Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Review–Books by Michele Lee Sefton

We finally have time to catch up on our reading with the holiday activities behind us. If you’re looking for quick reads to ease into the year’s stack of books, I have a couple of suggestions for you. Author Michele Lee Sefton has books I know you’ll find enticing.

Michele is a fellow WordPress blogger and poet who writes beautifully. Check out Michele’s blog, My Inspired Life where she posts poetry, photos, and prose. She’s also written several books of poetry and two short stories.

Michele’s novellas are perfect for reading while cozying under a soft blanket with a cup of tea or cocoa or poolside in the tropical sun. Both books can easily be read in one sitting.

Honeysuckle Heat is a captivating love story that left me pondering what men, and also successful women, want in a relationship. Michele Lee Sefton’s storytelling kept me engaged in this novella from beginning to end. The story centers on crime writer Matthew Oliver and career-focused anchorwoman Jaqueline Fortin. They reunite after months apart only to realize their dreams don’t align.

Is their love for each other deep enough to keep them together despite their different goals? You’ll have to read this novella for that answer.

Honeysuckle Heat
Paperback, 100 Pages

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Michele’s other novella Her Coastal Cottage. Where Truth and Love Rise, is a story that centers on the love between a young woman, Mackenzee, and photojournalist Jason who covers war-torn areas. The first two chapters of this three-chapter book center on Jason and Mackenzee’s separation while he works overseas and Mackenzee’s efforts to attain her dream cottage in which their love can grow.

The last chapter of Her Coastal Cottage sums up their journey while reuniting in that special home in this dreams-do-come true, with some adjustments, story.

Her Coastal Cottage. Where Truth and Love Rise
Paperback, 69 pages

©2025, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Review–Books by Michele Lee Sefton”

  1. satyam rastogi

    Nice post 🌅🌅

    Reply
  2. Kevin

    Great reviews, Mary! Thanks for sharing! 👏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kevin. I hope all is well with you.

      Reply
      1. Kevin

        I’m hanging in there, Mary. Hope your week is going good!

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          My week is going well, Kevin. But I want more for you than just hanging in there.

          Reply
          1. Kevin

            Unfortunately, that’s about all I can muster lately. lol
            Working on it best I can, Mary. Thank you 😊

  3. Kym Gordon Moore

    I applaud you getting caught up with your TBR list Mary dear. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Wonderful reviews for Michele’s books. I know she will be ecstatic from reading your empowering words about her books. Thanks so much for your wonderful recommended reading. Love, hugs, and smooches to you my friend. 😍💖😘

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I have your book, as well, Princess Kym. I have a few other books but will get to yours, I promise. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Oh my sweet Mary, you need not hurry yourself my friend. I am certainly not disappointed because we have so many people to get to! So I still love you, no matter what, okay? O-Tay (in my Little Rascals voice). I am simply humbled and honored that you would even consider my book. But girlfriend, cheers to great things to come! Hugs and smooches! 🤗💖😘💋😍

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          You are the kindest, most loving, and considerate friend, dear Kym.

          Reply
          1. Kym Gordon Moore

            Oh my dear Mary, you are making me blush! 🥵 I feel the same way about your gentle spirit. But I truly meant every word I said! 🤗💖🥰 Sending you love, hugs and plenty of smooches my friend. 🥂

  4. Susana Cabaço

    Wonderful reviews on Michele’s books. Thanks for sharing, Mary. Light and blessings to you 🙏 🌟

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The same to you, Susana. Be the light.

      Reply
  5. SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻‍♀️

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Maranda

    I enjoyed your reviews 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maranda. I hope you are doing well.

      Reply
      1. Maranda

        I’m hanging in there.

        Reply
  7. CJ Antichow

    Aww nice!! Our very own Michele!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes! We all want to claim Michele as friend, don’t we, CJ. Hugs.

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow

        We sure do!

        Reply
  8. Nancy Homlitas

    Thank you for sharing your reviews of Sefton’s novellas. Michelle has an interesting website and is quite a talented poet/writer. Her writing journal was impressive! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m glad you checked further into Michele’s work. She is a delightful person and author. Hugs to you, Nancy.

      Reply
  9. solveigmccormick

    How kind of you to review another author’s books.

    Long may your books be favourably reviewed.

    Best wishes

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! That is very kind of you to say.

      Reply
  10. luisa zambrotta

    Great reviews, Mary! Michele is a wonderful author!

    Thanks a lot for sharing! 

    Reply
  11. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Thank you for sharing, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome, T’. Have a great day.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        Thank you. You as well, Mary.

        Reply
  12. Dawna

    Thank you Mary. I’ll check them both out. I need a quick read for my weekend girl tribe cruise coming up at the end of the month.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The books will be perfect for your cruise, Dawna. I hope it is a fabulous getaway for you.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        I’ll be ordering one of them today. Thank you Mary.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I’d start with Honeysuckle Heat.

          Reply
  13. Michele Lee

    Thank you for everything, Mary! I am so very grateful to you and your readers for taking the time to support my publishing efforts. Wonderful to read your perspectives on my two novellas. 🌺🙏🏻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And look at all these fabulous comments about you and your writing, Michele. You are much loved and appreciated for your powerful writing.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        Tearing up over here. Thanks to you and everyone. 🙏🏻

        Reply
  14. Edward Ortiz

    Great reviews, Mary. She is a great storyteller.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. I know you just read Michele’s book on the cottage and follow her blog.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re very welcome, Mary. I’ve been following her blog for a while and really enjoy her writing.

        Reply
  15. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Excellent review, Mary! I also found Honeysuckle Heat a captivating story and read it in one sitting during my Christmas break.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Sometimes, we want those shorter books we can lost in. Have a fabulous day, Rosaliene.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        So true, Mary. A fabulous day to you, too 🙂

        Reply
  16. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Thanks for the recommendations!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome, Dorothy. Much love to you.

      Reply
  17. lbeth1950

    These sound good. What is your love story? Do you ever look at an older couple and wonder what their story is? I do that a lot. I always want to know more.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good questions. Love makes the world go round.

      Reply
  18. Stephanie

    Michele writes sooo beautifully. I bought Honeysuckle Heat recently, saving for the right headspace, which should be soon! ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’ll enjoy the book, Stephanie.

      Reply
  19. pcahyono

    good luck for the future

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. All the best to you, too.

      Reply
  20. speedily2c34f88e3c

    good luck sist

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Same to you.

      Reply
  21. Pooja G

    I really enjoy Michele’s blog and her writing too. She is very talented.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Pooja. Michele is one of the best. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        Love so you as well.

        Reply
  22. Awakening Wonders

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the work of this author – I best check her out!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I think you will enjoy Michele’s works, Mary. Do you subscribe to her blog?

      Reply
      1. Awakening Wonders

        Not currently, but thank you for introducing me to her work!

        Reply
  23. The Introverted Bookworm

    Great review, Mary! Sounds like an enjoyable, cozy book 📚😊🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Ada. They are enjoyable books. I hope your year is beginning with joy.

      Reply
  24. kagould17

    Thanks for the suggestions Mary. Sometimes, novellas are just the reading ticket to fit into the schedule. Happy Thursday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy Thursday, Allan. Today, is the US, we celebrate the honest, kind, and just President Jimmy Carter. I know you are fully aware of US politics.

      Reply
      1. kagould17

        Jimmy Carter was quiet and unassuming and a powerful force for good, unlike the current incoming. While many consider #47’s musings on Canada a joke, we in Canada do not. They are the musings of a bully. We are quite happy being Canada, warts and all, thank you very much. Have a great day Mary. Allan

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Canada is an admirable country, one in which many Americans would like to live. Yes, T is a bully, among other things. Have a great day, Allan.

          Reply
  25. Anonymous

    Michele Lee Sefton is an author whose books often blend contemporary fiction with elements of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth. love so much .. im very happy , visit to my site indotip

    Reply
  26. Adarsh G

    Seems very interesting Mary 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Adarsh. Michele is a wonderful writer.

      Reply
      1. Adarsh G

        Can feel that

        Reply
  27. macalder02

    Since I don’t speak English (I used the translator) I will see if the book is translated into Spanish so I can read it. Your excellent review made me interested in reading it. Anyway, I’ll look for her blog to follow her. Greetings Mary,

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank goodness for the translations! We get to read blogs from all over the world. I understand some Spanish, so I read in Spanish and then translate. I think it will help me to understand more. Have the most fantastic day.

      Reply
      1. macalder02

        Now it will be fantastic.

        Reply
  28. Klausbernd

    Hi Mary
    Is “Her Coastal Cottage” only 69 pages long? That’s more like a short story.
    Thanks for your reviews
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, they are short reads. How are you and your family?

      Reply
      1. Klausbernd

        Hi Mary

        Hanne-Dina and our two cheeky Bookfayries are well like me.
        Thanks for asking. We hope you are healthy and happy as well
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Good to hear, Klausbernd. I’m hanging in there.

          Reply
  29. Laura

    Beautiful reviews Mary! I will have to read Michele’s books soon. Both of you are such an inspiration to me! 💕 many hugs to you 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Michele is a solid writer, Laura. I hope you are feeling stronger today.

      Reply
      1. Laura

        Thank you Mary 🙏 feeling better than before ❤️ appreciated 😊

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Good. I hope you have time off this weekend.

          Reply
  30. Dawna

    I am excited for the reads

    Reply
  31. Emmanuel Daniel

    Follow 💥

    Reply
  32. Timothy Kang

    “Michele’s blog, My Inspired Life,” is fascinating.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Michele has a great blog.

      Reply
  33. vermavkv

    Nice review.

    Reply
  34. Anonymous

    Thanks for the reviews Mary! Definitely adding to my reading list for 2025.

    Reply
  35. An egret-full event – my inspired life

    […] I hope that she and her readers feel my gratitude. ✨ Please visit Mary’s site to read her reviews of Coastal Cottage and Honeysuckle Heat. Cover designs by Sammi Lee. […]

    Reply
  36. noga noga

    😍Wonderful, my dear Mary, good luck and have a nice day and may your life be happy

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for all of your kind words, dear Nougat. God’s blessings on you.

      Reply
  37. Dawn Pisturino

    Michele is a wonderful writer!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      She certainly is. Have a good day, Dawn.

      Reply
  38. Krisloudell

    Thank you for sharing these wonderful recommendations! Michele Lee Sefton’s work sounds like the perfect way to ease into a new year of reading, especially with her novellas offering a blend of meaningful themes and cozy storytelling.

    I’m especially intrigued by Honeysuckle Heat—the exploration of love and career aspirations clashing is such a relatable and timeless theme. It sounds like the kind of story that leaves you reflecting on relationships and personal priorities long after you’ve finished reading.

    Her Coastal Cottage also seems like a beautiful, heartwarming tale. I love stories that combine dreams, love, and personal growth, especially when they’re set against such evocative backdrops.

    I’ll definitely check out Michele’s blog, My Inspired Life, to discover more of her work. Thanks again for the thoughtful suggestions—I can’t wait to dive in with a cup of tea and some quiet time!

    Kris x

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Honeysuckle Heat was engaging from beginning to end.

      Reply
  39. Kosiverse Designs

    kosiversedesign.wordpress.com

    Reply
  40. Kevin Liban Evans

    Great post.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to Midwest Mary. I see your site has been deleted.

      Reply
  41. Kelvinmk

    Hello everyone, just getting started with blogging. Any coaching I will appreciate #thankyou

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Successful blogging is built on relationships. Read and comment on other blogs, and they will do the same for you.

      Reply
      1. Kelvinmk

        Thankyou madam Mary…#goodmorning

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          You’re welcome!

          Reply
  42. Abid Ahammed

    Great

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Abid. All the best to you.

      Reply
  43. Emmanuel Daniel

    Check

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello.

      Reply
  44. Cindy Georgakas

    Great review, Mary and so well deserved!
    Love her books and her work and will eventually share as well! 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy. I hope all is well with you and your beautiful family.

      Reply

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