Travel Diary May 2023: Portimão #Portugal #Algarve #travel #photography #beach #nightsout

This is my new feature, my photo travel diary, some of which will be in Portugal. We have a few trips planned, first off a short weekend away in Portimão, May 2023. 😎

As you can see Portimão has the most wonderful beach! Beautiful sand and rock formations. Absolutely stunning. And from here you can take lots of spectacular boat trips which we have done in the past and loved.

In the evening, we discovered a fantastic restaurant – ended up being our favourite. Lots of Portuguese cuisine, fish, plus good old lamb chops! All very tasty. The restaurant is aptly named Vinhos & Comidas, wine and food. Caught hubbies eye as he likes his vinhos!

A walk along the strip – of bars and evening entertainment took us to Santa Catarina castle fortress constructed in 1641. The fortress was built to protect from Spanish pirates and moors. From here, there are a lots of steps down to the marina. It’s worth taking a stroll to have a look. It’s low season at the moment, so the marina was quiet, most of the action and more frequented places to eat were around the strip.

It was more challenging going back up all the steps, especially after a few vinhos! But we made it.

ROCKS AND CREATURES

The rock formations on the beach are stunning, the one below reminded me of a cat! Plus there was a dinosaur head, or a sharp nosed man, a whale, and a screaming man… that’s writers for you we see inspiration everywhere!

Miaow! 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️
A 🦕 🦖 🐲 dinosaur head? Or from the vantage of the sea perhaps a sharp nosed man with a high forehead?
A cute smiley whale? 🐳
At the top can you see the screaming 😱 man? Eerie…
Forget the rock creatures.
A laze on the sand perhaps?

BEACH ⛱️

Here’s hubby posing below by the rocks…

And me.

And a change of clothes

Green is my favourite colour!

COFFEE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Fancy a Portuguese galao coffee… and a sea view? Don’t mind if I do…

It’s a great place for a weekend away. And a good spot for young people to enjoy the nightlife. Having said that, hubby and I did have a couple of late nights. The last of which began with his…”Shall we have one more drink?”

Oh, we should have known! This is reminiscent of our last trip to Lagos where a similar thing happened.

This time, in Portimão, we ended dancing at a pub, The Irish Rover, until the early hours with three lasses from Manchester who kept getting us up to dance to a very good rock tribute band.

Manchester girls really know how to party!

Oh, to be young again! We needed a day to recover…

We had a quiet last evening… kept on bumping into the Manchester lasses but didn’t dare go back to the rock pub… Instead, we lived dangerously and came across this fellow down at the beach.

Luckily he wasn’t real. A croc ceated by a local artist!

FAREWELL

Farewell Portimão, some evening photos taken over two nights to say goodbye!

One last thing to note, the area we stayed in is built up with lots of high rise hotels/Apartments compared to the quieter area of Tavira where we stay part of the year.

This is our view from the Portimão apartment, Flor Da Rocha, which was well equipped and comfortable and had everything you’d need for a stay including a pool and a gym. Not an overly quiet option but this is a party town!

It is good to explore different parts of Portugal!

Rock on!

YA fantasy, poetry, photography, short stories pandemic lit and anthologies all at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/
https://nextchapter.pub/books/bloodstone https://nextchapter.pub/books/golden-healer

Book Review: Do What You Love #thankyou @smithavishwana4

Many thanks to Smitha for this lovely detailed, thoughtful review of my poetry memoir Do What You Love. Delighted!

Do What You Love’ by MJ Mallon is a quick read of 58 pages. It’s a sweet reminder to live life, look back to see how far you’ve come, appreciate all that’s got you this far and look forward to the future.

To read the full review, thoughts and excerpts please follow the link to Smitha’s blog.

https://smithavpennings.com/2023/05/22/book-review-do-what-you-love-by-mj-mallon/

Book Review: The River of Souls by Mark Piggott @Author_MPiggott #steampunk #magic #tale

Synopsis

“Reach beyond heavens veil; do not let death prevail. Instead, open the door through God’s grace; let this not be his final resting place!”

Fawleen and Drogon fought what people called “The Endless War,” as it went on for more than 300 years. The humans of Fawleen and the Dragonkin of Drogon clashed over borderlands, water rights, trade disputes, and the biased views of leaders on both sides of the conflict. Four generations fought and died in the war. That all changed when one sect of Drogon-the Oracles of Delphis Kai-joined Fawleen against their people and worked to end the war. The Oracles were healers and pacifists, the opposite of the Acolytes of Hecat Tei and their dark chaos magic that ruled Drogon. In the end, it was the deciding factor that brought peace to the troubled land.

Malcom Seger, a human Magi-Gunner, and his wife Alyssa, a dragonkin of the Oracles of Delphis Kai, moved to the parish of Fairhaven to begin a new life together. But just when they were getting settled in, Malcom succumbs to deadly “dragon dust” and lies near death. Grief stricken, Alyssa uses her magic to save her true love through the spell of restoration, powerful magic combining two souls into one.

Across the river of souls, the boundless cosmic lifestream that connects all worlds, a young man lay dying underneath a crumpled automobile. He hears a voice, crying out for help, begging not to be left alone. Desperate to make something of his life, he offers himself to God to cross the river of souls to be there for her.

Now begins their new life together in a world filled with distrust, bigotry, and hatred between races. Can two people from different worlds find love and peace to show what truly lies beyond THE RIVER OF SOULS.

My 5 star review

The river of souls by Mark Piggott.

This is a new author to me introduced via my membership of the Fantasy Sci Fi Alliance. Many thanks to the author and the alliance for a review copy.

Thoughts… this is such a lovely tale, full of heart. Really made me smile while reading it. Definitely a recommended read.

An unusual couple, Malcolm a war scarred magi gunner, and Alyssa, a dragonkin – maker of medicines  elixirs and herbs, are in love.

Malcolm has been reborn with ‘resurrection magic,’ and takes some time recollecting his memories.

To begin with, I had a little trouble imagining a union between a dragon and a human man! But the excellent storytelling and characterisation did a great job in convincing me!

“He was such an optimist, looking for the best in people, while Alyssa was a consummate pessimist, never knowing who to trust. They balanced each other in their relationship. That’s what made them so perfect together.”

There is a backdrop of The Drogon Empire’s war, aptly named the endless war, hatred, bigotry and violence against the dragonkin, and mention of seeking redemption for past wrongs.

It has a steampunk/magic feel with references to the Etherzine Land Cycle, Magi-rifle, Spell Caster, and Dragon Slayer sword and Dragon Dust.

The text is enhanced by beautiful poetic pieces by Ashley Valitutto, (as a poet myself this really attracted me, as did the dragon aspect!)

Fans of sword and sorcery, fantasy, poetry, steampunk, and forbidden love will enjoy this sweet, heart-warming tale.

The River of Souls

Author website: https://authormarkpiggott.com/

Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring myself, Harmony and Christine in the above promotion.

Sally kindly featured my poetry collection, Do What You Love which is available to buy in kindle and paperback via Amazon.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXJq8

Do What You Love was awarded a special 5 star badge by Amazon Blue Tick Influencer N.N. Light. Below is the link to the media kit.

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/11/04/media-kit-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-flashfiction-new-book-release-writingcommunity-poetrycommunity-mediakit-paperback/

Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Thank you so much to fabulous fellow YA author Chantelle Atkins for inviting me to contribute to these wonderful character interviews on her blog. Follow the link below to Chantelle’s blog to read the full interview at source.

Welcome to a new feature on The Glorious Outsiders where I’ll be interviewing unique characters from other people’s books! You’ll find a character interview at the start of each month and today, I’m chatting to Amelina Scott from the YA series, The Curse of Time. I’ve read and enjoyed Bloodstone and will be starting Golden Healer very soon. So, let’s find out what Amelina has to say!

1. How old are you?

I am sixteen now. My story includes flashbacks to my thirteenth birthday when my dad disappeared. Since then, nothing has been the same.

2. where do you come from?

Believe it or not, I originate from this long line of Krystallos (crystal) magicians. It came as a shock to me when I discovered that.

3. where do you live? Describe it to us

I live in Cambridge in the UK, in a normal suburb. Don’t let that fool you! Our house has a hexagonal hallway, with a magical attic study, overseen by a key that talks and there is a much needed lookout point on the upper floor. If you visit, check out the clocks and the mirrors, too. You will find some mysterious surprises! Our house and the surrounding land is creepy and oppressive. I swear the house is a living entity; it makes a lot of grumbling, whispering noises! As our circumstances changed – with Bloodstone magic – the house reflected this by becoming altogether quieter.

 

Nearby, a short walk takes you to the river and the train tracks, where there is a pathway representing light and darkness. At the beginning, my mother warned me off going there, but how could I resist when there is a magical crystal cottage hidden there?

Source: Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Blog Tour When We Deceive #bookreview #dlmbooktours #catyaffe #TeamZiggy Book 3 @lilmissmorfett @catherineyaffe

Blurb

The case that MEANS THE MOST to him,
Might also be the one that BREAKS him.

Devastated by the death of his best friend, Detective Inspector Andrew ‘Ziggy’ Thornes is out for justice. At any cost.

During the day he and his team are trying to unravel a murky web of money laundering and organised crime. At night, he conducts his own murder investigation, and he’s about to uncover the twisted link between the two cases.

As tension mounts, and struggling to decide who he can still trust, Ziggy needs to make decisions that mean breaking the sacred oath he took by continually pushing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for a serving DI.

But as he digs ever deeper, can Ziggy prevent a devastating finale that will leave him questioning everything he’s ever believed in?

Join Ziggy on his latest case that early readers are calling an exhilarating and unmissable read.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Alex Smith, Helen Fields, Mark Edwards, Clare Mackintosh, C L Taylor.

Catherine Yaffe

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE AGAIN, FOLLOW CAT’S AMAZON PAGE TO BE THE FIRST TO HEAR !https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B07NPPD7DD

My review

This started off with me thinking…. seems like your regular cop story, a bit formulaic. Detective’s best pal gets killed. He is told to stay off the case. And then, wow, I fell in love with the characters and became really invested in the story.

I loved how Lolly and Ziggy get their names.

There is some really interesting back story in the middle parts of the book, which makes you relate to and feel sad for the victim. This section also helps you understand, and empathise with Ziggy too.

As the story unfolds it becomes more and more exciting! Ziggy is determined to bring justice, to discover who has killed his best friend Lolly and all the while his job, and the safety of his family is at stake…

The more I read, the more I wanted to turn the page, (metaphorically speaking as I was reading an ARC copy!)

Highly recommended for those who like a fast-paced well written crime thriller, a financial thriller with a human touch. This is part 3 in a series – I have read this novel only – it can be read as a standalone but I’d recommend reading all three books.

I could say more but I better not in case I spoil it for you. Do read this! I would be happy to read this author’s work again.

My rating 5 stars.

Many thanks to the author and to Donna for including me in this tour and for the advanced reader’s copy.

Catherine Yaffe is the author of crime thrillers that readers and reviewers frequently describe as compulsively readable. A graduate of Curtis Brown Creative academy, Catherine wrote her first crime thriller, The Lie She Told in 2020 whilst the UK was in Lockdown. On its release it debuted in the top 10 hot new releases on Amazon and to date has accrued hundreds of five-star reviews.

The Web They Wove is the second in the Tangled Web series and was released in 2021. Again, it was received with widespread acclaim, only marginally missing out on the coveted number 1 slot on Amazon Kindle.

Cat is fascinated with how people’s minds work, and why they make the decisions they do – particularly criminals! In each of her books she aims to make the reader suspect everyone, trust no one and question everything, including those closest to them.

Cat lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two cats (with the occasional visit from her grandpuppy Milo.)

Praise for books in the Tangled Web Series

“Wow!! What a start to a series. The Lie She Told is a complex thriller that really makes you think. How well do you really know the people around you? Whew! I’m still thinking about it.

Catherine Yaffe has crafted characters who are so realistic, you’ll think you’re reading a true story. I love how the characters aren’t quite trustworthy and I always felt like I was about to be surprised.

I very much enjoyed this one and would recommend giving it a shot. Worth the read!! Quite the page turner!”

“An Engrossing, Gripping and Edgy, Suspenseful Thriller!”

“This little gem of a thriller was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was fast, a journey of dark action that leaves you craving for more. I loved how it took you through a series of events, clearly showing you the characters true colours but never leaving you without questions.

Kate and Joe were likable, neighbourly and felt real. Ryan was basically heartless human being, I never trusted him from the start. The author has written a drama full of flashbacks, a past full of secrets and deadly deception. How many lives will be at risk when the past finally catches up to Kate.

I devoured this read, the writing style was easy, the events so fast paced. It was the perfect read for the bedtime baby feeds. I loved the use of the flashbacks but most of all loved the energy and feel of the book.

I can’t wait to check out more by this author”

Before making the commitment to become a full time writer, Catherine worked in Digital Marketing and published her first non-fiction book Digital Marketing Made Easy in 2019 which reached the dizzy heights of number 2 in the Amazon charts.

To find out more visit the website catherineyaffe.co.uk

UK link : https://is.gd/tdsOyX

ARC Review: Treasuring Poetry 3: Passions

This incredible volume includes poetry works by the 2022 guests from the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series with Robbie Cheadle, on Writing to be Read: Smitha Vishwaneth, Yvette Calliero, Chris Hall, Robbie Cheadle, Willow Willers, Yvette Prior, Penny Wilson, Abbie Taylor, Colleen Chesebro, Patty Fletcher, and Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.

Modeled on the previous successful Poetry Treasures and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships anthologies, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions provides a thought-provoking forum for unique and original poetry which won’t be easily forgotten.

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions releases on April 18, 2023.

 

Publicity Information for Poetry Treasures 3: Passions,
edited by Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle, and published by WordCrafter Press

 

SYNOPSIS

 

In what promises to be the poetry anthology of 2023, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions features poetry and images from the poetry guests of  the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series in 2022. Poetry which delves into the passions which drive us, and move us to action, and those things that stir passions within us.

My review

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions

Thank you to Kaye Lynn Booth for an advanced copy which I read freely and without bias. What a lovely collection of poetry!

This poetry collection is from various authors some of whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and reading for many years: Robbie Cheadle, Colleen Chesebro,  D Wallace Peach, Willow Willers, Judy Mastrangelo, and some talented new poets, whose work is less familiar to me: Smitha Vishwanath, Chris Hall, Abby Taylor, Yvette M. Calleiro, Rosemerry Wahtola Trummer, Patty Fletcher, Yvette Prior, and Penny Wilson. 

It’s an eclectic collection and a fabulous way to discover new poets to read. Expect varying interpretations of poetic passions. Not all are amorous! Some are thoughtful, personal to the author, (the author’s interests, experiences and loves,) and many have deep insight into human trials and tribulations.

Here are just some of my favourites!

Robbie: Wildlife passions – Bold Lover and… One for me none for you.

Smitha: If I could gift you anything and One last time.

Abbie: The Black Hole – an emotional piece about Abbie’s late husband’s stroke destroying his ability to speak and a powerful piece on the same topic: The Music Lady.

Chris: Home for the holidays and The Lightning Tree.

Yvette Prior: We are a bird, he said and Poetic Sleep

Yvette M Calleiro: In the depths below and Claimed (Nonet)

Willow: Passion, Academic Passion

Rosemerry: I really appreciated how this poet used artists as a focal point as in: Thinking of Vincent Painting Winter. And a piece about female sexual taboos: No Longer Empty Handed

Patty: Ever Lost In The Moment, and Grandfather Tree Speaks.

Judy: Garden of The Sun And Moon and Fairy Wedding. ( There are beautiful accompanying illustrations for all of Judy’s. Judy is a wonderful artist too.)

Penny: A splash of heaven, and Something Worth Losing

Colleen: Love’s Reply and Swift Passage dedicated to the much loved late Sue Vincent.

D. Wallace Peach: The Mermaid and Words.

A lovely collection for poetry lovers. Read it more than once and appreciated it more on multiple reading! 5 stars.

Buying Link:

ABOUT THE EDITORS

 

Kaye Lynne Booth is a multi-genre author, editor, and founder of WordCrafter Press. She recently republished her first western novel herself. She has also published a short fiction collection and a paranormal mystery novella, in addition to the many short fiction stories in the six short fiction anthologies from WordCrafter Press. In addition, she has had short fiction and poetry published with Zetitic: A Record of Unusual Inquiry; Across the Margin, Colorado Life Magazine, Manifest West by Western University Press, The Collapsar Directive and Relationship Add Vice by Zombie Pirate Publishing, Nightmareland by Dan Alatorre.

She also recently served as a student editor on the editing team for the Gilded Glass anthology under Kevin J. Anderson and Allyson Langueira, and produced through Western State Colorado University, and published  Weird Tales: Best of the Early Years 1926-27, with Jonathan Maberry.

Robbie Cheadle is an award-winning, bestselling author, who has published thirteen children’s book 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 ten 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.

 

PREVIOUS TITLES

 

Previous WordCrafter Press poetry titles include Behind Closed Doors, byRobbie Cheadle, Feral Tenderness, by Arthur Rosch, Poetry Treasures poetry anthology, and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships.

 

 

WordCrafter Press is a small new-model publisher founded by author Kaye Lynne Booth. You can find us at http://writingtoberead.com/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/wordcrafter-press/. 

WordCrafter Services

Writing to be Read

Book Review: Finding Gina @Lizzie_Chantree #romance #recommended #reads

A sweet romance for anyone who wants to be swept away by a good chick-lit read with a cast of colourful characters and satisfying happily ever afters.’

★★★★★ ‘Magic! This book is like a warm cup of coffee with some magic stars sprinkled on top.’ – Heidi Reads

If you enjoy irresistible humour, warmth and romance, you’ll love this gorgeous magical adventure. From the international bestselling author of, My Perfect Ex.

After taking a wrong turn in the road, Gina parked her little campervan on the front lawn of a beautiful English manor house and sighed in relief. No one knew her here, so perhaps she could stop running from her past and give her heart time to heal.

Fledgling wedding events owner and heir to the estate, Toby, needed someone to help him run the business and fast. If he didn’t make money this year, then his aunt’s legacy might crumble to the ground, around him.

From his little cottage on the estate grounds, Lewis read another provincial story about a ‘guardian angel’ who had been helping families across the country and his reporter’s nose began to itch. He was sure that is he could track down the girl they were talking about, he would unearth an even bigger story. He just had to work out how to locate her and then find out what it was she was running from.

My review

Reading a Lizzie Chantree novel is like coming home! It’s like coming home to lovely characters, who you can relate to. I enjoyed Finding Gina. And moreover I really thought the male characters in this novel were very well written too.

Expect magic, love, and moments that will make you smile. Gina is a mysterious girl from a dysfunctional family with hereditary gifts – (a matchmaker, like her grandmother,) with cute matchmaking methods, a magical healer with an alcoholic father ‘who ran on vodka fumes. ‘

But can she find love too or will she always move on?

Is ‘oh so sexy,’ journalist Lewis to be trusted? Or is he ‘some sort of conman who used women,’  to get the best stories. Find out in this sweet feel good tale, an easy, engaging read which I recommend to all romance readers.

My rating 5 stars.

New review for Golden Healer @jaydawes2 @nextchapterpb #nextchapterpub #ya #fantasy #writingcommunity #readingcommunity #thankful #review

Many thanks to writing team Anita Dawes and Jay Marie for this wonderful new review for book 2 in The Curse of Time series. So delighted!

This YA fantasy series is available to read in multiple formats and audiobook too!

The review:

Not having read the first book in this series, (something I am now doing) I was delighted to meet so many interesting characters.

Ryder, such an unusually sexy and mesmerising young man. Right up until the last chapter, I could not decide is he was truly good or bad.

Amelina captured my heart, so determined to be strong and clever enough to beat the dark forces.

And poor Esme, trapped in the mirror, helpless to help Amelina.

This delightful story is full of incredible moments, all brilliantly portrayed and described. I have always believed in magic, and it was wonderful to see it explored in such a lovely way.

I also loved the reference to the magic of painting, with paint brushes that can sing and dance, and paintings that can change.

Golden Healer is a wonderfully cinematic experience, an edge of your seat drama and full of the magic of your childhood. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it, as it will restore the magic in your heart and soul…

Do pop over to their blog to read the post on full and discovermore about this writing duo.

Golden Healer (The Curse Of Time Book 2) #Fantasy Adventure Fiction #Review @marjorie_mallon

Multiple Buying link:

My YA fantasy Golden Healer Book 2, The Curse of Time. https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

Golden healer:

Feature When Women Inspire @ChristyBis #womenshistorymonth #women #poets #inspiring

Thank you so much to Christy for inviting ❤️ me to contribute for Women’s History Month. I’m discussing a new Portuguese poet, Florbela Espanca, and my love of poetry.

Do popover to Christy’s blog to read all her wonderful posts and contributors for Women’s History Month.

Here is the link to my post:

https://whenwomeninspire.com/2023/03/23/poet-florbela-espanca-mj-mallon/?amp=1

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/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 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

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Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/