After devouring book one, I nosedived straight into this book and have to say I loved it too although it became a little samey and predictable but fun reading none the less and I’m glad I read it. The characterisations are great and I love the friendships within this book. My only real criticism though is that there were quite a few mistakes in here that were missed. It didn’t spoil it for me but did bring me out of the story a few times more than I’d have liked.
I’ve had this book on my kindle for a while now, my TBR list is immense. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I dipped into this book but I got more than I bargained for. Poppy and Jazz are best friends, they know each other inside out and back to front as good friends do. But therein lies the only similarity between them. Poppy is clumsy and has given up on life after a disastrous relationship, she reclines in life like an old-fashioned heroine from a bygone age would on chaise longue. Jazz, on the other hand, is the rich daughter of a now dead millionaire who made his fortune in the porn industry. She wears revealing clothes but has the freedom of a hippy at heart. On a drunken night in they decide to swap lives and that is where the fun starts.
Poppy can’t help but do everything wrong, she falls flat on her face, she makes plans to help people that backfires spectacularly and she has a pushy mum into the bargain. I laughed out loud on the London Underground because of this book, I also cried in public (think I might have been hormonal at the time!). I rated this book so highly that I rushed out and bought the next book in the series and read that straight away too.
This is the second book I’ve read by Joel Hames and once again I devoured it. The story does dip in and out of the present and the past and if you don’t like that style of writing then this book is now for you, but I love it. I like to see how the threads of the story weave together, and this book did that well. I love the author’s tone of voice, it’s an open and honest dialogue which you can relate to.
If you’re looking for a fast pace of action, this book doesn’t have it but it builds layer upon layer of information, drawing you in with each new nugget. It’s cleverly written, the characters are strong. I will be reading more by Joel Hames.
This is the fourth and I believe final book in this series though should the author decide to write another one I’d be sure to pick it up. I love the consistency she has used throughout with this series. This book isn’t full of dramatics but simply a gentle story which flows easily. If I had a criticism about this book it would be that I thought Catherine’s feelings about Karen were unrealistic. Once it had been verbalised to Abdul I think they would have had that conversation before they did. Did it spoil my enjoyment of the book? Not in the slightest it was just an observation. I can highly recommend this series.
Pick up your copy of Holiday of the Heart
A solid continuation of book one.
Click here to pick up a copy of Closer to the Heart
This is the second book in the series, I devoured this book. This book follows the relationship between Stephanie and James and Charlotte and Mitchell. But if you’re expecting happily ever after then you’ll be sadly mistaken, like any good book this author puts her characters through the ringer. Will it end well though? The characterisation in this book is so strong that they were as well known to me as my friends and the pacing was spot on. From here I dived straight into the last book in this series.
Builds beautifully to an un-put-down-able read.
Click here to get a copy of Where Did Your Heart Go by Audrina Lane
When I started reading this book I found it slow going at first, enjoyable but slow going. I could easily put this book down but when I picked it up again it was like putting on a pair of slippers. The author allowed you to get to know the characters until they got under your skin and what happened to them actually mattered to you. This is a story of a love that spans generations, realistic friendships and a spiteful woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I think I was about three-quarters of the way through this book when it became un-put-down-able and I devoured the rest of it and went straight into the second book in the series.
Now about the book: Charlotte is struggling with a teenage romance and in order to help her daughter, Stephanie allows her to read her our diary from when she was a teenager. This is a triple thread story, as we follow Charlotte and Stephanie in the present day and Stephanie’s past through her diary but it isn’t only Charlotte who is reading it, Stephanie can’t resist the urge to go back and take a peep herself. All the deep emotions come back to haunt her. Not sure I’d want my daughter (if I had one) to read through my diary but I thought it was a beautiful idea and slowly Charlotte manages to put the angst of her teenage romance behind her as she meets Mitchell. But this new love brings up unexpected complications.
I sometimes find it hard to read a series by the same author as it can feel samey, but once Audrina had me hooked I couldn’t not read the whole series. The only thing I would have liked is to have had the name of the character’s whose POV we were in. Even though the author did distinguish between them having their name at the beginning would have made it a bit easier for the reader.
Click here to get a copy of Phoenix by Mark Dawson
I bought this book because I saw it advertised as the proceeds were going to pay for the treatment of a young mother who had cancer. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this author other than his obvious kind heart and generosity.
The book drew me in straight away, the character Beatrix Rose was realistic and likeable – yes she was a superwoman but in the respect that could be expected from someone who’d had that training. I love how the author introduced her personal life into the story, making her more relatable as it showed her human side.
The story was gripping and intense, fast-paced when it needed to be and steady for the rest of the time. The action made me sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation. It’s a short story but packs a strong punch within the pages.
I will certainly be reading more from this author.
Click here to get a copy of Laura’s Locket by Tima Maria Lacoba
This is a short read and is the prequel to Bloodgifted. My only problem with this book was of my own making – I read it after Bloodgifted so the bit that should have swept me up didn’t. If I had read it first there is no doubt that I would have been swept away. That aside it is a lovely little read and the characterisation is strong. I will definitely read more by this author.
MY REVIEW OF BLOODGIFTED: THE DANTONVILLE LEGACY 1 BY T M LACOBA
This book has been jumping up and down screaming ‘Read Me’ for quite some time now. The cover is very alluring but it has sat on my Kindle for a while. This is a tale of a woman who at the age of fifty discovers a family secret which is passed down to her at her coming of age – yes that is at the age of fifty, not eighteen or twenty-one. Laura who is comfortable in her new relationship with a Police Officer finds her whole world turned upside down. For her own protection, she is assigned a hot guardian, Alec Munro, to protect her. This story contains love, betrayal, lies, family loyalties, greed and vampires galore. The pacing is perfect as it the characterisation.
Will I read more by this author? Hell yeah!
MY REVIEW: GIRLS & BOYS BY M B FEENEY
Click here to get a copy of Girls & Boys by M B Feeney
I was given an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review. Having read two other books by this author I was more than happy to do this. This is not the kind of book where you’ll find high drama but it is a gently paced story about Jack and his friend Andy and the life they lead in London after leaving their home. You will also meet Nina and Ruth who become friends when arriving in London. Their lives entwine with Jack and Andy’s and what follows is a story packed with LOL moments, love, betrayal and friendships. The pacing is perfect and the characters are so well written that I can picture them clearly. Everyone knows a Jack or an Andy. Another well-written book from an author who’s a natural. I look forward to reading Andy’s story in the near future.
MY REVIEW: THE OAK S. L. DEARING
Click here to get a copy of The Oak by S. L. Dearing
This is the first book by S L Dearing that I have reading what attracted me to it was the cover which is very striking and unusual.
This is a story about a woman, Keitha, who lives in a forest in France. Keith uses her skills of healing to help the local villagers and harness the power of nature. The characters are likeable except the “baddies”. There is an element of cliche in the stereotyping of good guy, bad guy but I don’t think it detracts from the story at all. It is after all “A Grown Up Fairy Tale.”
The story flows beautifully and the writing is often quite poetic. There are surprises in store in this book and I would recommend reading it.
I will certainly read more by this author.
My review of: Secrets of the Heart by D M Miller
Click here to get a copy of Secrets of the Heart by D M Miller
This book isn’t full of dramatic events rather a gentle continuation of the last two books in the series – a progression of the lives of Catherine and Abdul with unexpected twists and turns. Two new, main character join us for this book Bahir and Rajab, both of whom add a new dimension to Catherine’s life in particular and enhances the book as a whole. It is always hard when you write a book such as this which has a steady storyline to keep the readers’ interest in the lives of your character – this author seems to do it with ease.
I don’t want to give too much away here but the relationship that forms between Catherine and Rajab right from the start and the hostility between Rajab and Abdul was a pleasure to read. I want to find out what’s in store next for this family and I have heard on the grapevine that there is to be another book in the series.
Once more I commend this author for the storyline and for the strong, consistent characters who have grown as people over the three books. This author is going from strength to strength. I highly recommend you read her books.
An easy five stars from me.
My review of: Carousel by Chris Turnbull
Click here to get a copy of Carousel by Chris Turnbull
This is an innocently pleasurable book which draws you in. Jonathon’s life changes dramatically after being jilted at the altar on his wedding. A gentle story which guides you along and makes you want to keep reading. Nice characterisation. As always a fantastic read from a talented writer.
MY REVIEW OF: CRIMSON MOON: BOOK ONE OF THE DARK WOODS BY SHERRI A WINGLER
Click here to get a copy of Crimson Moon: Book One of the Dark Woods by Sherri A Wingler
OMG! OMG! OMG! I am speechless and for anyone who knows me that is a rarity. This book sucked me from the first lines and held me all the way through. The pacing is perfect all the way through the book, it is steady and builds the relationship between reader and the main characters. The last 20% of the book picks up the pace while your heart pounds inside your chest and you are unable to put the book down until the conclusion. And wow what an ending. There were twists and turns which I didn’t anticipate, just as I thought I was getting where it was going it swung a loop and blew my mind away.
Ok so maybe I’m not so speechless after all. This book deserves all the accolades that can be thrown at it.
The characters are strong and believable (in an unworldly way), they’re consistent and likeable. I love the dialogue between them and more than that I can’t say without giving anything away.
This author is now one of my favourite authors. Everything I read by her is of this quality and getting stronger.
Can I respectfully ask that the author gives up her social life in order to get the next two books out quickly. I need to read them. Finishing this book has left a gaping hole.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.
If you have any sense whatsoever you will pick this book up and devour it.
Oh and last but not least – wow on the cover.
Click here to get a copy of The Curse of Arundel Hall by J. New
This is the second book I have read by J. New and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first book held no surprises but this one did. I felt myself tense up and hold my breath as I waited for the outcome of the mystery. Yes it is slightly cliched in places but charmingly so. This vintage murder mystery is well written with good pacing and characters. The main character Ella stayed consistent throughout both books and I look forward to seeing where her adventures take her next time.
Click here to get a copy of An Accidental Murder by J. New
This is the first book I have read by this author and found her writing although not my usual type of read to be very much to my taste. The flow of the book was evenly paced and the characters were well written and clearly defined. I have to say the book didn’t hold many surprises in the outcome but strangely that didn’t deter from my enjoyment in the slightest.
The cover is perfect for the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in Ella’s journey which luckily for me is already on my kindle.
Click here to get a copy of Lost Love in Spring by Rose English
Such a hauntingly beautiful story of love and loss. I have read a few books by this author and I am never disappointed. Rose writes very emotive stories that pull at the heartstrings.
A young couple Alfie & Emmeline have everything going for them in life are struck down in their prime on a stormy night. Emmeline ministers to Alfie using age old remedies but their lives are never going to be the same again. Rose’s prose is poetic and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Click here to get a copy of Almana by Julayn Adams
This is a story of an angel who comes to earth to protect her charge in the aftermath of Armageddon. Alana has to disguise herself as a human but Alexa sees her on entry to earth seeing her wings. I can’t say much more for fear of revealing too much but this is a gorgeous story which kept me hooked and I look forward to book two. All the key ingredients are there, love, friendship and evil mixed together to make a mighty fine book.
Click here to get a copy of Paranormal Alley by Chris and Grant Leishman
Okay so let me start by saying I don’t normally read collections of short stories by the same author as I find there is a common thread which is the author’s voice in the stories and while I do read books by the same authors it is rare for me to read them consecutively. Having said that I enjoyed reading this collection. Both authors managed to create an instant atmosphere which gripped me and kept me turning the pages. There were a few stories in this collection that I didn’t understand the ending but maybe that’s just me. I will certainly be reading more by these authors.
Click here to get a copy of Rainbows & Roses by Rose English
Rainbow and Roses is a collection of beautiful stories, poetry and facts that the author has gathered together through painstaking research. She explores folklore from other cultures about the symbolism of the rose. There is a charming glimpse into her life with pictures and poetry written throughout the authors life. Amongst all of those riches is the story ‘One Breath’ which I have read before and enjoyed reading again. This is a beautiful collection which exudes an old world simplicity and charm.
Click here to get a copy of the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Complete Box Set by Melanie James
Oh wow this book made me howl out loud not only laugh out loud. I was lying on a beach in Portugal almost wetting myself, crying and working my abs as I laughed.
The characterisation is great in these books. I had to read them all but it did wane for me a little near the end of the series but still 5 star. I would call it a spoof witchcraft series. I will most definitely read more by this author.
Click here to get a copy of D:Whitby’s Darkest Secret by Chris Turnbull
What a pleasure to read. The cover is striking and the story grabbed me straight away. The story is told mainly through the perspectives of Victoria, a newlywed who is on her honeymoon with her husband who spends a large amount of time taking care of business matters and D who becomes fixated on Victoria and believes that she feels the same for him. D lives in the shadows, committing the most hideous crimes against women. The book Dracula is his bible, his most prized possession. Then we also get the occasional point of view from Detective Matthews who is tasked with putting a stop to D’s crime sprees but the pressure is mounting on him to get results.
This is the second book I have read by Chris Turnbull both of which have been very different but equally great. The pacing was great. He managed to capture enough suspense to make me hold my breath for the finale. I couldn’t put it down despite my drooping eyes. The characters are well written especially Victoria, I really felt as though I were walking in her shoes rather than reading about her.
Click here to get a copy of Brexecution by Joel Hames
I saw that this book was released shortly after Brexit and was interested enough to pick it up. I started reading this little book a few days ago and have been hooked all the way through.
The plot is clever, the pacing brilliant. I was taken straight into the story and gripped the whole way through. An unlikely hero, a middle-aged taxi driver who is thrown into a world so dark and shady because one of his passengers left a briefcase in his cab. I didn’t know where this story would go and I loved every minute of it. I am already planning to pick up more by this author.
Click here to get a copy of Agony of the Heart by D.M. Miller
This is the second book I have read by this author and this one leads on from the first. The first book I awarded 4 stars because although it was good there were a few elements that weren’t to my personal taste in the storytelling, but I wanted to read more by this author. I picked up Agony of the Heart hoping that I would enjoy it as much as the first. This book however exceeded all my expectations and I was hooked. The development of the characters Catherine and Abdul was great. There was a switch in the dynamics of their relationship. This book explores the complexity of the human mind when fears and insecurities are allowed to fester. Her portrayal of the post natal depression that Catherine suffered was believable and sensitively written. The love of her husband is coupled with the exasperation of the man who wants to fix her but can’t and doesn’t know what to do. His thought processes are quite simplistic due to his sheltered upbringing but over the course of the book he develops as a human being and comes to understand more about his wife and his own unintentional neglect of her and his children.
The love this couple has is clear throughout, they are passionate and fiery. I loved the authors clear characterisation which was evident throughout but brought to the fore in the arguments between Catherine and Abdul.
This author seems to go from strength to strength and I am very much looking forward to reading book three which has been released.
Click here to get a copy of When Deadmen Won’t Lie by Felicity Snowden
This book is a gentle walk through the boyhood of a man who is looking back on his life. It is set in 1959/1960 when the young Niall who had no interest in learning meets an inspirational cover teacher who ignites a passion for history in him. Niall devotes his time to studying and with the help of some discovered artefacts and visions of the past he changes his destiny.
The author paints a lovely story of a family who despite their closeness have their troubles. This book is interspersed with lots of lovely moments. I liked the relationship between Niall and his sister Alice.
There are some minor mistakes, typos but certainly not enough to distract from the story in any way.
If you are looking for a dynamic storyline then this book isn’t for you but if you are happy to meander through a lovely story with this author and her characters I would recommend picking this up for a read.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Click here to get a copy of Flor Y Feugo by Bibiana Krall
What a lovely short story. In just 26 pages the author draws you into Flor’s world which encompasses a life that she can leave with ease and a man who broke her heart with complete disregard before trying to pull her back into his orbit again.
Bibiana manages to pull you into the story, making you want to turn each page. Her style is original and on a deep level that enthrals. The ending came as a complete surprise.
Click here to get a copy of The Magic of Grandfather Time by Rose English
I’ve read this book twice now and my heart stopped in the same place both times. This author has such a fantastic way with words. This little book contains two interlocking short stories from different eras and both are very emotive. The first story follows the story of Cole and his heartbreak. But there is magic in the air or should I say in the Grandfather clock and the second story goes back in time to William, family man, creator of clocks and in particular the grandfather clock that looks over future generations. This author uses beautiful words and strings them together with skill. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by her and luckily enough I have that in my library.
Click here to get a copy of Brief Encounters of the Third Kind by Janet Gogerty
I would have liked to have been able to give this book 4 stars and had it been half the size it certainly would have got that. The storyline was really clever mixing the science fiction with an everyday, normal family existence. The characters were likeable and believable and I loved the baby Adam, the author wrote his part extremely well. I got the sense that I knew most of them quite well during this story. However, the pacing for my liking was too slow, i think we were taken too much through the mundane part of a family’s life and for me it felt that it dragged and slowed the story down so that I struggled. I think the story would be much tighter if some of the repetition were removed. At times I nearly gave up reading it but I wanted to find out what happened which is a credit to the author’s ability and I am glad I finished it.
There was an event (won’t say what for fear of spoiling it for other reader’s|) that I felt should have had more emotion attached to it and it felt as though it slipped in alongside the everyday events too much.
Having said all of that I did enjoy it and will pick up more by this author in the future.
Click here to get a copy of CXVI The Beginning of the End by Angie Smith
This is another book that sat on my kindle for a while but the moment I opened the pages I was hooked. Ms. Smith writes a believable mystery thriller which keeps you on the edge of your seat and explodes in more drama at the end. DS Maria Barnes is not a cliche character, she very much holds her own with insights into a more complex character. Superintendent Greg Woods sees something in Barnes that her other colleagues don’t. He looks beyond her prickly, almost autistic nature and sees her potential. The relationship ( work/friendship) between them is lovely and natural, building throughout the story.
A series of deaths which first appear unrelated start to show the traits of a series of killing with one obvious link – the Roman Numerals. The more that Woods and Barnes dig they find that the connection leads them to a rich and beautiful widow.
There are many threads woven into this tapestry of a book and not one of them was loose.
This book is cleaver and exciting and well written.
The ending was not one I saw coming. I will be picking up books 2 & 3 in this trilogy.
Click here to get a copy of The Food Critic by R.E. Hargrave
This novelette was a delight to the senses. It was well written, the pacing was spot on and the characters likeable.
Serena gets more than she bargained for when she goes to a small diner to review the food there.
I read this in a couple of sittings, couldn’t wait to pick it up to read to the end. I will be reading more by this author.
Click here to get a copy of The Vintage Coat by Chris Turnbull
I bought the paperback copy of this book as the cover attracted me and having had this author recommended to me by a friend thought I would give it a go.
This is a time slip story about a man named Joe who is in a bit of a rut in the present day and on discovering an old coat in the charity shop where he works he gets whipped back in time to 1943. In 1943 he develops a lovely friendship and falls in love. The characters are well written and likeable. I felt a strong sense that I was actually reading about the 40’s which had clearly been well-researched.
The authors writing style is simple and not overly showy, a pleasure to read at all times. I kept the book as my bedtime reading and each night I couldn’t wait to slip back into Joe’s world both past and present.
The end has a lovely twist that I didn’t see coming.
Can’t wait to read more by this author who has a new fan.
Click here to get a copy of Rising Tide: Dark Innocence by Claudette Melanson
From the first words I was drawn into Maura’s world, watching her blossom from a lonely young girl to someone who knows her place in the affections of others but still doesn’t know her own secret. I knew early on what she was but that didn’t matter and the ending where her secret is revealed was unexpected.
The pacing was good throughout.
The characters (despite the genre) were credible and likeable. If I had one minor criticism it would be that I’m not sure that Ron would have taken all her little oddities in his stride – but then maybe book two will reveal more about that.
This author is extremely talented and I can’t wait to dip into book two. Despite my incredibly long TBR list I think this will have to be on my holiday read list.
Click here to get a copy of The Burden of Truth by Peter Best
This is the kind of book that you either learn something new about the meaning of life or you get reminded of something you already knew and as a believer in the Law of Attraction I think you read it when you need it in your life.
There is a great storyline, believable characters and lots of threads interwoven into this book with great skill. I felt as though the author knew the places he wrote about well and gave me a glimpse of places I have never visited.
My only complaints would be that it could do with a bit of a polish and places need tightening up and that the conclusion to the drama was a little bit too handy for my liking. Loved the ending though.
Aside from that though it was a thoroughly great read and I will be looking out for more work from this very talented author.
Click here to get a copy of Souls of the Never by CJ Rutherford
Following on from Tales of the Neverwar.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the friendship between Katheryne and Perri although not sure that Perri would accept so easily the dreams as being real. Both feisty girls but in different ways. The relationship with Derren didn’t strike me in the same way, it was nice but I believed more in Katheryne and Perri.
There was a lot of repetition in places which slowed the story down and there were so many threads that at times I struggled to work out who was who. Having said that though it cleverly weaved together in the end and the author’s bold use of so many strands paid off.
A well-written thoroughly enjoyable book and I look forward to the next book in the series which just happens to already be on my kindle.
Click here to get a copy of The One That Got Away by M.B. Feeney
Heidi and Shane met as teenagers, they dated and they parted but they never forgot the other. They meet up again at a school reunion, after communicating and flirting on social media. This is a story of lost love and of new beginnings. This was a lovely read, light and entertaining. This author created believable, real characters with ease. A truly great story with a side order of raunchy. I knew where this story was going all the way along but it didn’t spoil it for me and the end did have an unexpected twist.
It scares me that I will have to add some more of this author’s books to my every growing TBR list.
Click here to get a copy of Origins of the Never by CJ Rutherford
A fantastic 5* prequel to Tales of the Neverwar.
Two young men grow up together, Olume with the promise to be the ruler of the beautiful land, Teralia, they live in and Tenybris, his best friend. This land is a place where evil doesn’t exist; everyone has what they need to live, and they do so in harmony.
But life changes and when Olume marries Lynnaria, the woman that Tenybris also loves then life as they know it changes. Tenybris makes a few bad choices which opens him up to a different path that he can’t seem to escape.
I love the way the author has weaved the threads of this story. The story although fantasy does have a strong element of reality in it.
Warning this book contains dragons.
Can’t wait to open up the next book and as it is already on my Kindle, I won’t have to wait.
Click here to get a copy of Regina: The Monster Inside by D M Singh
This is another book I have had gathering dust on my kindle for a while and the time seemed right to pick it up and read it.
Regina is a teenager who hasn’t exactly had a normal life as her parents move her from place to place and, as a result, she doesn’t bond with anyone, in fact, she’s never had a friend until she meets Imogen.
Imogen and her family introduce Regina to the secrets that her own family were trying to protect her from.
This author takes you on a journey with Regina as she finds out things that no teenager should find out about herself and discovers talents and skills that she would never have suspected. Along with these skills, she discovers dangers that would daunt even the most fearless adult. Who can she trust? Everyone is not as they seem.
This book contains a gentle love story, adventure, excitement, friendships and tragedy inside a well-told story. It does end on a cliffhanger so please can you hurry up writing as I can’t wait to read book two.
Click here to get a copy of Beyond the Butterflies by Tracy Lee Pride
I’m not a huge fan of poetry, I rarely read it and can’t write it to save my life but having said that my niece who writes exceptional poetry has piqued my interest enough that when I saw this book I wanted to dip in and see what it’s about.
I will probably never be an ardent fan of poetry, but I did enjoy many of the poems within these pages and felt as though I got a glimpse into the author’s soul more than I would from prose.
My favourites:
My First Time Windsurfing – although a totally different sport it made me think of when I jet ski and the freedom I feel.
The Poet – really felt as though I got a glimpse of the author/poet herself in this one.
Sitting on a Hilltop – a great reminder to us all and particularly apt for all authors.
Halfway there – Inspiration
The Necklace – Lovely analogy of life
Sea and Simplicity – A reminder of life
Power of Words – Poignant
“Harsh words are often used to fight,
Cruel words hurt when used in spite.
Sad words draw blood that is crystal clear,
Bright words fill a heart will cheer.
(If you want to read more of this poem I recommend you purchase this sweet little book of poetry)
I am – Beautiful
“I am the crystal that reflects the light.
I am the star that can shine very bright.
I am the rain, when the clouds shed tears.
I am the courage that ends the fears.
(Again you will need to purchase to read on.)
This poet/author’s poems are simple and sweet and carry little reminders about what is important in life. I would certainly pick up more by her.
This novella is narrated by a male protagonist. It reminds us that by holding out our hands to someone in need we can make a significant change to their life as Stephen does when he falls in love with Ashleigh who has suffered more than any young girl should. He sees her standing in the corner of the Fairground where he works and knew he had to make her his. It is a hauntingly beautiful rendition portraying love in its purest form.
I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also note that the author is the cover designer too which was so exquisite that it attracted me to buy it in the first place.
Looking forward to picking up more from this author.
Having just devoured both of the current books in the Immortal Sorrows series I was excited to see more by this author. Without wanting to give anything away Fate is featured in both of the former books and A Glimpse into Darkness is a tiny prequel to them that gives her side of the story before the turmoil began.
It is only a taster and as with all of this author’s books it is exquisitely written. It could certainly have been expanded on more and maybe that is something the author will do at a later date. If you are reading this book first then think of it as a soupçon of what is to come. The next two books will blow you away.
Another 5* read.
I started this book with trepidation. I loved book one in the series, and there is always the fear that book two won’t live up to your expectations or that it will be more of the same and even though you enjoyed it before doesn’t mean you want to read the same thing over again.
Let me say my fears were groundless. This book exceeded my expectations. The author took Asher and Izzy to a whole new level. Book one introduced you to the characters while telling the story; book two took them to a place of darkness and adventures that had me on the edge of my seat.
This book showed the extremes that people will go to, to achieve their desires whether they be for good or evil.
The characters stayed consistent the whole way through so much so that I believe they really exist 😉 I never really expected to find myself with a crush on the Angel of Death but there you have it and quite possibly Grim too.
The descriptions given were phenomenal; this author has one hell of an imagination, and she also has the writing ability to back it up.
I can say that I am relieved to have finished this book because now I actually may get some sleep. On a number of occasions, I went to bed tired with every intention of reading for 10-15 minutes later only to find myself awake and engrossed over an hour later.
I am now about to start reading the short Prequel that has been released in the last week or so by the same author that explores what made Fate the way she is.
It isn’t that often that I miss characters when I finish reading a book, but I think I will this time. Please write faster, I need more.
Over the last year I have read some phenomenal books by Indie Authors, books that made me laugh till my sides hurt, cry real tears, book that were addictive.
A friend of mine recommended this book to me a long time ago and I picked it up on my kindle in March where it has sat with so many others on my TBR list.
I finally decided it was time to read it. It isn’t generally a genre I read but I am open to all genres. The cover appealed and I liked the sound of it. The moment I opened this book I was dragged in minus the kicking and screaming.
The prologue pulls you in from the first word. I can’t really put an example on here otherwise I would have to copy and paste the whole prologue.
Izzy is a young American girl who is involved in an accident and although she meets the Angel of Death it is not her time to die. What Asher (Angel of Death) does is unheard of and it changes her life forever as it does his existence.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. The flow was strong throughout. There was excitement and edge of your seat drama and quieter moments as the author allowed you to really get to know the characters. Not only was Izzy and Asher extremely well developed by the other characters, Gwen & Grim and all the other bit players.
It is fantasy but I believed it. I lived it and I can only say thank God I have book two to start straight away.
There is nothing about this book that I think didn’t work or could be improved on. I can’t wait to finish leaving this review and getting a few tedious chores out of the way so I can read Book Two: Wings of Shadow.
Note to author: Please have book three finished within the week I can’t wait any longer.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. The main character, Lisa Reynolds, is a likeable and believable woman who is a witness to a scene that ends in a murder which changes Lisa’s life.
There is a lot of description which keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wonder what might happen. It is a beautiful story of love and loss.
I wanted to keep reading, picking it up each day was a pleasure.
My only real issues were that there were too many speech tags that became distracting and slightly annoying but not enough to put me off reading. I think removing some of these could make the book stronger.
Without wanting to give anything away, I also felt that the resolution was a packaged a little too neatly. It was reminiscent of a 70’s or 80’s crime shows. I think it could have benefitted from a little more grit at this point.
Overall I loved immersing myself in this book and the lives of the characters. I look forward to seeing what this talented author writes next.
Click here to get a copy of The Retail Therapist by Colette Kebell
This is a lovely, easy to read book which I devoured in almost one sitting. I loved the premise of the story, the overall flow of the story.
The characters from the start were likeable and believable. The friendship between Gigi & Ritchie is lovely “He’s also my sponsor. I’m on the path to recovery from spending too much on clothes.”
This book contains humour sprinkled throughout the book.
My only quibbles would be that the ending seemed rushed and I felt as though more development was needed around the character Johnny to justify what happened. That was the only thing stopping me from giving this book 5 stars.
I am looking forward to moving onto Miss Kebell’s next book which luckily for me has already been written so I don’t have to wait long. I just need to remove a few from my TBR list already on my kindle.
Click here to get a copy of Cross Stitch (Choc Lit) (Time Traveller Book 2) by Amanda James
So this is the second book I have read by this author and it did not disappoint. This book leads on from A Stitch in Time.
We enter Sarah Yates’ world again in this book. I did wonder how this book could be different from the first one, would it be more of Sarah’s adventures which would have been fine as I thoroughly enjoyed them in the first book. Ms. James introduced an unexpected complication into this book when Sarah meets a woman in 1930’s London who makes her life and her time travelling more complex. Their destiny’s are entwined and woven beautifully together.
Another fantastic read. Hope you are writing Ms. James I want more.
Click here to get a copy of A Stitch in Time (Choc Lit) (Time Traveller Book 1) by Amanda James
I love a good time slip novel and this book ticks that box with spades. The author utilises an intelligent use of common saying and “stitches” them into the fabric of the book in such a way that you can believe that these were the origins for them.
This is a story of love, of past hurts, compassion and humour all rolled into one. Sarah Yates is an ordinary woman who has been been betrayed. She meets an unusual man and embarks on some scary adventures.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre. I would go onto say that I would read another book by this author but I already have. The review for the sequel Cross Stitch will follow soon.
Click here to get a copy of Missing Gretyl: You Only Love Twice by Si Page
This is a lovely story that contains some lively and interesting characters. The book is a comedy and while maybe the humour wasn’t fully to my taste and didn’t make me LOL but I did smile a lot. I enjoyed this book that explores the flaws in people’s characters and teaches you not to judge a book by the cover (i.e the characters). Sometimes you have to come close to losing what you value most so that you can remember why you love someone – this book does this well. The author has a great imagination and I look forward to seeing where it goes in his next book.
Click here to get a copy of The Religion of the Heart by D.M. Miller
This book is a story of love that spans over a decade for a boy and a girl who are instantly attracted to each other despite the hurdles they face such as religion, culture and miles of separation they hold true to the dream.
When Abdul tries to talk to Catherine in English when he realises that she doesn’t speak Arabic he can’t remember a word that he has learned. I loved that little touch, I could picture the poor boy’s discomfort.
A beautiful phrase in the book that I loved: Time forgot to hurry, creeping by at the pace of a blustery Alaskan winter.
I would have likes to have seen a little bit more of this kind of description.
Abdul is a young man who is weighed down and browbeaten by his family to bend to their will – I kind of thought that Catherine did the same to him. It felt as though the majority of compromises were made by him. Both characters were highly emotional and if I’m honest maybe too much for my personal taste, but that’s just me. It was a lovely tale and it was easy to read.
Click here to get a copy of Ties That Bind by Elaine R. Chissick
I could barely put this book down. The author has spun a story of love, betrayal, joy and pain with consummate skill. The characters are 100% believable and relatable. I caught my breath on a number of occasions as I found myself rooting for them. The story flows well and the pace is natural all the way through. I loved the different layers in this book and how the author had me on my toes the whole time never sure where it would go and what would happen. My only issue (minor) would be the overuse of certain objects such as the Cherry Coke Lip Balm and to a lesser degree the Classic Corvette. I do also think while the sex scenes were incredibly well written it could have benefitted from cutting out a couple of the scenes. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
Alice in Wonderland meets Oliver Twist collides with The Hobbit.
Right from the first sentence a smile lit up my face: John had his head in the oven and his arse in the air when the man appeared out of nowhere, unfurling like a woodlouse coming out of hiding.
I laughed my way through this book sometimes out loud and in public. If you like books to be serious this book isn’t for you. If, however, you enjoy humour I would highly recommend that you dip in and indulge.
At first the little asides in brackets appeared to be a little clunky but then as I read on I realised that they were actually the humour of a very creative, intelligent brain and these became some of the LOL moments.
The author weaves the story with skill and beautiful phraseology: The voice was gnarled and knotted like tree roots.
The visuals she creates are exceptional: He was somewhat disappointed not to see clocks or skeletons or shoes, or indeed any other random objects floating by, like they did in films – you know, when the intrepid heroes go back in time or through mysterious tunnels – just like that, only it wasn’t.
This story also has a deeper message hidden within the pages and the humour. Read it and discover for yourself what that message is.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Click here to get a copy of Escape into the Blue by Bibiana Drall
This isn’t your bog standard book…if that’s what you’re looking for this book isn’t for you. The author’s style of writing is different from anything I have come across before, it felt as though I were peeling back layers of an onion (I don’t mean it made me cry!). I never knew where the book was going which wasn’t a bad thing at all. The beginning was beautifully descriptive but to the point if it had carried on it may have been too much, but it changed and kept changing. Hence the onion, layers of imagination building crescendo until it crashed on the beach like a tidal wave. My only criticism would be sometimes the POV changes weren’t clear and I had to read back again.
Sophia is a complex character, a young girl running from her family and a tragic event, she has a moral core that sustains her in the turbulent world she enters. I would have liked to have understood what shaped her, to know her back story but I guess this leaves it open for the author to write another book and if she does I will be buying it.
Some fantastic quotes from the book: “Thoughts chased her on that deck like vicious poltergeists,” “Colours stolen from rainbows,”
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading outside the box.
Click here to get a copy of Lifewalla by Nina Joshi Ramsey
Lifewalla is one of those different books where you are not sure what to expect. I can tell you that the author grabs you from the streets of whatever country you happen to be in and throws you into the life of Dilkush in India. This story has tragedy, humour and love in between it’s pages. This book was based on the tragic events in Bhopal 30 years ago where a gas leak devastated thousands of lives. The description the author paints of the desperation, the suffering of this woman who tries to rescue her family is heart-rending, making you feel that you are experiencing it yourself.
Read it for yourself!
Click here to get a copy of Aeonosphere: Volume 1 (The Scandari Saga) by Jo Roderick
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first one Six for Seven introduces you to some of the characters you meet in Aeonsphere in a witty around the table dinner party. This book took Tom Scandari (I have a secret crush on him) from the dinner table and sent him on some hair-raising adventures. This author gives you enough at all times to ensure you go back for more. It explores the love between him and Annie which is never in doubt but you do wonder whether they will ever give in to temptation.
This has a little bit of everything from the dashing young man, the independent successful woman, the bad man you wants to…well you will have to read it yourself to find that out. It has adventure and love and humour.
Click here to get a copy of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I really enjoyed reading this book, I was swept into the life of Patroclus and enjoyed reading the story that we all know so well from his perspective. A boy who attains the seemingly unobtainable by gaining the interest and attention of Achilles after being a huge disappointment to his own father. Of course the author has taken artistic licence, she is an author and this is her book so I think that is allowed. I read some of the other reviews on Amazon before leaving this, both good and bad. Maybe there are some mistakes, I didn’t notice. As I mentioned before I got swept up in the story and if an author can make that happen then I don’t scour it with a fine tooth comb as the objective has already been reached by taking me from my own world and placing me in another.
Click here to get a copy of The Thread by Victoria Hislop
If I could give more than 5 stars for this book I would. It is the third book by Victoria Hislop that I have read and it didn’t disappoint. Victoria weaves an effortless tale that draws you in and makes you forget the whole world outside exists. This author has the ability to make you step into the pages, to transport you in this case to Thessaloniki as you live the story yourself.
She writes in such a beautiful way and her characters have depth and credibility. These are not two-dimensional made up people they live in your heart so that every pain they feel is yours, their jubilation is yours.
I discovered this exceptional author many years ago when she had just published “The Island” which was based on the leper colony of Spinalonga. I was horrified as the book I was working on (still am!) had a section in Spinalonga. I had to read what she had written. I am so glad. I look forward to reading anything else she publishes.
Click here to get a copy of Six For Seven (647): A South African Dinner by Jo Roderick
The author introduces you to a number of characters quite early on but it didn’t take long before I knew them. I loved how this book progressed. It takes skill to keep a reader hooked all the way through a book when there isn’t big action taking place. The conversations were great and the humour kept a grin on my face throughout, one of my favourite examples of this humour is: “My shoes taste terrible! I must find a tastier brand if I am going to keep embarrassing myself with such rampant regularity.” I love the way the author wove the threads of their lives through the story so each new chapter brought a little more of each character. I have to say I am very curious about Tom & Annabelle. I have already picked up another book by this author on my kindle and look forward to reading it.
Click here to get a copy of Pros & Cons by Sydney Logan
A truly original story, the characters are likeable, believable and stay consistent throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone and will certainly read more by this author. I came across her due to a review I read.
Click here to get a copy of Right Click, Love by M.B. Feeney
Characters are both likeable and believable. It is fast paced and witty. The author has a great voice that makes it eminently readable. Will certainly look out for more titles from this author. Thoroughly recommend reading this book.
Click here to get a copy of Anti-Social Media by Kate Beth Heywood
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a very modern story as suggested in the name. I couldn’t identify with any of the characters and didn’t particularly like any of them, but I think this was the aim of the author and cleverly done.
There were sparks of humanity in the characters that made you stand on the line of not particularly liking but stopped you crossing over into disliking with the exception of Martyn who was a despicable creep who I could picture all too well.
There were times when I felt there was unnecessary repetition, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I think Kate Beth Heywood has written a very well thought out book, and I would certainly be looking out for her next book.
Click here to get a copy of One Breath by Rose English
This is a beautifully told short story. It was easy to read throughout and the author kept my interest from the first page to the last. It was a pleasure to read it and I will be looking out for more stories from Rose English.
Maria Gibbs 