Category: Book Review

Book Review: The School of Dreams @sparklyauthor @NextChapterPB #nextchapterpub #contemporaryfiction #romance

Book Overview

Sophie is a beautiful housewife on the brink of a midlife crisis, unhappy with her errant husband. Juliette, a romantic and passionate optimist, struggles to make ends meet in a society that stereotypes single mothers.

Evelyn, a shy and modest novelist is looking for the university to help her step out of the shadows. Ann, after being disabled after a serious accident, yearns for fulfillment in a cruel world that has robbed her of happiness.And then there’s Will – a rebellious and idealistic teenager, who longs to sever the shackles of family and religion.

As five paths collide in a story of empowerment, romance and quest for fulfillment, they’re presented with the same question: what is your dream?

My Review

The School Of Dreams, Book 1

This is a lovely heartwarming novel about a group of people who would perhaps never have met except for their wish/plans to go to university to enrich/better their lives by studying English Literature.

Not all are as keen on the idea of studying. Young Will, the youngest in the group wants to be free to travel the world. Smitten by Hema, he is thwarted by interracial problems that must be overcome to be with her.

Sophie is a rich footballer’s wife who needs more from life. Her lifestyle appears grand but money isn’t everything.

Ann is in a wheelchair and speaks her mind. I warmed to her, she is forthright but has a soft side too, as has her kind hearted hubby Jon.

Juliette’s now a single mum with two kids (wanting nothing to do with her useless ex,) living in an “asbo” area. She falls for lecturer Ben who everyone is gossiping about.

Evelyn is a carer for her mum who dreams of being a novelist.

They all have different backgrounds and obstacles to overcome.

It’s a lively and fun narrative with a couple of blossoming love stories, too. And some revelations. I loved the ending. Won’t say more for spoiling it for you.

Recommended for its lighthearted, great characters and fun vibe, for its university setting, love of books atmosphere… it took me back to those times. I loved being a student!

My rating 5 🌟

Author Bio

Hello, I live in Wolverhampton, England and I’m the author of 11 books.

I write romance mainly – rom-coms, romantasy, contemporary.

I’ve also written a psychological mental health book.

I’ve had a variety of jobs ranging from bar staff, sales assistant, secretary, teaching assistant & dinner lady.

I retired in 2019 to concentrate on writing and am absolutely loving it. I have also recently passed a Master’s In Creative Writing which I studied with through The Open University.

My interests include reading, walking, drawing and drinking tea. I love hearing from readers 🙂

I’m on Twitter at @sparklyauthor and I’m on Instagram at booksbyjulia72

Thank you for taking an interest in my writing and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. 🙂 x

Julia Sutton is one of my favourite contemporary romancy authors!

Review: Shh Purely Poetry #Poetry #Review @nnp_w_light

Delighted with the boost of this 5+ star review from blue tick influencer, N. N. LIGHT.

A sensual poetry collection sure to entice your mind, body and soul. In this exquisite collection, the author writes emotive poems with the themes of love, romance, and relationships. Each poem is expressive, sensual, and the reader gets to experience falling in love.

 

The imagery reflected in this collection is remarkable. Each word has been carefully chosen by a wordsmith to evoke a feeling, an experience, or what it feels like to fall in love. The author is a gifted poet.

 

If you’re a romantic or a fan of poetry, you’re in for a treat with this poetry collection. Brilliant from start to finish, these poems will have you falling in love.

N.N. Night’s Rating: 5+ stars

 

Buy it Now:   

 

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited

 

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329

 

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329

 

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329

 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211642171-shh-purely-poetry

 

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/shh-purely-poetry-sensual-love-and-relationship-poems-by-m-j-mallon

 

Also, Shh Purely Poetry is featured in this Book Sirens August bundle of books. Professional Book reviewers can click below to request a copy.

https://booksirens.com/bundle/poems-arcs-you-ll-love-august-2024-batch/Z16HL44

Book Review: The Girl From Berchtesgaden by Alistair Birch and Kim Rigby @ABirchAuthor

Blurb

Occasionally a book comes to you which makes you think, take stock and reflect in a good way. This is one of those masterpieces. Stunning.” Nicki’s Book Blog.

In early 1930s Germany, life for the Stiepermann family was simple yet idyllic. Artistic Ingrid and her inventive brother Dieter loved the freedom of the Bavarian Alps, but that was before the Jew haters surfaced in their society.

Fueled by Nazi ideologies, Stefan Weiss and his friends suppress and destroy anyone who opposes their beliefs.
While one family battles for supremacy, another is torn apart.

Fleeing the tyranny, Ingrid, and her brother escape to London. Seemingly safe from danger, can Ingrid save her family as war threatens?

Featuring real world history, shocking events of the time and tales of immense courage, The Girl from Berchtesgaden is a must-read historical thriller.

My review

Brilliant historical fiction story. It’s seamlessly written by two awesome authors: Alistair Birch and Kim Rigby. The collaboration works well.

I could see all the shocking events, and despicable behaviour towards the Jews unfolding as if they were before my eyes. This took on a cinematic quality.

An emotional and heartwrenching WW2 tale with great characters, Nazi villians, family aspects, friendships and relationships tested to the limit by the brutality of war.

I loved it. Ingrid was so brave! Stefan was diabolical! I don’t often read historical fiction war novels but when I do I often find them very moving, meaningful and important reads. This one is definitely in that category. It’s a favourite. Well worth the 500 plus pages, which I didn’t notice… as I was engrossed throughout.

My rating 5 stars. Highly recommended 👌 Get a copy!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6548102669

Author Websites:

Alistair Birch – https://www.alistairbirch.com/

Kim Rigby – https://kimrigby.com/collaborations

Blog Tour Review A Cat’s Judgement by Suzanne Stephenson @lilmissmorfett

BLURB

When Mr Perkins shows up, things are going to change. How this black cat can make such a difference is anyone’s guess, but he does.

The lives of the people in the courthouse and a nearby bed and breakfast, are going to transform.

But will it always be for the better?

Whether it is pet rescue, support dogs, or help with British Sign Language, this black cat seems to be in the mix.

Following Mr Perkins’ appearance in the lives of judges, litigants and court staff, the local vet and the people in the B&B, all seem to benefit from the strange cat with the bright yellow eyes.

After touching base with Mr Perkins judgements are improved inside and out of the courtroom. Is this cat some stray moggy, or is there a little bit of stardust on his paws?

Book Review

A lovely heartwarming tale about a stray black cat with yellow eyes arriving at ‘The Judges’ Lodgings B & B’ winning everyone over, and changing everyone’s lives for the better.

Mr Perkins the cat will certainly make you smile whether you are a cat lover or not. And for dog fans it has a lovely section on dogs and how they can make a difference to our lives too.

Throughout the narrative and via the characters we are entertained with pets helping with loneliness, boosting morale with difficult care needs, or after the loss of a loved one and loss of a beloved pet. As well as the undoubted benefits to autistic children and bringing people together, as in the lovely part about a group coming together to dog walk.

I don’t have pets; I used to in the past. I must admit it makes for convincing reading why to have a cat, or dog!

Highly recommended, a short sweet, humorous and uplifting read.

My rating 4 stars

UK Link https://amzn.eu/d/0hJa1Pp8

About the author

Living in the English countryside I already had a couple of careers before I became an author.

Having been a Family Lawyer and Family Mediator I became a District Judge in the year 2000 and officially retired from judging in early 2021.

Sitting on complex family cases did not leave me much time for my interests of writing and sketching but when I had free-time I tried to visit interesting places.

I hope my ancestors helped provide some inspiration as well.

My father was a Holocaust survivor and my maternal grandfather a gynaecologist and composer. The people and countryside of Eastern England also are embedded in my psyche.

Blog Tour Stops

Book Review Whisper of Magic @helen_pryke #bookreview #magic

Whisper of Magic  by Helen Pryke

Blurb

Somewhere beyond the veil, between our world and other realms, is the Shallows, a lonely, barren place from which few return. What more lies beyond a legend lost to the mists of time?

“That moment you let go of everything you believe is true, is when you will go beyond this world and step into the other realms.” When Ria reads these words in her grandmother’s Book of Shadows, she has no idea that she is about to be immersed in the world of Tarot, magic, and witchcraft.

Desperate to find her two sisters and fulfill the final part of an ancient legend, Ria must trust the cards and set out on the search for her sisters, who were lost years before when they entered the Shallows.

But someone is determined to stop her. Someone who wants to bring chaos and destruction to all the worlds. Someone who wants to destroy the symbiosis between nature and the beings that inhabit the realms.

As the veil thins, Ria must find her sisters before it’s too late. If the veil is broken, the worlds will never be the same again.

Ria has her friends…and magic. Will it be enough?

A Whisper of Magic is perfect for fans of The Night Circus, The Ten Thousand Doors Of January, and the Healer saga.

I absolutely loved this tale of magic, the legacy left by Ria’s grandmother, and the story of three sisters.  The quest to find  Ria’s sisters: Sage and Celeste, and finally to discover what’s happened to Ria’s mother is exciting, and emotionally moving, with fantastic characters both witchy and of the undead kind…

The skeletal cat and mouse had me smiling and chuckling!

I loved the tarot card characters coming alive and in particular Kendon, the Knight of Wands!

This will be for you if you enjoy crystals, wands, witchy vibes, wraiths and ancient magic with a strong thread of family and environmental/world vulnerability aspects running through the narrative.

Also there are some striking and unusual revelations towards the end of the book placing the highest value on our emotions, hearts and souls.

Different and imaginatively so!

Highly recommended, definitely 5 stars! 

Author Bio

Helen Pryke is a British author who has been living in the north of Italy for almost 30 years, learning everything about Italians, their culture, and their way of life. She now considers herself more Italian than British, even though she has never lost her British accent. Addicted to coffee and chocolate, she has also developed a passion for good food, having married an Italian who is a wonderful cook!

As well as writing suspense novels, Helen also writes emotional women’s fiction set in Italy that deals with the difficult subject of abuse in a sensitive way. She also writes middle grade fiction under the pen name, Julia E. Clements. You can find her books here: author.to/JuliaEClements

When she’s not writing, she works as a proofreader for indie authors and a translator (from Italian to English). She loves reading, and will read anything and everything.

For all the latest information, excerpts from her upcoming books, general fun, or for a chat, follow Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/helenprykeauthor/

For all her books, social media links, and more, visit her website at https://pinkquillbooks.wordpress.com

Book Review Reflecting On Moment’s In Time: Alistair Birch #poetry #review

Book Review

My review

Alastair Birch’s poetry collection, Reflecting On Moments In Time is a great way to get to know the author. It’s an entertaining, amusing collection of rhyming style quirky poetry with a mix of funny, and more serious poems.

There are also alternative nursery rhyme poems, and many relatable topics such as family, getting fit, running, becoming older, friends, being a parent, being tolerant of others diversity, writing, modern life, big bellies and a sweet tooth! Other topics include anxiety and the blues, autism, and down’s syndrome. One of my favourite poems is about snoring… it’s called I have a little dragon. It will be sure to make you smile!

My rating 5 stars

I am also looking forward to reading his epic historical thriller The Girl from Berchtesgaden, co written with fellow author Kim Rigby.

Author Bio

Alistair Birch is a thriller writer and occasional poet. In June 2024 came the release of a co-authored epic historical thriller, The Girl from Berchtesgaden.

He has plans to re-release two action thrillers and one psychological in the future.

Outside of storytelling, his poems range from rather silly to tackling deeper mental health challenges.

He frequently runs around his home town and occasionally steps up to do the odd half or full marathon but this is all for fun and friendship rather than being super speedy.

Author website: https://www.alistairbirch.com/

Book Review Sounds In The Silence – @dlfinnauthor #bookreview #murder #mystery #ghost #dualtimeline #bookstoread

Congratulations to author D. L. Finn on her latest release, Sounds In The Silence. I really enjoyed!

Book Overview

A dual timeline where murder has consequences forty years later for the living—and the deceased.Maria and Logan Davis stumbled upon the perfect old house by a secluded lake—a prime candidate for their dream inn. They knew a renovation was involved but didn’t expect a persistent ghost that pleaded to be found. Determined, Maria delved into the mystery, only to uncover a haunting love story and murder from the Roaring Twenties. Yet, the young couple’s curiosity shifts to fear when they realize someone is taking a dangerous interest in their barn. With time ticking away, they must unravel the secrets of their home’s past before it’s too late.

My Review

This is such a heart warming mysterious story with romantic, and ghostly elements.

A trapped ghost Helen is unable to get her message about her husband Charles across to the new owners of the inn, Logan and Maria. Terrible past events happened. She fears for Logan and Maria’s safety and wants justice to prevail so she can find happiness in the afterlife.

I really enjoyed this tale. The premise for the story is fantastic. It is told in a dual time style between the 1920’s, (mention of bible bashing and condemnation of drinking during prohibition,) and the 1960’s. The characters both human and furry… (there are two dogs and two cats too,) are well drawn out and the good guys are ones you can root for and sympathise with.

The initial ghost discovery wasn’t as eerie as I expected but the ghost is a friendly one.

It is quite exciting in parts with grim discoveries, a mysterious letter and gun shots firing!

Highly recommended for readers of mysteries, ghost tales with a romantic element running throughout the narrative.

Rating 4.5 stars

To like my review on Goodreads follow the link:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6614919788/

To like my review on my Instagram follow my link:

Author Bio

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

D.L. Finn’s Books (Children and Adults)

Book Review Behind Closed Doors #poetry #book #review @bakeandwrite

Behind Closed Doors is personal poetry from author and poet Robbie Cheadle. It is a great getting to know the author poetry collection.

There is much to admire. One gets a sense of her struggle to achieve tranquility given her great dedication and work ethic in the poem ‘Achieving Tranquillity.’

‘Do You Want It Enough,’ speaks of an authorly desire for fame and acknowledgement. And ‘The Corporate Hunt,’ about the work jungle back stabbing culture for supremacy. Life choices, inspiration and purpose are the topics in ‘Making A Splash.’

‘A fabricated world,’ has a serious element in its musings.

There are also lovely light-hearted touches as in, ‘Can You See The Butterflies.’

There are also lockdown poems, tankas, haikus, limericks and poems aptly illustrated with photos of her undoubted cake making skills. I enjoyed the metaphorical poems about the differences between her and her husband. Relatable, as my hubby and are also so different!

My favourite poems in the collection are ‘Stars In Her Eyes,’ about the magic we will leave behind with our fantastical words. Beautiful. And ‘He Walks Away,’ about her son becoming independent. Again so relatable, though in my case daughters!

Highly recommended. An unusual thoughtful book for poetry readers.

My rating 5 stars

Author Bio

Robbie Cheadle has published fourteen children’s books and three poetry books.

Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations.

Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.

Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews.

https://roberta-writes.com/

https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/author/robertalouisecheadle/

Where’s Lizzie by Richard Dee #review @RichardDockett #release #thriller #mystery #readers

FANTASTIC NEWS!
It is release day for Richard Dee’s Where’s Lizzie….

Blurb

𝐈𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.A missing child, a family full of secrets. Douglas was only gone for an hour. He left his wife and baby daughter in their broken-down car while he went for help. After all, they were safely parked in a layby. When he returned, his car had vanished. He found it, crashed into a tree, further down the road. wife was now in the passenger seat. She’d hit her head in the accident and lost her memory. Worse than that, his daughter was missing from the back seat. Who has her? Why do they want her? Will he ever see her again? Someone knows the truth, but is anyone ready for the truth to come out? 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧… 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬.

Book review

Fabulous new book from Richard Dee! He really is such a prolific and versatile author who is able to deliver imaginative and engaging stories in many genres including scifi, fantasy and now thriller.

A well plotted and intriguing story about a father’s quest to find his missing one year old daughter, Lizzie, and his hopes to rekindle the love of his wife after her memory is lost following on from a mysterious road accident. Absolutely loved the ending and the little alternating chapters which filled in the details about the love and family life of the two main characters, Douglas and Rom. And the twin sister dynamic of Rom and Bec and details of their overbearing, dominant father Archie and his charity work added extra mystery and unexpected twists and turns to this story.

I really enjoyed reading.

Highly recommended for thriller, mystery readers with a well devised human interest aspect and plot.

My rating 5 stars.

Release date 1st June, 2024.

About the author

I’m Richard Dee and I’m from Brixham in Devon.

I write all kinds of speculative fiction, from Science Fiction and Steampunk to sci-fi crime and psychological thrillers.

Forty years at sea gave me the ideas, I just changed the names and set them in the future or in an alternative now.

All my work is fuelled by black coffee and homemade digestive biscuits.

You can keep up with me at https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/ where you’ll find free short stories, regular features on writing, book reviews and guest appearances from other great authors.

I can also be contacted at richarddeescifi@gmail.com

Sunday Book Review – Shh, Purely Poetry: Sensual, Love and Relationship Poems by M J Mallon @Pokercubster

Thank you so much to D G Kaye for sharing her excellent review of my new book of poetry.

Her 5 Star Review:

Mallon has created this volume of poems inspired by daily writing prompts and her observations and interpretations of the people and places she’s seen in her travels. She uses various poetic styles to showcase her thoughts in prose and poetry, including free-verse poetry for her longer pieces, which resonate with me most.

The sections are broken down into appropriate categories of poems. Many of the poems in the first section are written with food and drink as subject matter, with underlying tones of sensuality. Some of the poems also touch on holiday themes, love and discovery, love and loss, strangers, forgiveness, war, and nature. Much of the poetry is evoked with intimate and imaginative stirring of sensual images and others being quirky tales – as well as some with explicit sexual connotations. And an interesting spin I found with some of Mallon’s poems, that some were written from the male perspective.

I quite enjoyed this interesting twist on poetry story-telling, something very different than Mallon’s previous poetry. Here is a sampling:

Silhouettes

She is fair and I am dark.

Slight and I am robust.

.

We fill out together.

Completing our silhouettes.

.

As we explore each other.

Strangers a moment ago.

.

Now lost, unable to fade away.

.

Because we kissed the deepness

of each other’s shadows and stayed.

.

If you enjoy poetry that tantalizes and stimulates, you will no doubts enjoy Mallon’s poetry.

https://dgkayewriter.com/2024/06/02/sunday-book-review-shh-purely-poetry-sensual-love-and-relationship-poems-by-m-j-mallon/comment-page-1/?unapproved=93984&moderation-hash=9565797f3ae8ded1e6813a29d350a71e#respond?page_id=29589