Here you will find Trena’s picks for some really good reading. Since she learned how to read, she’s been hopelessly addicted. As a youngster, she could rarely be found without her nose in a book. Now in the era of E-books her Kindle account is seriously over the top. For really good reading, rely on Trena’s picks.

#13

A Wonder of the Galaxy, A Collection of Cosmic Tales

By Linda Wood Rondeau and others

Surprise! What a delightful collection of insights into God’s word. Each world is a touch of imagination with the Christian perspective. Science fiction doesn’t get any better! Well, unless each short story was a little longer. Short stories are such a tease. But I really enjoyed each world and each lesson from the Creator of our universe, so buy this anthology and enjoy the ride!

#12

Into the Fire (Under Fire Book One) and

Among the Flames (Under Fire Book Two)

By Kim Vandel

2015 and 2017

A hard to put down set of YA novels. Before this Guardian thing, our eighteen-year-old heroine, Kate Brennan has started at the University of Washington as a freshman living at home. But her Homelife is revealed in her own words: “I promised myself that if I ever have kids, I wouldn’t resort to emotional blackmail to control their behavior.

Beginning with coffee, in the maze of her morning, a surprising development occurs to change her life’s purpose. This fresh direction expands to new friends and experiences that show Kate her faith in God helps to learn what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I conclude with a last quote from Kate. “I had chosen to be Guardian, to stand among the flames that I hoped would transform me into the girl I wanted to be. Everything had seemed so clear at that point. Now the smoke had become so thick that it was impossible to see where I was or which way I needed to go.” I could only hope that someday the flames would die down enough that I’d be able to see through the smoke and find my way.”

Finding a new vision and learning God’s gifts keep the reader busy and unable to put the book down. I lost some sleep on this one!

Trena Schuler

#11

Deadly Wedding, The deadly Series #2 of 7

By Kate Parker

2016

A great second book for the series. Thank you, Kate Parker for an entirely enjoyable mystery. I have read the Deadly Scandal as well and they are so well paced and easy to read. I felt every uneasy minute in Germany during the Nazi occupation.

            Never one to say no to a request, Olivia, the main character walks a fine line between high society and the working girl. She really enjoys the freedom of her job as a columnist and confidence oin her touch of class. She is successful because she can rely on her background to accomplish what is asked of her, getting folks out of danger and solving murders.

Cannot wait to start the third book.

Trena Schuler

#10

Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, Series

By Ashley Gardner

I have been reading this series for some time now. Just started #13. London and the people are so real it’s like time travel. Ever so glad I have been invited by Ashley Gardner, the Author, into this gritty world.

Captain Lacey is a man of good character, in the British fashion of the day! He is a spirited man, with a quick temper against villainy. Wounded and tortured in the past, he has learned a compassion for others and applies his own savoir faire to solving mysteries. He stands firm for the genuine and champions the downtrodden of the many layers of London Society in the early 1800’s. Powerful allies are drawn to him and learn to trust his judgement as he solves these mysteries. Selfless, and with little concern for money, he is able to break down the complex to find simple answers for those who need them. 

Trena Schuler

#9

The Grand Game, Book 1 A LitRPG Adventure

By Tom Elliot

2021

Hey! Don’t end there, we just got started!

The entrance into this realm begins with falling, screaming, and surrender, riveting your attention straight away. Couldn’t put the book down. Read it through the night.

My word for our hero the gamer, Michael, is: “Patient.” Wow!

“Is this Hell? I certainly seemed to have fallen enough. I chuckled grimly. Maybe it is, and maybe I deserve to be here.” Michael thinks. 

Michael does belong, but not as you might think. Such a thrilling, tense, epic adventure! Thanks for no hard swear words! Didn’t need them.

Trena Schuler

#8 

Simulated by Nova McGee

Valor, Fortitude and Us. Travelling In Jo’s Suitcase

We start the book, “Simulated: A Calculated Novel” with our main character, Jo, learning about her natural aptitude for intellectual genius without Mathematics.

In her first novel, Calculated, Nova McBee shows us a Jo Rivers that becomes a “Phoenix” using her mathematical gift as a blessing for others. In this second book, our Jo is rarely able to tap into her mathematics gift, having to rely on her natural gifts of fortitude and valor. As she struggles under her father’s restrictive demands, working to stimulate her lost gift, with kindness and love of heart she carries us along on this highly strategic adventure. Jo learns her talent is much more than just her mathematics skills, she uses all her abilities to get the job done.

Through it all she finds “fractals are just another way of seeing infinity,” and obeying with love brings incredible results.

Trena M. Schuler

You’ll love the Shyvyuns

#7

Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021

Resilience Awakening

by Brett Heaston

The book cover gives you a glimpse of the vessel you’ll be travelling on in this fast-paced adventure. It is a remodeled cobalt vTalis space freighter named “Resilience”. It is fast, durable and has a spirited program that talks back. Too FUN!

Our Captain, Kyvar Astilius can be reckless with his decisions, but his faithful crew is usually able to help him save the day. Their primary ambition and only goal is to save their people and their planet from extinction.

The adventure moves swiftly through wonky wormholes and interstellar battles raging in one galaxy after another.

There is good character development throughout and you feel the strong friendship and loyalty that never fades from this crew. Because Captain Kyvar is able to rely on them so completely he becomes the hero described as: “possibly… the bravest, most reckless, most stubborn, greatest starfighter pilot in the cosmos.”

Trena Schuler

#5

Calculated

by Nova McBee

This is pure gold!!

June 11, 2021

Best plot ever!! This book well structured and a delight to read. Wow, what a brilliant math mind can accomplish when her gift is used for good, instead of just revenge. The integrity of the main character is hard to find in our fiction books today, but our heroine Phoenix has it in spades.

My favorite quotes: “My gift is a new name for you. You are Phoenix now, “He said” It is your time to rise.” and “Pure gold does not fear the fire,” I said, repeating one of Red’s many lessons.”

This story took me on quite a ride, but never to far down in the depths or unbelievable pure joy,. Thanks Nova McBee.

Trena Schuler

Lousiana Longshot

by Jana Deleon

Wanna move to Sinful, I do!!

2013 Reviewed June 24, 2021

I love to laugh, and this Louisiana Longshot book put a smile on my face from the very beginning. You just want to become part of the plot and live there too!! The main character is upbeat, steady, and totally reliable each and every page. Who wouldn’t like to meet Miss Fortune and know that she always has your back. Maybe touch a part of the adventure she shares with a special few people in and around Sinful, Louisiana.

The plot is fun to read and full of crazy adventure that our author lets us share and enjoy. So glad to have a fun filled hour or two before my world has to come back to me.

Thank you, Jana DeLeon Trena Schuler, Seattle, WA

Wraithblade by S.M.Boyce

Science Fiction and Fantasy

2021 Reviewed June 24, 2021

The quote on the first page: “Though you plant the seed of thought in another, be patient, for how and when it sprouts is not yours to control,” is the perfect theme throughout the book. Time and again our hero, Conner Magnuson, confronts Spiritual Warfare, against temptations, and evil, which he controls exceptionally well. 
Connor is bright, clever, hardened to life, but without an evil agenda. He finds murder, liars and those who seek destruction offensive. The story includes adventure, mystery, and a host of gritty characters. Personally, I’m not fond of the fighting scenes, too long and too brutal for my taste, but if you like being one on one with every kill, you’ll love it.

Wraithblade was written with lots of room for new adventures in the next book coming in this series.

Thank you
Trena Schuler

The Crown Tower by Michael J Sullivan

Fantasy

June 24, 2021

As a reader, I started with Riyria Chronicles first, then realized, the Riyria Revelations would have been a better choice. Whichever order you read this fantasy series will be worth it. Michael J Sullivan the author, wrote in the back pages of THE CROWN TOWER, “My goal with them (the books) was to keep the writing unadorned and have it fade from the page so that the story played like a movie in the reader’s mind.” This is, indeed, what happened to me while reading through this collection. I wish a movie series would be developed, it would be a lot better than many coming out now!

As a Fantasy adventure, The Crown Tower, and the Riyria Chronicles tick all the boxes. The lost hardened warrior and the murdering thief make for a unique partnership. Adventure abounds, characters are well rounded, and to help in keeping track of events, the map is a really big plus.

Basic Herbs for Life

The Good Living Guide to Medicinal Tea

By Jennifer Browne

2016 Reviewed June 11, 2021

The author has such a touch to start you on your way to health, with safety. I used your list of herbs on pages 14 and 15 to start my discovery of the cures you have listed. Thank you so much, this book so easy to use and my asthma is better and several ailments are decreasing over time. Looking forward to better health every day.

Trena Schuler, Seattle WA. USA