They say never judge a book by it's cover, and we really shouldn't, but when the book has a cover like Odd Birds? Well, do you blame me for wanting to pick it up? 

Odd Birds is a detailed and atmospheric story set in the early 1960s about our protagonist, Cosimo and his losses and travels, along to the land of San Antonio, Texas. It's been a long time since I've been to San Antonio myself, but I could picture it with the lovely details by the author, Severo Perez. 

Along with the detailed description of "place", we also have fantastic descriptions of the characters. Each with their own very particular personalities and quirks. 

Odd Birds is a dual focused story focused on the Cuban-born artist Cosimo and his travels in having followed his love to Texas and its partner story of those who work at the local library. Namely, that of the assistants, Richard, Maddie, and Oscar, and their navigation of each day to day. A great juxtaposition to these three within the library is that of the character of Ruthann, the librarian who definitely has a hard time with the integration and change going on in the library. 

What I truly found within the pages of Odd Birds was the realization that all things change, as much as we mourn the losses, and all the bittersweetness that comes with it. I recommend this book to all open to reading about the pain and love that can come with change. 
​

CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY, 
or visit the blogs directly:
3/29/22
Excerpt
Chapter Break Book Blog

3/29/22
Review
The Book's Delight

3/29/22
BONUS Promo
Hall Ways Blog

3/30/22
Author Interview
Sybrina's Book Blog

3/30/22
Review
Jennie Reads

3/31/22
Review
Forgotten Winds

3/31/22
BONUS Promo
LSBBT Blog

4/1/22
Author Interview
StoreyBook Reviews

4/1/22
Review
Rainy Days with Amanda

4/2/22
Review
Book Fidelity

4/3/22
Bonus Story
All the Ups and Downs

4/4/22
Author Interview
The Page Unbound

4/4/22
Review
It's Not All Gravy

4/5/22
Review
The Plain-Spoken Pen

4/6/22
Review
Shelf Life Blog

4/7/22
Review
Book Bustle

4/7/22
Review
Reading by Moonlight
​

​CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY, 
or visit the blogs directly:
11/15/21
Author Video
Chapter Break Book Blog

11/15/21
Review
StoreyBook Reviews

11/15/21
BONUS Promo
LSBBT Blog

11/16/21
Review
The Book's Delight

11/16/21
BONUS Promo
Hall Ways Blog

11/17/21
Excerpt
All the Ups and Downs

11/17/21
Guest Post
The Page Unbound

11/18/21
Review
The Plain-Spoken Pen

11/19/21
Review
Jennie Reads

11/19/21
Excerpt
Book Fidelity

11/20/21
Review
It's Not All Gravy

11/21/21
Deleted Scene
Forgotten Winds

11/22/21
Review
Rainy Days with Amanda

11/22/21
Guest Post
Missus Gonzo

11/23/21
Playlist
The Clueless Gent

11/24/21
Review
Bibliotica

11/24/21
Review
Reading by Moonlight
​

I didn't know what I was getting into with Laurie Moore-Moore's Gone to Dallas. As much as I read historical romance, I don't actually read any historical fiction. So, for me to read a historical fiction book about Texas while being a Texan is a bit of a trip!

I can tell you, reader, that Moore-Moore definitely knows her stuff regarding Texas and its history. The story itself is about Sara, an extremely likable character by the way, and her journey to Texas. She ends up in a very different situation than she started off with. I truly enjoyed reading about Sara's journey and the turns life gave her. It was such an interesting juxtaposition for someone like me who isn't used to the historical fiction genre, but is used to having a strong female protagonist (it really is my favorite part of the romance genre). 

I found Moore-Moore's knowledge and ability to write an enthralling story while still teaching me a thing or two (and more) about Texas quite awesome. Above all, Sara's character is really my favorite part of this story because she makes for a strong and lovely character. This western has heart and so I recommend it to anyone who shies away from westerns / historical fiction (ahem, me). This work gives a great blend of having heart and being interesting that will keep any reader captivated until the last page. 

​CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY, 
or visit the blogs directly:
 
10/26/21
Scrapbook Page
Hall Ways Blog

10/26/21
Review
Sydney Young, Stories

10/27/21
Review
Book Fidelity

10/27/21
BONUS Promo
LSBBT Blog

10/28/21
Excerpt
Chapter Break Book Blog

10/28/21
Review
Jennie Reads

10/29/21
Review
Missus Gonzo

10/30/21
Review
Julia Picks 1

10/31/21
Author Interview
The Page Unbound

11/1/21
Character Spotlight
Book Bustle

11/1/21
Review
Reading by Moonlight

11/2/21
Review
StoreyBook Reviews

11/3/21
Review
Forgotten Winds

11/3/21
Guest Post
All the Ups and Downs

11/4/21
Review
The Book's Delight

11/4/21
Review
It's Not All Gravy

 

Holding On Loosely by Dana Knox Wright is one of those books that can hit you just right when you are ready for it. It was a lovely read that took me through a roller coaster of emotions along with the author. There were definitely parts that made me chuckle and others that made me tear up. I was able to truly appreciate what it means to let go of something as I read this book. 

Perhaps this book hit differently because I lost my sister earlier this year. Ever since it happened, I notice that I see things very differently. I found that this book was able to match me in the emotion department. Although I am not a big reader of anything referencing God, I was able to appreciate the reader's point of view. 

It's hard for me to say what I would have gotten from this book if I was not in the place in my life that I am in now. I believe anyone can gather something from learning to let go. We all have things and people we need to (or should) let go of. I believe that this author is able to express that to her reader in the best way possible - by her expressive and captivating writing. 
​

CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY, 
or visit the blogs directly:
 
10/12/21
Excerpt
Chapter Break Book Blog

10/12/21
BONUS Promo
LSBBT Blog

10/13/21
Review
Book Fidelity

10/13/21
Scrapbook Page
Hall Ways Blog

10/14/21
Review
It's Not All Gravy

10/15/21
Guest Post
StoreyBook Reviews

10/15/21
Review
Jennie Reads

10/16/21
Author Interview
All the Ups and Downs

10/17/21
Excerpt
Reading by Moonlight

10/18/21
Review
The Clueless Gent

10/18/21
Top 8 Quotes
Julia Picks 1

10/19/21
Author Interview
The Adventures of a Travelers Wife

10/20/21
Audio Review?
Forgotten Winds

10/20/21
Guest Post
Sybrina's Book Blog

10/21/21
Review
Book Bustle

10/21/21
Review
Missus Gonzo
​