring happiness and the support needed to make it happen. Though Ruby was alone in many of her decisions she also knew the best choices for her required strength and determination. Values we should all search to find within ourselves.

It certainly does take a village and the family that Ruby is raised in proves that time and again though it also takes passion, some planning and an individual outlook that wasn’t the cultural norm for a young lady to have.

Floyd Boehm offers humour, insight, adventure and more in Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More as well as foreshadowing and a craving to know what comes next for Ruby, Arthur and the next journey to a foreign city. This story offers a fabulous way to learn about history, changes and the struggles plus rewards of being different than everyone else. A must read for any young person who feels the pull to be something more. To give back to the community and find pride in their accomplishments.

Published by OC Publishing based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Another reason I Read Canadian. I also invite you to check out the cover reveal for Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More on YouTube and be sure to subscribe to their channel today!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

Three for Trinity by Kevin Major

The third part to the adventures of Private Investigator Sebastian Synard, Three for Trinity delivers intrigue, reality, drama and Newfoundland to the reader.

Like many, I read to escape the chaos that is reality, to go to a place and relax in the mystery even if just for a few minutes. While I was hooked by the very first scene of Three for Trinity, I was also hesitant based on its mention of Covid and the government regulations that it brought with it. With the virus on everyone’s mind for far too long, I pick up books, especially fictional ones, for a break from all of that. Fortunately, Major handled it well and balanced the trials of the last year well with the allusion of escape and mystery.

Along with Synard, we thankfully see a lot more of his faithful sidekicks, his son Nick and their dog, as the trio balances itself well to move the story along nicely. It’s also wonderful to see Synard be dad and not just tour guide/private investigator/former teacher. I discovered the softer side of Synard who, after a divorce, is finally exploring new loves and adventures while still being respectful and hesitant based on his new roller coaster profession.

With tours of Newfoundland being minimal due to the new regulations, Synard fills his last tour of the foreseeable future with Atlantic residents, including a cop he is trying to discretely woo. When that comes to an end, his Private Investigator instincts emerge as he vows to solve the case of the man who died on stage in front of the groups eyes. This, in turn, leads to a camping trip on minimal budget, as he explores the land and people of Newfoundland through the eyes of both a sudden death and what may be discovered as a cold case.

Three for Trinity packs a few punches and is a terrific follow up to One for the Rock and Two for the Tablelands, all of course by Kevin Major and published by Newfoundland publisher Breakwater Books Ltd. The trilogy follows Synard as he navigates the rocky but brilliant landscape of the Atlantic province while alluding to much more development of the characters within.

Definitely a recommended read, even if you still haven’t read the first two but especially if you did!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

What Is Essential?

Oxford dictionary defines “essential” as absolutely necessary; extremely important. Our Canadian government seems to have their own definition which they haven’t made available yet. So I asked the hive mind of social media what they each consider essential to their mental health and general well being and, you know what, every answer was different. Every unique person needed something personal to make them happy and healthy mentally. Yet our government keeps defining, and redefining, what they feel is essential for all so let’s discuss for a moment how we are all individuals and need different things.

The musician – studied and practiced his entire life to enjoy and perfect his craft to bring enjoyment and a sense of belonging to all who listen. This same musician trusted the government in March 2020 and cancelled all his shows, finding extra time to continue crafting and existing and getting by with the money he had saved. Fast forward to September 2021, where is this musician now? Working for someone else just to pay rent or still holding onto the faith in the government and singing on a street corner, where he pitched a tent because he lost his home, hoping someone will bring him a meal?

The musician is essential

Nurses and doctors are definitely essential and underappreciated as they work to bring us back to our physical health and well-being. They work tirelessly, no one has ever said otherwise, to bring the physically sick back to a place where they can return to work, their families, their lives and bravo to those who do! Blessings to those who still have a job, run off their feet, who take extra time to sit with those who cannot be visited by family. I thank you, we have thanked you, and applaud the job you all do.

Healthcare workers are essential

A photographer who highlights the beauty and the scars, acts as a therapist, a beautician and a friend and shines the light just for a moment on someone who has felt in the dark for so long. The session goes beyond staging and lighting, it works to open the model up to new adventures, a new confidence and connects them with a new friend they didn’t realize they were missing. A photographer is essential to their own family and the world around them as they work expertly to show what was never seen before. And the model walks out a new and improved person, understanding they do have worth, beauty and value.

Photographers are essential

Libraries and their staff provide solace, peace and, yes an Internet connection. They offer free education, support local creatives, offer warmth and shelter and companionship to those who can’t afford it elsewhere. Librarians have taken many years of schooling, paying student loans for years to do what they love for the people of their community. Librarians take pride, even on the harder days, to fundraise for their own pay cheque and work tirelessly to show the world they are an important part of your community. Through long hours, hard days, minimum funding libraries spotlight local authors by hosting events and buying their books, talking to readers and their families so young children will grow up to love literacy and learning.

Libraries are essential

Funerals are an odd thing but, personally, I find them essential. Never before have I wanted to attend a funeral, a wake, a burial so much as I have in this past year (or is it two weeks) when I lost someone so dear to me it still hurts to say his name. Now, while church services are deemed essential, the church itself cannot accommodate those who want to grieve the loss of a loved one together or to celebrate a new life with a wedding. The same people can meet together on Sunday morning, or whenever a service is held, sit in the same pew and converse but cannot meet again that same night to remember the impression a friend or family member has left on them. They cannot stand beside a loved one and celebrate a new beginning after just sitting and singing beside them hours before.

Gatherings are essential

Playgrounds should remain open to invite the young child outside, to let them climb and swing and be carefree, to meet friends, to feel sunshine on their face, to run and laugh and be a kid.

You are essential.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, whichever direction you take with your passion or job or adventure, you need to be reminded more often that you, too, are essential and you are not alone.

Your mental health is a priority, too and living before you die because, let’s face it WE WILL ALL DIE, is essential. Knowing you are not alone in your thoughts and having the choice to be alone but also be surrounded by people you love when you need, those are all things needed for our mental health.

Please, these are my thoughts, my opinions and I welcome you, encourage you, to share your own and tell me a bit about you and how you feel whatever you do is essential to us all.

Thanks for reading and, in advance, for sharing even if your opinion differs. Let’s just be civil and kind and I, for one, will open my mind.

Sarah Butland

My Review of Stephen Maher’s Deadline

Deadline by Stephen Maher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A political thriller that had me on a roller coaster of pointing fingers at various characters and the final “aha” moment at the very end. I started this book on August 14th as the first character introduced did tell us that it was her birthday but then, unfortunately, she wasn’t left in the story. I was curious throughout the importance of her revealing her date of birth and other characteristics but the story went in another direction.

All the characters were believable, relatable and had unique ways about them they were telling of where they are from in Canada. Maher kept the story at a very good pace, introducing many characters who each played a significant role in the “accident” that started the book and the look at a corrupt government scandal.

While the story line was frustrating at time, it was as equally believable as it was unbelievable. Knowing how easily a recorded message can be misheard, a relationship and be twisted and a small threat can turn into a pretty big deal that uncovers even more than expected.

I cannot wait to dive into more of Maher’s books!

https://amzn.to/3hHtq4D

View all my reviews

Sarah Butland

By the Light of the Crescent Moon by Ailsa Keppie

To tell you I have read a lot of books seems redundant. To admit that a lot have been forgotten, while few have lived with me through the ages shouldn’t be surprising. This book, Ailsa’s story, aptly names By the Light of the Crescent Moon, is one that will circulate through my every morsel for many years and after I read many more books.

The authors bravery is what first caught my attention. Her admission about the strained and challenging relationship with her parents struck me and made me crave more but there was more to her than her past. We, along with her, look forward to love, self-discovery, letting go and growing up and we do so outside of her home country of Canada and very much so out of our own comfort zone, no matter how you were raised.

Keppie takes us through her study of the Arabic, paths through Morocco and the strength it takes to don a hijab all while holding our hand through self-doubt, aerobatics and stumbles down cobble hill roads. The authors flexibility goes well beyond what we know of circus acts as she tumbles through isolation, loneliness and becoming a wife and mother in a country she worked so hard to navigate and understand. Seeming to master the art of immersion, we discover that love is not necessarily enough all of the time at the same moment understanding that self-love should always come first.

There is definitely more to Keppie than she was able to beautifully contain between the covers of this beautiful book and, thankfully, with her in Nova Scotia I have personally committed to reaching out and encouraging her to write at least another book. Feeling a friendship form within the pages, without even meeting her in person, I admire Keppie’s strength to leave love behind for a greater purpose despite all the struggles the decision surely alludes to.

I am eager to read the follow-up (please let there be a book that tells us how she shines and deals with her return to the past) and feel that you should definitely read this book soon!

Thanks for reading and happy book launch day to Ailsa Keppie. By the Light of the Crescent Moon is a must read!

Sarah Butland
fellow author of Nova Scotia

What Can $5 Do For You?

With the rising prices of practically everything these days, it’s so hard to make even $5 stretch very far but, if done right, could do so much for someone. Instead of buying a couple of coffees at your local chain for a minute or two of enjoyment I would like you to consider how far your $5 can reach.

Buying a book, for even less than $5 sometimes, can mean so much to you and to the author. This is how far your $5 can go:

A purchase of a book can help a struggling author know he or she is on the right path.

Your purchase could mean a lower sales rank which then helps others see the same book who might love it.

It may brighten the authors day… scratch that, it will brighten the authors day and boost their confidence where they are otherwise struggling.

Buying a book for less than $5 means more money for an author who, in turn, typically buys other books by local authors, creating an endless chain of confidence boosting, smiles and appreciation.

Plus, the book is yours to read over and over and over again as you see fit. If it’s a self-help book or one that brings you laughs, even better as we all need more laughter in our lives. And your smile, as they say, is contagious so can reach around your community like a nice warm hug.

Using just $5 to buy a book can boost your brain capacity, help you sleep better, increases your vocabulary and reduces stress – aspects of living we all need more of.

Your one coffee may perk you up temporarily, but reading about the lives of hilarious characters, awkward situations you can relate to and people you fall in love with will benefit you and all the people around you and all the people around them and so on.

Your $5 may not seem a lot to you or give you confidence it will go very far at all but it will, trust me. You’ll meet new friends, get a new conversation starter and fight any sign of depression you’ve been experiencing in this harsh world. And then you can talk about it – join a book club, ask the writer a question, giggle your way through your long wait time for an appointment.

$5 might not buy much at a grocery store these days but it can sure buy a world of smiles, starting with you and the author.

Cheer up and buy a good book today!

Thanks for reading and please consider making me smile with the purchase of my newest book:

Losing It At 40

Being alone, a virgin and comfortable in her own skin, Annie, like a lot of us, dreads turning forty. Turning forty tends to mean more challenges physically, in the bedroom and beyond. Losing It At Forty is Anne’s story and while she has, so far, lived a mundane life her world is about to change. Sitting at a bar, Annabelle comes to the decision to loosen up and lose her virginity. Starting with no longer using her nickname and wanting to be referred to as her full name, Annabelle.

Annabelle knows she doesn’t need a man but her desire for one is turned up after having a few drink and men flirting with her.

What she knew she wanted was sex and even at forty years old she worried about pregnancy so took time off work to check with a doctor about the pill. He thought it was redundant but prescribed it anyway.

With many humorous incidents, including a time at an esthetician’s parlor and almost being arrested, to buying cream and being caught looking at condoms as well as the dreaded video chat while getting undressed, Annabelle is enjoying life despite the comedic moments her romantic endeavors provide.

Buy Canadian at : https://amzn.to/2XuIsDx
Buy American at : https://amzn.to/3B9s4Hp

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland