Today we are celebrating ‘In the Tree’s Shadow’ by D.L. Finn. Denise is my blogger buddy and a prolific writer who inspires through her fabulous stories. I am delighted to welcome her here, to talk about her latest book.
Thank you, Balroop, for having me visit today to share my latest release, In the Tree’s Shadow.
“Man on a Pier” came from a vivid dream during a power outage. The dream gave me many pictures to work from of an old man, a cage of dead fish, and a pier. I wrote it down as soon as I woke up so I wouldn’t forget it.
Captain Randall walked down the pier daily with his cage of dead fish. Sasha watched him quietly, knowing speaking to him had dire consequences.
Blurb:
A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist.
Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.
Let me share my review:
‘In the Tree’s Shadow’ is a unique collection of short stories, as it offers stunning variety. Realism, fantasy and paranormal mingle into each other in this assortment that contains all flavors just like a box of chocolates. Finn’s signature style of nature in harmony with her characters and Angels waiting nearby shines throughout the book, despite the dark themes. ‘The Bonsai’ illustrates it so well. Her stories may rise above the realities of life but they speak of love, loss and kindness.
The spooky aura that she creates with her words in ‘It’s Only a Dream’ and ‘When the Lights go Out’ makes you shudder and believe that some of our darkest nightmares are real! The dream in the ‘Deadline’ is so lucid that I could feel the labored breath of Sadie on my shoulder. Such is the magic of Finn’s style! If ‘Lyrical Dragon’ is highly imaginative, ‘The Bike’ exudes real human values. If you love short stories, you must read this collection.
Excerpt:
The lanky apparition known as Captain Randall carried a long cage full of dead fish in his arms along a wooden pier. He was dressed in brown pants and a blue shirt with brass buttons. His stringy gray hair was tied back with a strip of tanned leather, and his brown boots were scuffed and worn. He set his contraption across from where I sat on the newly painted white bench.
Nothing would have happened that day if it hadn’t been for that man out jogging.
The runner in gray sweats and a shiny blue fitted shirt skidded to a stop in front of Captain Randall, who looked like any other fisherman except for his dated clothes. I jumped up to stop him, but he said, “Hi, I’m Lucas, and I’m new to the area. What’s that for?”
Captain Randall smiled, exposing a mouthful of rotten teeth as he skillfully sliced open the rotting fish. “Come see, Lucas. Follow me.” He gripped the cage and jumped into the icy waters.
I grasped Lucas’s sweaty arm, shaking my head. He grinned, pushed me away, and followed the captain into the water without hesitation.
FUN FINN FACTS:
1. I checked an item off my bucket list. A humpback whale brought her baby to see us in Alaska while we were on a boat tour.
2. I talked my husband into flying over Kauai in a helicopter. I enjoyed it—he didn’t.
Meet the Author:
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D.L. Finn Links:
Thank you.
Wonderful tour, Denise. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks for hosting, Balroop.
Thank you, Staci! I appreciate you being a part of it 🙂 xo
Thanks for coming over to join the celebrations Staci.
A wonderful review for a fun book! Congratulations, Denise, on your new book. I enjoyed this read so much! Wishing you every success.
Balroop, thanks for sharing.
Hugs 🤗💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony! So happy you enjoyed it and was thrilled to see the reviews 🙂
Thank you for your lovely words Harmony. I loved the variety of Denise’s stories. Love and hugs back to you. 🥰
Great review, Balroop, and it’s a wonderful collection, Denise!
Thank you Vera. Denise never disappoints, her stories always win my heart.
Thank you, Vera 🙂 I appreciate you saying so!
Thank you for the wonderful introduction and closing out the blog tour, Balroop. Your review still has me smiling! Hugs Xo
My pleasure Denise. Wishing you great success. 🤗
What a wonderful end to Denise’s tour. Congrats, Denise, for launching this book in such magnificent fashion. I giggled that your husband didn’t like flying over Kauai. I’ll come with you next time!
Thank you, Jacqui 🙂 Thankful you were a part of it. It made him a but queasy. Yes, I definitely need a new flying partner!
Finn facts are a wonderful addition to her blog posts! I too enjoy them. Thank you Jacqui for your love and support, much appreciated.
That was another great story, Denise! All of them were awesome! Thanks for hosting today, Balroop!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 I appreciate you saying do. Xo
Thank you for cheering us on Yvette. I agree with you. Each story is a gem. 😊
A wonderful review, Balroop. Denise’s imagination is stunning and her stories diverse. But you’re right too that her style and themes come through too. That story was a creepy one. And I liked the fun facts today – cracked up about the helicopter ride. Lol. Congrats on a wonderful tour, Denise. And thanks for hosting, Balroop!
Thank you, Diana 🙂 It was a creepy dream too… lol. Yes, I had great time, but my husband was a shade of green at the end. I sat in front of him and didn’t notice until it ended.
We’ve talked about taking that ride, but haven’t yet. I don’t think humans are meant to fly, so it’s always a bit scary. 🙂
What I like about Denise’s creepy stories is that they are so readable! Thank you for coming over to share your thoughts about this book Diana.
Yes. All her stories are accessible. Creepy but not gory.
How interesting to know this story came from a dream, Denise. I often wonder where they come from and why, but any dream that inspires a story is a gift! Congratulations on reaching the end of your tour! Thank you, Balroop, for hosting Denise today!
The stories are always so vivid in dreams. Like you, I wonder where they come from, Jan 🙂 Thanks for being a part of the journey. Xo
Dreams make wonderful stories Jan and some of my poems too are inspired from dreams. 😊 Thank you for all your love.
A super review, Balroop. Congratulations to Denise. It was a great tour and thank you, Balroop for hosting.
Thank you, John for being a part of this tour, much appreciated!
Enjoyed it.
Thank you John, I am glad you came over to support us, much appreciated.
😊
This was a fun tour, Denise. May you reach many new readers! Thanks for hosting, Balroop!
Thank you, Beem 🙂 I appreciate you being a part of it!
Thank you Beem. Denise seems to have organized this tour so well!
Thanks for hosting, Balroop. Congratulations to Denise!
Thank you, Jill. Much appreciated!
Thank you Jill 🤗
Congratulations on another excellent review, Denise! I don’t think jumping into icy water after a man with a cage of dead fish would end well. Your dream sounds horrifying!
Thank you Liz, I agree with you, this dream sounds quite unpleasant but I liked the story.
You’re welcome, Balroop. It’s always good when we can turn an unpleasant experience into a good story.
Exactly! Thank you Liz.
You’re welcome, Balroop.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 Definitely not a good idea. I don’t think it scared me but caught my attention.
These stories sound intriguing, Balroop. I have read one of Denise’s books and really enjoyed her writing. I will add this to my TBR. Congratulations to you, Denise, on your new release! Thanks for sharing your review, Balroop.
Thanks Lisa, I am sure you would enjoy these stories. Happy reading. 😊
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 I hope you enjoy this!
I’m sure I will, Denise. All best with the launch!
Thank you! It’s been a great one so far.
Balroop thank you for hosting Denise. Your review was awesome. Denise is a wonderful writer and congratulations to her.
Thank you Kamal for your wishes and love, much appreciated.
You are most welcome Balroop ❤️😊❤️❤️
I have a copy of Denise’s book and can’t wait to dive in. But maybe I should read it while the sun’s shining. 🙂 Thanks for hosting her, Balroop, and I wish her all the best.
Oh no, you can read it at any time Lauren. Most of the stories are heart-warming. 😊
Great fun facts about Denise’s book. She is a wonderful writer and I’m so glad she is getting such great reviews! Boo! 😂🥰
Well-said Cindy. Denise never disappoints. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts.