My 3 Favorite Reads for 2023

S.M. Stevens' 3 favorite reads in 2023 with book covers

Shepherd, as my regular readers know, is a relatively new site for finding your next book, but with a twist: the book recommendations are from authors. I am one of 884 authors asked to name our 3 favorite reads for 2023. Choosing was tough, of course, and stopping at three was even tougher. But here's my … Continue reading My 3 Favorite Reads for 2023

If You Lived Through the 1980s…

If you lived through the 1980s with their "alcohol and drugs, the promiscuity, the inappropriate office behavior" as a new reviewer puts it, then you'll relate to Horseshoes and Hand Grenades! And let's not forget big hair, padded shoulders, and MTV -- all of which helped make the 1980s so special! That's me on the … Continue reading If You Lived Through the 1980s…

New Review: Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

3 Bit Players books on a shelf

Here's an excerpt from a new review of Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers posted recently on Amazon: "As a lifelong Broadway theatre lover, I found myself enjoying Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers fully! Great characters, a fast-moving story, and wonderful descriptions of the musical created and staged by the high school … Continue reading New Review: Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

A Little Book Problem Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Graphic showing the masthead for the "A Little Book Problem" blog, a quote from the review, and the cover of The Wallace House of Pain

I'm pleased to share a new review of The Wallace House of Pain, this one from A Little Book Problem--one of my favorite book review blogs. Hop on over to Julie's blog, A Little Book Problem, for the full review. And here are a few snippets: "A great collection of vignettes which explores the relationship … Continue reading A Little Book Problem Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Chat About Books Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

screenshot of the Chat About Books blog masthead and beginning of the Wallace House of Pain book review

Thanks to Kerry at Chat About Books for reviewing my novelette, The Wallace House of Pain, on her hugely popular book blog, and calling the story "A must read!" on her 5-star Amazon review. https://youtube.com/shorts/kDySb0WVKHw?feature=share She writes: "[Xander] is convinced his father won’t accept him for who he really is. Something we all know many, many … Continue reading Chat About Books Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Three Must-Read Books

covers of three must-read books on shelf pink background

This is not a book review blog; it's a blog to talk about my own books and related news. However, sometimes you read a book that is too good not to talk about. I've enjoyed a few of those lately, and I want to share these three must-read books with you. Making these books extra … Continue reading Three Must-Read Books

Early Reviews for “The Wallace House of Pain”

open hardcover book folded pages pink flower

Early reviews for The Wallace House of Pain are starting to come in. Wottaread The first blog review of The Wallace House of Pain is from Wottaread. This book review site featured my novelette last week, for which we thank them. I love how they sum up the story: "This book is about knowing yourself … Continue reading Early Reviews for “The Wallace House of Pain”

Book Club Review: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

book on tablet hand background of books library

One year ago today, this review of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades was posted on Amazon, following a lively book club session in Central Massachusetts. I didn't share it at the time, so am doing so today. I absolutely love connecting with readers through book clubs, so let me know if you're interested in having me … Continue reading Book Club Review: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

Audiobook Review: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

screenshot audiobook review site novel

Saying I've been absorbed in my work-in-progress would be an understatement considering I only this week caught up with The Audiobook Review's post on Horseshoes and Hand Grenades! Their thorough review of the audiobook version of my novel was posted in February. (The audiobook was released in January 2021.) Nothing is more fulfilling than having … Continue reading Audiobook Review: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades