Two women, separated by generations, have always been close. Still, when a savvy grandma provides a home for her pregnant granddaughter after her hypocritical parents scorn her, their bond grows to a whole new level. Plus, they solve crimes, albeit unintentionally. The loose ends: How will Jordana raise her child once it’s born? Where’s the absent father? And do Jordana’s parents come to their senses in time for the birth of their grandchild? Will Grandma, a determined crusader, continue to outsmart the robberies in their senior community while protecting her granddaughter? And at what cost?
My Review:
Grandma to the rescue. Sometimes, parents can be uptight and lose respect for their newly pregnant daughter. Things get dicey when they want to send her to a home for unwed mothers and then give the baby up for adoption. What does the father have to say? Well, the father doesn’t know yet. Savvy Grandma to the rescue. Events unfold, and there are tears and laughter.
A provocative psychological drama for readers who loved Black & Blue, Gone Girl, The Lucky One, and Safe Haven
Eighteen-year-old Liz is in her final year of high school when she meets James Macewan, an older student who is struggling academically and wrestling with his own demons. What begins as a simple tutoring assignment soon grows into her first dating relationship. Liz initially enjoys the excitement of being with James, but it does not take long before she cannot recognize who she is as an individual anymore. As James’s own life begins to unravel, he compensates by attempting to control every aspect of Liz’s existence. The situation eventually dissolves into a tale of violence and dehumanization that affects the characters’ lives forever.
J.G. MacLeod describes the fear and uncertainty that often come with the cycle of violence and allows readers to journey alongside Liz as she attempts to confront her abuser and heal from trauma.
Travel to the isolated town of Abalone Lake & experience the rush of first love, the pain of domestic violence, and the gravity of a decision that changes everyone’s lives forever.
My Review:
I wish this book had been available to me to read when I was a freshman in high school. But, it was written decades after I’d graduated from high school. Had I been able to read this book, I would have understood a lot about questions I was never able to ask of my own mother. Before my one year older sister and I started our periods, my mother handed both of us a booklet with diagrams to explain why we would have monthly periods and the old style pads to be worn with special lace panties that had elastic which would hold the pads in place. That summed up our education. No talk of boys or sex. Nothing. Had I had a book like this one, I would have understood high school and boys much better. I would have known when a boy was interested in me and maybe learned how boys should treat girls. That never happened. What happened after I graduated was the fact that I needed to escape the abuse my mother dished out every single day. Thus, I went from one bad situation into another with a man who became abusive when drinking and finally abusive when drinking or sober. Rape, I certainly learned that as well. Teenage girls need to know that they are not worthless, they do matter, and that not all men are abusive. I think my life would have turned out differently if I had access to a book like this one.
Thank you for having me on your blog yet again, Mary! (((Love having you on my blog!)))
My experience on the Cozy Book Nook podcast was wonderful and so eye-opening. The individuals who spoke on the podcast really peeled back the curtain to show me what the writing world is really like with all of its threads and connections. I’ll never forget the amazing advice they shared, and how happy they were that I am pursuing my dreams.(((So sweet! Love you!)))
I hope they will welcome me onto their marvelous podcast sometime soon for the second time so that I can expand my knowledge further. Their kindness has been unbelievable, and now that I know the gist of how this podcast on X works, perhaps I can contribute some of my knowledge as well. Learning from each other is one of the best things that authors can do in my humble opinion. With perseverance and lots of hard work, we can help each other soar as much as we have, maybe more. Authors helping authors is a powerful mindset.(((We will have you back the first Tuesday after school ends in May.)))
Talking to people from other countries was enlightening and again, very eye-opening too. It’s been very cool to continue conversations with some of the individuals, and knowing that my book is located in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, and Germany (among others) is unreal. I never would have thought that it would reach that far across the globe. It’s almost like a Snow: Cursed revolution spreading around the world. I’ll never forget how much some of those people have helped me in the literary world.
The knowledge that all of these wonderful individuals have shared will continue to inspire, help, and shape me as I ensue in my long and enduring career as an upcoming esteemed author. And Mary, a stellar award-winning author, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and showing me the intricate workings of what it’s like to be a writer. You will inspire me for the rest of my years. As a word of advice from me, if you have written a book and have not published it, go for it and just believe in yourself! You are worth much more than you know, and so are the magical words you place effortlessly—and sometimes painstakingly—on the page.
“This is a remarkable debut from a new, young author. It is full of familiar characters, but with a fresh and new perspective. I wanted to read it all at once, just to see who would come along next! It’s almost as though you’ve run into some old friends and get to spend pages and pages getting to know them again, but with a deeper understanding that would never have come from a children’s picture book. I highly recommend giving this book a read.”
“This isn’t your average fairytale! Snow’s journey from perfect princess to questioning everything she’s ever known is full of secrets, magic, and moral twists. Fast-paced and full of heart, it’s a thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the very end!”
“You would never know this book was written by a teen. So many twists, lots of excitement! Very well written!”
“After reading Snow: Cursed, I was struck by the icy tension, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way Willa R. FInnegan blended supernatural intrigue with lyrical storytelling. Her ability to craft atmosphere and mood, places her among the rising voices in modern fantasy fiction. Snow: Cursed has all the makings of a breakout success.”
“Willa R. Finnegan’s “Snow: Cursed” is a bold, lyrical reimagining of fairy tale tropes, balancing emotional depth with irreverent humor. The novel reframes the story of Snow White through confessional, poetic narration and sharp, modern dialogue.
Finnegan’s writing is emotionally resonant and hauntingly lyrical. Her use of repetition—“Once upon a time, I was good. Once upon a time, I was evil…”—adds a mythic gravity to Snow’s inner turmoil, while shifting perspectives keep the narrative intimate and fluid. Good and evil are not absolutes here but evolving states shaped by trauma, choice, and self-perception.
Themes of identity, disability, and belonging are delicately intertwined throughout. Snow’s wheelchair is depicted with refreshing pragmatism—it serves as both a hindrance and a powerful symbol of strength and defiance.
“Snow: Cursed” combines fable and farce in a part gothic fairytale, part twisted adventure completely unique. Finnegan’s voice is at once ancient and current, a candid reckoning laced with whimsy and grit.”
Clover is a children’s picture story about all things’ bunny rabbits. Clover teaches children about the life of a bunny rabbit from how they live, shelter, what they eat, and even predators. Children learn what rabbits like to eat and other animals they will or will not play with. Children need to know how wild animals interact with each other in a natural setting such as a park or a backyard. Rabbits and squirrels are everywhere in any location so children quickly identify with them. Clover loves to share in a rhyming manner what he likes to eat and how he and other bunny rabbits play. It is important for children to learn about nature and animals they may or may not see on a regular basis. Children gain a greater understanding about rabbits and wildlife, and they learn the types of food they can place outside for rabbits to munch on. The concept and principles of caring for rabbits and nature can be taught at an early age in any type of setting. Knowing how rabbits and squirrels interact starts the early process of learning about different animals right in your own backyard or park.
This book is extremely helpful for parents, and caregivers of children in maintaining what the parents’ rules are at home. “As parents, we are the experts on our children, and we should also seek wisdom and insight from those in our trusted circle” is true. Well written self-help books are important to help those parents in need of simple guidance on parenting. This book helps parents learn how to parent their children, which in turn, makes for a much happier family and home life. Parenting is anything but easy. Parenting is challenging and parents must meet those challenges as they occur, even in a proactive manner, if possible. The insights provided within are true gems of knowledge to push a parent into incorporating a healthier home environment.
The guides in this book help parents and the entire family in a positive manner. That creates impactful parenting. Would we all like to have a healthy home? I would have liked that growing up. The author writes from her own experience and she is frank and honest. Since it is from real experiences and situations, the book is relatable to all parents. Choosing not to use a cell phone once children are home from school creates a natural environment for both children and parents. The key is communication. Remove distractions and go for eye-to-eye contact with children of all ages. The book includes reachable targets, goals and tools to assist with change and implementing a successful impactful parenting home. This book should be in all homes and libraries.
The opportunity of a lifetime, or their worst nightmare? Some truths are best left buried.
With the demons of her past finally laid to rest, investigative reporter Andi Carter and her partner Shamus O’Conner combine their resources to open The Daily Truth. Strapped for cash to get their business going, they accept an offer to play the part of detectives at a murder-mystery weekend. Although leery of their host’s true intentions, they console themselves with the fact that it’s only forty-eight hours.
“There’s nothing so bad that it couldn’t be worse.” Irish Proverb
Eleven years ago, Breanna Hadleigh Raydon was brutally murdered on her wedding night. Andi and Shaumus find themselves captives along with the original six suspects by a man with a vendetta. They have forty-eight hours to investigate and reveal the murderer or everyone dies.
A compelling psychological thriller with a shocking twist.
This novel was awesome!!! Now, I didn’t realize that I was going to read book two in a series, but having got into it, I HAD to keep reading. Along the way, key points from book one were understood. To find out that the main protagonist had her own love story was the icing since book one wasn’t read. Do you believe in ghosts? Spiritual beings? How about secret tunnels and hallways built into an old ranch manor home of several stories? Something moved that second story curtain, and no one was in the house!
Life on Molly is a travel and lifestyle blog. I am a normal girl with many passions. I am an explorer of new places, a learner of new languages, creator of my ambitions, blogger, and a good pal. This blog is my little corner of the world where I am able to share my adventures with you and inspire you to live a life full of purpose.
