Hello! I hope everyone’s had a great start to the new week. I’m always grateful for your visit.
Today I will share two short stories I read recently. The first, Voodoo or Destiny: You Decide was written by Jan Sikes. The second, Red Eyes in the Darkness was written by D. L. Finn. Both of these authors are extremely talented storytellers, skilled writers, as well as great supporters of the indie community and overall wonderful people. I truly enjoy their work.
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Bio:
Multi-Award winning author, Jan Sikes, weaves stories in a creative and entertaining way. She has been called a magician and wordsmith extraordinaire by her readers and peers.
Jan self-published a series of four Biographical Fiction books with a musical twist. They chronicle the life of Texas musician, Rick Sikes, a pioneer in the Outlaw Music movement before it ever had a name. She also released a music CD of original songs which match the time period of each story.
Her newest self-pub is a unique book of poetry and art, which combines heartfelt poetry with pen-and-ink drawings.
Jan has written songs, poetry, short stories, screenplays, and novels.
She is passionate about her writing projects and is driven to tell a story with the hope that it might touch someone’s heart or life in a positive way.
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My Review of Voodoo or Destiny: You Decide:
Claire’s husband asked for a divorce after confessing he was in love with another woman. Devastated she turned to her friend Jade who remained by her side to console her.
After polishing off two bottles of red wine, Jade, whose grandmother was one of New Orleans Voodoo Queens, convinces Claire to perform a mock Voodoo ritual ceremony. They dressed the part, lit red candles, and Claire even made a Voodoo doll from yarn, fabric from one of her husband’s shirts, spare buttons, and her husband’s blond hair, retrieved from his comb. Then, she stabbed two pushpins right through the doll’s heart.
The next morning Claire received an alarming phone call which made her and her friend rush out of the house. What happens next will surprise you and you’ll have to decide, was it Voodoo or destiny?
I’d recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fun, quick reads.
Connect with Jan Sikes on Social Media:
BLOG
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
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Bio:
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
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My Review of Red Eyes in the Darkness:
This well-written short story hooked me from the beginning and kept me at the edge of my seat with its perfect amount of delectable tension in every page.
Cass and her husband, Will were wrongfully accused and arrested for the murder of her sister. In time, they were released for lack of evidence but the damage had already been done. Family and friends no longer wanted anything to do with them and kept away.
During a visit to Cass and Will’s home, Ronald, Cass’s brother-in-law confessed to having killed her sister and threatened to do the same to them.
Cass and Will immediately called the police and informed them of everything Ronald told them but the police didn’t believe them. Ronald was a well-liked and respected individual and he had already gone to the police to tell them awful lies about the older couple. He was the one who framed them and spread rumors about them to family and friends.
Cass and Will were in a terrible predicament but they were not alone. Someone was helping them and it wasn’t the police.
I recommend this riveting short story to lovers of the supernatural.
Connect with D.L. Finn on Social Media:
BLOG
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
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**For more information on the authors click on their pictures or social media site. For more information on their books click on the book image or Amazon Author Page.
Thank you for reviewing these stories, Vashti. I am intrigued!
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That’s wonderful news! Thank you. They are very entertaining. 😀
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Good reviews, thanks for posting them. I hope you have a nice week, too! (p.s., Don’t voodoo dolls freak you out?!)
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Hi, Priscilla! I always say I don’t believe in any of that stuff but I have respect for it. You won’t find me playing with voodoo dolls––ever. 🙂
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I enjoyed both of these short stories. Great tales by the authors—and excellent reviews, Vashti!
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Hi, Mae! I’m so glad you read and enjoyed them. Thank you! 😀 xo
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These are excellent and inviting reviews of Jan’s book and Denise’s book, Vashti! Thank you so much!
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I’m happy you think so, Miriam. Thank you! ❤
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You’re welcome. I’m happy for them doing well with short stories this summer! ❤
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Me too. ❤
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❤ 🙂
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I’ve only read one of these, but loved Voodoo or Destiny. I’ll have to check out the other one.
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Glad to hear that, Craig. I think you would like, Red Eyes in the Darkness. 🙂
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I bought it on your recommendation.
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Thank you, Craig!
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Cool Craig, thank you. 😀 xo
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I loved both of these short stories. They are both blue ribbon winners.
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Yay! I’m happy you enjoyed the stories. I agree! 😀 xo
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Thank you Vashti:) What a wonderful surprise! I’m honored to be here with Jan. I loved Voodoo or Destiny– although I’d be too scared to fool with one of those dolls…lol.
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Me too, Denise! 😮 I wouldn’t mess with that. I’m glad you enjoyed Jan’s book. 😀 xo
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Thanks Vashti. I’ve heard wonderful comments about Jan’s book 🙂 ❤ I'll get there. x
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That’s wonderful to know. It’s a quick read. I think you would like both these short stories. ❤ xo
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❤
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Both of these stories are on my radar!
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That’s good to know, Wendy! Thank you. 😀 xo
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Thank you for the AWESOME review, Vashti!!! I loved D.L. Finn’s story as well. Your support is appreciated!
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You’re welcome, Jan! It was my pleasure. I enjoyed your fun story. ❤ xo
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