In honor of it being Day 3 of the Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Blog Tour, we have three postings to share with you today. (Just kidding. It wasn’t planned that way. It just turned out that Review Tales by Jeyran Main split her post into two pieces: my guest post about why I wrote HAHG yesterday, and her review of my new novel today.)
Day 3 also brings us a book review from The Lily Cafe, and the publication of an excerpt from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades plus an author Q&A on Reading Nook. Thanks to all of these bloggers for participating in the Tour!
Book Review on The Lily Cafe
“A heartbreakingly beautiful novel.” That’s how The Lily Cafe describes Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, which of course brings tears to this author’s eyes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and no book appeals to everyone. So it is extremely gratifying to have a reader connect with the story so deeply.
The comprehensive book review covers the characterizations, setting and pacing as well as the plot and overall impact of the story. Here’s an excerpt from the review:
“[Horseshoes and Hand Grenades] was a fairly intense novel. As someone who has never been a victim of sexual harassment or abuse, it really opened my eyes to what victims must endure for the rest of their lives. This book made me hurt for them, made me want to step in and protect them, and made me root for them and every victim more than ever before…..this is one novel that should be read by victims and non-victims alike, especially in this day and age.”
Read the full review here.
Excerpt and Author Q&A on Reading Nook

Reading Nook featured an excerpt from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades in which co-narrators and heroes Shelby and Astrid interact in the early days. Can you say “frenemy”? This seemingly innocuous scene is actually quite instrumental in conveying the personalities of both women.
Reading Nook also posted a Q&A with me that covers my dream cast for the movie adaptation of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, and why Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books, among other topics.
Read the full post complete with book info, excerpt and interview here. And note that the magical header image for this post is pulled from Reading Nook‘s masthead.
Book Review on Review Tales by Jeyran Main
Review Tales published a lovely review of my Contemporary / New Adult / Women’s Fiction novel. Here’s a taste:
“When it comes to sensitive matters such as sexual abuse, specifically at a young age, it is imperative that the story displays a truthful notion of emotion, triumph, conflict of behavior and hurt. The author managed to describe all of this within the story, and that made it very special.
“The literature was sensitive and written with care. I would recommend this story to people who have been through a similar experience or like to read about a woman and their strength to overcome hardship.”
Read the full review here.
That wraps up Day 3. Join us again tomorrow as the Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Blog Tour continues. #AlmostCounts
