Roberta Writes – Book reviews: The Seas of Time by D Wallace Peach, Comes This Time To Float by Stephen Geez and The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes #bookreviews #readingcommunity

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The Seas of Time by D Wallace Peach

What Amazon says

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

In 1858, a ship carrying ice from Alaska wrecked off the coast of California, and little does Taliah Keldan realize how that tragedy will impact her life in 1972.

When Tali decides to quit college and become a civil rights activist, her disappointed parents encourage her to think it over. What better spot for contemplation than at her aunt and uncle’s Harbor Pointe Inn, a charming seaside getaway with its own lighthouse? The place is under renovation and empty of guests. All she’ll have to deal with is the construction crew.

But the inn is far from peaceful.

Tali discovers an old Bible hidden in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Strange prayers angle down the margins, all but one ruined by the sea. When she deciphers the crude writing, a dark portal gapes open to a pre-civil war night when an escaped slave in a foundering ship prayed to his voodoo God. A winged creature emerges from the watery void, and her stay transforms into a nightmare.

With the aid of the construction foreman, Tali is determined to send the beast back through time, a choice that will risk their lives, test her convictions, and change her future.

My review

This is the fourth book I’ve read in the Harbor Pointe series, and it is certainly the darkest due to its subject matter which involves slavery and racism. This story is well written, interesting and clever. It also achieves its purpose of highlighting the injustices of slavery and racism, and the advantage taken of such thinking by people with power over others. The book incorporates a lot of mythology and fantasy elements.

The story starts on board the ship The Zenobia in 1858. The ship is sailing from Alaska to San Francisco with a cargo of ice. Among its crew is an escaped slave called Samuel. Enticed by the promise of a government reward, a few of Samuel’s fellow crew members, attack him, and after cruelly beating him, lock him in the storage locker. In desperation and fear, Samuel calls on the serpent god, Damballah, to help him out of his plight.

The story then shifts to San Francisco in 1972. A young woman with a white father and a black mother has just dropped out of university because she is frustrated and feels she can’t make a difference in her fight for equal treatment by following academic paths. Pressure from her mother, compels her to agree to look after her aunt and uncle’s inn at Harbor Pointe while they are abroad. The inn is in the process of being renovated.

Despite a difficult encounter with a racist policeman just prior to her arrival at the inn, and an aura of creepiness about the keeper’s cottage near the inn, where Tali is to live during her stay, she moves into her temporary abode and her aunt and uncle leave to catch their plane. An uncomfortable encounter with the manager of the renovation project, Greg, and the discovery of a waterlogged, ancient book, set in motion a series of frightening events that involve both the soul of Samuel and Damballah.

This story is well written and entertaining. The plot moves quickly and wracks up the tension nicely until the final scenes. I enjoyed the characters of both Samuel and Tali, and how they both grew and evolved as the drama of the storyline unfolded. The character of Greg also goes through some revelations, resulting in a different attitude emerging. This story, despite its exciting plot, is mainly character driven, in my opinion.

An excellent edition to the Harbor Pointe series of books.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Seas-Time-Harbor-Pointe-Book/dp/B0CMLMDC87

Comes this Time to Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez

What Amazon says

Prepare to think as you explore these wildly disparate literary short stories by author, composer, and producer Stephen Geez. Avoiding any single genre, this collection showcases Geez’s storytelling from southern gothic to contemporary drama to coming-of-age, humor, sci-fi, and fantasy–all finessed to say something about who we are and what we seek. Some of these have been passed around enough to need a shot of penicillin, others so virgin they have never known the seductive gaze of a reader’s eyes. So when life’s currents get to pulling too hard, don’t fight it, just open the book and discover nineteen new ways of going with the flow, because NOW more than ever Comes this Time to Float.

My review

This collection is an intriguing and varied one. No two stories are remotely the same and they are all equally engaging. The author starts each story with an appropriate picture and a short commentary about what inspired the story or what he intended to achieve with the story. I found that helpful and it put me in the correct frame of mind, as a reader, for each piece.

Four of the stories stand out in my mind as I contemplate this collection. Those four are as follows:

About Face – This is a story about a young man who wakes up one morning with someone else’s face. He soon comes to know that his altered identity is only for a period of three days. I enjoyed the psychology of this story as the main character goes from complete disbelief and horror to making use of his ‘new identity’ to benefit himself from a work perspective. His ‘disguise’ is so complete that the young man decides to make the most of the short period during which he isn’t identifiable and set straight a wrong from the past. This decision has unintended and surprising consequences for the young man. It also sets in motion some interesting thoughts for the reader.

Holler Song – Retta and Lurlene are elderly and poor. The pair have cared for Lurlene’s brain damaged granddaughter, Cammie, for nearly twenty five years and are dependent on the benefits they receive for Cammie’s care. They are expecting a desperately needed lump sum payment on the girl’s forthcoming birthday. An unexpected event changes their circumstances and they are left facing destitution. Quick thinking by Retta, and tacit capitulation and compliance from a young woman who is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, help to save the situation for all parties.

Bus, Boy – This was my favourite story in the collection. A young delinquent, Andre, is forced to get a job as a busboy as part of his suspended jail sentence. Andre is against the job, believing it is demeaning to him and that he will be an object of ridicule by the community. Andre’s attitude and understanding of the world undergo a huge overhaul as he gets to know a bit about the circumstances and lives of the waitresses and other staff working with him in the restaurant. He is also surprised by the treatment he receives from people in the community who know him.

The Age-Eater – This is a fantasy short story which made it unique from the other stories in the collection. A Face-Changer is assigned the task of tracking down the mythical Age-Eater on behalf of the Master of his village. The Master’s intentions are good as he would merely like to gift some of his elders a longer and better life. The Face-Changer’s interactions with the Age-Eater bring about a partnership that goes on to make the world a better place for many years to come.

The stories all require attention from the reader. It is not the sort of book you can semi-snooze through or you won’t follow the storylines which are fairly complex. The author’s style of writing and use of colloquial language also means you have to pay attention. It is worth it as the stories are fascinating and thought provoking.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Comes-this-Time-Float-Stories-ebook/dp/B0846WY2HZ

The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes

What Amazon says

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

What’s the point of having it all when you have no one to share it with?

Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he’s madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.

Angela Cooper’s ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She’s not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.

With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.

Before they reach the inn, Angela’s got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.

Accident or foul play?

Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.

Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.

My review

I enjoyed this 5th book in the Harbor Pointe series which took the form of a romance with a thriller twist.

Angela has found the perfect man in Brandon Miller, but she still bears the psychological wounds of a previous disastrous marriage and is very cautious about any long-term commitment. She prefers to just enjoy his company and take things slowly.

Brandon is crazy about Angela and is desperate to propose marriage. He decides to whisk her away to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn for a romantic getaway. He aims to pop the question and hopes that Angela will succumb to his charms and the setting, and say yes.

The Inn is delightful but right from the start there are a few uncomfortable and even frightening mishaps. An ambulance is parked outside the Inn as they arrive and they soon discover that there has been an accident resulting in a guest being seriously injured. Brandon and Angela sense that something is not right at the Inn, but try to make the best of things, until they no longer can.

I enjoyed the characters of Angela and Brandon very much. Angela is a lovely woman who has suffered a bad experience and is trying hard to overcome her resultant anxieties and distrust. Brandon is a lot of fun and is devoted to the lovely Angela.

If you enjoy a good romance with a steady build up of tension and a good twist, you will enjoy this novella.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Too-Late-Harbor-Pointe/dp/B0CNV125RP

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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70 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Book reviews: The Seas of Time by D Wallace Peach, Comes This Time To Float by Stephen Geez and The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes #bookreviews #readingcommunity”

  13. Neat to read about these books. I’m planning to start reading some books in the Harbor Pointe series soon. It’s an interesting idea to have different authors write stories set in the same location!

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  15. I’ve read all Harbor Pointe stories, only last one is left. Your reviews are spot on Robbie, I like them. I am not familiar with Stephen’s book. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Fabulous detailed reviews Robbie. I look forward to reading all the books in this series with every review. I’m currently reading Diana’s. Hugs ❤

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  18. you are such a prolific reader, Roberta: I am amazed by your stamina and enthusiasm: you make all books sound interesting but the one that calls out to me is the Geez collection as I love short stories esp by authors who I haven’t heard of before; thanks for these reviews, Roberta 🙂

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  19. I loved all three of these reviews, Robbie! I read both of the Harbor Pointe novellas and highly recommend each. Stephen’s collection of tales also sounds superb. Congrats to all three authors!

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  20. I’ve read The Seas of Time by D Wallace Peach and The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sike,s so I know they are great books. I have not (yet) read Comes this Time to Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez but it sounds like a really great book. You wrote exceptional reviews !

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  23. I’ve been working my way through the Harbor Pointe series. I’ve read the first seven with Harmony’s book just coming out today.

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  25. I enjoyed your thoughts on each of these books, Robbie. I’ve read the Stephen Geez collection and enjoyed it immensely. I have Diana’s and Jan’s books on my Kindle. They are both coming up on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  26. Thanks so much for sharing your review of Seas of Time, Robbie. I love your reviews! I’m delighted to be included with these talented authors. I also enjoyed Jan’s installment in the series and Stephen’s book of short stories. Happy Reading!

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  29. This post is chock full of interesting tidbits, not the least of which is your submission to the Thursday Doors challenge. How clever. I also didn’t realize that Jan Sikes was the next author of the Harbor Point Series. It sounds delicious. I’m on my way to get it as soon as I finish moderating comments. 🙂 Enjoy your break, Robbie. Are you really on one????

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    1. Hi Marsha, I went back to work on Monday. I did take off three weeks and spent the first two doing edits to the collection of short stories I’m planning to publish in the Q2 of this year. I also worked a little on my poetry collection and did three artworks. I read a lot when I’m on holiday.

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      1. I’d be interested in knowing how to begin organizing all my poems. I love your Animal Poetry. Mine don’t follow a single theme or even have an agenda like your lovely book does. Did you have an idea of where you wanted to go with your poems, or did you just round up some?

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        1. HI Marsh, Lion Scream following a specific theme. My new poetry WIP is a hodge podge. There is no theme and I’ve collected the poems around certain themes life Time, but I haven’t worked hard at it. The new book is called Square Peg in a Round Hole: The Journal of a Multicoloured Pinstripe. I feel no need to make it all orderly and formal.

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          1. That helps. I have so many poems that I’ve written over the years. The problem is that they are all over the place both in style and topic.

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