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White Sands Gold
White Sands Gold by Mike Torreano is a classic Western story set in the late 18th century in New Mexico, America. The story starts with Yancy, who is searching Victoria mountain for the pile of gold his father died trying to find. He discovers a hidden entrance but is buried beneath stone rubble before he can finish exploring the cave. Back at home, his twin sister Lottie waits for him, knowing full well that people come back from the mountain empty-handed or they don’t come back at all.
The story does one thing and does it well – it’s a Western. There are dry plains, guns, plenty of horse-riding, and some shoot-outs, and the scene wouldn’t be complete without a failing ranch in the middle of nowhere that no one visits without a purpose. While the story sticks to its roots, it nonetheless shows that it was written recently. There are several protagonists sharing the spotlight, and one of them is a strong woman who never relies on a man if she doesn’t have to. There are men who are cool but are open about their feelings at the same time. And there’s also a matriarch who doesn’t need to raise her voice to assert dominance in a room of rowdy boys.
The plot is thrilling, the characters are lively, and even the romantic subplot is slow and steady, making it seem more believable than a rushed romance just to include romance. Both pairs are on equal footing in the relationship, which is also very nice to see, especially since the story is set in a time when women had much less power than men. It is a great intro to western literature for anyone interested in these kinds of stories but not knowing where to start.
White Sands Gold is a captivating historical Western mystery that gives readers everything they love about the old west. With characters that are relatable, readers will be engaged and invested in the story’s outcome. This is a novel readers will think about after the story is done.
Pages: 313| ASIN : B0B3714RXS
The House of Spark
The House of Spark by Luminita LaFlash is the story of Virginia, a university student in 1957 who grew up during the fall of the Romanian monarch. It was a time when many citizens of Romania experienced terror and fear, only to finally find a sense of peace following the fall of an empire. The House of Spark tells the story of struggle, love, and facing injustice. When Virginia begins dating Janica, a passionate and kind man, everything changes when he suddenly vanishes, without any clues or trace of his location.
As Virginia tries to find Jenica’s whereabouts, she grabbles with the possible loss. But, having already suffered through the death of close family members in a very uncertain era, Virginia demonstrates bravery in her fight for her love and finding out what happened to Jenica.
The author does an incredible job of portraying the uncertainty of Romania in the 1950s and how history makes a lasting impact on the lives of many, especially on a deeply personal level. The ripple effect of historical events and tragedy can teach us how to appreciate life and fight for a better day in the present, though it also leaves the scars of loss and trauma.
I found this book an emotional read, with a sense of hope amid despair. Will Virginia find Janica alive and well, or will she need to face yet another loss? If he is alive, how will Virginia and her friends find him, and how does a person continue living with the knowledge they may lose, or have lost, someone they love? The author describes the unsteady political situation, which is raw and bleak, as a backdrop to the beauty of humanity and the power of determination. When I read this book, I didn’t want it to end! The characters are well-developed and interesting.
The House of Spark by Luminita LaFlash is a historical fiction novel with suspense, mystery, and thrills. It has an excellent storyline and one woman’s fight for justice in an uncertain time makes this a must-read for those interested in political fiction of the 1950s.
Pages: 164 | ASIN: B09V3KC214
