My #Goodreads Read and Review Challenge Week-46

As I near the end of my Goodreads reading goal for October 2015 - October 2016, I am pleased to find ever more exciting novels to entertain me when I want to read for pleasure. My range of choices for September will include newly published novels, an anthology, a Kindle Scout winner, traditional and self-published novels.

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FEAR DREAMS by J.A. Schneider
Author J.A. Schneider seamlessly shifted from writing medical thrillers to a psychological thriller, adding a paranormal twist without requiring the reader to totally suspend disbelief.

My goal in reading novels is to be entertained by a plausible story with believable characters, colorful settings, and especially satisfying endings. FEAR DREAMS earned my 5-star rating by delivering on all accounts.

Several excellent reviews on Goodreads, (including those by Uvi Poznansky and Melanie Adkins) offer insight into the plotline and the author's ability to portray a character's almost tangible fear.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29522370-fear-dreams?from_search=true


TALES FROM THE CACAO TREE Anthology of Short Stories

Chocolate is a food choice for me. I can make a meal out of mini peanut butter cups. A box of Godiva chocolates takes me back to my father's ancestral land of Belgium, although the trip usually lasts a short time. It is difficult to make Godiva last for more than a day!

The short stories and poems in TALES FROM THE CACAO TREE had me smiling like a silly school girl. Every time I read the book's title, I had to reach for a mini cup to satisfy a craving. Is it possible to express your love for someone with flowing chocolate? Is the anticipation of chocolate of chocolate melting in your mouth really better than s-e-x? Can chocolate be the beginning of a beautiful friendship or cause for suspicion?  You will find answers to these questions and many more in this lovely anthology.

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Other September selections include:

LETTUCE READ WILLS by Una Tiers

BREAKING MEASURES by Emma Raveling

DARK DAWN A Lei Crime Series Novella for Kindle World
by Fiona Manning

SUPER CONFIDENT -VS- INDECISIVE Tongue-in-Cheek

 

It’s time for another edition of

 The Insecure Writer’s Support Group,

hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

It is often tempting to slip into the role of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, to pretend I am the master of my universe, capable of accomplishing anything from bungee cord somersaults and helicopter jeep-drops to Samurai stick-fighting and barefoot Alaskan dog-sledding. Then I hit a brick wall of reality that sets me back on my heels, creating indecision and uncertainty. 

As I struggle with my latest WIP, searching not for a 5000-year-old key to time management but for simple direction, my confidence wavers and insecurity tunnels ever deeper. Of course, all doubt needs fuel for sustenance, and self-pity is a consistent, ever-replenishing supply source.

 

Soon, rather than continuing to wallow, I realize a reward is in order for all that I have already accomplished. I apply a quick swipe of make-up, slip into a "non-writerly"' (i.e.: clean and unwrinkled) set of clothes, and head for the monthly Honolulu ‘EAT THE STREET’ food wagon round-up down on South Street. This month’s theme is Chocolate, and I plan to indulge!

 

Everyone knows chocolate is a much better source of fuel than self-pity for sustaining a healthy mind and body, and that is why I plan to reward myself . . .

 

raw cacao beans;
cacao beans whipped into a paste;
extreme - chocolate on beef sandwich;
ultimate - truffles

 

wait for it . . .

 

 

until the cacaos come home.