Tag: Sherri L. Dodd

Monthly Features – October 2025

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Hummingbird Moonrise by Sherri L. Dodd

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: The past two years have taken their toll on Arista Kelly. Once an eternal optimist, now she has faced the darkness and must recalibrate what true happiness means for her. Meanwhile, Shane, her ex-boyfriend, is pulling all the right moves to help keep her sane from her heightening paranoia. But it doesn’t help that Iris, her Great Aunt Bethie’s friend, has disappeared.

Still, one additional trial remains. While searching for Iris, Bethie and Arista stumble upon a grand revelation in the eccentric woman’s home. With the discovery, they realize their run of chaos and loss of kin may have roots in a curse that dates back to the 1940s—the time when their family patriarch first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and crafted his insightful Ouija table.

This pursuit will not follow their accustomed recipe of adrenalized action, but the high stakes remain. Will the mysterious slow burn of unfolding events finally level Arista’s entire world or be fully extinguished, once and for all?

Summary: Overall, Hummingbird Moonrise is a paranormal mystery that works because it never loses its human touch. Yes, there are curses, possessions, and supernatural forces, but there’s also cinnamon bread, inside jokes, and the kind of family loyalty that keeps people moving forward even when the odds feel impossible. What I admired most is the way Dodd lets the suspense simmer without sacrificing warmth. The book left me both unsettled and comforted—a rare combination that lingers long after the last page

See the full review here: Hummingbird Moonrise
Purchase here

 

Unborn by Eva Barber

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Olesya was not born like other people but was found in the Siberian Forest by a couple unable to have children. Plagued by mysterious visions and dreams, she struggles to fit into a society both as a socially inept but brilliant child and as she becomes part of a research team to discover the nature of dark matter. The findings of this discovery never make it to the scientific community as the project leader goes missing and the physics lab blows up, destroyed by a powerful foe with seemingly noble intentions.

Seattle detectives question Olesya in connection with the explosion and the disappearance of her boss. She becomes a person of interest until she herself goes missing. From her kidnappers, she learns that her parents, knowing she lacked a belly button, suspected she was created by the Russian government as part of a scientific experiment, and emigrated to the USA to hide and protect her. She also learns she possesses powers related to dark matter and of the existence of a brother held captive since his discovery by the Russian government. Even though she suspects her kidnappers’ interest in her and their motivations aren’t so noble, she joins them in rescuing her brother. Catastrophic world events following the successful rescue force her to continue working with her foes to save the world from destruction.

While working to save the world, Olesya experiences a moral dilemma and becomes someone she never thought she’d be—a mother. Olesya learns of mysterious chambers scattered around the world, and her visions return to haunt her, until she opens the chambers and learns their secrets, wishing she hadn’t. Now she faces the heart-wrenching realization that she must travel into a dark dimension to save the world from self-destruction. Worse yet, her daughter, Emery, is the key to humanity’s salvation and must follow her mother once she becomes an adult because she is the only being who can travel where no one else can to restore balance to the universe and return with an extraordinary gift for humanity. But powerful entities have reasons to keep the gift away from humanity and will do anything to stop her.

Summary: Overall, Unborn is a haunting, beautiful story about science, motherhood, and the unknowable threads that connect us. It’s the kind of book that lingers quietly after you’ve finished it — the kind that leaves you wondering whether what you just read was speculative fiction or something closer to a modern myth.

If you like stories that mix atmosphere and emotion — think The Time Traveler’s Wife, Never Let Me Go, or The Daughter of Doctor Moreau — you’ll find something to love here. It’s for readers who enjoy a story that makes you think and feel at the same time; readers who don’t mind when mystery lingers even after the answers come. 

See the full review here: Unborn
Purchase here

 

Smoke on the Wind by Syvila Weatherford

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Smoke on the Wind” is a captivating tale that weaves the perils and dangers encountered on the Western frontier by Will Lawton, a young Black cowboy, after kidnapping then wedding his young Native American bride, Niabi. He plods a path packed with uncertainty that ultimately winds its way to an unthinkable opportunity – a race for free land.

Follow the characters of Smoke: the beautiful Louisa Ortega, who haunts the memory of the Chief’s son, Nashoba; Captain Horton, head of Fort Townsend, charged with keeping peace between settlers and tribes, and Dakota Sam, a rambunctious Civil War veteran attached to his military blues and backwoodsman ways.

This is the second book in an epic series, following the success of Weatherford’s first novel, “Blessings from the Four Winds.”

In this sequel, new characters are introduced: Liao Ming Chow, a Chinese immigrant, Sargent Thomas of the Buffalo Soldiers, and Mr. Todd Morgan the railroad tycoon. Niabi and Will raise two children and enjoy the protective company of their horses: Rodeo and FireTip. Their journey is marked by resilience, the spirit of community, and the ongoing struggle for safety and belonging.

Summary: Overall, Smoke on the Wind is a vivid continuation of America’s untold stories — where race, heritage, and faith collide. It’s tender and unflinching, full of voices that feel like they’ve been waiting a century to be heard. Weatherford writes history the way it deserves to be written: not as distant fact, but as living memory. For readers who are drawn to immersive, historical fiction.

See the full review here: Smoke on the Wind
Purchase here

 

Review: Hummingbird Moonrise by Sherri L. Dodd

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

The past two years have taken their toll on Arista Kelly. Once an eternal optimist, now she has faced the darkness and must recalibrate what true happiness means for her. Meanwhile, Shane, her ex-boyfriend, is pulling all the right moves to help keep her sane from her heightening paranoia. But it doesn’t help that Iris, her Great Aunt Bethie’s friend, has disappeared.

Still, one additional trial remains. While searching for Iris, Bethie and Arista stumble upon a grand revelation in the eccentric woman’s home. With the discovery, they realize their run of chaos and loss of kin may have roots in a curse that dates back to the 1940s—the time when their family patriarch first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and crafted his insightful Ouija table.

This pursuit will not follow their accustomed recipe of adrenalized action, but the high stakes remain. Will the mysterious slow burn of unfolding events finally level Arista’s entire world or be fully extinguished, once and for all?

Favorite Lines:

“There is almost nothing worse than coming face to face with an agitated serial killer.”

“Twice, she had accidentally crashed a wedding by walking through at inopportune times. She would miss that lovely park.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book three in Sherri L. Dodd’s paranormal mystery series, Murder, Tea, and Crystals—you can find my review to the first two books here: Murder Under Redwood Moon (book 1) & Moonset on Desert Sands (book 2).

As the third and final book in this trilogy, Hummingbird Moonrise blends cozy domestic rituals with creeping dread in a way that feels both comforting and unsettling. One moment you’re sipping apple spice tea with Arista and her Auntie, and the next you’re peering into shadowy rooms, wondering if the curse that has haunted their family for generations is about to resurface. I loved the way the novel keeps this balance—never letting you forget the warmth of family bonds, but always threading in a sense of danger just out of sight.

What makes the book stand out is how personal it feels. The Kelly family’s history—haunted by curses, betrayals, and supernatural debts—doesn’t read like distant lore. It weighs directly on the characters’ everyday choices. Arista, still finding her place as a “prophesied witch,” doesn’t get the luxury of choosing between a normal life and a magical one; the two are woven together, whether she’s ready or not. That tension keeps the story engaging, because you’re always watching her struggle between the pull of destiny and her desire for peace.

The atmosphere of the California redwoods adds so much texture. The setting becomes a character of its own, cloaked in fog, filled with shadows, and alive with whispers of both natural and supernatural dangers. Dodd writes with a rhythm that sometimes lulls you with cozy descriptions and then jolts you with eerie details—just like her characters, you never know when the ground beneath your feet will shift.

At its heart, though, Hummingbird Moonrise is about resilience. It’s about how families carry their curses, their traumas, and their secrets—but also how they carry one another. Arista and Auntie’s bond is the emotional anchor of the book, and their mixture of banter, affection, and fierce loyalty gives the story its heart. Even amid possessions, missing persons, and malevolent artifacts, the real magic lies in love and perseverance.

Summary:

Overall, Hummingbird Moonrise is a paranormal mystery that works because it never loses its human touch. Yes, there are curses, possessions, and supernatural forces, but there’s also cinnamon bread, inside jokes, and the kind of family loyalty that keeps people moving forward even when the odds feel impossible. What I admired most is the way Dodd lets the suspense simmer without sacrificing warmth. The book left me both unsettled and comforted—a rare combination that lingers long after the last page. Happy reading!

Check out Hummingbird Moonrise here!

 

Review: Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

With a traumatic year of fending off a serial killer behind her, Arista has settled contentedly into her temporary home with Auntie in Sedona, Arizona. She enjoys her new job selling all things metaphysical and even has her eye on the hot security guard, Dakota, after her recent breakup with Shane.

But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.

Arista’s closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.

Favorite Lines:

“Thank you for your wisdom … Master Yoda”

“Amidst the sadness, Arista breathed in a strange sense of tranquility. There was nothing left to lose.”

“The kindling of revisited love warmed her, and her spirit felt light. She could find happiness again. Despite all her drama, she would not stop living”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sherri L. Dodd’s Moonset on Desert Sands is an intoxicating blend of mystery, magic, and suspense that grips the reader from the very first page. Set against a hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous landscape, this novel weaves a spellbinding tale of fate, power, and deception, where nothing is quite as it seems. With richly detailed prose and a carefully constructed world, Dodd delivers a story that is as immersive as it is thought-provoking.

At the heart of the novel is a tangled web of characters, each with their own motives, secrets, and hidden pasts. Their fates are drawn together by the discovery of an ancient relic—one that holds immense power and carries with it both temptation and destruction. As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue, betrayal, and supernatural forces come into play, leading to unexpected alliances and devastating consequences.

Dodd’s mastery of atmospheric storytelling shines throughout the novel. Her descriptions of the desert at night, where shadows stretch long and the air hums with unspoken magic, create an eerie yet hypnotic setting that perfectly complements the book’s themes. The tension builds steadily, punctuated by moments of quiet introspection and explosive revelations. There is a delicate balance between the mystical and the human—while magic plays a central role in the story, it is the characters’ emotions, ambitions, and fears that truly drive the narrative.

What sets Moonset on Desert Sands apart from other fantasy novels is its intricate plot and multi-dimensional characters. Instead of relying on clear-cut heroes and villains, Dodd presents individuals shaped by their circumstances, forced to make difficult choices that challenge their morality. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, as they navigate the blurred lines between destiny and free will, trust and treachery.

The novel’s pacing is masterfully executed, keeping the reader engaged through unexpected twists, political intrigue, and moments of chilling suspense. The action sequences are well-crafted, and the dialogue is sharp and purposeful, revealing just enough at the right moments to keep the mystery alive. And while the book ties together many of its story threads by the end, it also leaves room for speculation, making it clear that the world Dodd has built is far from finished revealing its secrets.

Summary:

Overall, Moonset on Desert Sands is an enthralling read for those who love dark, immersive fantasy with elements of mystery and the supernatural. With its evocative prose, complex characters, and spellbinding world, it is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Fans of magical realism, occult fiction, and intricate storytelling will find themselves completely captivated Happy reading!

Check out Moonset on Desert Sands here!

Review: Murder Under Redwood Moon by Sherri L. Dodd

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.

But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.

Favorite Lines:

“Nothing. She knew once he was eating, there was no hope of getting him to come until finished.”

“The dawn would soon break, leaving her eyes to gaze at the heaven.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Arista, a 23 year old white witch with a complicated family past. She is being mentored by her aunt  who also raised her when her parents had to leave her behind. When women who look like Arista start to go missing and are found dead, her and her aunt are forced to confront her past in order to protect themselves. 

This book is described as a “witch cozy paranormal murder mystery” and I would say that I generally have to agree with this description. Full of mystery and magick (yes, with a k), Dodd made sure that she did her research to include realistic aspects about herbs, spellwork, and rituals. This book felt similar to the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan, which happens to be one of my favorite series, so it should come as no surprise that I actually enjoyed this book as well.

Dodd has crafted a realistic story that leans heavily into Wicca practices while weaving in mystery and suspense elements. I found that I enjoyed the small-town feel mixed with a touch of supernatural mysticism that Dodd provided us with. I thought that the character writing was well done, I especially loved Auntie, and overall appreciated the direction that Dodd took this book in. I also wanted to note that it is clear from the way that Dodd writes the interactions with Royal that she has a cat and is very familiar with their behavior. I often times found the scenes to be humorous and always found myself agreeing that it was exactly how a cat would behave. 

If I had to complain about one thing, I think it would be the pacing of this book. I appreciated the details in the beginning but sometimes it felt like it almost dragged and then towards the end, it felt like the exact opposite and we were missing much needed details and flipping from one scene to the next much too quickly. I felt that this book could have almost been two books on its own if more attention had been paid to certain plot points and scenes.  Despite the pacing challenges, I still found this to be an enjoyable read and am interested to see where the rest of the series goes next.

Summary:

Overall, if you love murder mysteries and/or paranormal mysteries that focus on Wicca and magick with some thriller elements, suspense, and the paranormal, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Murder Under Redwood Moon here!