Congratulations to Balroop on her new release.
Source: #NewRelease: Slivers: Chiseled #Poetry – Emotional Shadows
#NewRelease: Slivers: Chiseled #Poetry – Emotional Shadows
Bloodstone: The Curse of Time Book 1 – Release!!! #YA #Fantasy #New #Release @NextChapterPB
Well, I’m absolutely delighted! Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this journey. A big thank you to all those who have believed in me, read my books, beta read for me, reviewed and encouraged me, I would not be where I am without your support.
ANNOUNCING!!
My YA Fantasy Bloodstone is now available to purchase on Amazon in kindle, (free – kindle unlimited,) and in paperback and large print edition – Thank you Next Chapter Publishing.
MyBook link:
http://mybook.to/bstmm
Amazon Preview Link: https://amzn.eu/iwyO8p3
BLURB
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.
When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic, perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.
EXCERPT – PROLOGUE
Most people would call our existence strange, but this is more than that; this deserves a headline. We’re not spectacular enough to feature on the national or international news, but we warranted a column in the local newspaper headed by seven not so lucky words: Missing Father Returns After Weird Aging Phenomenon. I’m glad that our short-lived fame died and the paparazzi, (what a joke,) got bored with us. Now we can get back to the day to day living if you can call it that. We live in a typical suburb of Cambridge in an untypical house. It’s no bungalow, the floors just go on and on, and so do the rumours about us. When I say we, I mean our strange extended family comprising mature, tantrum-prone Mum, Dad (alias: old man before his time), teenage me, the most stable of us all (I think), and self-harming Esme, who isn’t my sister but might as well be. I could write a whole book devoted to her alone. Oh, and I forgot to mention our permanent house guest, Shadow, a black cat of inde‐ terminate age and parentage who arrived one day and never left. The rest of the inhabitants of our household (except perhaps for me and Shadow, although his status is open to debate) are dysfunctional, weirded-out characters.
I have to cope with a lot (and that’s an understatement), so I resort to painting, rock-and-roll, collecting crystals, and writing songs and poetry. I enjoy writing haiku, a Japanese form of poetry with three lines and some syllables to count. It soothes me. I write Tanka too; adding two longer lines at the end, which soothes me more. Each poetic puzzle I jot down serves as a clue for less afflicted folk to decipher what the hell I am talking about. So, what am I talking about? The trouble is I don’t know; I’m still muddling through. Although I expect it’s a cry for help (a yell), combined with me dissecting the details about Mum’s life, Dad’s existence and his disappearance, Esme’s imprisonment, and Shad‐ ow’s ability to appear and reappear at a moment’s notice. And that’s saying nothing about living in a house that feels like a living being! Yes, I joke to stay sane. That’s a lot to process (sorry), and it’s only a fraction, a haiku tidbit, so let’s keep it simple but poetic and start with a view.
Large print edition: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097SLWH49/
Click the free preview above to find out more.
And don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads to read list:
It’s been a lot of hard work and no peace for the wicked!
I am busy editing the second book for release next and looking into a blog tour company to create some buzz for Bloodstone’s official release.
In the meantime, if you can help by sharing, getting the word out and reviewing, (I know many of you lovelies have already read the original edition and your reviews will hopefully be re-added soon via the powers that be at Amazon! I believe Next Chapter is in touch with them…
I will be celebrating today with my lovely daughter who has had covid but is now better and passed her quarantine.
Thank heavens, what stressful times. I hope you and your loved ones are saying safe and well.
.TTFN… (Ta Ta For Now!)
Share this:
South Branch Scribbler: Branching Out with Returning Author Marjorie Mallon of Great Britain.
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.
Share this:
Book Review: Share Some Secrets @ChristiGabbitas @nspcc #NSPCC #safeguarding #children
Synopsis:
Share Some Secrets, is a story that encourages children to think about the secrets they should and shouldn’t keep, encouraging them to speak out without fear, by giving praise. The story is also available on audio and free to download. Synopsis: The story begins with Mum, (Emily) telling the family about a surprise party for Granny, and that it’s a secret that she would like them all to keep. Billy notices that Milly is always quiet, after their Uncle has visited. Billy encourages Milly to share her secret which she eventually shares with her teacher. The issue is addressed and Milly is praised by the teacher and her family. The story ends with a surprise party for Granny.
My review
Share Some Secrets by Christina Gabbitas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am glad to be able to review and share my opinion on such an important topic handled with great kindness and sensitivity. The message of Share Some Secrets is implied through picture rhyming audio and in paperback (for ages around 5 – 8 year old.) The emphasis is on praise – encouraging the child to come forward and share their secret and not to be afraid to do so.
The publication has been endorsed by the NSPCC and Barnardo’s.
In the story Milly is finding is hard to say what her secret is but with the help of her kind brother Billy she manages to get the help she needs.
The illustrations by Ric Lumb accompanying the text enhance the message well. Making it easy for young children to understand how important it is to speak out – even if that secret is embarrassing or distressing – or involves a person in a position of trust, such as a family member.
The story ends on a happy note and there is a short but all important reminder at the end about how important it is to share your secret.
This should be used as a teaching aid in all schools so that children can understand that is okay to speak out and to get help.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. 5 stars
Thank you to the author Christina Gabbitas for gifting me a copy. I happily give my unbiased and considered review.
I have also reviewed another title from Christina Gabbitas – No More Knives.
Link to the review for No More Knives: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2020/11/30/book-…
View all my reviews
https://www.christinagabbitas.com/share-some-secrets/
Share this:
Book Review Will You Remember Me (No Greater Love #6) by @MrsAmandaProwse
My review
Will You Remember Me? by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Confession… I’ve never read Amanda Prouse before – which puts me in the minority. This is the final book in the No Greater Love series. I haven’t read the rest of the series but could engage with the story and the characters without any trouble.
Will You Remember Me was such a moving and sad read. There were times when I had to pause, cry, take a break and then read on. What struck me most about this novel is how painful it must be for young cancer patients to cope with the thought of leaving their family and loved ones behind. I can’t imagine anything more devastating. And it is clear that Amanda Prouse wrote this novel with these thoughts in mind.
You could feel Poppy’s pain on learning about her diagnosis, her determination to carry on and fight it alone by keeping the terrible news from her much loved husband. Of course, as her sickness grows this becomes impossible to hide and impossible to do.
There were other details, a long lost family member in St. Lucia – which added a much needed break and a way for Poppy perhaps to come to terms with her fate and to accept that we all die but perhaps it is how we live and how we forgive that makes the difference.
The male characters in the novel: her son, (being so young,) and (to a degree,) her husband are not quite as detailed and fade a bit into the background. The character spotlight is and should be on Poppy, she pulls at your heart strings. I also found her daughter Peg to be very engaging and a much needed source of light and hope in what is after all a dark tale.
Thank you so much to the author for a signed copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
My recommendation: I enjoy and appreciate stories that tug at the heartstrings. A highly recommended and emotional read.
View all my reviews
Authors Website: http://www.amandaprowse.org
Have you read Amanda Prouse’s books? Do comment below.
Share this:
The Other Wife: A Twisted Tale By Ruchira Khanna @abracabadra01
Congratulations to Ruchira Khanna for her latest release which I am thrilled to announce today…
The Other Wife: A Twisted Tale By Ruchira Khanna
The Other Wife: A Twisted Tale
By
Ruchira Khanna
Blurb
Dimple is at the peak of her career when a devastating event changes her whole life. Amidst legal battles, she finds love and takes a decision that will change her life yet again. But will that decision go well with her parents?
Will, there be a happily-ever-after for Dimple and her beau, or will she need to accept the other wife?
The Other Wife is a twisted tale sure to entertain as well as make you introspect.
Will, there be a happily-ever-after for Dimple and her beau, or will she need to accept the other wife?
The Other Wife is a twisted tale sure to entertain as well as make you introspect.
Excerpt
“You don’t get it, Dimple. You’ve changed so much that I don’t even know you sometimes,” Rishi said in an agitated voice and turned his back to me.
My tears felt hot and prickly as they touched my cheeks. “Just breathe, Dimple. Just breathe!” I muttered to myself.
I continued contemplating the day’s events and realized that I found my husband and the circumstances were to blame, so I was baffled as to why he condemned me.
Then I tried to play the whole scenario with the old me he had fallen in love with, but I couldn’t find her within. I twisted and turned in the tiny space I had courtesy my better half, who had taken most of the bed.
No such luck!
The back-and-forth search made my tears stop, but the drama continued within. Even though my eyes were shut, my mind was in a turmoil. The scene looked like a Presidential debate where both the candidates—my mind and the circumstances—were speaking simultaneously, not giving my intellect any reason. Amidst the chaos, I didn’t realize when my mind hit the snooze button.
***
“Hi!”
I turned around and, with a frown, greeted the girl back.
“Aren’t you, Dimple?” she said.
“Umm, yes, I am. How do you know me? Who are you?”
“I am Pearl,” she said with a broad smile that showed off her even teeth just like mine. Although hers sparkled like in a toothpaste advertisement.
“Okay, but who are you?” I asked, quite irritated at this rude interruption as if she had just pinched me hard.
“I am Rishi’s wife.” Her manner was cool, the way a cucumber mask gives coolness when peeled off the face.
“Rishi who?” I inquired with a frown, a little confused about where she was leading with this.
“Rishi Malhotra. Yes, you heard it right. I am your Rishi’s wife.”
About the Author
A Biochemist turned writer who gathers inspiration from the society where she writes about issues that stalk the mind of the man via tales of fiction. She projects the mental growth of her characters thus, making her readers tag her work as, “Books that make you ponder!”
She blogs at Abracabadra which has been featured as “Top Blog” for three years. Many of her write-ups have been published on LifeHack, HubPages to name a few.
She can be found at:
https://twitter.com/abracabadra01
https://www.facebook.com/RuchiraKhanna01/
Book Link
I read and reviewed Ruchira’s novel – Bowled But Not Out. To read my review follow the link: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2020/12/18/book-review-bowled-but-not-out-by-ruchira-khanna/
Wishing her much success with her new release.
Share this:
Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 228, #Poet’sChoice @ColleenChesebro
A Slice of Sky Pie - Shadorma Blue and white A slice of sky pie Massive tree A redwood Leafy lollipop heaven Steep climb to the top!
My poem is inspired by a recent trip to the botanical gardens in Cambridge. I noticed this magnificent tree and the wonderful slice of blue and white sky.
To join in Colleen’s poetry challenge:
https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/06/01/tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-228-poetschoice/
Here are some other magnificent champion trees that I saw on my walk. Enjoy!
And a bee hotel.
I intended to go for another walk today but it’s pouring with rain so I’m writing this blog post.
I managed to go for a walk in the rain later!
Check out this wonderful review post from Balroop Singh for Colleen Chesebro’s Wordcraft Prose and Poetry and my poetry and prose book – Mr. Sagittarius.
Bye for now,
Share this:
#Bookreviews by @BalroopShado #Prose & #Poetry: Wordcraft Prose and Poetry and Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose
Thank you so much to Balroop Singh for these wonderful reviews of Colleen Chesebro’s Wordcraft Prose and Poetry and Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose. So thrilled.
Do pop over to Balroop’s blog to find out more: https://balroop2013.wordpress.com/2021/06/03/bookreviews-prose-poetry/
Share this:
Book Review of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry: The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry @ColleenChesebro
Amazon Synopsis:
Are you ready to learn how to craft Japanese and American poetry? Consider this book the first step on your journey to learning the basics of how to craft syllabic poetry. Inside, you will discover many new forms, syllable combinations, and interpretations of the different Japanese and American forms and structures of haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, renga/solo renga, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, the cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, and shadorma poetry.
So… what are you waiting for? Let’s craft syllabic poetry together!
My review
Word Craft: Prose & Poetry: The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry by Colleen M. ChesebroMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a comprehensive guide covering both American and Japanese poetry including Haiku, Senryu, Haiga, Tanka, Gogyohka, Haibun, Renga, Crapsey Cinquain Etheree, Nonet, Shadorma, and variations, as well as examples of all the forms and recaps to refresh the memory too.
It is written in such a way that it is easy to understand and get the most from.
The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry begins with an introduction to how Colleen’s journey began – her poetry community, and goes on to discuss definitions of “meter, syllable, and stresses,” and the hard work required to find your creative soul. She suggests ways to encourage creativity, and talks about figurative language too.
It is clear that author Colleen Chesebro has put her heart and soul into this guide and loves helping others to be the best poets they can be. She runs a wonderful community of poets with weekly prompts, (which again must be an incredible amount of work,) and is now expanding her repertoire to include online submissions to her poetry venture with poet JulesPaige. Colleen is also a co-editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse,” at wordweavingpoetryjournal.com more about that below in her Bio.
What an incredible amount of work, dedication and research has gone into this book and into everything that Colleen Chesebro does.
It is a wonderful resource for both new students of poetry to learn and to refer to whilst writing poetry and for old hands, (such as me,) to jog our memories and to avoid making careless mistakes about the forms!
There is a bibliography at the end with the names/links/detail of all the poets who have contributed to the anthology. I’m delighted that my #Garland #Cinquain poem is included amongst this section along with so many awesome contributions from poetry community members.
My recommendation: This is a fabulous book, and one that Colleen Chesebro should be very proud of.
5 stars. I’ll be buying a paperback to use as a resource.
View all my reviews
Biography
Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called Tanka Tuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry.
Along with JulesPaige, Colleen is also a co-editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse,” at wordweavingpoetryjournal.com. The debut issue of this journal will publish in October 2021.
Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in various other online publications. Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for Carrot Ranch. Colleen’s poetry has poetry in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures,” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read” in 2020.
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
Find Colleen’s author blog at colleenchesebro.com
Share this:
Book Review The Sensaurum and The Lexis by Richard Dee @RichardDockett1 #Book #Review #Steampunk
Synopsis
Is Jackson Thwaite ready to discover the secret of Makewright Orphanage?
Although he doesn’t know it, he has been selected to be part of something vital to the land of his birth.
Norlandia is a country under threat, as never before. The old heroes are but a memory, while evil forces gather, seeking power. They are armed with the latest devices that perverted science has devised. Control of Norlandia and everyone in it is their ultimate aim.
Who will stand in their way?
Under the command of the mysterious Mortimer Langdon, all that stands between civilisation and anarchy are Jackson and the rest of The Orphan Detectives.
Beta readers comments.
“A fantastical world filled with gears, pneumatics, airships, and intrigue aplenty that kept everyone on their toes. It has that rare ability to pull you deep into the story even when things are building and moving slowly, you sit down to read for a few minutes and all of a sudden; its hours later!”
Is Jackson Thwaite ready to discover the secret of Makewright Orphanage?
Although he doesn’t know it, he has been selected to be part of something vital to the land of his birth.
The Sensaurum and the Lexis by Richard Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was curious to discover more about steampunk… and this has confirmed how interesting and different this genre is.
The Sensaurum and The Lexis is a Steampunk Spying mission story set in Norlandia with lots of fascinating details, secrets and discoveries.
You can expect… unscrupulous scientific experimentation, artificial limbs, flying machines, The Watchmen, (law of Norlandia,) a beast called the Drogan, spy accouterments, (007 for orphans!) the Rotaplane, walking exo-men, and other such imaginative wonders. Oaths to be made, secrets and lessons to be learnt, the ever-present fear of discovery, or dying on duty, as well as shameful moments to boot!
The main character Jackson Thwaite’s father and mother die in a terrible accident in a factory whilst making artificial limbs for the government. Intriguing, or what? Fellow spy Jessemine Batterlee is plucky and resourceful!
Relationships are forged and questioned – Is it a good idea to fall in love if you are a spy?
Richard Dee does a great job world building and creating wonderfully engaging characters.
Really loved this. Great story and great fun! 5 stars. Highly recommended.
Authors Website: https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 