Tag: book review

Blog Tour Day 5 Midnight Garden -Wordcrafter #darkfiction #shortstories #blogtour @DIY_Author @RobertaEaton17 @PaulKaneShadow @JosephCarrabis

Day 5 – Midnight Garden Tour

Delighted to present to you Midnight Garden which is an outstandingly brilliant dark fiction anthology, I’m honoured to be included in. Today I present to you two authors in the anthology Abe Martel and Molly Ertel. More about them both below. Do follow all the stops in the anthology and remember to comment on each stop in order to be entered into the giveaway, giveaway details below…


About Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow


17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest Midnight Garden… if you dare.


Giveaway

https://writingtoberead.com/2024/10/07/welcome-to-the-wordcrafter-midnight-garden-book-blog-tour/


Three lucky winners will receive a digital copy of Midnight Garden in a random drawing following the tour. All you have to do to enter is follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop that you visit.
If you miss a stop, you can go back and visit through the links in the schedule below. (Links won’t work until the stop goes live).

Monday – October 7 – M.J. Mallon: Interview & Reading from “The Seagull Man” – Writing to be Read

Tuesday – October 8 – Danaeka Scrimshaw: Inspiration for “The Fae Game” & Denise Aparo: Reading from “Jack Moon & the Vanishing Book” – Roberta Writes

Wednesday – October 9 – Joseph Carrabis: Reading of “The Last Drop” & Inspiration for “Striders” – Paul Martz

Thursday – October 10 – Paul Martz: Reading & Inspiration for “The Blackest Ink” – Writing to be Read

Friday – October 11 – Molly Ertel: Inspiration Reading from “Antipenultimate” & Abe Margel: Inspiration for “My Balance” – Kyrosmagica

Saturday – October 12 – Paul Kane: Inspiration for “Drip Feed” & Joseph Carrabis: Reading of “Grande Ture” – Undawnted

Sunday – October 13 – DL Mullan: Reading from “Kurst” & Ell Rodman: Inspiration for “The Drummer” – BookPlaces

Monday – October 14 – Joseph Carrabis: Reading of “The Exchange” & Inspiration for “The Tomb”) – Writing to be Read

Buying Link: https://books2read.com/MidnightGardenAnthology

Inspiration for “My Balance” by Abe Margel

How much do we really know about our neighbours?
Whether you live on a farm, in an apartment or a house you probably know little about your neighbours’ lives. What have you learned about the purple hair woman you’ve shared an elevator with a dozen times, the one that lives on the sixth floor? For two years you’ve bumped into each other in the same little cubicle, nodded hello then stared at the wall. Who is she? What’s her job? Does she have a husband, kids, a python, a hash pipe?
The fellow with the dragon tattoos that lives right next door to you, the guy who just built a tree house for his five kids, what does he do for a living? Why do you never see his wife, the mother of all those children? Who’s white van is parked in his driveway every Tuesday night from exactly nine-fifteen to exactly eleven-fifteen?
Of course you could ask them but then they might have questions of their own. Why is a young woman like you always dressed in navy blue, and only navy blue; navy blue skirt, top, shoes, socks, coat, mittens, scarf, hat? And what happened to the engagement ring you were wearing last month? Why did it disappear? Well, it’s none of their business is it? Is it?

The fictional story, My Balance, grew out of a conversation with a friend. Andre had been in an accident and told me how difficult it was for him to get around in the walking cast he was now required to use. After months of rolling around in the back of my mind a plot emerged. I envisioned a man in a walking cast returning from the hospital to his empty home. On his street he is surprised to discover an ambulance is sitting by his neighbour’s house. The story’s main character, George Fitzpatrick, is a divorced middle-aged man who’s balance is literally and emotionally off. His irascible neighbour, Francis Allard, is largely a mystery to George.
We learn in the story that as difficult a person to like as Francis was, he nevertheless seems to have had a soft spot for George. Or did he? Exactly how little George knew about Francis becomes clear as the narrative progresses to its troublesome end.



About Abe Margel


Abe Margel worked in rehabilitation and mental health for thirty years. He is the father of two adult
children and lives in Thornhill, Ontario with his wife. His fiction has appeared in Spadina Literary Review,
Mystery Tribune, BarBar, 7 th  – Circle Pyrite, Yellow Mama, Ariel Chart, Uppagus, etc.

Inspiration for “Antepenultimate” by Molly Ertel Reading
https://youtu.be/XHUgCIPDMHQ


About Molly Ertel


Molly Ertel’s short stories have appeared in Akashic Books, Jerry Jazz Magazine, and the Dark City Crime and Mystery Magazine. Additionally, she was a reader/editor for the Silver Blade Anthology. She has recently completed the first book in a two-book series for middle grade readers, Jujube at the End of the World, set during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The second book has been written and is undergoing the rewriting process. Other projects include a middle grade novel about an environmentally-conscious ghost and a possible visit to a rage room as the basis for a short fiction.

Enjoy spooky reads!

Check out all the Youtube videos about author stories:

“Jack Moon and the Vanishing Book”: https://youtu.be/qmhkgXslA9o

“The Seagull Man”: https://youtu.be/sgsCgd7y1ds

“The Blackest Ink”: https://youtu.be/KJD4Xd-7Va4

“Antepenultimate”: https://youtu.be/XHUgCIPDMHQ

“The Last Drop”: https://youtu.be/MeVOnnd62GM

“The Exchange”: https://youtu.be/8imZAd_Ug6Y

“Grande Ture”: https://youtu.be/iOKyI0fG9Qg

Recent Book Reviews: Indie Visible #bookreviews #indiebooks #poetry #shortstories Amy B Garratt, Claire O’Connor, Tristen Willis

Amy B Garratt

Memories of 2023 It Lingers On Within Me

The latest collection from Amy B Garratt is beautifully written. Topics are diverse and include: motherhood, the gardener  (her mother,) romance, the community of performance poets, (rabbiting on,) writers: One, ‘We are the ones,’  birthdays and favourite things, conquering demons, nature, forests, and the seasons including Christmas, and New Year with a loved one.

Amy B Garratt’s personal poems about pain: Glass, Blooms, and the difficulties loving oneself: Past,  along with love poems such as the poem : One,’ … ‘intertwining our love strings,’ were amongst my favourites.

There is some lovely imagery in the heartwrenching poem Glass. And I absolutely loved Paper Chain, which begins: ‘I am a paper chain person.’

An absolute pleasure to read.

5 stars from me.

Vignettes & Verses by Claire O’Connor

An unusual somewhat quirky collection of short stories/micro fiction and poetry.

I enjoyed this short read. Especially, the personal connection I had from the poem, ‘My Balcony,’ which I found relatable. The pleasures of life written so succinctly from the vantage point of being somewhat removed but close to it all.

Other favourites include: Tea and Apathy, Homage To The Stag, The Hag of Beara, Elephant Woman and the poignant Flour Sacks To Petticoats.

Nice to discover a new short fiction/poet author to me via indie visible services. 

Rating: 4 stars

Love Bytes & Gossip

Love Bytes & Gossip by Tristen Willis

(Insurance of the heart novella book 2)

An office second chance romance (after Hannah’s breakup,) develops  between Hannah and the new IT guy Jeremy!  It seems that Jeremy has more to him and Hannah becomes more interested to find out more. An enjoyable sweet short read only 104 pages which also includes some gossipy style office toilet humour.

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Indie Visible is an indie promotional service organised by Hayley on Instagram. Highly recommend.

Here’s the link:

https://linktr.ee/indievisibleevents?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabmqYbug2t3uH2gZQo_sk7uxyFfILg0ae81M9Faui40QlVo5wqm5AWwulM_aem_VKRdh10O7bk1dbGAGVnXow

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

Book Overview

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

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

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

My Review

The School Of Dreams, Book 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

They all have different backgrounds and obstacles to overcome.

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

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

My rating 5 🌟

Author Bio

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

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

I’ve also written a psychological mental health book.

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

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

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

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

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

Julia Sutton is one of my favourite contemporary romancy authors!

Bloodstone is on #free #kindle #offer #deal #review @bookbub @amazonkindle

News! My YA Fantasy, Bloodstone is on kindle free offer/bookbub deal for a limited time.

https://www.bookbub.com/books/bloodstone-by-m-j-mallon/

And to celebrate I’m sharing the latest review for Bloodstone on Amazon. Many thanks to all the reviewers and enthusiastic readers who take time out of their busy days to review out books! Thank you Dan Costinas.

Latest Media Kit: Bloodstone (The Curse of Time Book 1) @NextChapterPB #YA #Fantasy #Release

Available in wide Distribution :  Kobo, Scribl, Smashwords, Nook, etc and in paperback &  hardback in Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and audiobook, etc:  

https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

UK Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodstone-Paranormal-Fantasy-Adventure-Curse-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

US Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-M-J-Mallon-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

Review: Shh Purely Poetry #Poetry #Review @nnp_w_light

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

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

 

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

 

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

N.N. Night’s Rating: 5+ stars

 

Buy it Now:   

 

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Blurb

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author Websites:

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

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

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

BLURB

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

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

But will it always be for the better?

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

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

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

Book Review

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

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

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

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

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

My rating 4 stars

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

About the author

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

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

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

I hope my ancestors helped provide some inspiration as well.

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

Blog Tour Stops

Book Review Whisper of Magic @helen_pryke #bookreview #magic

Whisper of Magic  by Helen Pryke

Blurb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The skeletal cat and mouse had me smiling and chuckling!

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

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

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

Different and imaginatively so!

Highly recommended, definitely 5 stars! 

Author Bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review

My review

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

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

My rating 5 stars

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

Author Bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Overview

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

My Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating 4.5 stars

To like my review on Goodreads follow the link:

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

To like my review on my Instagram follow my link:

Author Bio

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

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