#ABRSC #Review Fairies, Myths, & Magic: A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro

Thank you to Colleen Chesebro for an ARC of her latest book: Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration. Receiving a free copy in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own.

Amazon Synopsis:

Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.

Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by hSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfeis own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’llSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfe meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.

Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.

My review:

A charming collection of short stories and poetry which I read through in delight, enthralled by it all. It would particularly appeal to those who love the allure of fairies, myths, fairy-tales and magic.

It begins with a short introduction to Lithia – the Midsummer Solstice – the longest day of the year which begins on June 21st.

There is a section on the different kinds of fairies: brownies, elves, pixies, sprites, dryads, leprechauns, and the author’s own amazing experience seeing her first fairy!

All the stories and poems are fantastic.

Below are my personal favourite stories and poems in the collection:

‘Just What the Doctor Ordered.’ – a couple of pixies get up to some cheeky mischief!

‘The Fairies Spider’s Lair.’ – evocative poem.

‘The Sisters of The Fey: The Beginning, A Short Story.’

‘A Fairy Love Spell’ – this is what happens if you play with magic – so funny!

‘Believe’ – A short story with the bees!

‘Waiting For A Summer Love’ – a poem.

‘The Healer – A Short story’ – with a dragon, and a blood witch. Fantastic.

‘A Litha Celebration – a poem.’

‘A Fish Tale – Short Story’ – so charming.

‘Halloween Magic’ – anyone who has had their fill of laundry will love this story. It is so funny!

‘The Leaving. A Story of Supernatural Magic.’ Definite favourite.

Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.

My rating: 5 stars

Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic”>http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic”>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic

You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.

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#YA #Fantasy #Book #Review – Keepers by Sacha De Black

Goodreads Synopsis:

Saving the world is easy: all Eden has to do is die.

Seventeen-year-old Eden East’s life is perfect… until her soul is bound to her worst nightmare. Then her parents are brutally murdered, and everyone’s a suspect, including her best friend.

As her world spirals out of control, a charismatic Siren, from a past she can’t remember, returns offering help, hope, and a heap of distractions.

Eden must put aside her grief to solve the mystery of her parents’ murder. In a race against time, can she break the binding to her enemy before he destroys her and her world?

Three lives.
Two murdered parents.
One deadly choice.

My Review:

Keepers is the debut YA fantasy novel of Sacha de Black. I enjoyed the premise of the novel – a society that does its utmost to achieve a sense of balance – and found it to be an unusual and highly imaginative idea.

It’s a YA novel with stacks of opportunity to deliver emotional feelings, (the main protagonist Eden East is young and has to cope with a lot.) I won’t divulge too much here for fear of spoiling the novel.

One of Black’s great strengths is her ability to write physical attraction between two individuals so well! Wow, loved those parts! I’d say that Trey was one of my favourite characters in the book. I can imagine him as a very worthy candidate for the title ‘book boyfriend!’ And I really enjoyed Victor too! There is a love triangle of sorts as Eden is bound to Shifter Victor Dark and can’t bare to be, but Victor wants Eden like mad.

There were parts of the story where the author’s ability to write engaging prose, and dialogue took flight and her writing made me go wow, this is amazing. I see great potential in Black’s writing.

What I didn’t like:

A minor point (it may just be me!) There’s a glossary of terms in the front matter which took me out of the story a bit to begin with. I would have liked these terms added individually as short postscripts at the bottom of each relevant page.

My recommendation:

This is a confident debut, with interesting world building and potential for further conflict and interest in book two. Definitely a recommendation.

My rating: 4.5 stars.

To see all my reviews to date follow this link: https://mjmallon.com/category/a-z-book-reviews/

My Hitting The Books Pal wants to know – have you read Keepers? Do leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Happy reading!

Bye for now,

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#BookReview The Ghosts of Manor House by Matt Powers

Goodreads Synopsis:

Edmund and Mary Wilder are very much in love. But the death of their young son, Tommy, has shattered their family. Edmund is determined to bring them back together, drawing on the only bit of strength he has left—his love for Mary and their daughter, Stephanie. But Mary sinks deeper into depression while little Stephanie’s anger grows. Edmund flounders in his attempts to rescue his family from the brink of collapse and doesn’t know where to turn.

Then Mary receives an invitation for the family to become guests at Manor House, a seemingly quaint Bed and Breakfast. This, she assures her husband, is the answer to all their troubles.

Edmund arrives ahead of his family to spend a couple days working on his long-delayed novel. But his growing curiosity about the old house leads Edmund to an encounter that will change him forever.

What will you sacrifice for love?

An old fashioned psychological thriller with a nod to Stephen King, Manor House will keep you guessing and compel you to turn the page to the very end.

A mother will sacrifice anything for her children. A husband will risk everything to save his wife. Manor House will take them all

My review:

I won a copy of Ghosts of Manor House from author, Matt Powers in exchange for a review but this does not influence my review, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Ghosts of Manor House. It’s the type of ghost story that works in a psychological way playing to your greatest fears: the fear of a child dying, the fear of your family, sister, children being in danger. The prologue captured my attention immediately and the epilogue likewise was excellent. Altogether, a very readable book written in an appealing style with no flowery language or gimmicks. It is simply a good book packed in a remarkably small package! Definitely recommended reading.

My rating: 4 stars.

I was so engrossed reading Ghosts of Manor House that I started seeing ghosts and creepy things in my mug. I shared a few photos on Instagram but this one is the one that really freaked me out the most…

See what I mean! When this happens it’s kind of weird but in a WOW this book is really affecting me way! Can you see the face in the mug? Those fingers? That hand? Or can you see something else?

Beware! Ghosts of Manor House might have unexpected spooky effects on the residue of your tea!

Check out: https://www.ghostsofmanorhouse.com/

Have you read Ghosts of Manor House? Are you going to? Dare you to!

Bye for now….

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#Review of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Goodreads Synopsis

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

My review:

I loved this from the moment I picked it up. There is so much to recommend reading Nevernight, especially if you are a YA Fantasy author. I loved the shadows, (of course I did,) the not cat, (Mr Kindly) and especially the kick-ass heroine, Mia who’s determined to avenge her father’s killers. Mia is spurred to revenge by witnessing the death of her father and the subsequent cruelty meted out to her remaining family members.

All the characters are so well defined – and I adore Tric. I know some readers develop book boy crushes and he’d be mine! Ha ha…

This is YA but there are some seriously sexy scenes which are written so well that my jaw dropped! Ha ha… If I ever want to write sexy scenes I better bookmark these!

The plot and world building are phenomenal. I was a little kind of oh, please tell me this is not happening…. by something that occurred towards the end of the novel, but no spoilers…

I wish I had read Nevernight before I started writing The Curse of Time as there are so many parallels that made me go WOW… SHADOWS..,. In A Massive YEAH WAY! It should be compulsory reading for all fantasy authors! It is exciting, sexy, bloody… yes expect some stabbing. This is not a PG. Definitely a favourite. No doubt I will continue with this series and read Godsgrave.

Things to watch our for:

Fantastic expressions… ‘Never flinch’ ‘Never fear. And never, ever forget.’ ‘When all is blood, blood is all.’ You might just find yourself saying ‘Maw’s teeth,’ a lot! I did! And ”Byss and blood’ I just loved these!

Oh, and I reckon Jay Kristoff’s favourite Nevernight twitter hashtag is #stabstabstab.

And this photo on his twitter page is so fabulous. It’s of a cosplayer in Germany.

A girl who was to murder as maestros are to music 😀⚔️☠️ #stabstabstab pic.twitter.com/up98TLecIl

— Jay Kristoff News/Updates (@misterkristoff) October 20, 2017

My rating: A fabulous #stabstabstab five stars.

Jay Kristoff’s blog: https://jaykristoff.com/

More news: You can pre-order a signed copy of Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman’s Obsidio – The Illuminae Files: Book 3, Mar 14th via https://www.booktopia.com.au/obsidio-the-illuminae-files-book-3-amie-kaufman/prod9781925266726.html

Have you read Nevernight, and/or Godsgrave? Do let me know, let’s have a bookish chat about it….

Obsidio – The Illuminae Files : Book 3

Link to buy the kindle copy of The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone:

myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

The pre-release blog tour for my YA novel begins in April with my #ABRSC club pals, followed by a release tour with Neverland Blog Tours. (Jenny Marston is also a #ABRSC member!) http://neverlandblogtours.weebly.com/

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#ABRSC Review of Ninja School Mum

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Obsessive-compulsive school mum, Skye, is a lonely elite spy, who is running from her past whilst trying to protect the future of her child. She tries hard to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but the only person who accepts her unconventional way of life is new mother, Thea.

Thea is feeling harassed by her sister and bored with her life, but she suspects that there is something strange about the new school mum, Skye. Thea has secrets of her own and, although the two become unlikely friends, she hesitates to tell Skye about the father of her own child.

Zack’s new business is growing faster than he could have dreamed but, suddenly, he finds himself the owner of a crumbling estate on the edge of a pretty village, and a single parent to a very demanding child. Could he make a go of things and give his daughter the life she deserved?

When three lives collide, it appears that only one of them is who they seem to be, and you never know who the person next to you in the school playground really is.

My review:

Thank you to the author Lizzie Chantree for an ARC copy for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

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An enjoyable chick lit romance with an unexpected twist towards the end. Light-hearted, amusing and fun. The characters are well rounded, and engaging – my favourites are Skye, Thea and Zack.

In my opinion this quick read would appeal to mums and dads who have been excluded from playground cliques and friendship groups and who would like to have some ninja skills to deal with certain people! So very relatable, humorous and fun.

My recommendation – 4 stars – Particularly recommended for those who enjoy their romance with a sprinkling of humour, and a touch of sauciness but not too much!

Read as part of #ABRSC read and review group for independent authors.

I will be featuring Lizzie Chantree on my blog in February with more details about Ninja School Mum’s release…

Paperback, 1, 310 pages
Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Crooked Cat Books

Author’s website: https://lizziechantree.com/

Twitter: @Lizzie_Chantree

My previous author spotlight post: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/03/18/author-spotlight-lizzie-chantree/

Happy reading,

I review lots!!! For more reviews follow the links below:

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My #ABRSC Review of The Box Under The Bed Anthology

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Goodreads Synopsis:
Come along for a chilling ride on a ghost ship, experience eerie daydreams and psychotic killers, explore haunted houses, and send the deceased to their final destination.

And that’s just a quarter of the thrills.

Edited and compiled by Amazon bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of scary tales brings together the minds and pens of twenty authors, including bestseller Allison Maruska (The Fourth Descendant), bestselling author Jenifer Ruff (Everett), Lucy Brazier (PorterGirl), J. A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, TA Henry, Ann Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R. Larner, Christine Valentor, Adele Marie Park, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, and Maribel C. Pagan.

Perfect for Halloween or any time, these stories will make you think twice before walking alone on the beach at night, reading a diary, or innocently watching a train from your car.

Consider yourselves warned.

NOTE: Warning! American and British spelling ahead. A few stories words are olde English, too. The story The Death Of Mrs. Billen by Mr. Alatorre is from his novel An Angel On Her Shoulder, used with permission.

My review:

I intended to read The Box Under The Bed around Halloween time but I was so busy I didn’t get round to it. I’ve made up for that now, I enjoyed the Box Under The Bed very much. Without a doubt anthologies are an excellent way to discover new authors. All of the stories were a little different, some scarier than others, some gory, and there were even little touches of humour to be found. So, I’d say there is something for everyone in this anthology compiled and edited by Dan Alatorre.

There are twenty authors in all, three of which are members of the #ABRSC – Dan Alatorre, Lucy Brazier and Adele Marie Park.

Plus stories from: Jennifer Ruff, Allison Maruska, J.A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, T.A. Henry, Anne Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R Larner, Christine Valentor, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, Maribel C Pagan, and Carrie Ann Alexis.

Would I recommend it? Yes, indeed I’ve rated this anthology four stars.

I read The Box Under The Box anthology as part of my #ABRSC Christmas Read and Review.

You can find out more about this here: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/abrsc-christmas-newyear-blog-hop-party/

We now have a Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club Goodreads Group too: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/383127-abrsc-read-and-review as well as our well-established and flourishing Facebook group: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club.

Next up, I will be reading an ARC of Lizzie Chantree’s Ninja School Mum which is being published by Crooked Cat Books in Jan 2018. I will be hosting Lizzie on my blog as part of her blog tour in the New Year.

Before I go let me invite you to …. fellow administrator of the group… Colleen Chesebro’s review of Annette Rochelle Aben’s Tanka Picture Book: https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/12/04/colleens-book-reviews-a-tanka-picture-book-by-author-annette-rochelle-aben/

Bye for now, happy reading! If you’d like to join in the #ABRSC read and review comment below, I’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t have to be a scary story! All genres welcome! xxx

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Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. Click on Colleen’s and Debby’s photos to be directed to their awesome blogs. These ladies rock!

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My #Book Review of I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Goodreads Synopsis:

The next blockbuster thriller for those who loved The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl…. a novel with “an astonishing intensity that drags you in and never – ever – lets you go.” (Daily Mail, UK)

On a rainy afternoon, a mother’s life is shattered as her son slips from her grip and runs into the street …

I Let You Go follows Jenna Gray as she moves to a ramshackle cottage on the remote Welsh coast, trying to escape the memory of the car accident that plays again and again in her mind and desperate to heal from the loss of her child and the rest of her painful past.

At the same time, the novel tracks the pair of Bristol police investigators trying to get to the bottom of this hit-and-run. As they chase down one hopeless lead after another, they find themselves as drawn to each other as they are to the frustrating, twist-filled case before them.

My review:

This psychological thriller surprised me, again and again but I am ashamed to say it has been sitting on my shelf for some time. And guess what – it belongs to my mum! She loves well written murder mysteries and thrillers (the more gruesome the better) but can’t watch anything remotely scary on TV. This cracks me up! So mum, you’d be proud of me, I loved this, even though some passages made me draw a shocked breath in, thankful that I wasn’t the main protagonist in the story.

Here are the blurb sentences on the back of the book and my commentary!

In a split-second, Jenna Gray’s world descends into a nightmare. (No kidding!)

Her only hope of moving on is to walk away from everything she knows, to start afresh. (But how can she?)

Desperate to escape, Jenna moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast, but she is haunted by her fears, her grief and her memories of a cruel November night that changed her life for ever. (And isn’t that an understatement.)

Slowly, Jenna begins to glimpse the potential for happiness in her future. (Curiouser and curiouser!)

But her past is about to catch up with her and the consequences will be devastating…. (Never a truer word said!)

My recommendation:

Read I let You Go if you enjoy tense, fast-paced (particularly in the second half of the novel,) thrillers with a twist that surprises and shocks. There is plenty to get your teeth into: emotion, grief, trust, blind love, overcoming fear, a mother’s love, guilt, domestic violence …

My rating:

Overall 5 stars. The first half of the novel is perhaps a little slow (a four star,) but well worth hanging in there to reach those middle to end chapters that sky rockets this novel up to five stars.

Amazon UK Kindle Buying Link: http://amzn.to/2A5Hb6b

Amazon UK Hardcover Buying Link: http://amzn.to/2A4U0gU

Amazon UK Paperback Buying Link: http://amzn.to/2B2OgUk

DISCLAIMER: “As of 13th September 2017 we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review.

Have you read I Let You Go? I’d love to hear your views if you have.

Bye for now.

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My #Review of Poetic Rituals by Ritu Bhathal

Goodreads Synopsis:

Delve into a book of verse exploring different topics and different genres, all with a RITUal twist.
A collection of poetry drawing on the experiences of the writer, ranging from matters of the heart, love for the family, situations in life and some verses written with a humorous twist.

My review

Anyone that follows this blog will realise just how much I love poetry. I enjoy writing it, and reading it too.

Ritu Bhathal’s collection of poems is accessible, easy readable poetry that warms the heart and keeps you smiling. It would appeal to everyone. It’s not high brow, it’s very down to earth, human and touches upon so many topics that readers will relate to – such as the trials and tribulations of bringing up children, family life, and relationships. It’s very witty, and made me smile in lots of places.

The chapter headings give you an excellent indication of the breadth of poems covered:

Family Rituals, (children, motherhood, being a daughter and sibling, even a few poems about cats!)

Life Rituals – Life, Different cultures, Christmas and positivity – and Ritu’s poem But I Smile Anyway that is the title of her blog: https://butismileanyway.com/

Rituals of The Heart. Tender first love and sizzling passion too !

Rituals to make you Smile. Lots of witty ones in this section!

Would I recommend it?

Indeed I would. I rate it 4 stars, a very lovely collection of poems.

DISCLAIMER: “As of 13th September 2017 we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review.

Amazon UK Buying Links -kindle : http://amzn.to/2xqb7rE

Amazon UK Buying Links – paperback: http://amzn.to/2yU1xks

Have you read Ritu Bhathal’s Poetic Rituals? Do comment if you have.

Bye for now,

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#Review #Education I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

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Goodreads Synopsis:

I come from a country that was created at midnight When I almost died it was just after midday. .When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan. one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.On Tuesday. October 9. 2012. when she was fifteen. she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school. and few expected her to survive.Instead. Malalas miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen. she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel…

I don’t tend to read memoirs so this is rare for me. Perhaps, I picked this up because of circumstance. I was with my daughter in Topping and Company bookshop in Ely when I chanced upon this book. My daughter Natasha had been looking for travel guides as she’d just accepted a graduate teaching job in South Korea teaching English As A Foreign Language. This got me thinking about the power of education. If she had no education, she couldn’t have hoped to get such a job. With little or no education, her chances of travel and a good job would be limited. How powerful education is in shaping our future and our response to other people. Education helps us reach our goals and broadens our outlook, experience and enjoyment of life. That is why I bought this book. Education should be at the forefront of all we do. Education is the bedrock. Education is liberating. Education rocks.

My review

I Am Malala is a book that everyone should read regardless of their gender, age, or religion. It is informative, moving, and inspiring. Malala’s bravery shines through and there are wonderful examples of her selflessness. I cried in several places; I smiled too. I loved the special bond between Malala and her father, (especially touching and rare given some of the anecdotes that illustrate how women are treated as second class citizens with no voice, education or power.) I enjoyed reading about her family, her fights with her brothers and how her mother grew stronger and more confident too. More than anything I loved the message about education – how it should be available to all regardless of gender. I loved the bravery of this fifteen-year-old to stand up for what she believed in even if that meant risking such terrible danger.

Malala is an extraordinary young woman and an amazing role model, I am so glad I picked this biography up.

Goodreads Bio:

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially education of women in her native Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. Her advocacy has since grown into an international movement.

Link: https://www.malala.org/

My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review.

Buying Links:

Amazon Kindle UK Edition: http://amzn.to/2whb54Q

Amazon Kindle Paperback: http://amzn.to/2k0hxvt

Amazon Kindle Hardback: http://amzn.to/2htEimU

Have you read Malala’s memoir? If you have I’d love to hear your opinion.

Bye for now,

Bitmoji hittin the books

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My social media links:

Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Twitter: @curseof_time

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Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. Click on Colleen’s and Debby’s photos to be directed to their awesome blogs. These ladies rock!

https://mjmallon.com

https://colleenchesebro.com/

http://dgkayewriter.com/

My review of The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb (The Lady of the Pier, #1) – Effrosyni Moschoudi

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Goodreads Synopsis:

When Sofia falls in love, a mourning spirit begins to haunt her…

CORFU, GREECE, 1987
On a long holiday with her grandparents, Sofia Aspioti meets Danny Markson, a charming flirt who makes her laugh. Although she tries to keep him at arm’s length, worried that village gossip will get back to her strict family, she falls desperately in love. That’s when strange dreams about Brighton’s West Pier and a woman dressed in black begin to haunt her. Who is this grieving woman? And how is her lament related to Sofia’s feelings for Danny?

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, 1937
Dreaming of wealth and happiness, Laura Mayfield arrives in Brighton to pursue a new life. She falls for Christian Searle, a happy-go-lucky stagehand at the West Pier theatre, but when she’s offered a chance to perform there, her love for him is put to the test. Charles Willard, a wealthy aristocrat, is fascinated by her and pursues her relentlessly. Will Laura choose love…or money?

My review:

I enjoyed The Lady of The Pier – The Ebb and would recommend this novel to romance enthusiasts and readers who love stories set in different locations, time periods and cultures. The Lady of The Pier tells the story of two young girls Sophia and Laura in two contrasting settings and time periods – Greece in 1987 and Brighton, England in 1937. Both locations appealed to me and were my initial encouragement for reading Effronsyni’s book – a dual narrative love story (with elements of paranormal fantasy,) of young lovers Laura and Christian, Sofia and Danny.

I have spent many happy holidays in Greece and Brighton, and Effrosyni’s writing transported me to both settings making me feel immersed in these young girls lives almost like I was on holiday myself! The Lady of The Pier is a sweet story with an intriguing ending. I smiled when I read the important little details that the author added to suggest the close relationship between Sofia and her Greek grandparents. And the dreams of the strange lady in black who walks the West Pier in Brighton really captured my attention too. Equally, the relationships and love stories in both Brighton and Greece were engaging to read and I’m sure that there will be much to keep the reader entertained.

I’m looking forward to reading Book two and finding out how the next part of the story unfolds.

From reading #1 I suggest you give this book a read. There is much to recommend it – lovely characters, believable dialogue, a real sense of place and wonderful poetry too! I believe the second book in the series is “The Flow,” and the third book in the series is: “The Storm.”

My rating: 4 stars, a heart-warming romantic read ideal for taking on holiday!

***

Author bio from her website: http://effrosyniwrites.com/

Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. As a child, she loved to sit alone in her garden scribbling rhymes about flowers, butterflies and ants. Today, she writes novels for people who love all things Greek. Her historical romance, The Ebb, is an ABNA Q-Finalist. Her novels are Amazon bestsellers, having hit #1 several times, and are available in kindle and paperback format. The paperbacks can be ordered on Amazon or at any bookstore or library.

Effrosyni lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with her husband Andy and a naughty cat called Felix, but her mind forever drifts to her beloved island of Corfu.

Felix loves to use her pot plants as lounge chairs, and to nap under the sun in ridiculous poses.

Pop over to Effrosyni’s lovely blog home to find out more: http://effrosyniwrites.com/books/the-lady-of-the-pier-the-ebb/

DISCLAIMER: “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review.

This particular book is a verified Amazon purchase

Buying links:

UK kindle version: http://amzn.to/2jutCZm

UK kindle 3 book series: http://amzn.to/2jwsc0G

Have you read The Lady of The Pier? Or Effronsyni’s other titles? – The Necklace of Goddess Athena, Poetry From The Lady of The Pier, or her new release The Amulet?

Bye for now, happy reading!

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Fellow members of my Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook:

https://mjmallon.com

https://colleenchesebro.com/

http://dgkayewriter.com/

Myself, Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies, click on our photos to be directed to our blogs!

My Twitter: @marjorie_mallon and @curseof_time

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Obsidio – The Illuminae Files : Book 3

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Effrosyni lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with her husband Andy and a naughty cat called Felix, but her mind forever drifts to her beloved island of Corfu.

Felix loves to use her pot plants as lounge chairs, and to nap under the sun in ridiculous poses.

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