Tag: book review

Book Review: The Raggedy Man Wisp III #fantasy #book #review

Version 1.0.0

Book Review of Raggedy Man by Adele Marie Park

The Raggedy Man Book 3

This is the third in the Marsh Faerie, Law Giver Wisp series, all of which I have enjoyed.

Beautifully written, this fantasy novel demonstrates the imaginative prowess of the author and brings this series to its imaginative and exciting conclusion.

Aspects:

War torn Edra
Dark Magic
Dryads
Plague/Cleansing the planet
The giants
The black death of trees
Dragon transformation
Scrying orbs
The scriveagel, primal terror
Lgbt aspect

Highly recommended for fantasy fans.

My rating 5 stars

Adele Park profile image

Adele Park

I love writing, it`s my passion. My genres include fantasy, horror, urban fantasy, and a mixture of all those. I love telling stories;period. I am married to my wonderful wife, who is my rock. Our daughter and our dog, german shepherd collie cross, are also my passions. To experience a moment of pure love is to experience the world.

Creativity is something I couldn`t live without.

I am also a Supernatural geek, and love my music. Punk, Goth, Rockabilly and visual Kei music from Japan.

The paranormal is my normal.

Oh, and I also totally believe in faeries.

Authors Blog: https://adelemariepark2.wordpress.com/

Book Review Say Yes To Everything #bookreview #Christmas #Read @northwood_e

Synopsis

Kate Massey has lost her Christmas spirit.

No mince pies, mistletoe, and merriment for her this year! She’s back at home, living with her parents, with no money, no job, and no man.

Alison, her private detective sister, believes Kate needs to get out of the house and broaden her horizons, so she challenges her to a deal. If Kate agrees to wear a hidden microphone and says yes to everything, until New Year’s Day, Alison will set her up in a flat and get her out from under her parents’ feet.

Kate agrees, and Alison drags her to the job centre. Once there, she encounters Mike, a grumpy civil servant and ex-classmate who is pricklier than a sprig of holly and holds a grudge worse than the Grinch. He gets her a job interview to be a pixie in the local shopping centre, hoping to reap his revenge.

As the countdown to the holiday season continues, Mike expects her to fail. But Kate’s new job and her obligation to say yes to everything opens more doors than she could ever imagine, even though not all of them are positive.

Can Kate keep her promise to her sister, step out of her comfort zone, find herself and fall in love, or will life have other plans for Kat Massey the cute Christmas pixie?

Say Yes To Everything – Book Review

This is such a lovely read to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas. It’s funny, cute and a sweet romance too, with family filled moments celebrating the kind values of Christmas.

I loved the two sisters, the elder super confident Alison and Kate who is less so. The pact – for Kate to say yes to everything, perhaps turn her life around, and move on after the melancholy caused by her broken relationship. Of course, saying yes to everything leads to a lot of fun, crazy moments and character development too!

The addition of Mike’s vengeful storyline and the neighbour Arthur also added another layer to the tale which I really enjoyed. As did the mystery about Kate’s father’s long walks!

The revelations at the end were well devised and entertaining.

So readers, expect Santa’s grotto, and the inhabitants of, i.e., Kate the Christmas pixie, the grinch, etc, what we hanker for at Christmas. So bring it on!

A fun seasonal read 📚 I can recommend from an author who I really enjoy – 5 stars.

Thank you to the author Michele E. Northwood Author for an ARC copy which I’m pleased to share my views of.

#Christmasread#arc#review#bookrecommendation

#Bookstagram#bookstoread#funread#authorssupportingauthors#humour#romance

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

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: A – Z of Warwick by @scskillman #Warwick #bookreview

Synopsis

The county town of Warwick is famous for its magnificent castle rising above the River Avon but there is much more to this historic town. Although many medieval houses were destroyed by the Great Fire of 1694, buildings from an earlier age can still be found, including its oldest hostelry, The Roebuck, and Lord Leycester Hospital. Local historic characters include Warwick the Kingmaker, world champion boxer Randolph Turpin and socialite and campaigner Daisy, Countess of Warwick, as well as the ichthyosaur in the Market Hall Museum, and the town’s many events include a Victorian evening and annual folk festival.A–Z of Warwick reveals the history behind the town, its streets and buildings, businesses and the people connected with it. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Warwickshire town.

My review

Thank you to the author S C Skillman and her publisher for sending me an ARC of A- Z of Warwick.

This alphabetical compendium of Warwick is beautifully illustrated with photographs and each alphabetical letter details a topic and begins with a appropriate quote from literature. Letter A Actors at Playbox Theatre begins with a quote from Midsummer night’s Dream.

I was interested to learn that this theatre is the ‘UK’s first purpose-built and designed theatre for young people.’

Thereafter there continues, details on Mediaeval Bridges, Gardens, Period properties: the County Mental Hospital, Historic court house, Dungeon at The County Gaol, East Gate, Eagles at Warwich Castle, Folk Festival…, the Great Fire of Warwick, etc, and the people of Warwick.

I particularly enjoyed the sections on gardens, (Hill Close Gardens, Master’s Garden, Mill Garden,) wildlife haven of Kingfisher Pool, Fossils, (200 million year old Ichthyosaur, and Oisin, the Irish Giant Deer,) Incarcerations: Thomas Beauchamp ‘was fighting in the war in France; his exploits there earned him the nickname ‘the devil Warwick,’ the statue and detail about Randolph Turpin ‘commemorating Britain’s first black world champion professional boxer,’ Warwick a Singing Town and the detail about the Playbox Theatre.

There are many historical details about Warwick people and its history, so highly recommended for history buffs.

There is much to be gained from reading and enjoying A – Z of Warwick for people who both live in Warwick and for those outside the area who would like to discover more about it. The author S C Skillman must have done a huge amount of research to create this excellent and interesting resource.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5987469738

Author Bio

S. C. Skillman is a writer of psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction, who has lived in Warwickshire for over twenty years. She has also an interest in the local history of her area and the neighbouring counties.

Author Blog: https://scskillman.com/

Signature

Book Review: Things on A Tree @dlfinnauthor #middlegrade #Christmas #story #kids

Synopsis

What a way to spend Christmas Eve! Thirteen-year-old Aimee is sick and missing her dad, who died in a car accident last year. While the rest of her family are outside playing in the snow, she is alone by their Christmas tree. Aimee sighs as the tears begin to fall. She wishes she still believed in Santa Claus. Then she could ask him to change the last year. Yeah, right, she thought. She turns away from the tree, and falls asleep. Later that night, Aimee awakens to a strange noise. Clink! Clink! Clink! Her fever must be higher than she thought, because she can’t believe what she is seeing running down her purple blanket! But everything that was happening to her was very real, including the fact someone wanted her dead. Aimee was thrust into a world of magic, wonder and greed. Her journey takes her from her snowy rooftop, to the streets of New York and the North Pole with the promise to return her father to her family. Was her wish coming true or was there more to this. Who could she trust when things aren’t always what they seem?

2016 Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist!

My review:

Things on a Tree by D.L. Finn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a lovely and unusual story about saving Christmas and believing in yourself from D L Finn. The main protagonist young Aimee is sick on Christmas eve with a temperature of a 102. She misses her dad who has passed away. She begins to think she is seeing, or hearing things due to her fever.  All sorts of extraordinary happenings occur, like ornaments coming to life and animals becoming humans. Santa, magic dust, the kittens, danger, becoming the caretaker of the forest, a dubious elf, humour, grandma, her uncle, etc, are all intriguing elements/characters.

Who is who? And who are the bad guy/s, trying to control the North pole, divesting it of magic? Is Santa a good guy? And can there be a happy ending?

And what can Aimee’s special part be in all of this?

The tale has the added bonus of great illustrations.  It is a lively and fun story to whet your appetite for the forthcoming Christmas season!

I really enjoyed this imaginative family Christmas story for middle grade kids and I’m sure adults will enjoy it too!

Read on kindle unlimited

View all my reviews

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 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. 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, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her. https://dlfinnauthor.com/

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

Follow my reviews on https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

Review of The Rockstar & The Outlaw @GodsAngel1 #bookreview #time-travel #adventure #western #outlaw #rockstar

Synopsis

A time-traveler oversteps his boundaries in 1887. Things get out of hand quickly, and he is hanged, setting in motion a series of events from which there’s no turning back. In 1887, LeRoy McAllister is a reluctant outlaw running from a posse with nowhere to go except to the future. In 2025, Amaryllis Sanchez is a thrill-seeking rock star on the fast track, who killed her dealing boyfriend to save herself. Now, she’s running from the law and his drug stealing flunkies, and nowhere is safe. LeRoy falls hard for the rock star, thinking he can save her by taking her back with him. But when they arrive in 1887, things turn crazy fast, and soon they’re running from both the outlaws and the posse, in peril once more. They can’t go back to the future, so it looks like they’re stuck in the past. But either when, they must face forces that would either lock them up or see them dead.

My Review

Well this was nothing like I’ve read before!

A time travelling western – what fun, flitting from 1887 to 2025.  Loved the characters, especially feisty Rockstar Amaryllis who does her worst to get away from Vegas drug dealer lover Claude. There’s lots of excitement, high speed chases, some love scenes, jail breaks, time travelling ripple effects,  and the threat of a noose around the neck is never far away!

I also enjoyed Cowboy who she takes a shine to and Monchique, Amaryllis’s best friend, a gnarled  psychic who isn’t old but sure looks it due to Werners Syndrome.

Loved the direction the ‘ending’ went with the sense there is more to come.

Highly imaginative and so entertaining! Really enjoyed.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. Opinions given are my own.

My rating 4 stars. Very entertaining!

Kaye Lynn Booth’s Blog: https://writingtoberead.com/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/

Buying Link:

Signature

Writing to be Read #thankyou for the #poetry #book #review from Kaye Lynn Booth @GodsAngel1 : The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet

Many thanks to Kaye Lynn Booth of Writing To Be Read for this review of The Hedge Witch.

About the Book

Book Cover: A girl sitting in trees with eagle flying above on dark background. Text: The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, Poems & Flash Fiction by M J Mallon

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a collection of poetry and flash fiction celebrating the beautiful vulnerability of the forest kingdom. It begins with the poetic tale of the kind-hearted Hedge Witch, Fern, who discovers an injured stranger in desperate need of her woodland spells and magic.

The sweet pairing learn from each other and through Fern’s guidance, Devin embraces the power of magic to leave behind his troubled past to become The Musical Poet.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hedge-Witch-Musical-Poet-Fiction-ebook/dp/B0B56G2GHT//

Review

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, by M J Mallon is a lovely poetic collection which forms a lyrical tale of a man found in the forest and transformed, with the help of the Hedge Witch, into the poet the forest needs him to be. This enchanting tale unravels through a combination of flash fiction and poetry which explores magical realms and celebrates the forest. The playful, happy tone makes this tale the perfect short read for a palate cleanser after a more serious story where the fate of the world is at stake, or following a deep dive into the human psyche. It’s also a light story which can be consumed within a half hour or so, if you’ve got some time to kill. I used it as both, since I read it twice.

Delightfully entertaining, Kaye gives The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet five quills.

Kaye Lynn Booth

________________________________________________________________

Related

May 15, 2021 In “Author Profile”

Book Cover Dark and scary graveyard background Text: Midnight Roost, Weird and Creepy Stories, A WordCrafterr Anthology, Edited by Kaye Lynne Booth

Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories

https://writingtoberead.com/2023/10/28/book-review-the-hedge-witch-the-musical-poet/

Book Review: Amanda in New Mexico @supermegawoman #halloweenreads #kidsreads #travel #newmexico

Synopsis

Amanda Ross is on a school trip to Taos, New Mexico with several of her fellow creative students. She shares a room with Cleo, an anxious classmate who insists she sees ghosts. Although Amanda is determined to prove there is no such thing, she can’t seem to shake the feeling that something or someone is watching her.

Join Amanda, Cleo and their funny friend, Caleb, as they visit a rugged and beautiful landscape where a traditional hacienda, an ancient pueblo, and a haunted and spooky hotel all hold secrets to a wild and violent past.

Does Cleo really see ghosts? Can Amanda escape the eerie wind that follows her everywhere? Perhaps The Day of the Dead will reveal the mysteries of Taos in this latest adventure of Amanda’s travels.

My review

Amanda in New Mexico Ghosts In The Wind

It’s always fun to read an Amanda adventure. This one is set in the mountains, in Taos in New Mexico.  I’ve read several in the series now and can recommend.   This was a lovely halloween and anytime read for kids and educational too. In this book the other two main characters are Caleb, a cute, jokey boy, and Cleo who is afraid of ghosts. Amanda is our intrepid explorer who writes for kidblog. I particularly enjoyed the sections on The Day of The Dead, wild west characters, and the spooky bits! The ending had a nice uplifting touch which made me smile.

It’s always a joy to go travelling with Amanda!

Highly recommended for kids and sure their adults will enjoy too!

Read via Kindle unlimited

My rating: 5 stars

Author Bio

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia. http://www.darlenefoster.ca

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:

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 🌟

Home