Kyrosmagica Publishing – The Magical Home of Books, Writing, Photography and Inspiration
Thank you so much to Julie @ A Little Book Problem for this lovely Desert Island Books blog post featuring my favourite books that I would take with me and one other item…
Source: Desert Island Books with… Marjorie Mallon – A Little Book Problem
Thank you so much to Allan for inviting me over to South Branch Scribbler again. I really appreciate it.
Do pop over to see the post at source: South Branch Scribbler: Branching Out with Returning Author Marjorie Mallon of Great Britain.
My review
Thank you to the author for a copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Voices by Frank Premhttps://frankprem.wordpress.com
Have you read Voices?
Welcome to the release blitz for Skinny Dippin’, a Romantic Drama novella by Didi Oviatt.
Blurb:
When Carla agrees to house sit a condo by the beach for a summer, she’s met with a juicy surprise. Though reluctant, and determined to stay away, Carla is drawn to a young man a few doors down. Blake is handsome, temperamental, and just as determined to win her over as she is to stay away. Will Carla succumb to his possessive, domineering traits and become his for the summer? Or will she let better judgement along with their age difference drive a wedge between the undeniable connection? Three months under the summer sun is about to heat up the parts of Carla that she once believed to be lost, tossed to the wind and gone forever. After an accidentally naked night in the water, everything changes, and Carla is forced to face his persistence head on.
Purchase Link: http://mybook.to/skinnydippin
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57148704-skinny-dippin
Review:
Didi Oviatt is a recent author who I’m pleased to have discovered. I read her psychological thriller Search for Maylee which I thoroughly enjoyed, recommended and reviewed on my blog. https://mjmallon.com/2020/12/17/search-for-maylee-by-didi-oviatt-review-5stars-crime-suspense-thriller-fiction/
Initially, I read Skinny Dippin’ as a contributed novella piece to the anthology Sinners & Saints.
Skinny Dippin’ – what a title – it certainly had enough raciness to keep me reading! It’s a short novella about a mid life woman Carla who is encouraged to spend some time alone on a sizzling vacation. A hot young man Blake catches her eye… I enjoyed her struggling with her emotions uncertain whether she should get involved with this mysterious younger man!
Also, I particularly liked the banter between her and her twin children which I thought was written very well.
The ending was a massive twist, returning to the hint of something unexplained which was mentioned at the beginning of the story. Cleverly done. A little different too which I like.
A highly recommended novella by an accomplished author with great potential. I am looking forward to reading more from Didi Oviatt.
My rating: 5 stars.
Excerpt:
Slowly, the air releases from my lungs and I stomp my feet to the house. The paperwork for my leave sits perfectly concealed on the front seat of my car. The last thing I want is to have my kids see them right off the bat. I pull a stalk of celery out of the overstuffed paper bag in one hand, so I can point it at my children while I make my way into the kitchen.
“Mom!” Dean throws his hands in the air, palms toward me in surrender. “Before you say anything, just hear us out.”
“You’re a villain,” I say and thrust the celery around like a sword. I wave it back and forth between them. “Both of you.”
“Disarm yourself, Woman.” Marsha chimes in. “We only did what we had to. You never would’ve taken the initiative at work if we didn’t step in. There’s only so long you can use your job as an excuse.”
She rounds the bar to take the awkwardly full paper bag from my arm and sets it next to the stove before the bottom has a chance to give way and spill its grocery guts all over the tiled floor. She’s completely unfazed by my foodish threats and doesn’t even glance in the celery’s direction.
Dean’s face lights up at my lighthearted humor. With wide eyes he laughs openly, then he shakes his head and returns his attention back to the schoolwork in front of him. Finals are rapidly approaching, so they’ve both been glued to their studies. It’s been peaceful this last week, but a little lonely I’ll admit. Another reason I’m afraid to be by myself for the summer. I’m a great mom, and for the most part my kids prefer to spend the majority of their time with me, so I’m rarely lonely.
I don’t want to be alone for months on end. My mind wanders to the billboard, and I remind myself of the water dripping down the muscular back. Okay, alone is one thing. Alone on the beach might not be so bad, with the possibility of a view like that close by.
About the Author:
Didi Oviatt is an intuitive soul. She’s a wife and mother first, with one son and one daughter. Her thirst to write was developed at an early age, and she never looked back. After digging down deep and getting in touch with her literary self, she’s writing mystery/thrillers like Search for Maylee, Justice for Belle, Aggravated Momentum, and Sketch, along with multiple short story collections. She’s collaborated with Kim Knight in an ongoing interactive short story
anthology, The Suspenseful Collection. Most recently, she published her first romance novella titled Skinny Dippin’ which was originally released as a part of the highly appraised Anthology, Sinners and Saints. When Didi doesn’t have her nose buried in a book, she can be found enjoying a laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle. Time spent sleeping under the stars, hiking, fishing, and ATVing the back roads of beautiful mountain trails, and sun-bathing in the desert heat play an important part of her day to day lifestyle.
Where to find Didi:
https://didioviatt.wordpress.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7207389.Didi_Oviatt
https://www.facebook.com/didioviatt
https://twitter.com/Didi_Oviatt
https://www.instagram.com/didioviatt/
http://amazon.com/author/didioviatt
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/didi-oviatt
Listen to Didi Oviatt’s books on Audible:
https://www.audible.com/author/Didi-Oviatt/B00HVJJTLE
Summary of Didi’s Books:
Search for Maylee: http://mybook.to/SearchMaylee
Since Maylee was abducted from her high school the very month of graduation, her aunt Autumn has never lost hope in finding her.
It’s been three years. Autumn has finally reached inside herself and found the courage to track down an old lead. She travels across the country to find more clues about Maylee’s disappearance.
But will she be able to pry Maylee’s case back open, and what will she uncover in the process of searching for Maylee?
It’s a cold, dark world we live in, and Autumn is about to find out just how cruel it can be. But strength and determination are on her side, and she will do whatever it takes to deliver justice.
Aggravated Momentum: http://mybook.to/Aggravated
After sisters Markie and Kam get tangled with the wrong people at the wrong time, long-buried family secrets begin to emerge.
A serial killer is targeting people close to them. As danger inches closer and closer to home, twisted desires become a reality. The deeper they dig, the darker the secrets they find. But who is the cold, calculated murderer, and can they find a way to survive?
Praise:
★★★★★ – “There is an authenticity to Ms. Oviatt’s writing that is refreshing to experience in
a thriller-type novel.”
★★★★★ – “A murder mystery with plenty of drama, suspense and danger. Fans of mystery
and thriller genres will love this book.”
★★★★★ – “Fast-paced and full of twists I never saw coming. I was hooked immediately.”
Justice for Belle: http://mybook.to/justiceforbelle
Ahnia has a very dicey past – one that is scratching under the surface, just dying to get out.
She’s hit rock bottom, broke and desperate to be on top again. When she finds herself
partnering up with a man she hardly knows, and who’s utterly untouchable, she’s forced out of
her comfort zone in every way.
Will Ahnia and Mac’s dangerous decision be a success, or will she find herself in the clutches of
an unforgiving force, brought about by her childhood sin?
In this nail-biting thrill ride, no one is as they seem…and no one is truly safe with those they
trust.
Sketch: http://mybook.to/sketch
When local girl Misty is found dead in an underground bunker, the town is thrown into a whirlwind of panic and speculation. Times are tough, but the spaced-out farmer community pulls together as one, trying to uncover who’s guilty.
Thrown smack in the middle of the chaos is a group of teens: local troublemakers, but with good hearts. Although they’re innocent, the local law enforcers believe otherwise, and the true killer is lurking far too close for comfort.
Will the four be able to uncover the truth before one of them pays the price for Misty’s death?
The Suspenseful Collection (Vol. 1):
For Mature Readers Only:
A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story
for everyone!
Blurred Lines (The Suspenseful Collection Vol. 2):
For Mature Readers Only:
As the second installment of suspenseful short stories by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds, Blurred Lines offers a thrill ride with nine stories in genres across the board. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With the use of writing prompts Kim and Didi have created tales that will tug at your heart strings, drop your jaws, and leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. From gory horror, romance, crime
fiction, family drama, and fantasy, there is a story for everyone!
New Age Lamians: http://mybook.to/newagelamians
Jackson has barely reached manhood when lightning heralds the end of the world as we know it. The lightning has awakened the Lamians: descendants of the mythological creature Lamia.
In his world, The Company delivers supplies into his village, and harnesses technology that others lack. Soon, Jackson is taken by The Company; he is to be an ultimate warrior, alongside few others, as their blood is rare and compatible with the technology needed to transform them.
According to The Company, the Lamians are monsters who need to be defeated at all costs. But is Jackson really the one who can save the world?
Praise:
★★★★★ – “A twisty, intoxicating read.”
★★★★★ – “Genuinely imaginative.”
★★★★★ – “Compellingly entertaining”
So saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. A special lady, talented, generous and kind. Her poetry and writing spoke volumes. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and a hug for her lovely dog Ani who she loved so much.
This week, SALLY CRONIN selected the words:
For Hope I chose wish, and eager I decided upon aim. I thought I’d try a new form the Diatelle…
“The Diatelle is a fun, syllable counting form like the etheree with a twist. The syllable structure of the diatelle is as follows: 1/2/3/4/6/8/10/12/10/8/6/4/3/2/1, but unlike an etheree, has a set rhyme pattern of abbcbccaccbcbba. This poetry form may be written on any subject matter and looks best center aligned in a diamond shape.”https://merrildsmith.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/flickering/
I decided just to have fun with this!
The poem is inspired by a sculpture of a deer I saw in Cambridge Botanical Gardens. Sometimes you spot a deer in the gardens but they disappear before you can study them for any time. This fellow is a little different! He’s there for keeps and I wondered if he missed the opportunity to roam! So, the poem below involves a chat between the deer and the sun!
Wish
To leave
On this eve
The air whispers
Not you, deer willow weave.
Hey, Sun! Quit gawping, swell sister
Bright yellow hot botanical drifter
Come over, plant your beams’s rays, aim your balmy kiss
Before I’m felled by the next twister
Cause me harm and makes me blister
Ain’t you so keen to please!
You up-lifter
I believe
You tease
Pish!
Do pop over to Colleen’s blog to see the challenge post and join in!
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Spiritual Sisters: https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSisters
Kyrosmagica Publishing
YA Fantasy: The Curse of Time Book1 Bloodstone
https://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Poetry, Prose and Photography: Mr. Sagittarius
http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius
An anthology: This Is Lockdown
Kindle: mybook.to/Thisislockdown
Paperback: mybook.to/Thisislockdownpb
Once she lived a normal life, a good, boring life, but a safe one…
Abandoned as a baby on the steps of Wolfe Manor, Fianna was raised with love, secure inside its walls. Now her bubble of safety is about to burst. Can she save the home and school which once cocooned her when old fears overwhelm? Facing students at the start of a new term is frightening enough without nightmares resurfacing which terrify Fianna.
She may have a degree in teaching but will this skill help her?
The return of old friends sends Fianna spiraling down the rabbit hole of her past. Wolfe Manor may call her to be what she was born to be, but can she find out in time to save it from an evil only she can defeat? Or if she fails and Wolfe Manor falls, what happens when the evil faces humanity unchallenged?
My review
An atmospheric story demonstrating the writing talent of Adele Marie Park. If you enjoy supernatural coming of age stories with elemental magic, witches, family secrets, gateways, portals between worlds, nightmares and dark demons this is for you.
It is an intricate read with a fair few characters and quite a complicated back story, so be prepared to invest time and attention to the narrative. There are some wonderful passages to enthrall you. I particularly loved the sections with the animals: the wolf, mouse, stag, owl, and badger. I’m a sucker for animals in books!
The authors words really shine in this latest book. I particularly enjoyed the passages devoted to art. I believe the author also paints and this is evident in how detailed and real these are.
I particularly enjoyed the humour and flurries of brilliance in this novel, as you can see in these quotes:
“Hey. Demon,” he shouted, and the chaos stopped for a second. “Yes. You know me. I remember and so do you. Leave or I’ll do what I did years ago.”
As memory infiltrated the adult personae her emotional shield dropped. It was as it had been when she was a child and Miss Appleton chased away the darkness.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Meet the Author
Fantasy and horror writer, Adele Marie Park originally hails from the Orkney islands. Rousay is a small, but archaeological important island, dubbed “The Egypt of The North.” The oral tradition of passing down stories fired the young Adele’s imagination with tales of trolls, faeries, sea monsters, witches, ghosts, and seals who could change into humans. The landscape of the island fascinated her as moorland hills swept down through green fields to the shores of secluded beaches, where black volcanic rocks might be a troll or a sleeping giant.
Reading the Hobbit at an early age inspired her and in her teens she turned to Stephen King, James Herbert, Anne Rice and Storm Constantine to appease a mind hungry to delve into the paranormal. Throughout her life she never gave up writing but it was an ongoing medical condition which forced her to give up work that began her passion to publish her writing for others to read.
Genres may come and go, but Adele’s writing encompasses a solidity which does not change; the overcoming of obstacles in one’s life, love, death, grief and pain all infused with those supernatural elements that one sees out the corner of the eye or feels when one is alone in the house at night and a floorboard creaks.
Amazon link:
To connect with Adele, and learn more about her work visit this sites:
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Spiritual Sisters: https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSisters
The prompt this week is dreams…. I’m reading a romance at the moment, it’s getting steamy…. Lol.
Lips still tingling
Mouth kissed by sweet dreaming lies
I awake alone
Embracing the pillow’s curves
Longing for your tender touch
Hope you enjoy the tanka!
My new poetry collection is out!!
BLURB
Lockdown Innit is a poetry collection of eighteen poems about life’s absurdities and frustrations during lockdown. Wherever you live in this world, this is for you. Expect humour, a dollop of banter and ridiculous rants here and there. Amongst other delights, witness the strange antics of a swan posing by a bin and two statuesque horses appearing like arc deco pieces in a field. Check out the violin player on a tightrope, or the cheeky unmentionables wafting in the lockdown breeze!
Buying Links Lockdown Innit Released February 26th
Kindle Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08VW81Q53/
Kindle Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VW81Q53/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56949934-lockdown-innit
Universal link for kindle: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit
Thank you so much to Colleen for featuring me in this first new poet feature on her wonderful poetry blog: https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/02/26/word-craft-prose-poetry-meet-the-poet-featuring-marjorie_mallon/
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
So looking forward to Adele’s new release, Wolfe Manor which is coming soon. Currently reading an ARC and really enjoying.
To find out more, follow the link:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Now he wants them back.
Four years ago, two teenage girls were abducted.
Four years ago, a ten-year-old boy was murdered.
Both cases remain unsolved.
Desperate to find their missing sisters, Michael and Chloe ask investigative journalist Maggie Turner to help them. And what starts as a simple investigation, soon turns into a frantic race against time.
The kidnapper took the girls to replace his sisters; sisters who died seventeen years earlier.
Forced to face traumatic events from the past, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a nightmare that can only get worse…
Tense, fast-paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Turner series. It’s the perfect read for fans of authors like Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer and Helen Fields.
My review
This is the first book I’ve read from Helen Pryke and I am impressed. A confident, engaging psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages wanting to discover what happens next.
The strengths of the story lie in its excellent characters: particularly Maggie the investigative journalist who seeks to discover who abducted the two young girls.
What surprised me most in The Lost Girls was an unexpected feeling of sympathy for the deranged person who abducted these two young girls. As the story progresses I became more aware that this thriller should be praised for its handling of mental health issues. It’s superb in that respect. The ending was fantastic, and makes me keen to read more. This is the first in this series.
This novel is for you if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a dark edge to them. Please be aware that there are distressing themes in this novel: abduction, sexual assault of a minor, and scenes of violence. These are written in such a way as not to prolong, or be too graphic. So, considerable praise to the author for handling these difficult passages in such a sensitive way.
A difficult one to rate, I’ve been mulling over the rating for a few days.
Overall, an excellent psychological thriller: 4.5 stars, highly recommended.
Looking forward to reading more from Helen Pryke.
I am really enjoying reading thrillers at the moment!
AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS
Authors Website:: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook:
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/