Category: blog tour

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Rebel Daughter – Miranda Malins

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A country torn apart by war. A woman fighting for her future…

Ely, 1643. England is convulsed by Civil War, setting King against Parliament and neighbour against neighbour. As the turmoil reaches her family home in Ely, 19-year-old Bridget Cromwell finds herself at the heart of the conflict.

With her father’s star on the rise as a cavalry commander for the rebellious Parliament, Bridget has her own ambitions for a life beyond marriage and motherhood. And as fractures appear in her own family with the wilful, beautiful younger sister Betty, Bridget faces a choice: to follow her heart, or to marry for power and influence, and fight for a revolution that will change history…

My thoughts: it was interesting to go back to before the events of The Puritan Princess, about Cromwell’s youngest daughter, to this, about his eldest. Bridget’s story takes us through the two civil wars, the execution of Charles I, right up to her father being made Lord Protector. Suddenly you’re seeing a whole different angle on a familiar story. Bridget has quite a radical streak and empathised with the Levellers – wanting a fairer society for all. She actually believed that the new Parliament hasn’t gone far enough. That more could be done, even though it was all rather messy.

This is, at its heart though, a love story. Between Bidding Biddy and her Henry – she even rides to him at a war summit to declare she’ll marry him after all. Even though she finds much about marriage confining, and chafes at the lot of women, being clever and having opinions of her own, she does love him, very much.

As always I enjoy a book about history’s women, so often a footnote to their fathers, husbands, sons, but without whom very little would have ever been accomplished. Biddy was centuries too early for her talents and quick mind to be seen as they should be, instead relegated to running a household and managing a few servants, rather than a country and dozens of MPs.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Blood Tide – Neil Lancaster

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You get away with murder.
In a remote sea loch on the west coast of Scotland, a fisherman vanishes without trace. His remains are never found.

You make people disappear.
A young man jumps from a bridge in Glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. DS Max Craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. But if he can’t find out what cost them their lives, it won’t be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue…

You come back for revenge.
Soon cracks start to appear in the investigation, and Max’s past hurtles back to haunt him. When his loved ones are threatened, he faces a terrifying choice: let the only man he ever feared walk free, or watch his closest friend die…

My thoughts: following straight on from the events of Dead Man’s Grave, Max and his team are thrown into a new case, investigating several suspicious suicides, a missing person and the murder of two drug dealers. Someone has inside knowledge and the team need to find them, fast. Tam Hardie is also still around, brooding in his prison cell, planning revenge on Max.

A lot happens, and quickly, as the team find more corruption inside the forces meant to keep people safe – this time the NCA, not Police Scotland, and then some. There’s a lot of tracking phone calls and data triangulation – which isn’t the most exciting thing to read about and I’m a bit like Ross – give it to me in the simplest of terms! Thankfully they’ve recruited Norma, a genius tech handler from the NCA to help out and for a doughnut she’ll break it down.

The ending was very satisfying and tied off some plots nicely, wiping the board clean for book three.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: The Last Roman – B.K. Greenwood

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TheLastRoman copy

Welcome to the book tour for The Last Roman: Exile, the first novel in a thrilling trilogy by B.K. Greenwood. Read on for details and a chance to win a copy of this beauty and a t-shirt inspired by the book!

THE LAST ROMAN FRONT LIGHT

The Last Roman: Exile

Publication Date: May 29th, 2021

Genre: Historical Thriller/ Roman Mythology

Some debts you cannot repay, even if you live forever…

Seasoned imperial officer Marcus Sempronius Gracchus leads the 9th Roman Legion into a bloody battle against a fierce barbarian tribe. It’s a battle he won’t survive.

When he awakens three days later, clawing his way from a shallow grave, Marcus must face the reality of his new existence; he will never see the afterlife. But that won’t stop him from dying time and again over the next 2,000 years.

Unfortunately, there are others cursed with immortality, and they are determined to bring the world crashing to its knees. Forced to confront the only brother he has ever known, can Marcus prevent the inevitable and possibly find redemption?

The Last Roman: Exile is a fast-paced, action-packed historical thriller that will have readers coming back for more. Don’t miss out on B.K. Greenwood’s debut novel, the first in this exciting new trilogy.

Available on Amazon

The Last Roman: Abyss is now available too!

Excerpt

Marcus moved along the faltering line and soon encountered the largest man he had ever seen, hacking his way through the thinning ranks. A legionnaire tried to bar his path, but the ogre swung his massive blade, catching the soldier just below his jaw. A crimson arc of blood sprayed from the fatal wound, much of it splattering across Marcus’ face and chest. Behind the giant, more barbarians advanced to exploit the breach.

Marcus grabbed the shield of a fallen soldier and rushed the behemoth, who welcomed the attack with a vicious blow. The force drove Marcus to one knee and nearly knocked him unconscious. Marcus raised the shield to protect his head and shoulders and thrust his sword upward. The point struck metal, so he shoved it harder until he felt the blade dig into the soft underside of a trunk-like arm. Marcus could hear the giant’s howl above the din of the battle and knew that retribution was near. Another thunderous blast crashed into the shield, the metal and banded leather splintering from the attack. The next blow would rip Marcus asunder. 

Desperate, Marcus hastily covered his head with the remains of his ruined shield. He mustered all his strength and drove forward into the beast. The shield thudded against his waist, eliciting an angry grunt. Marcus reached around the barbarian’s leg with the blade of his sword, finding the naked thigh. Never meant as a weapon for slashing, the edge of his sword was still razor-sharp. He drew it across the giant’s hamstring, cutting through flesh and sinew as Marcus pushed forward. The Suebi screamed in agony as the two men crumpled to the ground. The barbarian smashed the hilt of his sword into Marcus’s head, knocking off his helmet. The world was spinning as Marcus stood and staggered away. Blood flowed down his face, blurring his vision. His opponent, writhing in pain, was screaming at him.

Marcus heard several men shout, “The giant is down!” 

A loud cheer erupted from the Romans, but that only encouraged the other barbarians. Marcus somehow raised his sword in time to block another attack, but the force knocked him to the ground. The barbarian raised his sword to strike a death blow when Gaius appeared out of nowhere and ran him through. With great effort, Marcus regained his footing, lumbering forward to rejoin the melee. He lost his balance again and had to lean on his sword to keep from falling. As he stood watching the raging battle, a sharp pain shot through his side.

He looked down and saw the blade of the stricken giant sliding beneath his armor. The barbarian was sitting on his haunches, trying to stab him again. Marcus summoned his remaining strength and, swinging for the neck, felt the cold steel bite into flesh, then bone. A low gurgle escaped the laceration as the colossal body slumped forward, and the barbarian’s head fell to the ground.

Marcus dropped the sword, trying in vain to reach his wound and stem the flow of blood. His breath grew labored, and he coughed, a coppery trace spilling into his mouth. He slumped to his knees as scores of legionnaires rushed past. Marcus watched the reinforcements plug holes in the line and stem the barbarian attack. More cohorts arrived, and the battle devolved into a desperate struggle. Even with both legions engaged, the outcome was uncertain. 

Marcus watched as the ranks dwindled, the men stubbornly giving way to the onslaught. It looked like they may break at any moment when a commotion drew his attention to the right side of the battle. A cheer rose from the legionnaires as the forgotten Roman cavalry rejoined the fight and rolled up the exposed barbarian flank. Within minutes, the Suebi army was in full flight, and the mounted troopers were cutting down the stragglers. As the centurions rushed to put the men back in formation, Marcus slipped to the ground, his gaze fixed on the gray, sunless sky. 

Moments later, Gaius knelt beside him. He tried to undo the bloody clasp of his armor, but Marcus pushed his hand away. Their eyes met.  

“The men did good,” Marcus said.  

“Yes, they did.”

Marcus continued, but it was inaudible.  

Gaius leaned over, and Marcus whispered, “Tell my wife—” He coughed up specks of blood onto Gaius’s soiled cheek. “I’m so sorry…” Marcus swallowed back the warm fluid that was rising in his throat, “sorry I left her.”

“I will,” he promised. “I will tell her myself.” 

Marcus nodded as a white horse arrived, the rider dismounting. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the general’s voice.

“Gaius?” 

The old centurion did not reply, but the answer was written on his troubled face. Quintus knelt to the ground. 

“Marcus, your actions have saved the day. I plan on submitting your name to the Senate…” 

Quintus paused when their eyes met, then shifted to the pool of blood gathering around them. As the general spoke of honor rolls and victory marches, Marcus looked beyond him to the sky above. There was a shimmer in the cloud that resembled a bird. He tried to focus on the form as it grew closer, but he could not keep his eyes open. As he slipped into the darkness, he thought of his wife and the fact that he would never see her again.

About the Author

Author HS

B.K. Greenwood lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and wolfpack of 4 rescue dogs. He loves to travel and has incorporated his experiences into his writing. B.K. enjoys works of fiction and nonfiction, with a heavy emphasis on history, adventure, and classics. His passion for history is on display in his debut novel, The Last Roman: Exile.

B.K. Greenwood | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway: The Last Roman: Exile and Tee Bundle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TheLastRoman copy

Book Tour Schedule

February 21st

R&R Book Tour (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

@takealookatmybookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/takealookatmybookshelf/

@rosyreadz (Review) https://www.instagram.com/RosyReadz/

Sophril Reads (Spotlight) http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com

February 22nd

Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/

  @honeydukesbooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/honeydukesbooks/

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

Timeless Romance (Spotlight) https://aubreywynne.com/

February 23rd

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

@jypsylynn (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jypsylynn

B is for Book Review (Spotlight) https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

Haddie’s Haven (Spotlight) https://haddieshaven.blogspot.com

Books + Happiness = Happiness (Spotlight) https://bookscoffeehappiness.com/

February 24th

 @books_inthecity (Review) https://www.instagram.com/books_inthecity/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/

The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Review) http://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com

Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

February 25th

 @softestreader (Review) https://www.instagram.com/softestreader/

 @definitelynotreading (Review) https://www.instagram.com/definitelynotreading/

    @the.suspense.is.thrilling.me (Review) https://www.instagram.com/the.suspense.is.thrilling.me/

@bhaneereads_ (Review) https://www.instagram.com/bhaneereads_/

Misty’s Book Space (Spotlight) http://mistysbookspace.wordpress.com

Book Tour Organized By:

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R&R Book Tours

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Blog Tour: If She Wakes – Erik Therme

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Who do you trust when everyone is lying?

My name is Tess Parker.

Two days ago, I was in a car accident with my sister-in-law, Torrie. Before she slipped into a coma, she asked my husband and me to care for her four-month-old son, Levi.

Yesterday, a woman claiming to be Torrie’s estranged sister knocked on our door. But Torrie has no siblings . . . or so she said. She and my brother were only together a short time before he left, and Torrie has clearly been keeping secrets.

Today, another of Torrie’s “sisters” has come to town. Both say the other is lying about who they are.

Neither of them is telling the truth.

Both of them want Levi.

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Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he can be found cheering on his youngest daughter’s volleyball team, or watching horror movies with his oldest. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only twenty-eight places in the world that UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature. Join Erik’s mailing list to be notified of new releases and author giveaways.
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My thoughts: the person I felt sorriest for in this messed up family was baby Levi, all these adults wanting him, not for himself but for various reasons dating back far before he was born. Both of his maternal aunts, complete strangers, want him almost as a replacement for his dead uncle, they’re manipulative and fight with each other – both telling Tess the other is a liar and dangerous. She doesn’t know which one to trust and without Torrie awake to fill in the story, not entirely sure of either of them. Her husband Josh isn’t much help, quietly drawing away from her and not communicating.

And that’s before anyone else gets involved, dragging Tess into another nightmarish scenario that puts Levi at risk and further complicates her relationships with Josh and Torrie.

Tense and compelling, this game of mothers, needing a King Solomon-like verdict, or at least Torrie to wake up and decide who gets to look after the baby, is clever and dark.

Click on the image for the rest of the tour.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Dragon Tree – Julia Ibbotson

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Click to go to review of previous title in this series – A Shape on the Air

The Dragon Tree (Dr DuLac series Book 2)
A haunting medieval time-slip.
Echoes of the past resonate through time and disturb medievalist Dr DuLac as she struggles with misfortune in the present. She and Rev Rory have escaped to the island of Madeira on a secondment from their posts, yet they are not to find peace – until they can solve the mystery of the shard of azulejo and the ancient ammonite. Viv’s search brings her into contact with two troubled women: a
noblewoman shipwrecked on the island in the 14th century and a rebellious nun at the island convent in the 16th century. As Viv reaches out across the centuries, their lives become intertwined, and she must uncover the secrets of the ominous Dragon Tree in order to locate lost artefacts that
can shape the future.
For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, Christina Courtenay.

(for A Shape on the Air) “In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel” -Historical Novel Society
(for the series) “Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – book tour reviewer
“The idea of being able to ‘feel’ what happened in the past is enticing … The sense of the island is really wonderful … Julia brings it to life evocatively” – Joanna Barnden
“an engaging and original time-slip novel that keeps the reader turning the pages…the characters are authentic and the mystery is neatly woven between the centuries … seamless time transitions”
– Melissa Morgan
Purchase

A sea boat in Madeira
Madeira mountains
Madeira boats in Camara Bay

Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She sees her author brand as a historical fiction writer of romantic mysteries that are evocative of time and place, well-
researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries. Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language/literature/ history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books (Endeavour) for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s. She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her work in progress is the first of a new series of Anglo-Saxon mysteries (Daughter of Mercia) where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries. Her books will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’,
‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’.

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Goodreads

My thoughts: it took me a bit longer to get into this second time travelling adventure, perhaps because it opened on such sadness, or maybe because I haven’t been to Madeira (although I’ve certainly eaten the cake) and don’t know a lot about it or Portuguese history in general. Portugal is that bit further and seems to have wisely stayed out of various mix ups in history that England, France and Spain seemed determined to have. Sensible place really.

But as Viv starts to connect more with the island’s history, Ana and her descendants, finding out more about the turbulent past and the casual erasure of the (most probably) real original settlers – the Moors, and their influences, I enjoyed it more. Viv is reeling for a tragedy and she and Rory are drifting from each other, each in their own private pain.

Moving to Madeira might seem an extreme way to handle grief, but I can see the desire for a place that doesn’t hold the sad memories the way their home in the UK does. Viv’s research has moved forward too – into a later part of the medieval period- the reign of the English Edward III, who doesn’t come across too well in Ana’s memories, shared by Viv. His wife, Philippa of Hainault is an interesting figure and I would have liked a tiny bit more of her.

I didn’t embrace this book as enthusiastically as A Shape in the Air, which is a shame, although I did find it interesting and want to look at some wider medieval history. Book 3, The Rune Stone, will be reviewed later this week, so stay tuned.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: A Shape on the Air – Julia Ibbotson

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A Shape on the Air (Dr DuLac Book 1)
A haunting Anglo-Saxon time-slip of mystery and romance.
Can echoes of the past threaten the present? They are 1500 years apart, but can they reach out to each other across the centuries? One woman faces a traumatic truth in the present day. The other is
forced to marry the man she hates as the ‘dark ages’ unfold.
How can Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, unlock the secrets of the past? Traumatised by betrayal, she slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, who is also battling treachery. Viv must uncover the mystery of the key that she unwittingly brings back with her to the present day, as echoes of the past resonate through time. But little does Viv realise just how much both their lives across the centuries will become so intertwined. And in the end, how can they help each other
across the ages without changing the course of history?
For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, Christina Courtenay.

“In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel” -Historical Novel Society
“Amazing …a really great book …I just couldn’t put it down” -Hazel Morgan
“Well-rounded characters and a wealth of historical research make this a real page-turner” – Amazon review
“Enthralling” -Amazon review
“Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – Amazon review
“Viv/Lady Vivianne … lovely identifiable heroine in both time periods….I love her strength and vulnerability. And Rory/Roland is simply gorgeous!” – Melissa Morgan
“gripping … a very real sense of threat and danger, an enthralling mystery … a wholly convincing romance, across both timelines” – Anne Williams
Purchase

Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She sees her author brand as a historical fiction writer of romantic mysteries that are evocative of time and place, well-
researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries. Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language/literature/ history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books (Endeavour) for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s. She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her work in progress is the first of a new series of Anglo-Saxon mysteries (Daughter of Mercia) where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries. Her books will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’,
‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’.

Amazon Author page Author website & blog Facebook Twitter Instagram
Pinterest Goodreads

My thoughts: if you’ve been loitering around here long enough you’ll know by now that I am a massive history nerd, I love historical fiction and have a particular passion for the period between the end of Roman occupation and the medieval period (I will not be using the term that rhymes with fark fages) as well as the medieval period itself. While there isn’t a huge wealth of recorded detail of the period, writing being very primitive, mostly done by priests (the Romans however kept very detailed records) and paper expensive. So we have to use our imaginations a fair bit.

Which is why we get such fun books, like this and Christina Courtney’s books (although they’re set a bit later when the Vikings were settling in Britain) complete with time travel and mythical figures who may or may not have been real to some extent (yes, I’m talking about King Arthur, especially as Viv in this book is related very distantly to Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, who gave him Excalibur).

Viv has just had her heart broken by a horrible little man, when she first starts to time slip, finding herself in the body of Lady Vivianne, a Briton, herself hostage to another horrid man, who plans to forcibly marry her and cement his theft of her lands, titles and people, after her parents’ brutal deaths. But both modern Viv and historic Vivianne are tough women, smart and capable and surrounded by good friends who want to help them get back what’s theirs.

Thankfully Viv’s friends don’t immediately think she’s lost it, although they’re a little sceptical, but less so once hunky vicar (a thing I have never seen despite a lifetime of involvement in various bits of the church, including working for it and being educated by it – supposedly) Rory steps into the frame. Turns out he’s a fellow time traveller, who’s own equivalent avatar is Sir Roland, Lady Vivienne’s handsome friend (convenient that!).

Look, I loved this book, it’s a lot of fun, there’s lots of history, some romance, the women aren’t soppy but strong and stand on their own two feet, with excellent pals around them (even if, like Tilly, they’re a bit nuts) and I can’t wait to share the rest of the series with you – book 2 tomorrow!

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Gifts – Liz Hyder

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In an age defined by men, it will take something extraordinary to show four women who they truly are . . .

October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders.

Meanwhile, when rumours of a ‘fallen angel’ cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune finds himself in the grips of a dangerous obsession, one that will place the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . .

THE GIFTS is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of BEARMOUTH. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.

My thoughts: bits of this book reminded me of Skellig, David Almond’s extraordinary book, but this is far darker, more complex and with large themes and ideas. Women sprouting wings, three in this story, although only two live, perhaps, as Natalya suggests because of the wildness within in them, the fact that they are rejected by society – she for her baby born out of wedlock, Etta for her skin colour and illegitimacy, and then Mary – who does not grow physical wings but does spread her metaphorical ones and fights to save the pair trapped in a terrible place.

I have often been glad that, as much as I like learning about history, that I live in an age of relative freedom for women. That I have far more rights than many who came before me. Women like Natalya, Etta and Mary. Women like Annie and Sarah too. Where society dictates their roles, and gives them rules and even clothing that imprisons and controls them, forcing them to conform or else be outcast and alone.

There is also a loss of religious faith here – Etta, Natalya and Mary have all pretty much given up on church and God. Each of them have been broken by cruel twists of fate and survival becomes much more important than prayer. Edward is the one who prays, but the church he attends is much more about appearances and as he descends into his delusions and cruelty, his faith too starts to warp and suffer. Faith does not offer comfort or support here, just cold blank faced stone.

While the fantastical elements of the story are wonderful, it is the more humdrum stuff and the kindness of others that matters. Jos and George’s kindness in taking in their niece Mary, hers in turn towards Charlie. Those human connections that make us who we are, Mary wants to help Etta and Natalya, not just for the story, but because she is good and kind. She is determined to improve her own situation, but also that of these other women, women she does not even know, and in doing so also helps Annie and Sarah too – the Meakes’ house is no longer a safe place for women – not even for the dog locked in the basement too (also female). A striking, moving story of women and strength.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Iron Sword – Julie Kagawa

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As Evenfall nears, the stakes grow ever higher for those in Faery…

Banished from the Winter Court for daring to fall in love, Prince Ash achieved the impossible and journeyed to the End of the World to earn a soul and keep his vow to always stand beside Queen Meghan of the Iron Fey.

Now he faces even more incomprehensible odds. Their son, King Keirran of the Forgotten, is missing. Something more ancient than the courts of Faery and more evil than anything Ash has faced in a millennium is rising as Evenfall approaches. And if Ash and his allies cannot stop it, the chaos that has begun to divide the world will shatter it for eternity.

My thoughts: it took me a little while to remember all the characters and what happened in the previous book (note to self; make time to re-read previous books in future) but then I got swept up in the adventure as the gang attempt to solve the mystery of Evenfall and put a stop to the increasing presence of evil fae.

Having to leave Faery once again and venture into the mortal realm, they discover a terrible blend of magic and technology that’s feeding the growing evil set to wake the slumbering Nightmare King, and potentially destroy all of the realms of Faery, the Between and even the human world.

Told mostly from Ash’s perspective, which gets a bit boring at times – give me Puck as narrator with all his opinions and smart arse comments – you see his deep love for his family and friends, for his world and determination to stop the growing evil, without giving in to his Unseelie nature and risking his soul.

I’m intrigued by the prospect of the next book – as the gang enter the Nightmare King’s realm to find him and stop him. I also need more Grimalkin – who doesn’t love an all-knowing super sarcastic magic cat.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: Whispers – Billy McLaughlin

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Ten years have passed since Isla Frost left the family manor. The past; a hidden memory comes to her in jolts. She blames one man for all that has happened. Her father, a cold brittle man who is now facing his mortality. Isla has returned to care for him. However, things are about to take a dark sinister turn.

A body has been found. Deep beneath the rocks of a cut off underpass. The rotten corpse of a long forgotten victim. So begins a quest for truth that will have Isla questioning everybody and everything she knows.

Old friendships are tested, family ties unbound, and Isla finds herself in the mouth of danger. What happened to her mother? Is her father a killer? How many other people need to die to protect a killer?

A tense stand-alone novel that lurks on the periphery of the haunted house genre, ‘Whispers,’ will delve into the secrets of the past to unveil a murderous conspiracy.

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Billy McLaughlin is a Scottish born writer with 8 books currently under his belt. Four of the books, including 2019’s serial killer thriller, ‘Four,’ are part of the DI Phil Morris Mysteries. His first full length novel, ‘Lost Girl,’ arrived in May 2016 and has gone on to achieve more than 15,000 downloads. The follow up, ‘In the Wake of Death,’ has received rave reviews for it’s dark tone and psychological elements.

His most downloaded book came in the form of 2017’s, ‘The Dead of Winter,’ a novella that focuses as much on the broken relationships of a small community as it does the crime itself. One reader described it as being like ‘a full series of Broadchurch.’ Once again, praise was leveled at the atmospheric tone with another reader suggesting that the material would work well as a movie.

Billy is passionate about reading but recognises the need for bite-sized thrillers for people who enjoy reading but simply don’t have the time. As he begins works on his ninth book, he finds himself even more excited about the writing process. ‘The Blood Runs Darker,’ arrived in December 2020. A new collection of short stories arrived in December 2021 and his 11th publication, ‘Whispers,’ came along on Christmas Day 2021.


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My thoughts: this was a really clever, gripping thriller about (literally) buried secrets and how a family history full of gaps can slowly erode love. Isla can barely remember her mother and has long blamed her distant father for this, but he truly loves his daughter, just lacking the means to express it. Returning to the family home to see him before he dies, brings up all sorts of questions and complex emotions.

But then human remains are found on the family’s land and a whole world of secrets come to light. People are spiralling, there’s a madman wandering the woods with a gun, and a detective trying to figure out how all the pieces, and people, fit together.

Click on the image for the rest of the tour

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: Thanks for the Friendship – Melissa Baldwin

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Click to go to the previous book in this series – Thanks for the Memories

Sassy and successful, Lila Barlow has done everything to live her best life. Yet even as her real estate career booms and men fall at her feet, something’s missing. Her roommates have found bliss with their new loves, but Lila can’t seem to find her Prince Charming. Perhaps a break from

men and relationships is the answer. Unfortunately, unexpected changes are around the corner when her parents give her some life-changing news and when her boss makes a surprising announcement.
In a shocking turn of events Lila’s path crosses with someone she thought was out of her life forever. The spark is still there, the only problem is he’s spoken for—by Lila’s new friend. Now Lila has to figure out how to navigate change, love, and friendship. What lessons will she learn
on her quest for happily ever after?Amazon US
Amazon UK

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Author Bio – USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
She’s a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-one Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn’t deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe

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My thoughts: book three in the series and now it’s Lila’s turn to take centre stage, with her friends Gabby and Reagan at her side. Both of the others have found love and Lila, never one for long term love, is wondering whether she might be ready for something more serious. Other changes are going on at home and work, and old flame Cal is back in the picture.

It was great to spend more time with Lila, having been a supporting character in the previous books, she’s the one that brought them altogether after all – inviting Gabby and Reagan to come and share her home and become friends.

The book also brings several other plots from the previous books to a conclusion of sorts, but it does feel like there needs to be one more to finish everything off. There was a bit of a “and then what happened?” feeling to it.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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