The focus of this blog is Leonbergers including Leonberger book reviews. However, sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that are books on other topics that I love and want to promote. This time the book is Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics by Jan Sikes (Author), Rick Sikes (Author), Sydney Klein (Author), Dianne Rich (Editor). Below I am giving an overview of the two formats for the book (I bought the paperback edition).
- Paperback Edition – Publisher : RiJan Publishing (April 7, 2026), ASIN : B0GVJ3NP9D, ISBN-13 : 979-8998613111, 221 pages, Item Weight : 10.7 ounces, dimensions : 5 x 0.5 x 8 inches, it cost $ 9.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
- Kindle Edition – Publisher : RiJan Publishing (April 7, 2026), ASIN : B0GRWQC3SH, 146 pages. It is currently $2.99 on Amazon or free with kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Amazon’s Description of Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics
At the edge of the world, and the center of the heart, you’ll find stories that linger.
Fringes explores dystopian futures where survival is uncertain and hope is fragile, a place where humanity is pushed to its limits.
Heartstrings turns toward the warmth of love, resilience, and second chances.with stories to remind us that the human spirit endures.
Lyrics captures life in poetry—moments of longing, faith, and deep reflection .
From chilling possibilities to comforting truths, Fringes, Heartstrings & Lyrics is a genre-blending collection of short fiction and poetry that will make you think, feel, and return again and again.
This is my five star review of the book Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics
Captivating Short Stories and Poems
This book contains a collection of short stories and towards the end there are poems and short stories written by the author’s late husband and her granddaughter. This is certainly a very talented family of authors. The first part of the book feature stories that are dark, captivating but dystopian, which is something I like. One of the stories describe a future American society ravaged by extreme division and violence as well as an authoritarian regime. This story explains how one group of people survives and finds peace.
It struck me how easily this could happen. While reading this story I remembered reading another author’s description of when civil war broke out in his country. There were tensions and divisions but neighbors and friends across the divides still got along. This ended very quickly and neighbors were suddenly no longer neighborly and friends across the divides became enemies. The dystopian future described in the story is very possible.
The second part of the book feature stories about relationships and the choices we make in life. Some stories tell stories about unselfishness, love, and compassion, and people making good choices, while other stories tell stories about people making bad decisions as in Insatiable Hunger and a couple of more stories. This reminded me of a quote by the psychologist Dr. Ventress in the movie Annihilation “almost all of us self-destruct, in some way, in some part of our lives. We drink, we smoke, we destabilize a good job, or a happy marriage.” These stories are often partially based on real events and are very realistically and compellingly told. Lastly, the lyrical short stories and poems in the last part of the book are thought provoking and very beautiful.
In summary, this book is filled with engrossing and very well written stories and poems. It was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
About one of the authors, Jan Sikes
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.
Oddly enough, I had no ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation.
Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music matching the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.
Wrong!
The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain. I have now written numerous short stories, a series of paranormal romances and a series of historical fiction.
I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.
I am an dedicated fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.
Website: https://jansikes.com/
Blog: https://jansikes.com/blog/
JAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
https://bsky.app/profile/jksikes-author.bsky.social
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-sikes
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
Leonberger Life 