Tag: Book

Giveaway #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooksGiveaway

There is an amazing giveaway currently running on my Instagram and other social media accounts to win lots of amazing books. Including the first book in my YA Fantasy series Bloodstone.

Enter to win 24 fantasy and science fiction books!
1. Like this post
2. Follow the authors for updates and information about future books and giveaways
3. Sign up here!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

As a special bonus… if you use the link you’ll receive after you sign up, you can share the giveaway! Why would you want to do this? Because if you refer your friends to enter the contest, you’ll actually INCREASE your chances of winning (just one friend referred will quadruple your chances). And, who doesn’t love more books?

Follow these authors on Instagram and like and share their giveaway posts:

@author.markpiggot https://www.instagram.com/author.markpiggott/
@lindalingwrites https://www.instagram.com/lindalingwrites/
@llgrayauthor https://www.instagram.com/llgrayauthor/
@authorcourtneydavis https://www.instagram.com/authorcourtneydavis/
@amenajamali.author https://www.instagram.com/amenajamali.author/

@laurajaylive https://www.instagram.com/laurajaylive/
@author.jamie.samland https://www.instagram.com/author.jamie.samland/
@imperativepress https://www.instagram.com/imperativepress/
@gemmaclatworthy https://www.instagram.com/gemmaclatworthy/
@jessie.j.webb https://www.instagram.com/jessie.j.webb/

@davidjharrisonwriter https://www.instagram.com/davidjharrisonwriter/
@ms.c.ingscribbles https://www.instagram.com/ms.c.ingscribbles/
@patrickjohnwrites https://www.instagram.com/patrickjohnswrites/
@c.h.smith_author https://www.instagram.com/c.h.smith_author/
@lucy_a_mclaren https://www.instagram.com/lucy_a_mclaren/

@jordanskellerauthor https://www.instagram.com/jordanskellerauthor/
@aashtonwriter https://www.instagram.com/aashtonwriter/
@marktimmony https://www.instagram.com/marktimmony/
@jkansanen https://www.instagram.com/jkansanen/
@refractedcreative https://www.instagram.com/refractedcreative/

@j.kdivia https://www.instagram.com/j.kdivia/
@rachaneelumayno https://www.instagram.com/rachaneelumayno/
@mjmallonauthor https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sign up and share to increase your chances!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

Amena has created this listopia of all the authors books on Goodreads – you can vote for your favourites there.

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/185004.Fantastical_Books_of_the_Fantasy_Sci_Fi_Writers_Alliance

#bookstagramfollow #bookstagram #bookgiveaway #bookstagramgiveaway #tbr #books #reading #amreading #fiction #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooks

Bloodstone is part one of a two part series with more spin off stories to come. It is available in kindle, paperback hardback and audiobook. Book 2 Golden Healer is to be released in audiobook soon.

BLURB

I didn’t think my life could get weirder, but I was wrong…

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.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book Review: Fortune’s Well Project Pandora #supernatural #series

Evil doesn’t stay buried forever…

A few weeks have passed since that nightmarish summer, and for JJ Carson the future is uncertain.

Thrown into care and banned from seeing his uncle, the strange mist that follows him around has become his one and only companion.
Each day it grows stronger and more powerful, but that only draws the attention of a strange doctor with an even darker plan.

As for Darcie Duffield, life is back to normal, as she returns to school and desperately tries to forget the boy she met at the river, and the mysterious power he possessed.

But when her friend goes missing, and a ghost from the past returns, Darcie realises she’s barely scratched the surface of Fortune’s Well’s hidden secrets, and the sinister truth that lies beneath

My review

Highly entertaining novel from two authors I really admire. What a page turner! Loved it. One word sums it up perfectly: exciting!

This is full of supernatural excitement, teen emotion, (loved the relationship vibes between J J and Darcie,) and magical powers!

There is a fair amount of dialogue in this book but the speech is written enviably well that it manages to carry the story seamessly.

You would not guess this is written by two authors, it flows so naturally.

The plot is well devised carrying on with ease from the 1st book in the series, Fortune’s Well Book 1 Hangman’s Revenge, which I read and enjoyed very much.

There is a curious and explosive episode about the mirror girl that leaves me wondering hey how did that happen! The ending brings exciting elements that will encourage the reader into the next book, Fortune’s Well, Book 3, Days End.

There is an awesome teaser snippet at the end.

Look forward to reading more in this enticing supernatural series! Highly recommended.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon #poetry #flashfiction #review by @scskillman

Thank you so much to S. C. Skillman for this wonderful 5 star review of my latest poetry, flash fiction and photography book Do What You Love which is currently on preorder on Amazon.

Releases 25th November.

REVIEW:

I have read this author’s work before: young adult novels, poetry and flash fiction, and I love her imaginative handling of the magical, the phantasmagorical and surreal. This short book is no exception to the quality of MJ Mallon’s output. I found her exploration of her past life captivating.

We may consider that the inclusion of often very personal material in a compilation of this sort would make it difficult for the outside reader to find a way in. This is not true at all of MJ Mallon’s poetry and prose: in many places, I related so much to what she writes, especially about a daughter ‘flying the nest’ to a faraway country. I particularly loved the device MJ Mallon uses to draw all this together: she presents it as a conversation with Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology: the Morai.

Atropos presides over the past. I thought this worked extremely well as a central metaphor. It had me googling the three Fates, and reading all about them: Clotho, who spins the threads of life, guardian of the present; Lachesis, who measures the length of life with her measuring rod, and is guardian of the future: and Atropos, who is the guardian of fate and destiny, and who chooses the manner of death by snipping the threads of an individual’s life.

MJ Mallon has had a fascinating and varied life experience: born in Singapore, she spent her childhood in Hong Kong and her teens in Edinburgh. She now lives in Cambridge. Every culture she has lived in, I believe, has influenced her imagination, her interests and her approach as a writer. In this book, we find a compilation of words and images which draw us in: poignant, sensitive, delicate, playful, as she opens up for us her past and present relationships, the places she has loved and spent time in, and her thoughts and feelings about it all.

A highly recommended book for you.

https://scskillman.com/2022/10/31/book-review-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-by-mj-mallon/

The Necromancer’s Daughter #review #blog tour #excerpt October 5th 2022. @Dwallacepeach

Thrilled to support Diana in her blog tour for The Necromancer’s Daughter which I loved!

From Diana: Today I thought I’d share a snippet from Chapter 9 when Aster’s life takes a terrible turn:

In silence but for her heart’s pounding, Aster poured the tea and handed a wobbling cup to each man. As she knelt on the mat at her father’s knee, she stared at her pale hands. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders in a wild white froth. When she was a little thing, her father had called her his snow fairy, but in truth, she was nothing so delicate or whimsical. In contrast to the sunny complexions of Verdane, she was as ashen as death. 

The king waited for her compliance, but how could she agree? Desperation marred his reasoning. She knew nothing about ruling, nothing about courtly manners or intrigue, or the tenets that underlay the Red Order’s intolerant faith. The kingdom’s powerful would trample her into the ground and seal her grave. 

Blurb:

A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.

Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.

While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.

Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.

A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.

***

My review

The Necromancer’s Daughter by D. Wallace Peach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a beautifully written fantasy book. Stunning prose, engaging characters and a simple but effective plot weave a rich tale of the love of a daughter for her father, and the concerns and morality of awakening the dead.

I loved it from start to finish. There is conflict, uncertainty and excitement, heartfelt scenes, and tender moments in this story.

Aster is a lovely character who the reader can’t help but warm to. The love interest between her and Joreh isn’t overstated, neither does it dominate the plot, instead their relationship gently grows as the story unfolds. I also love her father, Barus.

I was so glad how the story conclusion held such a complete awareness and understanding of love and life in such a sweet fulfilling way. I better say no more for fear of spoiling it for you!

I was also interested to read the inspiration behind the story – a retelling of the story of Kwan-yin from Chinese mythology. And the dragons… they were larger than life! And boy did they like their apples!



View all my reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Author bio:

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked. 

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography. 

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes. 

***

Links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach/dp/B0B9FY6YZJ

IN: https://www.amazon.in/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/D.-Wallace-Peach/e/B00CLKLXP8

Website/Blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com

Website/Books: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dwallacepeach

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-necromancers-daughter-d-wallce-peach/1142003172

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-necromancer-s-daughter-1

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-necromancers-daughter/id6443278849

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1160370

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book Review Magic Bound: The Haven Chronicles Book 2 #new #release #arc @FisWritingHaven @Burning_Chair

.

The magic returns.

When Hartley Keg and Blessing go missing, Steve Haven, the young heir to the Haven Robotics Corporation, once again finds himself plunged back into the chaos of Darkacre.

Teaming up with the darkling, he finds himself on the run from the Council and their enforcers, the Hidden, as he seeks to keep safe those he holds most dear.

Things are complicated further when a new player emerges: the Parity, who are far too keen in the Haven Corporation, and the magical device which nearly led to its destruction.

What follows is a race not only against time but through a series of worlds, each more fantastical and dangerous than the last, as Steve and his friends try to keep one step ahead of their pursuers.

Magic Bound is the second adventure in the Haven Chronicles, following on from Haven Wakes, a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi which has been described by readers as “shades of Artemis Fowl, hints of Harry Potter… and Skulduggery Pleasant”.

My review – ARC copy releases 2nd August

Magic Bound is the 2nd book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed book 1, Haven Wakes.

The second book continues the adventures of schoolboy Steve. It begins with the revelation that Hartley and Blessing have disappeared. Initially, I found the storyline a little difficult to follow but it certainly becomes more engaging the further I read with shots fired and an armed grenade!

It is a fun filled fantasy adventure I enjoyed. There is quite a lot going on in this second book with many new characters/organisations/operatives to get to grips with… the council, the three sisters at the sanctuary, the revenants, the parity, the grayling, the cyclops to name but a few.

I loved the magic of Hartley’s pixie tailor, the omnometer and the squirrel mail! And the robots. The dashes of perfectly placed humour brings further smiles as it did in book 1.

In book 2 young Steve turns 13! Now a teenager!

Note: Little mention is made of Steve’s parents in either book 1 or 2. Even less so in book 2. The emphasis being on Steve’s adventures, new experiences, and new friends.

Recommended for magic, sci fi and fantasy fans whether young or old!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

MJ’s Book Reviews: Fishnets In The Far East by Michele E. Northwood @northwood_e @nextchapterpb #nextchapterpub

Blurb

A young dancer’s naive dream of working in the Far East turns into a nightmare.

She finds herself in a plethora of situations which she is ill-equipped to deal with. Dancing her way across South Korea with two friends, she is propositioned by the Mafia, turned away by the British Embassy, caught in a student riot, and taken to Korean brothels.

At times both shocking and humorous, this is the story of a timid young girl finding her voice and learning to stand up for herself in a male-orientated world of alcohol, sex and seedy nightclubs.

Fishnets in the Far East: A Dancer’s Diary in Korea by Michele E. Northwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My eldest daughter spent a year in South Korea Teaching English As a Foreign Language so I was curious to pick up this memoir of the author’s experiences. I am glad that I did. It was so funny! Lighthearted and fun. There’s a lot to recommend Fishnets with the antics of the dancers, their differing personalities, all three: Michele, Louise and Sharon are so different.

Follow their crazy madcap adventures: the motorbike episode, strip bars, dancing disco spots, unsalubrious dives, food, (and the desire to eat!) kim chi, hooker hill, and details of the national drink – soju (which is lethal.)

The poor dancers experiences are absolutely horrendous with death threats, misognistic behaviour, danger, rats (furry and not.) The hysterical male performer and his furry g string will remain in my mind forever as will Sharon’s insatiable appetite for men, Mr. Lee’s ‘no work,’ the Korean’s love letter to Michelle and the threat of starvatian to boot!


And poor Louise and Sharon’s extra curvy figures being referred to in derogatory terms as the: ‘Travelling elephant Show.’

I listened on audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed.

5 stars



View all my reviews

Please follow my bookstagram for latest reviews, recommendations and blog tours: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

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
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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

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

The Black Fire Chronicles – Origins by Kim Rigby @KimRigby27 #fantasy #adventure #MG

Synopsis

One afternoon, Andrew Adler’s average 12-year old life changes forever. He is thrust into a world of excitement and fantasy when his loyal dog Ralph begins to talk and he learns that his dad is in danger.
Who are the sinister race of creatures that kidnapped Andrew’s dad? Why do they grow the curious herb, Black Fire? And how can Andrew and Ralph stop the disastrous – and sometimes funny – effect Black Fire is having on the human population?
With the clever Ralph as his companion, Andrew discovers the vast and mysterious underground world of Vellistrian, the powerful and ancient race of the Pisal and the most indestructible of fighting opponents. Only then does he recognize true courage within himself.

My review

This was a fun middle grade adventure read for a younger audience. I enjoyed it and particularly liked the growth in the main character Andrew and the close relationship with his talking dog Ralph. Who is super funny and cute. There is something very engaging about books with talking animals in them.

There are many amusing elements in this lovely book to keep younger readers entertained. And older readers would enjoy too. I certainly did.

Imagine a herb having those effects! What could it do? Find out more by reading!

I believe this is the first in the series with more adventures to come. It kind of reminded me of cartoon type adventures. I could imagine this animated for TV.

A recommendation from me. My rating 5 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Rigby was born in the island state of Tasmania, Australia but has also lived in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne (her current home). She has enjoyed creating whimsical fairytales since the age of 10. The Black Fire Chronicles – Origins is her first book and the first in a series of many!

Connect with Kim:
Web: http://kimrigby.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimrigby27
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kimrigby27/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/kimrigbywriter/

MJ’s Book Reviews: Life is like a Mosaic: Random fragments in harmony #poetry #newrelease @sgc58

“Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” Arthur Brisbane 1911.

An image offers an opportunity to see endless possibilities depending on the viewer’s perspective. Where some might see beauty and joy, others imagine sadness and loss of hope.

In this collection, images and syllabic poetry are brought together to tell a story based on the author’s perspective. The poetry explores our human experiences such as love, happiness, hope, aging, friendship, new beginnings, dreams and loss.

The world around us is an amazing playground and source of all our essential needs as well as sensory experiences that bring wonder into our lives. What lies beyond the horizon? What surprises will we discover as a garden bursts into bloom? Where do the night creatures live?

At the end of the collection there are some longer poems celebrating memories of the author’s life of travel, teenage exploits and love of food!

My review

Life is like a Mosaic: Random fragments in harmony by Sally Cronin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What strikes me about Sally Cronin’s books is the quiet unassuming way in which they appear without too much fanfare. Sally is a wonderful supporter of the indie writing community, so I am glad to be able to give her a little fanfare too by writing a review for her latest book Life is Like A Mosiac: Random Fragments in Harmony. Great title, I’m sure you will agree!

I loved the dedication within with all the names of the people within her writing circles, so lovely.

I’m a big fan of poetry in all its forms, so this book of eclectic poems from Sally Cronin really appealed to me. There are a wide variety, some wise, some amusing, some thoughtful, some just darn well cute. They are all beautiful presented with accompanying photographs taken from various sources.

Favourites include: Farewell to Colourful Friends, Spices, Dreams, Happiness, Mother Nature, Immortality, Hope, Loose Lips, First Steps, The Circle of Life, Finding Clarity, Creatures of The Night, A Toast to Life, Beneath The Redwoods, Persecution in The Garden, Advancing Years, The Crocodile, Silver Lining to Isolation, The Wise Woman’s Apprentice.

Some are illustrated with personal photographs taken from the authors Childhood Memories in Ceylon, and on Summer Holidays, and as she gets a bit older she becomes Rebellious in Frome!

This poetry collection is accessible, unpretentious, (which I love,) and enjoyable. It will make you smile, reflect and bring back your own memories of when you were young, mischievous and perhaps a little difficult too!

In my case, it brought back memories of when I lived abroad in Childhood Memories – Sally’s poetry spoke to me taking me back in time.

Highly recommended – 5 stars

Many thanks to the author for an ARC copy for review which I happily give with no bias.

View all my reviews

My previous reviews for Sally Cronin:

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2020/08/08/book-review-lifes-rich-tapestry-by-sally-cronin
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2021/01/08/mjs-book-reviews-sally-cronin-life-is-like-a-bowl-of-cherries-sometimes-bitter-sometimes-sweet-bookreview-shortstories-poetry/

Details about Sally Cronin:

Delighted to promote authors for FREE please see for details: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore

And the new: Smorgasbord Children’s Reading Room

Sally’s books are available on Amazon, the Moyhill site and  Smashwords. 

Amazon: Amazon US

Amazon UK: Amazon UK

More reviews can be found on Goodreads: Goodreads

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books-and-reviews-2019-2021/

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!)

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.


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Authors Website: http://www.amandaprowse.org

Have you read Amanda Prouse’s books? Do comment below.