Tuesday 19 March 2024

The Matrioshka Divide - Isaac Young

The Matrioshka Divide
Trantor Publishing
ASIN B0BLBBNTRS
ASIN B0BL1MRVXY


I picked up this volume several months before reading it. Another Catholic author I really enjoy recommended it and I grabbed the book but it slowly slid won my ‘to be read’ pile. Then on X another author linked to a story called Gigaheroes by Young, I spent a few hours reading it on Substack, and going back and reading it again, and immediately bumped this book to the top of my reading list. I can state as a debut novel it is excellent. It is a space opera or military science fiction story. It hit on all the right notes. While reading I felt Gigaheroes had the feel of George R.R. Martin’s WildCards series that I read many years ago, and this story has more of a feel of Starship Troopers mashed up with Frank Herbert’s The Eye's of Heisenberg or the more recent Orphanage books by Robert Buttner. The description of the story states:

“A signal has been detected on the outer edge of the galaxy, possibly from a colony ship thought lost nearly three thousand years ago. The Free Exchange, the dominant power of the known universe, puts together an unexpected crew to go find it. Only time will tell if this impossible beacon will change the course of human history forever.”

This is a fascinating read. The mix of military, corporate, political and scientific theories is well crafted and masterfully executed. We have a military leader looking to redeem past decisions, we have and idealist sure she can make humanity better, seeking to trigger transhumanism. We have a political agent certain he is helping to keep humans from destruction. And a Transhuman alliances who may or may not be descendent from humans who left the galaxy over 3000 years ago. The military and the scientist start on the mission with a single focus and mission, but a few know from the onset that things are not as they appear. Each is striving to bring about the outcome they desire. Each is willing to make sacrifices and each ultimately believes their plan is the best. 

Captain Samir Singh is looking to redeem his past, to see if he can wash some of the blood from his hands. He is looking for a sort of redemption. Erika Terese is second in command, but her past is a fabrication and Singh has doubts. Miles Kieth is the best pilot in the known universe, but his military history is also a fabrication. Glen Tannis is a puppet master working mostly behind the scenes for Exchange guiding and controlling the different protectorates. And sort of off to the side and yet playing a key roles is the chaplain, Father Soren is an intriguing character.

The characters are well written and fleshed out. For a first novel the characters are great. The plot is excellent, the pace is perfect, and the story really sticks with you. I finished it a few days ago and I cannot help but keep thinking about it. It keeps coming to mind. 

I would love to see more stories set in this universe, maybe in the past where we see Captain Samir Singh and how he got the title of ‘The Butcher of Three Systems’. Or after these events and what happens next. There are so many ways other stories in this universe could go. Heck I would just love another story with Father Soren.

For a debut novel I have seldom come across one as complete and well written. This is an excellent story. In part it reads like the classic science fiction I cut my teeth on 40 years ago. And in others it reads like a story written just for today. I am certain it would be a hit with fans of Starship Troopers (the book) or Babylon 5. It is great for those who love a great science fiction story. It is an excellent volume and one I can easily recommend!  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan

Monday 18 March 2024

Saints Alive! Volume 1 & 2 - Andrew M. Seddon - News Stories of Old Saints

Saints Alive! Volume 1 & 2
News Stories of Old Saints
Far Wanderings
ISBN 9798852081582
ASIN B0CPBBGBTM

Saints Alive! Volume 1 and 2 - Andrew M. Seddon News Stories of Old Saints

I was so glad to see the two volumes back in print in a revised or second edition. This is a special Omnibus edition containing both volumes and a bonus story. I have recommended the two volumes in this series many times over the years. I absolutely love the books, and still hope that someday Seddon might expand the series. When I found out they were back in print I picked up the eBook of both the volumes and this new edition that has both in a single edition. I can easily recommend this book or the two individual volumes!

In the forward to this reprint edition Seddon states:

“All of Andrew Seddon's “new stories about old saints” in a single volume. Makes a great gift!

Saints of the early Church come alive in these imaginative tales based on legends of early Christian saints. These stories highlight the extraordinary character of Christians who behaved in a Christlike manner when their faith was tested and challenged by an unbelieving world.

In addition to the twenty-four stories from Andrew Seddon's two Saints Alive! collections, Saints of Empire and Celtic Paths, this combined edition includes one BONUS story, “St. Aerdeyrn's Cross.”

Here's what readers have to say about the stories of Saints Alive!

“I thought it was going to be another Lives of the Saints book, but it's like reading a modern day novel—though the heroes are saints. A good read!” —Praise for Celtic Paths

“I bought this book for my niece for Christmas and she devoured it! perfect gift for young people.”—Amazon reader on Saints of Empire

“Dr. Seddon takes the old stories and makes them new and applicable to today's culture. Very compelling and interesting reading. Who would think the lives of the saints were so interesting?”—C. L. on Amazon.com

“These are well-crafted stories, each one a polished jewel, faith-filled, imparting a quiet wisdom, and often laced with gentle humor.”—A Celtic Paths reader
“Seddon manages to shed light on obscure saints by narrating a key moment in their lives that illuminates the distinctive holiness of each. These are enjoyable short stories as well as instructive examples.”—L. N. on Saints of Empire.”

As iconography is to images so hierography is to stories of the saints. Seddon has a mystical way with words; he brings you into the stories of the saints and paints such a powerful picture with his words that you find yourself there. This book was an incredible read that I know I will read again often and share with friends and family. 

For Volume 1 we visit Saints of Empire, wonderful little volume with take you many places and give 12 examples of faith. The stories are written around legends of saints from the time of Rome.

1. Wheat of Lions - St. Ignatius of Antioch - Rome, c.107
2. Ariadne's Angels - St. Ariadne - Phrygia, c.117-161
3. The Informer - St. Cecilia - Rome, c. 177-250
4. The Governor's Eyes - St. Sabinus - Etruria, c.303
5. A Vision of Theodota - St. Anastasia - Illyricum, c.304
6. The Sword of Dioscorus - St. Barbara - Heliopolis in Syria, c. 304
7. Relics - St. Boniface of Tarsus - Rome, c. 306
8. The Fortieth Martyr - The Forty Martyrs of Sebastea - Armenia, 320
9. The Lure of Terenuthis - St. John the Dwarf - Egypt, c.390
10. The End of the Games - St. Telemachus - Rome, c. 404
11. Bishop Martin's Cloak - St. Martin of Tours - Gaul, c.407
12. The Penitent Pigeon - St. Pelagia & St. Nonnus - Antioch, Late 400s.
Notes & Sources

For Volume 2 we journey back to the 5th and 6th Century for stories of saints both famous and lesser known and maybe the stories will impact your life and your path. The chapters, the twelve stories in this volume are:

1 Sleeping Dragons - Sts Adamnan and Columba - c.690
2 The Sun on the Liffey - St. Brigid - c.500
3 Guardians - St. Senan - c.540
4 Autumn Wolves - St. Ailbe - c.500
5 Colman and the Disappearing Dinner - St. Colman - c.616
6 The Hermit King - St. Tewdrig - c.610
7 Ordeal of the Dog - St. Ruan - c.540
8 Gold of Mercury - St. Leonore - c.540
9 The Mice of Y Gaer - St. Cadoc - c.526
10 A Matter of Thrones - St. Monynna - 6th Century
11 Digits - St. Cainnech - mid 500's
12 Far Voyager - St. Brendan - early 500's
Notes & Sources

Bonus Story:

Saint Aerdeyrn’s Cross

This story was previously published in the collection: Tales from the Brackenwood Ghost Club, and fits well with the collection.

I love the stories in this collection. I have picked up a few copies to give away. The stories are masterfully written and will shine a new light on these examples of faith.

I have 4 measures for what I consider outstanding books. First do I want to share it with my children as they grow? Second will I read it again? Third do I wish for more books in the series? And finally I cannot stop talking about it. This book meets all three and I wish there was a way to give it more than 5 stars. I would love to see what Seddon would do with saints of other ages, Damien the Leper, Edith Stein, Pope John XXIII and more, if we are lucky maybe he will!

As mentioned I am very thankful these two volumes are back in print. I have been recommending them to readers for over a decade now. This third omnibus edition that contains volumes 1 and volume 2 as well as an additional bonus story is an excellent volume to pick up. I hope that bonus story is signs of things to come. These are excellent books and would be great additions for any home, school, or church library. I can easily recommend this volume and the two that its is compiled from: Saints of Empire, and Celtic Paths

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Andrew M. Seddon:
Non-Fiction:
Walking with the Celtic Saints (with Neil & Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones)
Dr. Andrew's Curious and Quirky Compendium
...

Historical Fiction:
Imperial Legions
...

Saints Alive Series:
...

Saints Alive Second Editions:
...
...

Stories Of The Supernatural:
What Darkness Remains
In Death Survive
… 
 
Science Fiction:
Red Planet Rising
Iron Scepter
The DeathCats of Asa’ican and Other Tales of a Space-Vet
Farhope
Wreaths of Empire

German Shepherd Wanderings Series:
Bonds of Affection
Ranger's First Call

Contributed to:
Sky Songs
Sky Songs II
Fungi #20
Unintended Consequences
Silent Screams: An Anthology of Socially Conscious Dark Fiction
Eldritch Embraces: Putting the Love Back in Lovecraft
Tails from the Front Lines
Rejected
Misunderstood
Incarceration
Legends of Sleepy Hallow
Wolf Wanderings

Saints of Empire Saints Alive! Volume 1 - Andrew M. Seddon News Stories of Old Saints  Second Edition

Celtic Paths Saints Alive! Volume 2 - Andrew M. Seddon News Stories of Old Saints  Second Edition

Saints Alive! Volume 1 and 2 - Andrew M. Seddon News Stories of Old Saints


Sunday 17 March 2024

Saint Patrick Ireland's - Jeannie Meekins - Beloved Saint 15-Minute Books 624

Saint Patrick Ireland's Beloved Saint
15-Minute Books 624
Jeannie Meekins
Learning Island
eISBN 9781311183217
ASIN B00IC6GU08

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint - Jeannie Meekins

I picked this up to read after reading Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint, from the same author in the same series. I enjoyed that first one so muchI picked up the eight volumes in the series about saints. As much as I loved that first one I found this one a bit of a disappointment. I had this and two other volumes about Saint Patrick that I had picked up that I had not read yet. Prior to reading this I have read a number of biographies and other books about Patrick, as well as a couple translations of his own Confessions and Letter to Coroticus. With that being said this volume was a bit of a let-down. 

Jeannie Meekins according to amazon has over 120 unique titles geared for young readers. Many are biographies, some are in a Fun Facts Series, and other appear to be short fiction. This one I picked up because I loved another by the author in the series. This is part of a series tagged as 15-Minute Books, which are geared to get children reading for 15 minutes a day. 

The description of this volume is:

“St Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, is one of the best known saints of the Western World. Legends claim he converted the country of Ireland to Christianity and drove all the snakes into the sea.

Most of what we know about Patrick comes from his own writings.

Patrick wrote about his thoughts, dreams and visions. He wrote about his life as part of his teachings. He wrote how much he prayed and what he prayed for. He wrote about his sins and how his lack of education hindered his work. But he didn’t write about his personal life, or the miracles he is said to have performed.

Find out more about this man who started out a slave and became the beloved saint of Ireland, and of Irish people everywhere.

Ages 8 and up.”

The description of the Series is:

“LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

The sections in this booklet are:

Irelan’d Beloved Saint
Early Life
Escape
Patrick’s Returns to Ireland
Patrick and Laoghaire
Patrick’s Travels
Patrick and the Snakes
Patrick’s Death
After Death
St Patrick’s Cross
Blessings and Images

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume. They are:

“Most of what we know about Patrick comes from his own writings.”

“Patrick wrote about his thoughts, dreams and visions. He wrote about his life as part of his teachings. He wrote how much he prayed and what he prayed for. He wrote about his sins and how his lack of education hindered his work. But he didn’t write about his personal life, or the miracles he is said to have performed.”

“Patrick turned to Christianity. He saw his enslavement as a test from God. He prayed constantly; day and night.”

“At some point Patrick did return home and was reunited with his family.”

“Patrick traveled around Ireland preaching, teaching and performing miracles. Some of his miracles include healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and raising nine people from the dead.”

“The Cathedral Church of Armagh was founded in 444. It became the centre of education and administration. Patrick raised the standards of schooling and encouraged the teaching of Latin. He worked to bring Ireland closer to the Western Church.”

This biography was a little confusing; events are not presented in a logical order. And there are events that I have never encountered in any of the other works on Patrick I have read. It felt like a few key facts were researched and then the biography just thrown together. The events are not always in logical order. And the meaning given to some events are strange extrapolations.  

I really enjoyed the first book I read in this series. This one was a let-down. Having picked up a number in the series I will see how the next few go. There are many great biographies of Patrick. I would recommend any of those over this one.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan

Books by Jeannie Meekins:
Saint George: Dragon Slayer
Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love
Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France
Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint
The Lives of Seven Saints

The Spiritual Journey of St Patrick - Aidan Larkin
St. Patrick and His World - Mike Aquilina

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France - Jeannie Meekins

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals - Jeannie Meekins

Saint George: Dragon Slayer - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love - Jeannie Meekins

The Lives of Seven Saints - Jeannie Meekins

Saturday 16 March 2024

Gun Magus - N.R. LaPoint

Gun Magus
Mistcreek Publishing
ISBN 9798839803022
ISBN 9798201481506
ASIN B0B5HY9J74

Gun Magus - NR LaPoint - Reprint Cover

This is the fourth novel and fifth story I have read by LaPoint. With each I am more impressed with his style, skills, and range. I had not read the description before picking this up. I picked up all his available books wile in the middle of reading the second one I read. This one has gone through a cover change. I do like the new cover, but feel it is missing the rabbit.

The description of this volume is:

“Low on luck, but not ammo

The last thing Kenneth Jericho needed was
a gunfight and car chase
with human traffickers.
What started as a bad morning only got worse.

A flash of light sends Ken to a strange world
filled with magic, hideous monsters,
beautiful women,
and seemingly unlimited ammo.

With pistol in hand, Ken is thrown into
a race against time
to stop a local ganglord's reign of terror.
But is the thug the brains behind the violence,
or is someone - or something - else
pulling his strings?”

This story reminds me a lot of Arthur Slade’s Death by Airship. But it also has the bit of a feel of playing a great D&D Adventure. I stated of another of his works that it had the feel of a mash up of Madeleine L’Engle’s Kairos stories, with Frank Peretti’s novels, with a dash of Declan Finn smattered in. It was even more so in this story. The mash up works so well. This work is different the other three novels I have read from LaPoint’s pen. The concept was unique  and the execution is masterful. 

The characters are wonderfully written. We have a great cast of characters, a great plot that moves at a quick pace. The story is at times intense and at other times laughs out loud funny. The adventure takes place over just a few days. We begin with a rescue and shootout on our world. And end up in a fantasy realm. There is actions, battles, pirates, wizards and some dark scary parts, including a dark force controlling a ruler. There is also humour, fun and friendship, and maybe a budding romance. The pirate ship attacking a floating sentient fortress was impressive. 

This was another great read from LaPoint’s pen. I am excited to share it with my brother and wife and hope they love it as well. An excellent read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by N.R. LaPoint:
Lightsinger

Raven Mistcreek Series:
Dusklight
Archangel

Dinosaur Warfare Series:
Metalsaurus 
Deus Volt
… 

Contributed to:
Fantastic Middle Schools 4
Fantastic Middle Schools 6
Shoot the Devil
Shoot The Devil 2 Dark Matter

Gun Magus - NR LaPoint - Original Cover

Gun Magus - NR LaPoint - Reprint Cover


Raven Mistcreek 01 Chalk  - NR LaPoint

Christmas Evil - NR LaPoint

Dinosaur Warfare 1 Death Planet - NR LaPoint

Friday 15 March 2024

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Vernon Johnson - CTS Biographies

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Vernon Johnson
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860821462
eISBN 9781784692643
ASIN B071SBMZ1Y
CTS Booklet B204

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Vernon Johnson - CTS Biographies

I discovered the books and booklets of the Catholic Truth Society in 2018. Since that time I have read 380 different titles, and many of them more than once. This is one of several that focuses on Saint ThĂ©rèse of Lisieux. This volume was originally published as part of the CTS Great Saints Series, which is a subset of the CTS Biographies. The eBook edition still had the Great Saints cover but the print edition was rebranded. It is also one of several that I have read by Vernon Johnson. This booklet was first published in 1936, reprinted in 2012 and the eBook released in 2017. 

The descriptions of this volume is:

“Discover the inspiring story of one of the most beloved modern saints, St ThĂ©rèse of Lisieux, who lived with the sort of simplicity and “littleness” we are each called to imitate.

"I do not repent of having surrendered myself to love." Born in 1873 at Alencon in France, Marie Francoise ThĂ©rèse Martin died in 1897 aged 24 of tuberculosis at her Carmelite convent in Lisieux. She was canonised in record time, only 28 years after her death, and 100 years later John Paul II declared her a doctor of the Church. This authoritative life of ThĂ©rèse, a true classic, tells the story of one of Christ's little ones.”

This booklet is another excellent volume on this saint and it is part of a wonderful series and I can eaily recommend it. The chapters in the booklet are:

In the World
     Home and Infancy
     School Days
     First Communion
     Apostolic Zeal
     Forcing the Gates of Carmel
     In Rome
In Carmel
     Novitiate and Profession
     The Saint’s Spirituality
     Last Illness
     Last Months
In Heaven
     The Autobiography
     The Shower of Roses
     A World-Wide Devotion
     The Pilgrimage to Lisieux
     The Canonisation
     Proclaimed Doctor of the Church
Epilogue

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume. I was surprised by how few but having now read a number of books about this saint maybe that makes sense. The ones I highlighted were:

“That little child was Marie Françoise ThĂ©rèse Martin, later to be raised to the Altars of the Church as St ThĂ©rèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, and to be known more popularly as “the little Flower”.”

“She was the youngest of nine children. Four of them had died quite young, two of whom were little boys. Their death was a grievous disappointment to the parents, who from the first had always prayed that God would give them among their children one who should be a priest and a saint. Of the remaining four sisters, Marie was the eldest, and to her therefore was entrusted the care of little ThĂ©rèse in her earliest years. Quiet and reserved, unwavering in principle but with all the tenderness of a little mother, she laid the first foundations of the character of the future Saint.”

“But one thing was for ever altered for ThĂ©rèse, her mother was in heaven and heaven was her real home. Her home on earth was but a passing, broken thing. The mother she loved so dearly was in heaven.”

“It was during one of these evening walks that her father took ThĂ©rèse to pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in the Carmel chapel. “Look, little one”, he said, pointing to the grille, “behind there are the holy nuns who are always praying”. It was in that chapel nine years later that the little one was to take the veil.”

“Nothing reveals the failings of good people more than the close intimacy of life on a pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims were many priests. Edifying though they were, they were not wholly freed from every weakness of human nature. “During that month”, she says, “I met many holy priests, and I have seen that if their sublime dignity has raised them above the Angels, they are as men still subject to human weakness and frailty. If these holy priests, whom Jesus in the Gospel calls the salt of the earth, show that they have need of prayer, what of those who are lukewarm?” It was thus she realised that prayer for priests was one of the highest services rendered by Carmel.”

“Much of what we have been considering will of course appear trivial. Why make such a fuss over little things? And here we face the whole point. It is precisely this self-conquest, for it is nothing less than self-conquest, in little things which the world never realises, which is the real secret of sanctity in great things.”

“Thus she specially preferred doing things for others that were never known, watching for any little thing that had been left undone or needed to be done that had not been noticed, rejoicing to be able to do something for others that was never known and never seen.”

“And this is that little book which was written at odd moments, amid continual distractions, during exhausting illness, without any effort after literary style; written in a poor little copybook; the book which was put on one side for months and forgotten; the book the value of which she herself only realised at the very last when she said: “This work is very important. These pages will do a great deal of good”.”

This is a short biography but it is still packed full of great information. The more I read about ThĂ©rèse the more I appreciate her little way. This volume does an excellent job of presenting her life, and the impact of her witness after her death. 

This is one of at least three books that Mgr Vernon Johnson wrote about this saint. His deep devotion is evident. But also his clear that in this volume he is writing not a hagiography but looking at the message and teachings she has left to us. It is an excellent volume in a wonderful series. It is a great read and I highly recommend it. I am trying to track down some of the Out of print volumes from the CTS on ThĂ©rèse, but can easily recommend this little booklet.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews in the CTS Biographies Series Click here.
For reviews of other books about St ThĂ©rèse of Lisieux click here.

CTS Books and Booklets n the life and spirituality of St Thérèse:
Thérèse of Lisieux - On the visit of her relics to Great Britain (Do 810)
Thérèse, teacher of Prayer, by Bro Craig (D 693)
Louis and Zélie Martin, Parents of Thérèse of Lisieux, by Paulinus Redmond (B 709)


Books in the CTS Great Saints Series:
Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley
Bernard of Clairvaux - J.B. Midgley
Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley
Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley
Dominic - J.B. Midgley
Elizabeth of the Trinity The Great Carmelite Saint - Jennifer Moorcroft
Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ John Paul Kirkham
George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley
John Baptist de La Salle - J.B. Midgley
John of the Cross - Jennifer Moorcroft
John Vianney - J.B. Midgley
Louis Marie de Montfort His Life, Message and Teaching - Paul Allerton SMM
Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin 

St Thérèse of Lisieux: Transformation into Love - Jennifer Moorcroft - CTS Biographies

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Vernon Johnson - CTS Biographies

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Vernon Johnson - CTS Biographies




Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Prayers and Devotions - Donal Anthony Foley - CTS Devotions

Praying for Priests with St Therese of Lisieux - Maureen O'Riordan - CTS Devotions


The Little Way of St Therese of Lisieux: In Her Own Words

The Little Way of St Therese of Lisieux: In Her Own Words

The Little Way of St Therese of Lisieux: In Her Own Words

Thérèse Teacher of Prayer - Brother Craig

Seeing the Pandemic with Eyes of Faith - Father Ivano Millico - Seven Prophets for Our Time

Thursday 14 March 2024

Farmwife - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Bluehills Book 2

Farmwife
Bluehills Book 2
Lilania Begley
Sanderley Studios.
ASIN B0CXWYX2GP

Farmwife - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Bluehills Book 2

This was the fifth story I have read that was written as Lilania Begley by Cedar Sanderson. The three others were in a classic science fiction style, this one is more of a soft romance. And a little bit western, much like book 1 in the Bluehills series, Farmhand. The first had some serious action, this one not so much. It is not the type of thing I normally read but I love Sanderson’s writing so much I keep giving them a try. And so far they have all been great reads. It is a good read even if it is a genre I normally do not read. I continue to look forward to reading other works published by Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley written under this pen name.  

The description of this volume states:

“The big day is looming on the horizon. After everything Dev and Irina have been through, this should be the happiest day of their lives so far. Can they overcome the clouds of the past together? Is there hope for a happy ending in their farmhouse with found family around them?"

We are informed about the author in a different volume that:

“Lilania Begley is the open penname of Cedar Sanderson. The author has a long-held love for all things Western, having grown up in Oregon, Alaska, and finally settling in Texas after a lifetime of moving from coast to coast. As she is also a romantic soul, writing Western Romances came naturally to her pen. Now that she's inspired anew by the wide-open landscapes of North Texas with the horses and longhorns wandering the range, you can expect to see more from Lilania!”

We are also given a little more information about Tako Tuseday:

“For most of 2024 I’m working on a challenge with friend and fellow author CV Walter. Three Tuesdays a month, we will be writing a story. Some weeks, it’s short, short enough to fit on a postcard at a mere fifty words. Other weeks, it’s long enough to be published, as this one was. The goal is to exercise our skills, in writing, in cover design, in self-discipline to get it done on time.

We are egged on in this fun by another friend and author, Dorothy Grant, who suggested that as Tuesday was the best day of the week for us, it should be, waggles eyebrows, Taco Tuesday. I’m not sure whose idea the tentacles were in the first place, but here we are. Writing for the Tentacle Taco Tuesday romance story challenge. Did you know that octopus, in Japanese, is tako? Well, now you do, and I do, as a reader (several of ‘em in fact) informed me when I was talking about what we’re doing.

What am I doing? Well, I’m having fun. I’ve been wanting to revisit the people of Farmhand and Bluehills for almost a decade. Better late than never to write a happy-ever-after, right? I do hope you enjoy this tale of two souls coming together as one. I know I loved writing it. We’ll be back next week, with more tako and tales of passion for you!”

In the first Bluehills story we had  a man and a woman, both dealing with their own issues. Both have been wounded, and both are struggling after leaving or in the process of leaving the military. Dev’s father, Gray, hires Irina and brings her back to the farm. Dev is resistant from the beginning. But Irina has skills on the horses, with the cattle, and just in general around the farm. Dev’s leg injury and lack of physio has him limited and not working at a level he wants, nor that the fam needs. Irina is dealing with a different trauma. And slowly we learn more about what brought her to the farm. The first one had a lot of action with brush fires, an arsonist, and assisting the police. This story was very different.

This is a powerful short story. It is the events leading up to the wedding with old friends, new friends. And still working to overcome the past. It is moving and thought provoking. It was a great read. 

We are informed that the first Bluehills story was written almost a decade ago we are informed. And this one is a great continuation. And I hope the next instalment has some more action. 

This is a great short story. I have said it before and say it again, writing short stories is a very different skill and craft than writing novels. From what I have read by Sanderson she is a master of both. I have greatly enjoyed everything from Sanderson’s pen that I have read and look forward to reading more offering by her under the name of Lilania Begley. Another moving short story that I can easily recommend! Pick this or other stories by Sanderson or Sanderson as Begley I am certain you will be entertained.

Books by Cedar Sanderson:
A Time To Die
Legion
Snow in Her Eyes
Warp Resonance
The Dwarf's Dryad
One-Eyed Dragon
Memories of the Abyss
Little Red-Hood and the Wolf-man
Stargazer
The Eternity Symbiote
Plant Life
Sugar Skull
Snow Angel
Inktail & Friends: A Coloring Book
The Twisted Breath of God
Voyageur's Cap
Fairy Little Sister
Milkweed
Mindflow

The Groundskeeper Series:

Pixie for Hire Series:
Pixie Noir
Trickster Noir 
Dragon Noir
Pixie for Hire: Omnibus Edition

Children of Myth Series:
Vulcan's Kittens 
The God’s Wolfling

The Tanager Series:
Jade Star
Tanager's Fledglings 

Witchward Series:
Possum Creek Massacre
… 

Illustrated by Cedar:
Something Wicked #15
Jormungandr's Venom (Fenris Unchained Book 3)
Hunted Behavior

Contributed to:
The Hearts' Enchantment
Calexit- The Anthology
Supernatural Streets
Something Wicked Anthology, Vol One
Something Wicked #15
Mythic Delirium Magazine Issue 0.4
The Haunted Library Anthology: Volume 1 
But Not Broken - Hope and Healing Book 2
Postcards From Mars - Postcard Stories Book 1
Space Cowboys - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 4
Space Cowboys 2: Electric Rodeo - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 5
Twisted Tropes
Steam-Powered Postcards - Postcard Stories Book 2
Space Marines - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 6
Fanta-Fly Postcards: A Micro-Fiction Collection
Postcards from Foolz: A Micro-Fiction Collection
Falcons of Malta
Space Marines 2 - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 9
Single Servings of Liberty - Postcard Stories Book 5
Tales From The Occupation: A Fae Wars Book 4

Books as Lilania Begley:
Slice of Pie
...

Sumire Series:
...

Bluehills Series:
...

Contributed to as Lilania Begley:
He Was Dead When I got There
...

Farmhand - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Bluehills Book 1

Farmwife - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Bluehills Book 2


Dust Storm A Short Story - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Sumire Book 2

Distress Signal A Short Story - Cedar Sanderson as Lilania Begley - Sumire Book 3