Book Review: Ravens Retreat @northwood_e #bookreview #halloweenreads #newrelease

Synopsis

Greed led them in. Destitution kept them there. Adam and Becky Hargreaves stumble upon a foreboding gothic-style property in the secluded Spanish
countryside, and believe they’ve found the ideal business opportunity. But shortly after moving in with Nerea, their truculent teenager, Melissa, their baby daughter, and Rose, Becky’s infirm mother, a series
of disturbing events shatter their dreams of success.


When ghostly orbs and manifestations of the dead roam the corridors threatening their business and their lives, steadfast Adam refuses to believe their home is possessed. As he withdraws from his family, Becky and her sparring stepdaughter Nerea must learn to work together to solve the ulcerating secret
lying in the dark heart of the house before history repeats itself.


What happened all those years ago during Franco’s regime? Why are so many spirits of young children still wandering the halls of the retreat? And who or what evil being is keeping them there?


As rivers of blood run deep within the bowels of the property, the family finds themselves entangled in an age-old promise with the devil. Who can they trust? How can they discover what happened in the blood-chilling past before time runs out?

Only one family member will make it out alive. Who can outwit the black soul and his disciples lying in wait inside the walls of Raven’s Retreat?


Dare you venture inside?

Trigger Warnings: death, child sacrifice, rape, abduction, torture blood, sex.

My Review

This was a engrossing read from start to finish. Creepy, well plotted and intriguing too. Perfect for the Halloween season and for everyone who likes a good creepy and at times blood curdling story. It was darker than I expected and twisted in places too. So not a read for the faint-hearted. Expect creepy house, ghost, coven, sacrificial practices, care home wierdness, witch covens, and sexual scenes in keeping with the imaginative plotline. Excellent storytelling from Michelle E. Northwood. I’ve read her memoir Fishnets in The Far East which couldn’t be more different, shows great versatility as an author.

My rating 5 stars. Recommended read but check the trigger ⚠️ warnings.

Many thanks to the author for an ARC.

Buying Link:

Author Bio

Michele has a First Class Honours Degree in Modern languages, (English and Spanish) and also studied for a Master’s in Highschool Education. She currently lives in Spain, where she runs an English Teaching Academy. Michele shares her home with her Spanish husband, her dog, two cats and two terrapins. (Yes, she’s slowly building an ark!)

In her past life …. (okay, when she was a young woman,) she worked as a professional dancer, magician and fire-eater who toured the world for over twenty years in theatre, musicals and circus. During that time, she was in the Guinness Book of Records for being part of the world´s largest Human mobile, and worked as a contortionist with the Circus of Horrors as their first “Girl inside a bottle”. She has rubbed shoulders with Sting, Chris de Burg, David Copperfield, Claudia Schiffer and Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gees. She has also worked as a knife throwers assistant, assisted a midget in his balancing act, and took part in the finale of a Scorpions concert.

The author’s debut novel, ‘Fishnets in the Far East: A Dancer’s Diary in Korea’ has won two literary competitions. The sequel: “Fishnets and Fire-eating” has just been released, and the third book in the Fishnet series is due out soon.

Michele is concerned about climate change, the abundance of plastic pollution, and hates the way man-unkind treats the other species that inhabit this beautiful planet we are slowly destroying. Michele loves living in the countryside with views of the sea and likes nothing better than to sit on the terrace at the end of the day, look up at the stars and contemplate.

If you would like to contact Michele, she can be found at:

Twitter: @northwood_e

Facebook: Michele E. Northwood Author

https://www.pinterest.es/nextchapterpub/pinterest-board-michele-e-northwood/fishnets-in-the-far-east-a-dancer-s-diary-in-korea/

And if you would like to be informed of future releases, giveaways, competitions and free books send her an email to antologiadeaguilas@gmail.com

Book Review: Voodoo or Destiny @jansikes3 #halloween #reads #voodoo #shortstory

Synopsis

Claire Winters is heartbroken when her husband of many years says he’s found a new love and wants a divorce. While having a pity party with her best friend, Jade, they come up with a daring idea. Together, they construct a Voodoo doll and with the help of several bottles of wine, create a ceremony to bring the same heartbreak to Daniel Winters as he brought to Claire. But do they go too far? You decide!

MJ’ Book Reviews

A short halloween quick and enjoyable read about revenge and the mistakes and shortcomings we have as humans. Any action born out of revenge ain’t going to be a good choice! Not scary more relationship based with voodoo element. Thought the ending was a fun twist. I think the story could be interpreted in different ways but my take was her guilt manifesting.

My rating 4 stars.

Recommended for those who like to celebrate this season but don’t want to read a book which is full of gore, or is too scary.

Jan Sikes is also featured on Robbie Cheadle’s blog. Robbie is sharing a review for Voodoo or Destiny and Ghostly Interference:

Roberta Writes – Halloween Book Festival: Ghostly Interference and Voodoo or Destiny You Decide by Jan Sikes #Halloween #readingcommunity

Author Bio

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I can still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Connect through Jan’s website: http://www.jansikes.com

Follow Jan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

Follow Jan on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanSikes3

Follow Jan’s Blog: http://www.jansikesblog.com

Buying Link:

Blog Tour Midnight Roost: #Anthology #blog #tour #WordCrafterPress #MidnightRoost #ReadingCommunity #booklovers #whattoread #BooksWorthReading#halloweenreads @robertaeaton17 @GodsAngel1 @JosephCarrabis @PaulKaneShadow

BLOG TOUR

Giveaway
A chance to win a free digital copy of Midnight Roost at every stop. Just leave a comment to show your support for the tour, the anthology, and all of the fantastic authors.

Welcome Sonia Pipkin

Inspiration for “Once Upon a Time”
I wrote this short story while I was attending Western Colorado University, during a short forms course. I love the idea of combining a fairytale with unexpected horror and that was my inspiration.

About Author Sonia Pipkin
Sonia Pipkin graduated from Western Colorado University with an M.F.A. in creative writing with a concentration in genre fiction. She lives in Colorado where she is a freelance writer and is currently attending Colorado State University working toward an M.A. TESOL certificate. Her current project is a linked short story anthology that focuses on women injustice.
Instagram: @writersoniav
Facebook: Sonia Valladares

Welcome Robbie Cheadle

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Reading from “The Behemoth”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MprF0oN4BcE&t=7s


Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors, including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has short stories and poems in several anthologies and has two published novels:
* Through the Nethergate, a historical supernatural fantasy; and
* A Ghost and His Gold, a historical paranormal novel set in South Africa.
Roberta has eleven children’s books published under the name Robbie Cheadle.
Roberta was educated at the University of South Africa, where she achieved a Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1996 and an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1997. She was admitted as a member of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2000.
Roberta has worked in corporate finance from 2001 until the present date and has written seven publications relating to investing in Africa. She has won several awards over her 20-year career in the category of Transactional Support Services.
Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a contributor to every short fiction anthology WordCrafter Press has ever put out, as well as co-editor for the Poetry Treasures anthology series.
Roberta contributed the winning story, “The Bite”, in the 2022 WordCrafter Short Fiction Contest and Visions anthology, as well as being a contributor to all WordCrafter Press anthologies and co-editor for the Poetry Treasures anthology series.

About Midnight Roost


20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon, and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare.

Kaye Lynne Booth, Chris Barili, Christa Planko, DL Mullan, C.R. Johansson, Joseph Carrabis, Keith J. Hoskins, Mario Acevedo, M.J. Mallon, Michaele Jordan, Patty L Fletcher, Paul Kane, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Rebecca M. Senese, Zack Ellafy, Sonia Pipkin, Denise Aparo, Robert Kostanczuk, Isabel Grey & Julie Jones.

Midnight Roost can be downloaded via most distributors through Books2Read: 

https://books2read.com/u/318L0l

Monday – October 16 – Opening Day –Isabele Grey (Interview & Reading) & Joseph Carrabis (Reading) – Writing to be Read

Tuesday – October 17 – M J Mallon (Reading) & Christa Planko (Interview & Guest Post)– Undawnted

Wednesday – October 18 – Chris Barili (Guest Post) & Paul Kane (Guest Post) – Patty’s Worlds

Thursday – October 19 – Julie Jones (Reading) & Keith Hoskins (Guest Post) – Robbie’s Inspiration

Friday – October 20 – Michaele Jordan (Reading) & Mario Acevedo (Guest Post) – Writing to be Read

Saturday – October 21 – Patty Fletcher (Guest Post) & DL Mullan (Guest Post & Video) – Roberta Writes

Sunday – October 22 – Sonia Pipkin (Guest Post) & Roberta Eaton Cheadle (Reading) – Kyrosmagica Publishing

Monday – October 23 – Closing Post –Denise Aparo (Reading) & other stories – Writing to be Read

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/10/12/latest-news-midnight-roost-anthology-anthology-bookcommunity-blogs-paulkaneshadow-josephcarrabis-godsangel1/

Latest News: Midnight Roost Anthology #anthology #bookcommunity #blogs @paulkaneshadow @josephcarrabis @Godsangel1

I am so delighted to be a contributing author in Midnight Roost Anthology with my story The Cull.

Opening blog from Kaye Lynn Booth:

Join us for a Midnight Roost

The blog tour has begun!

Monday – October 16 – Opening Day –Isabele Grey (Interview & Reading) & Joseph Carrabis (Reading) – Writing to be Read

Tuesday – October 17 – M J Mallon (Reading) & Christa Planko (Interview & Guest Post)– Undawnted

Wednesday – October 18 – Chris Barili (Guest Post) & Paul Kane (Guest Post) – Patty’s Worlds

Thursday – October 19 – Julie Jones (Reading) & Keith Hoskins (Guest Post) – Robbie’s Inspiration

Friday – October 20 – Michaele Jordan (Reading) & Mario Acevedo (Guest Post) – Writing to be Read

Saturday – October 21 – Patty Fletcher (Guest Post) & DL Mullan (Guest Post & Video) – Roberta Writes

Sunday – October 22 – Sonia Pipkin (Guest Post) & Roberta Eaton Cheadle (Reading) – Kyrosmagica Publishing

Monday – October 23 – Closing Post –Denise Aparo (Reading) & other stories – Writing to be Read

Thanks to D L Mullan for this feature, 17th October with myself reading from my story the Cull, and an author interview with fellow contributor, Christa:

http://www.undawnted.com/2023/10/wordcrafter-blog-tour-for-midnight.html

Joseph Carrabis is kindly sharing features on contributing authors in Midnight Roost Anthology. Here are the links to the features.

Joseph Carrabis’s story ‘The Beach,’ :- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/21/my-the-beach-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Joseph Carrabis’s story ‘Binky’:- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/23/my-binky-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Joseph Carrabis‘s story Blood Magic:- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/22/my-blood-magic-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Chris Barilli’s story ‘Shaken’:–https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/20/christopher-barillis-shaken-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Robert Kostanczuks story ‘A Visitant Comes to The Window’:- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/19/robert-kostanczuks-a-visitant-comes-to-the-window-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Kaye Lynn Booth’s ‘Melina’: https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/18/kaye-lynne-booths-melina-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Robbie Cheadle’s ‘The Behemoth’- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/17/robbie-cheadles-the-behemoth-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

DL Mullan’s ‘Mangled’ :- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/16/dl-mullan-aka-un-dawnteds-mangled-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Christa’s ‘The Easterville Ghost’: – https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/15/christa-plankos-the-easterville-glass-ghost-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Denise’s ‘The Pines’: – https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/14/denise-aparos-the-pines-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

M J’s ‘The Cull’:- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/13/m-j-mallons-the-cull-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Sonia’s ‘Once Upon A Time.’ – https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/12/sonia-pipkins-once-upon-a-time-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Michaela’s ‘Afterwards’ :- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/11/michaela-jordans-afterwards-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

Paul’s ‘The White Lady’:- https://josephcarrabis.com/2023/10/10/paul-kanes-the-white-lady-in-wordcrafter-press-midnight-roost-anthology/

The whole series is under https://josephcarrabis.com/tag/Midnight-Roost/

New release!

Midnight Roost can be downloaded via most distributors through Books2Read: 

https://books2read.com/u/318L0l 

20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare.

Kaye Lynne Booth, Chris Barili, Christa Planko, DL Mullan, C.R. Johansson, Joseph Carrabis, Keith J. Hoskins, Mario Acevedo, M.J. Mallon, Michaele Jordan, Patty L Fletcher, Paul Kane, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Rebecca M. Senese, Zack Ellafy, Sonia Pipkin, Denise Aparo, Robert Kostanczuk, Isabel Grey & Julie Jones

New Review! The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet #forest #nature #poetry #review #thankyou @BalroopShado

Thank you so much to fellow author and poet Balroop Singh for this lovely review of The Hedge Witch. So delighted with her 5 star review!

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a marvelous collection of stories and poems that have been inspired from personal experiences of Mallon. Many characters in this book have a magical connection with Mother Nature.The compassion of the robin, the deer, the willow tree and the girl in the forest has been beautifully captured in ‘The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet.’ In sharp contrast is ‘The Network of Trees,’ which highlights the apathy of people toward the forests, as “new houses are needed, so we must make way!”

‘Rock of Mine’ and Chester, Don & I evoke lovely memories of childhood. ‘Let’s Play’ makes a subtle appeal to children to come back to the forest to play in the natural surroundings. M.J. has a knack of telling stories through wonderful imagery and poetry.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RQN24Q0PGSOXI/

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Wild Hope by Donna Ashworth #poetry #netgalley #review #bwpublishing @Donna_ashworth

Synopsis

‘Beautiful and uplifting’ Davina McCall

‘So inspiring, so heartfelt … the way Donna writes is beyond beautiful.’ Lisa Snowdon

Uplifting inspiration from the Sunday Times bestselling author of I Wish I Knew

Wild Hope is Donna Ashworth’s powerful new collection of wisdom to help us find hope, peace, self-acceptance and inspiration on the days we feel worn down, helpless or sad. Written with love and understanding, Donna reminds us that amidst our daily struggles and constant outpourings of bad news we have so much to hope for, and that every one of us can play a part, big or small, in making the world a better place.

With poems such as ‘That Thing You Do’, ‘Through the Wringer’ and ‘Rope Ladder’, Donna helps us to remember that most people in this world are good, and that acts of kindness and love within our individual spheres of influence, however small, all contribute to a better future. She also gently guides us, no matter how busy or overburdened we may be, to practice better self-care and self-acceptance.

Hope exists when nothing else can. On the darkest of days Wild Hope will help you find more light.

My review

Wild Hope leaves no hopeful stone unturned! There are so many poems in this collection and each one is so special. Donna’s poetry is simple to understand, and relatable. The considered topics are dear to my heart, such as: mother and daughter love, being proud of you, living life to the full, seizing each day, being who you are and living with nature, and the moon and the planets. Finding joy in the simple but memorable moments of life. There is an abundance of positivity, love, compassion, understanding and humour in this collection. At a time when we all need a boost so much!

It’s the kind of poetry you could dip into whenever you feel the need. Or if, perhaps you are going through a particularly difficult time. The poems on grief, women and growing older were positive, and illuminating. I’m sure they would be a much needed anchor to those in need.

This is a real mood booster would highly recommend!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for a copy which I read freely. All opinions are my own.

My rating 5 🌟

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Of Golden Healer: The Curse Of Time Book 2 – Becoming The Muse

Thank you to Beaton for his thoughtful review of Golden Healer, Book 2 in my ya fantasy The Curse of Time.

A review of Golden Healer The Curse Of Time Book 2 The Good | The Bad | The ugly

I was just thinking how nice it would be to have a new review and then like magic… that’s what happened! Thank you to Beaton for his review of Golden Healer, book 2 in my ya fantasy series. More about it via the link below…

Source: Of Golden Healer: The Curse Of Time Book 2 – Becoming The Muse

Book Review Trekker Girl Dawne Archer #book #review #thrombosis #research #fundraising #trek #morrocco

Synopsis

Brave or foolhardy?

That is the question Dawne asks herself when she stubbornly pursues her goal
of trekking in the Sahara Desert to raise funds for Thrombosis UK.

As she battles excruciating back pain and slogs across the unforgiving desert
landscape in boots held together with gaffer tape, will her determination to
educate others to the perils of thrombosis drive her to achieve one of the
toughest challenges of her life. Or will trekking in the Sahara prove a step too
far?

All profits from book sales will be donated to the charity Thrombosis UK which
works to educate the public and health professionals to ‘Spot the Clots’.
Knowing what to look out for might save your life or that of someone close to you.

My review

Thank you to author Dawne Archer for a copy of her memoir Trekker Girl – Morroco Bound which I won. Here are my thoughts:

This is an inspiring memoir based on the author’s experiences with thrombosis, (and with reference to her father’s,) and her life long commitment to fundraising for Thrombosis UK.

Commendable, heart-warming and full of camaraderie and human spirit. Dawne’s memoir takes us along with her on her brave trek with fellow trekkers, including her mate Sarah. There are many health obstacles to overcome, added issues such as backache and stomach problems, and mirages!

Read this wonderful memoir to find out more about Dawne’s and fellow trekkers determination, and to understand the implications of thrombosis and meet her fellow trekkers.

The memoir also includes some lovely photos.

Highly recommended.

Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine @sgc58 #thankyou #review #poetry #nature #forests

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for dipping into her archives and resharing her previous review of my poetry collection: The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet. How kind. I really appreciate 🙂

From Sally’s blog:

My review for the collection This is a poetry and flash fiction collection seeped in nature and illustrates the love the author has for the environment, particular the forests. The first pages share the delightful love story of the Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet, bringing two solitary characters together in the sanctuary of a magical forest far from the human world. This story is followed by poems and flash fiction, some of which are poignant such as the tribute to a ginger cat in Chester, Don & I, and bewilderment voiced in The Network of Trees as they stand in danger from the human need for progress. There is also the sad reflection that much of the beauty and adventures to be found in the forests are being missed as children find themselves engrossed in the online world instead. The author makes sure to include the fun they could be enjoying instead. The Teddy in the Woods probably should come with a tissue alert. There are some reminders of poems from another collection which I also enjoyed Mr. Sagittarius Poetry; one of my favourites being Rainbow – Parasol of Light. In the second section of the collection there is a series of poems inspired by other writers.

Source: Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Book Review Writing Through The Soul by Brenda Fluharty #book #review #poetry

Synopsis

Writing Through the Soul is a collection of poetry your soul can’t ignore. Author Brenda Marie Fluharty has put together a group of poems speaking to the souls of all mankind. These poems will make you laugh, cry, smile and even wonder why. The poems cover many aspects of the soul; from the questions, we all ask to the heartbreak of the loss of loved ones. Writing Through the Soul has poems giving you a better understanding of spiritual awakenings, growth, and meditation. There are even poems covering the many trials of having a writer’s soul.

My review

Writing Through the Soul A poetry Collection by Brenda Fluharty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Brenda Fluharty’s, Writing Through The Soul, an inspiring book of poetry, explores the human condition, our soul’s journey, how we strive for happiness, love, completeness and growth in life.

There are poems about her son, her mother in law, mother, husband, family, birds and nature, friends and strangers, Monday morning chaos and her great love of night time poetry crafting.  And..  believing in yourself and  your writing self!

It is a personal, spiritual and at times religious collection, where Brenda refers to her angels and love for her dear departed grandfather.

Favourite poem titles include: love yourself, the crow, birds following me, the forest heals my soul, writing helps you heal, through the eyes of a child, he and she, the stranger in the street, mother, mother-in-law!


A short excerpt of this lovely poem.

Medium

I can see things
No one else can see.
Hear spoken words
No one else can hear.

Spirits from other places
Come to me.
I can see and talk to them.

If I tell anyone,
They will think I am crazy.
Maybe I am.

No one else
I know does this.
I am different
I can see the land’s past.
I can see the future for some.
I am a medium!




View all my reviews

My recommendation:

Recommended for poetry readers who like spiritual, religious and personal collections. And writers who understand what it is to write, with the trials, tribulations and all!

More reviews coming soon!

Bye for now…

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