Jana M Floyd
Author
FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – JULY
Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!
I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!
– Jana M. Floyd
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 
Shout out to Aunt Martha for the recommendation on this book!
The Marsh Girl is what they call her in town. Kya is a young girl, abandon by her family at the age of six, trying to survive in the swamplands by herself. This story is lovely and intriguing.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.
Cape May by Chip Cheek 
This book was written with a lovely Great Gatsby style… plus sex.
Young Henry and Effie are in New Jersey for their honeymoon and become entangled with a glamorous couple who drag them into a world they could have never imagined.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 5 out of 5 Teapots
The Whispering Room by Dean Koontz 
Book two of the Jane Hawk Series. And Koontz has given us another excellent thriller.
Former FBI Agent Jane Hawk has become America’s most wanted. On the run, she is trying to get to the top of the two-headed snake responsible for not only her husband’s suicide but dozens of other “incidents.” But the ladder of power goes far higher than she could have ever anticipated.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Body Myth by Rheea Mukerjee
This book was written with some amazing language and imagery. I picked it up after hearing an interview with the author on a podcast. I would almost describe this as a coming of age story more than anything else.
A young widow living and teaching in Suryam, India is drawn to a woman, and consequently a couple, who live with tragedies of their own – most prominently a swath of unexplained illnesses that plague Sara. What develops between them is an interesting, loving bond that they all desperately need.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 5 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quote: “The fog of self-righteousness could be a powerful drug.
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey 
I read this entire book on my birthday. And it was divine! It totally lived up to the title, which is saying a lot.
Full of references to rom-com movies, Annie Cassidy is waiting for the man of her dreams – a Tom Hanks type of man who is sensitive, sweet, and owns a houseboat. As you can imagine, there are all sorts of obstacles and it doesn’t work out quite the way Annie thinks it will.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “Tom Hanks isn’t a person so much as he is a representation of the kind of man I deserve, as my mom told over and over.”
Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts
Book Two of the Guardians Trilogy. (Check out the review from Book One Here!)
The Six are back at it again, protecting the world from an evil goddess. But this time she is more dangerous than ever.
Weeping Factor: 3 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 3 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quotes: “I wanted you then, but it wasn’t time, and I had to wait.”
Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs 
Book 11 in the Mercy Thompson novels. And you really should read them in order. Otherwise, this complicated world of werewolves, vampires, witches, fae, and god knows what else would be very hard to keep track of. I enjoy these books. Briggs always has an enchanting way of pulling me into her books from the very first sentence.
Weeping Factor: 3 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quotes: “Sometimes there is no way to make things better. Ther is only making it through.”
This Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer
Bradley
This is book one of a series about the legend of King Arthur. At least that is what I had thought when I started the book. But it’s more about the women surrounding the legend, more specifically the women of the priestess bloodline of the druid island of Avalon. It’s an interesting perspective and I intend to read at least the next book of the series.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!
FLOYD’S BOOK CLUB – JUNE
Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!
I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!
– Jana M. Floyd
Sunburn by Laura Lippman
I don’t remember where I heard about this book… probably a podcast.
Strange incidents keep happening around Polly, when all she is trying to do is survive. Everything seems to be masterfully orchestrated… but who is the pulling all the puppet strings?
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Shout out to Rachael Herron, host of both The Writer’s Well and How Do You Write? podcasts, for this book recommendation.
I would consider this book a reflection collection of thoughts about the writing life. I would recommend reading this one slowly, taking the time to reflect on the ideas and thoughts presented.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
They All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall
I heard an interview with the author on the Unlikable Female Characters podcast and immediately requested the book from the library. It’s one part thriller, one part mystery, and one part Clue (the board game and/or film) – with the seven deadly sins thrown in.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Echo in Onyx by Sharon Shinn 
If I had to guess, I suppose this book would go into the YA/Fantasy novel category.
A country girl, Brianna, become employed to Lady Marguerite, a princess with three echos – a clone of sorts, incapable of thought and only copy the host. When disaster strikes, both Brianna and Marguerite must pull together to survive.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
This book is certainly not for everyone. Has some real weird/fanciful steamy bits. Just a warning.
A small future queen and witch child is struggling to survive in a very strange fantasy world/worlds. She find help from a slew of people, including a couple of demons and Satan. Kind of a weird book.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 10 out of 5 Teapots
Blood Sisters by Juin Charnell 
*Trigger warning. This book deals with child sex trafficking.
Remember that Liam Neeson movie, Taken? This novel reminded me of that type of justice. As in, everything will be okay as long as you take the bad guys down. The End.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Spring by Ali Smith
I cannot do better than the “blurb” for this book. So…
With an eye to the migrancy of story over time and riffing on Pericles, one of Shakespeare’s most resistant and rollicking works, Ali Smith tell the impossible tale of an impossible time. In a time of walls and lockdown, Smith opens the door.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “I’m okay, she says. I’m doing my best in response to my situation and being as good-humored as I can while I’m doing it.”
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield 
Remember that one film, 300? This is a re-telling of that story. And it’s definitely not as fanciful as the film.
With Persia threatening to take over the world, 300 Spartans stand in the way… and give their lives for eternal glory.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “Men’s pain is lightly borne and swiftly over. Our wounds are of the flesh, which is nothing; women’s is of the heart-sorrow unending, far more bitter to bear.”
The Dead Drink First by Dale Maharidge
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “I don’t know of a single Osage family which didn’t lose at least one family member because of the head rights.”
If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!
Floyd’s Book Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – May
Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!
I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!
– Jana M. Floyd
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Some say the legend of Merlin was based on a man named Lailoken. But what some do not know is the Lailoken had a twin sister who became a Queen. This is her forgotten story.
What’s the catch? The next book in the series doesn’t come out till the summer of 2020 – which I did not know until after I finished the book. Insert grumpy face here.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.
Finding God in the Waves by Mike McHargue
Mike McHargue is better known as Science Mike, of the Science Mike and The Liturgists podcasts. He is great. I mean, really great.
This book is one part science and one part autobiography. And yes, the science part that feels heavy… but I found it super interesting and helpful.
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “We can approach beliefs not as gems to be mined from the earth and protected with clenched fists, but as butterflies that land on an open hand – as gifts to enjoy but not possess.
Helen of Sparta by Amalia Carosella
This book was recommended by Libbie Hawker (you know her as the author of many great books including The Book of Coming Forth by Day series) on her Facebook page.
This is a different version of Helen than I have ever heard of. For example, Helen isn’t married to Menelaus…yet. I have book two of these series, and it is in the Que to be read.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty 
I heard about this book on the podcast “Unlikable Female Characters.” And as you may guess, none of the characters are particularly likable. But I found myself unable to put it down. The writing is excellent and the characters are so very human.
Cecilia Fitzpatrick finds an old letter, addresses to her to be read in the event of her husband’s death. This will change everything for several families.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Design Before You Design by Jacob deNeui 
This book is about the design of Social Impact. Told in one part parable and one part case studies, deNeui builds a great argument on how Social Impact can change the world – through business or as an individual.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quotes: “Pickle ice cream sundae: two good things mixed together do not always equal a better product.”
“People matter, regardless of economic status…”
Storm of Locusts by Rebecca Roanhorse
I loved this novel! Book Two of the Sixth World series. You should definitely read Book One, Trail of Lightening, first.
Our hero, Maggie, a Native American young woman who has been nicknamed ‘god-slayer,’ is back and better than ever. With friends kidnapped and a cult leader threatening to destroy her home, she must once again face her inner demons and fight for the fate of the world.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!
Floyd’s Book Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Paradise Valley
My Dearest Friends and Readers!
The day has finally come! Paradise Valley – Book One of The Paradise Valley Series – is officially published! *Insert Ridiculous Victory Dance Here*
I am beyond excited to share this sweet, western romance with you. Fair warning, my love of Montana and the Montana mountains may show. Just a little bit. Maybe. Claire and Cole hold special places in my heart. I hope you love them as much as I do.
You can purchase Paradise Valley in Paperback or E-Book on Amazon, as well as Signed Paperback copies here on my website.
In case you want a refresher on the plot line…
When a city girl meets a rugged cowboy, will true love take the reins?
Bestselling author Claire blames her writer’s block on her recent breakup. So a peaceful Montana cabin retreat seems like the perfect setting to clear her mind. But her summer gets off to a rocky start when she maroons her car and has to endure a humiliating rescue from her handsome host.
Patrick Cole is desperate to save his ranch from foreclosure. But making a few dollars renting cabins to entitled city folk won’t keep the family property in the black. And his latest guest may just prove to be more trouble than she’s worth… even if she does look like a million bucks.
As Claire relaxes into her new surroundings, Cole sees glimpses of a possible future. But with her deadline approaching and the bank threatening to repossess his business, neither can afford to let their hearts run free.
Will Claire and Cole’s budding romance remain unfinished, or open a door to love?
Paradise Valley is a refreshingly sweet Western romance. If you like charming characters, unmistakable attraction, and breathtaking mountain settings, then you’ll adore Jana Floyd’s touching novel.
Buy Paradise Valley to begin a new chapter of love today!
Order on Amazon or Here!
FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – April
Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!
I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!
– Jana M. Floyd
This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis
This book was super interesting! Both in concept and how it was written!
Sasha Stone discovers a sonogram picture while digging through old photos. According to the date scribbled on the back, she is one of the babies in the picture. But who is the other? Sasha becomes convinced that she killed her twin sister in the womb, but her own heart is actually that of her twin. And her twin wants to live a life too.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quote: “People are always surprised when roses have a few thrones, like the girls who wear khakis and live with our natural hair color aren’t ever going to bite.”
*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.
Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts 
As some of you many know, I am a new Nora Roberts fan. I picked this one up off the clearance shelf at HalfPrice Books. I do believe it is a trilogy. And as if I didn’t want to go to Greece before…. I really, really want to go now.
Six individuals are drawn together by fate to protect the world against an evil goddess. There is magick, fighting scenes, and – of course – love.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
Mercy Falls by William Kent Krueger
Book Five of the Cork O’Connor Series.
Cork is once again Sheriff and, true to form, there is trouble in Tamarack County. Not only was a deputy shot in the line of duty, a bullet Cork is sure was meant for him, a wanna-be Hollywood hotshot is found dead with a knife wound to his chest.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Mercy by Jodi Picoult
In the past, I have been conceded enough to think that I had read most Picoult books. Stumbling upon this gem through my library audio book app has dissuaded me of that notion.
As usually, Picoult tackles tough issues – Infidelity, love, marriage, human kindness, and virtual reality. The fun part of this book is that it was written and set the early 90s, where screen savers and cell phones are newer technologies that have to be explained.
Love Factor: 4 out of 5 Hearts
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “‘Bad moose meat is always better than a good pork chop,’ his father always said.”
99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne 
Some of you may remember that I read a Thorne book last month (check it out here) and liked it. This one was pretty great too! I found myself identifying with the main female character more than I thought I would. It’s a great little romance. P.s. I picture the main characters way different than this cover art. 😉
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 3 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quote: “I need a hug. I need someone’s warm skin on mine. I ache with the loneliness…”
The Winter Sister by Megan Collins
Oh Man. I loved this book. An interview with the author turned me onto it. The novel based on myth of Persephone -But it’s certainly not on the nose or obvious.
I can’t put it any better than the book’s teaser: “In this spellbinding and suspenseful debut, a young woman haunted by the past returns home to care for her ailing mother and begins to dig deeper into her sister’s unsolved murder.”
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This book was recommended to me about 8 years ago. And I have finally gotten around to reading it. In case you haven’t heard anything about this book before… It’s your basic Witch and Vampire fall in love… and the world may end because of it. I’m curious to see where the next book goes, but it’s not super high on my reading list.
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quote: “My ideas about vampires may be romantic, but your attitudes toward woman need a major overhaul.”
Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud by Anne Helen Petersen
This book was recommend on a podcast. And I will admit, I did enjoy and identify with most of the ideas presented. In short, each chapter profiles a different woman and the reason the world/society considers them Unruly. My feeling is that people will either love or hate this book. But I would seriously doubt anyone reading this it with an open mind could claim the entire thing and it’s ideas are unfounded.
Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!
