Jana M Floyd
Author
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!
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 – MARCH
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
Predators Gold by Philip Reeve
Book two of the Mortal Engines Series. I highly recommend you read them in order. See the “February” issue for a description of book one, Mortal Engines. I am still very much liking the series.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Silence of Girls by Pat Barker 
Weeping Factor: 1 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.
ISFP: 33 Secrets From The Life of an ISFP by Diana Jackson
If you have ever done a Meyers/Briggs personality test, this title may look familiar to you. These ’33 Secret’ books give a quick run done of the personality type they are addressing. It’s not super in-depth and yet is still super helpful.
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
*Donita Factor: 4 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 Gilded Wolves by Roshanki Chokshi 
This book is caulk full of some truly amazing imagery. Chokshi certainly has a gift. I would say this novel is one part historical fiction, one part Steampunk, and one part fantasy.
A group of unlikely companions are only trying to make a better place in the world for themselves. But they strike a deal with a powerful lord that will give them far more than they bargained for. Will the pain be worth the victory?
Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears
Favorite Quotes: “‘Take what the world owes you by any means necessary,’ Pride had said. ‘they world has a shit memory. It will never pay its debts unless you force its hand.'”
“Sometimes she wondered if grief could break someone, for all of them bore fractures, new hollows.”
Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler
Dusty is a very strong, independent teen who may be prone to get into scrapes – just like her brother used to. Now that he has gone missing and her mother has gone AWOL, it’s just Dusty and her dad. And a boy’s voice on her cell phone saying, “I’m dying.”
This book is full of twists and turns that I did not see coming. It’s a good YA thriller/mystery novel and I am glad I read.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Shout out to Sierra Ciara Droge for the book loan!
Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger 
Book Four of the Cork O’Connor Series. Truth be told, I started this book over a year ago. And then put it down not too many chapters in. I think Krueger is a brilliant writer, better than some of the descriptions used in Blood Hollow. That being said, it’s still a good book and I will continue the series. The characters are just too good to leave alone.
Solemn Winter Moon, a troubled young Ojibwa man, has been accused of murder. Former Sheriff O’Connor and his Attorney Wife Jo, don’t believe guilty of the crime. But’s a tangled web of lies, mystery, and violence that they must sort through to protect the innocent.
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.
FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – February
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
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Even Before I had left the movie theater, I was putting this book on hold at the library. I really liked the movie, despite the bad (in my opinion) trailers. But I knew there had to be way more story to the book, just from little snippets that didn’t seem to quite fit in the film. I was right. 😉
In a world where cities are mobile, London seeks to overtake everything. One girl, Hester Shaw, stands in their way. Though, she doesn’t know it. She is solely focused on revenge for her family.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
I know, I know. Yet another Lauren book. I can’t help myself. It’s such good writing!
In a world of online dating, four friends decide to use the same app to attempt to get dates for a specific event. This book is full of fun and love. I very much enjoyed it.
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.
Eternal Life by Dara Horn
Rachel can’t die. She has lived thousands and thousands of lives. This is the story of two of them, with a smattering of eluding to others.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Chosen to Die by Lisa Jackson
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason
Following the romantic idea of war, medical student Lucius joins the efforts of World War I. What he finds is a gruesome hospital that he is woefully under-qualified to run. Luckily, a nun teaches him how to be a doctor. And of course, they fall for each other.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
**Be advised, this book has some pretty graphic war descriptions.
When All The Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar
I do believe that I picked this book up solely based on the title.
Mr. Hancock becomes the owner of a mermaid, through doing of his own. This sets off a chain of events for several characters within their cites and leads to consequences no one could have imagined.
I wouldn’t say this is an easy book to fly through. In fact, it took me far longer than I wanted it to. The core story is good. But I didn’t care about the side characters enough to be completely sucked in.
Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears
Far From the Maddening Crowd by Thomas Hardy
I loved this film (2015) and I loved the soundtrack even more. Having now read the novel itself, I would say the film follows fairly close to the original plot line.
Bathsheba Everdene comes to be the mistress of her late uncle’s estate and farm. While trying to manage her new enterprise, she is also quite taken with ideas of love and romance. A trio of men vie for her attentions.
I definitely consider this one of the classics.
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!
