Jana M Floyd
Author
FLOYD’S BOOK CLUB – SEPTEMBER
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
Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield
I believe this book was recommended on a podcast. It reminded me of pastoral novels of old – like Far from the Maddening Crowd but with a gothic twist. The imaginary in this book was STUNNING.
As a young boy, William kills a rook to impresses his friends – an impossible shot. And that luck seems to hold with him as he grows into a noble businessman. But after his wife and three of his four children die, he becomes more of a Scrooge, haunted by rooks and crows.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 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 Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
I really didn’t think I would like this one (maybe because the cover is so very, very pink). But I got sucked in pretty quick.
In a world of online dating, Rhiannon has built her own empire through one of the best dating apps out there. Samson is a retired football player trying to find his footing after the death of a beloved uncle. After a rather wonderful “ships passing in the night” kind of moment (and some ghosting), the two are thrown together in an online dating marketing scheme. And it gets… interesting.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 3 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quotes: “Love was an industry fueled by hope. Whether that hope was misplaced or not was a different question.”
“Hope, her enemy. It had crept in and taken root.”
“When the stars align, and you have a partner you can by vulnerable with? There’s no such thing as weakness or strength or power battles. There is just a person who loves you. And it’s amazing.”
Girl Gone Missing by Marcie R. Rendon
Book Two of the Cash Blackbear Mystery (Book One Here!).
Renee Blackbear is a 19-year-old Ojibwe woman who is just trying to get through her first year of college while still working nights driving for the beet harvest. But trouble always seems to find her.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
How Successful People Lead by John Maxwell
Disclaimer: I love John Maxwell. Read all of his books. The end.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Course of Love by Alain De Botton
Reading this novel felt very timely. The introspection examined throughout its pages kept my interest to the very end.
This book examines the love and life of one married couple. It almost reads like a Discovery Channel Documentary on the Wild Sharia. It definitely wasn’t the sappy love story I was expecting.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots
Stolen Things by R. H. Herron 
Another Disclaimer: I LOVE Rachel Herron (known as R.H. Herron for this publishing). I listen to her two podcasts and desperately want to be her friend in real life.
Also, Trigger Warning. This book does deal with rape and child abuse.
From the back cover:
When a 911 dispatcher picks up an emergency call to hear her daughter on the line, her worst nightmare becomes reality.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth 
This book was absolutely delightful! Jill takes you into the depths of unseen wonders and of her life. Oh to be as adventurous and daring…
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness 
Book Two of the All Souls Trilogy. Check out my review of Book One, A Discovery of Witches, here.
This one took the forbidden couple into the past where they interact with greats such as Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I.
I’m still curious to see how the trilogy ends and will probably continue to the third book.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker
I love, love, love Ted and Rachelle’s work. Love it. This book has echoes of Ted’s Mystic series, if you didn’t like those… this one might not be your cup of tea. Though I would never discourage you from reading it.
In a small, hidden, cult-like, religious community – which is protected from evil taking over the world – one young woman and her brother begin to question everything about the life they live. What those questions lead to is beyond anyone imagination.
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 – AUGUST
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
Temper by Layne Fargo
Kira Rascher lands the theater acting job of her dreams. The catch is that it will mean working the Malcolm Mercer – a known terror to work with both on an off the stage. This novel is full of intrigue, ambition, power, sex, and maybe even love. I ate it right up.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 3 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 High Queen by Marion Zimmer Bradley 
The second book of The Mists of Avalon series (Check out book one here).
Again, this novel follows the women surrounding the legend of King Arthur. It’s interesting to read things from such differing perspectives. Also… there is a surprise ending I didn’t see coming.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 3 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quote: “Are you like so many men? Afraid of a women’s tears?”
Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle
This book is a little trickster. You have been warned.
One woman is missing. One woman is on the run. A husband is destroyed. A lover is beside himself. A detective is sure that he knows what is going on.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
Living Like You Mean It by Ronald J. Frederick
I could probably read this book one thousand times and still get something different out of it every time. It’s definitely not an easy read, but I believe it is well worth it. It was recommend by Hilary McBride and Science Mike.
Weeping Factor: 2 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quotes: “Simply naming our feelings for what they are is actually a powerful anxiety-regulating tool.”
The Wedding Trap by Adrienne Bell
I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about Bell as an author. And based on reading this book… they are all true!
Beth is the maid of Honor at her best friend’s wedding – a weekend that will prove to be full of family and ex drama. Alex is an undercover CIA agent looking at the bride’s uncle for drug smuggling. I suppose you will have read the book to find out what happens between the two!
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
By Helen’s Hand by Amalia Carosella
Check out the first book in this two part series here!
Helen of Sparta is thrust back into her predetermined fate by the gods. She still tries to fight that fate in anyway she can. But fate is fate, right? There is a surprising ending here too. 🙂
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quote: “I have done everything in my power, and I can only hope and pray it will be enough.”
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce
For those of you who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I think you will like this one too.
Emmeline is a young women trudging through the very depths of WWII in London when she requires a job as a secretary for Women’s Friend, a magazine with a help column written by Mrs. Bird. Emmeline, in her desperate need to help finds herself in quite a stick situation. This book is charming, and lovely, and full of pluck.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 
Lord only knows how many times I have read this book now. It seems to be my go to when I am having a rough go of it. That being said, read the series from the beginning. The End.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 4 out of 5 Teapots
The Hidden Oasis by Paul Sussman 
Freya attends the funeral of her older, estranged sister in Egypt. But before too long she realizes something is amiss and that her sister might have actually been murdered. This novel is full of car chases, hit-men, and hidden Egyptian secrets.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Fifth Season by N K Jemisin
This is book one of The Broken Earth Series and a Hugo Award winner.
In this dystopian world, Father Earth hates the inhabitants of the world and seems content on destroying them through a series of earth quakes and volcanoes. But there is a lesser race of people, who aren’t even consider human, who can help stop it. This book one such individual’s story.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 4 out of 5 Teapots
Favorite Quotes: “Uncontrollable tears would be better than uncontrollable vomiting, but hey, you can’t choose your grief.”
“He holds himself together with spit and endless smiling, but all can see the cracks.”
That’s What Frenemies Are For by Sophie Littlefield & Lauren Gershell
It has been more than a decade since I have seen the movie Mean Girls. But I am pretty sure this book is the high-class adult version.
Julia has never known a life without wealth, popularity, and she is always on the hunt for the next big thing – which is really what she bases her entire life on. But when she finds fitness trainer Tatum at a little known new gym, she may have taken on more of a challenge than she can handle.
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 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!
