Reading Through the Soul: Book Review for Bloodstone The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon – Writing Through the Soul #Book #Review #ya #fantasy

Thank you so much to Brenda for this wonderful review of Bloodstone. Truly makes me so happy!

Bloodstone: The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon is a captivating and unique young adult novel that blends contemporary fiction with elements of fantasy and mystery, resulting in an engaging and imaginative reading experience.The story follows the life of fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott, who finds herself swept into a world full of secrets and ancient prophecies after the disappearance of her father. As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her family, Amelina discovers her own hidden powers and begins to unravel the secrets of the bloodstone. In a race against time, she must navigate her way through a web of riddles and challenges, while also facing personal dilemmas and forging unexpected alliances.

Read the full review on Brenda’s blog:

Source: Reading Through the Soul: Book Review for Bloodstone The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon – Writing Through the Soul

Brenda Marie Fluharty is a Spiritual Life Coach, dream interpreter, a past-life therapist, a freelance writer, blogger, poet, art lover, pet owner, and author. Brenda is a Reiki Grand Master and energy healer. She has studied several Spiritual practices. Brenda has a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics. Brenda loves to share her knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences through her writing. She has been blogging for over 20 years. She is the author of several dream journals and Writing Through the Soul. View all posts by Brenda Marie Fluharty

Guest Post: Marjorie Mallon | beetleypete

Thank you so much to Pete for celebrating the launch of my 2nd book, Golden Healer in The Curse of Time series with this fabulous guest post

I’m chatting book series… pitfalls, things to do and not to do…

Do find out more at source: Guest Post: Marjorie Mallon | beetleypete

Author Spotlight – Marjorie Mallon – Writer’s Treasure Chest

Thank you to fellow fantasy author Aurora Alexander for this author spotlight. and do check out Aurora’s blog while you are there!

Do read it at source: https://wp.me/p5QlYv-3T3

Book Tour Bloodstone #YA #Fantasy #thanks #book #tour

Well, it’s been some week! As some of you will know my publisher had some problems with Amazon and all Next Chapter authors kindle books were pulled from sale during the busiest time – Black Friday week. This was horrendously stressful but is resolved now! Thank heavens.

So, I am particularly appreciative of the book bloggers, author friends, and Blackberry Book Tours who rallied to ensure these wonderful reviews, and support. I will be adding any further review links.

Thank you!! Check out the sale post. Bloodstone is on limited kindle sale: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2021/11/30/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-ya-fantasy-sale-nextchapterpb/

‘The author blurs the lines between reality and fantasy in the story. We can see this in the human characteristics of the house (…)’ @ReadRot

The author explores the issue of self-harm, and how things are not always the way it seems. Bloodstone: The Curse of Time by M.J. Mallon #raiseareader#parenting@Marjorie_Mallonhttps://readorrot.com/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-by-m-j-mallon/book-review/… via @@ReadRot

‘I will say the one thing I loved about this book is that you didn’t have the world-building drag on for hundreds of pages. This is great and didn’t have the story drag on and was quite a fast-paced read.’ @FeatzR

‘I really liked Esme, the girl in the mirror.’ @FeatzR

‘This book is about Amelina, a teenage girl who goes on an adventure to discover the truth about her family.’ @FeatzR


‘I also loved the incorporation of crystals. I can’t remember the last fantasy I read where they are used in this way. Very creative and a great addition to the overall story.’ Certified Book Nerd

‘Definitely an interesting and engaging beginning to the series and one I recommend.’ Certified Book Nerd

‘I LOVE that this has magic mirrors. They are always fun for me and Esme is a wonderful character.’ Certified Book Nerd

The world building is mesmerizing at times! The characters are easy to like & relate to ! Any fantasy reader would really enjoy & appreciate the imagination that went into the world building & the characters! Happy reading everyone! Angel White Book.n.All.Night

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4204531365/

So is Bloodstone worth reading? Yes, a fantastic option for fans of contemporary fantasy. Pick it up and enjoy the haunting life of Amelina. I know I am craving more. Books and Games.

https://books-and-games.com/2021/11/27/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1-review/

‘At the beginning of the book, readers are introduced to an unusual object known as a chronophage, which makes an appearance within the story.’ @marylannireads

To find out more about my inspirations: https://booksgosocial.com/2021/07/27/interview-with-m-j-mallon-the-author-of-a-fantasy-novel-bloodstone/

‘Readers experience British colloquialisms and vernacular when characters do speak to one another, and this adds another layer to the unique style of this story.’ @marylannireads

‘This poetic story features italicized poems and song lyrics throughout the book as direct references to written art, and a plethora of simile and metaphor are found throughout the narrative (…)’ @marylannireads

Spotlight/feature: http://www.bookwormforkids.com/2021/11/bloodstone-by-mj-mallon.html

Buying links:

Universal book Link: http://mybook.to/bstmm

UK Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodstone-Curse-Time-Book-1-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

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

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodstone-m-j-mallon/1139807581?ean=9784867510322

https://www.waterstones.com/book/bloodstone/m-j-mallon/9784867510322

To download a free copy via Book Sirens (limited copies,) click this link: https://booksirens.com/book/H4SI6L4/Q9PZX3A

Media Kit: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2021/07/17/media-kit-bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1-nextchapterpb-ya-fantasy-release/

Thank you to the reviewers and book bloggers who have featured me and to Blackberry Book Tours who have created wonderful graphics to enhance the tour on both Instagram and Twitter.

The Writing Life of: M. J. Mallon – Whispering Stories

Thank you so much to Stacey for this wonderful feature on her blog.

This week I am thrilled to be interviewing author M. J. Mallon, who will be sharing with us details of her writing life, telling us all about her new book ‘Bloodstone‘, which was released on 23rd June 2021 and answering a few fun questions too.

Source: The Writing Life of: M. J. Mallon – Whispering Stories

The Curse of Time – A Thank You!!!

 

A big hug and a huge thank you to all the wonderful authors/bloggers who have been so kind as to host me on their blogs. You are all awesome!

Many thanks to Hugh at Hugh’s News and Views for featuring me as his Book of The Month in October:

https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2017/10/01/book-of-the-month-the-curse-of-time-book-1-bloodstone-by-m-j-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

And the lovely Ritu at But I Smile Anyway who was so kind to share my poem:

‘What Inspires You.’

Ritu at But I Smile Anyway,
Asked me ‘What inspires you?’
I scratched my head and replied…..
‘Everything!”
‘Everything?’ She repeated.
‘Yes.’
‘What’s everything?’ She asked.
So I said,
‘The sun, the moon and the stars,
Sunsets, Crystals, Cats, Shadows,
Art, Puzzles, Mysteries,
Books, Music, Film, Sculptures,
People, Photography and chit chat.’
‘What kind of chit chat,’ she enquired?
‘The kind that keeps me listening!”
‘Are your ears big?’ she said.
I laughed, grinned and nodded.
She stared at me wide eyed,
So I confessed, ‘My ears eavesdrop.’
‘Blame your lugs,’ she replied.
‘Yes, my lugs are criminals,’ I agreed.
‘Where do your rapscallion ears eavesdrop?’
‘On the bus, on the train, anywhere.’
‘Even at the bloggers bash?’ she cried, in shock.
‘No! Never there! Bloggers code,’ I replied.
Ha ha, she giggled. ‘Mum’s the word!’
Lol, I tweeted.
‘So that’s it? Inspiration’s end?’ she asked, unsure.
‘No, never!’ I cried, aghast.
‘This is only a beginning and a middle.
Inspiration never stops,
It just grows and bloody grows!’
Retweet, hashtag, Retweet, hashtag.
‘Inspiration bloody grows!’

and my new release:  https://butismileanyway.com/2017/08/25/marjorie-mallon-poetic-inspiration-thecurseoftime-blogtour-author/

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to write two guest posts about Self Harm, (a sensitive topic that I touch upon in my novel,) via:

Christy Birmingham’s amazing blog When Women Inspire: https://whenwomeninspire.com/2017/08/21/self-harm-fiction-writing-guest-post/

And Adele’s Firefly 465: https://firefly465.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/marjorie-mallon-curse-of-time-1-the-bloodstone/

Here’s a link to an inspiration post I wrote for Chris Graham’s blog: https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2017/09/07/meet-guest-author-m-j-mallon-marje/

And a feature about my love of poetry on Charli’s Raw Literature: https://carrotranch.com/2017/08/22/raw-literature-haiku-tanka-and-a-debut-novel/

Plus and oh so welcoming guest post on Seumas Gallacher’s blog: https://seumasgallacher.com/2017/08/22/marjorie-mallon-poet-and-authoress-extraordinaire-come-be-entranced/

Here’s a link to some information about my collaboration with gifted artist Carolina Russo: https://yesterdayafter.com/2017/09/06/new-release-esme-bringing-alive-a-character-with-a-painting-collaboration-with-author-mj-mallon/

Carolina created an amazing portrait of my character Esme who you can see below:

©Copyright Carolina Russo

And a fun online interview on Lisa Burton Radio with my mirror bound character Esme: https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/the-curse-of-time-on-lisaburtonradio/

As well as a guest post at Christoph Fischer’s blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/new-release-the-curse-of-time-book-1-bloodstone-by-m-j-mallon/

I headed off to take part in excerpt week at Marcia Meara’s : https://marciamearawrites.com/2017/08/05/excerptweek-the-curse-of-time-by-marjorie-mallon/

Then trundled off to do a Guest post at S C Skillman’s : https://scskillman.com/2017/08/22/the-curse-of-time-a-guest-post-by-m-j-mallon-author-of-the-curse-of-time-book-1-bloodstone/

More wonderful opportunities came along. I was thrilled to be a guest at Allan Hudson’s:

http://allanhudson.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/guest-author-marjorie-mallon-of-england.html

And delighted to be at Eloise De Sousa’s Book Tuesday:

https://eloisedesousa.wordpress.com/2017/09/05/book-tuesday-with-marje/

And Beaton’s oh so entertaining Becoming The Muse: https://becomingthemuse.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/of-a-book-tour-the-curse-of-time/

Plus  a lovely feature at Helen Jone’s Journey To Ambeth:

https://journeytoambeth.com/2017/09/14/guest-author-marjorie-mallon-the-curse-of-time/

I was thrilled to be showcased at Sally Cronin’s amazingly supportive blog home on many occasions. Thank you so much Sally, but this particular link highlights me as ‘new on the shelves,’ https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2017/08/01/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-the-curse-of-time-by-m-j-mallon/

And last but definitely not least my two Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club fellow administrators featured me too:

Debby Gies https://dgkayewriter.com/guest-featured-author-book-mj-mallon-curse-time/

and Colleen Chesebro: (with a link to my story Rainbow Child,) https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/08/24/fairies-myths-magic-author-spotlight-guest-posts-rainbow-child-by-mj-mallon/

Prior to this there were pre-release Spotlights too on Vashti’s blog and Dan Alatorre’s : https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/spotlight-m-j-mallon-author/ and https://danalatorre.com/2017/05/08/author-profile-23-questions-with-marje-from-kyrosmagica/

So many people to thank you! I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone!

More News: Semi-Finalist Authors DB Cover Competition

I am thrilled to say that my cover and Colleen Chesebro’s cover (both designed by Wendy Anne Darling,  of Bookxeedo Book Covers)  made the semi-final of the AuthorsDB cover competition! More about that here : https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2017/11/02/vote-for-the-curse-of-time-cover-competition-semi-finalist/

I will let you know who the finalists are once I’ve heard any news!

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Birthday News, Reviews and Paper Back Release Plans! 

Unfortunately, I have been very busy of late and I am struggling for time! So apologies for being a very poor blogger. The curse of time has truly struck! With a full-time job my hours are no longer my own, but I’m thrilled to announce that on my birthday – the 17th of November – I will be featured on Don Massenzio’s Blog, so keep an eye out for that.

I’ve been busy getting my paperback ready and hope that I will have a release date for you soon! So if you’d like a guest on your blog do get in touch, I’ll be looking for guest blog posts middle to end of November, beginning of December.  

In the meantime, don’t forget about me! I am still alive and kicking! Happy to say that there have been some very positive reviews for The Curse of Time Book 1 – Bloodstone.

Isn’t that awesome?

Here’s a little review meme I made:

Review Quotes_This is a brilliant book for young adults interested in magic, supernatural, paranormal, fa

Bye for now, love ya!

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My social media links:
Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club


Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon  and @curseof_time
Instagram
Facebook

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Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

I’m still on a bit of a blogging break until my eldest daughter returns to University so will be somewhat scarce in blogging land.

I had a wonderful holiday up in Edinburgh but it was all too short…

Here are some of my photos:

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That’s one of me and my daughter Georgina before I had my lunch…. I tend to shrink when I’m hungry! We were at a very nice restaurant called The Railbridge Bistro in South Queensferry which overlooks the bridges and has haggis on the menu!

And here’s my lovely mum and dad… Missing them…

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My dad hates the cold, and though the view at South Queensferry is amazing it was bitterly chilly… My mum looks okay, in fact she dares to look a bit amused but poor dad…

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Since I’ve been back in Cambridge, I’ve had a lovely time with my eldest daughter who is visiting from University.

Recently we went out to a cafe in Cambridge…

And she approved of my photo…  The drink looks like some sort of Dr Who concoction but I believe it is a green tea matcha. Oh, by the way did you see the Dr Who episode last night? If you did I bet you didn’t dare have a shower or bath before bedtime. I love it when Dr Who gets all scary!

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Then, there’s me all dressed up as I had work afterwards. Recently, I started working part-time at Ann Summers – which is a strangest job I have ever had! It’s a bit like marmite some days I love it, some days I hate it! Ha ha…. It’s a tricky one for an introvert with extrovert tendencies. Anyway, that plate in front of me is the remains of a very tasty Orange and Polenta cake that we shared at Espresso Library cafe in Cambridge.

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Before I go let me say a big thank you to all the contributors to my Facebook Rainbow Support Club in my absence.

Here are just some of the wonderful links that have appeared:

http://marshajustwrites.com/accidental-tourist/

https://dgkayewriter.com/who-has-a-new-book-the-swamp-fairy-colleen-cheseboro/

http://allanhudson.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/4q-interview-and-excerpt-with-guest.html

https://steviet3.wordpress.com/2017/04/13/friday-roundup-on-a-thursday-13th-april/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-book-reading-and-interview-d-g-kaye/

https://jennyinneverland.com/2017/04/14/bloggers-revealed/

https://scvincent.com/2017/04/12/guest-author-sarah-brentyn-where-i-spin-self-doubt-into-a-post/

https://scvincent.com/2017/04/14/guest-author-d-wallace-peach-room-to-breathe/

All the contributors have done a fabulous job of making the page a fantastic resource of information, help, and collaboration for fellow writers/bloggers.

Do pop over to the club page and take a look, and come give the club some love: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club.

If you’d like to join the club please do message myself either in the comment below or contact me on my email marjma2014@gmail.com, or chat about it with Colleen Chesebro or Debby Gies, my two fabulous blogging buddies who administer the running of the club with me.

All the best for a lovely Easter.

Do pop over to my Instagram page to see the rest of my photos: My Instagram

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Blogger Spotlight: Samantha Murdoch

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I discovered blogger Samantha Murdoch in a particularly unconventional way.

I was looking for a cat to do a bit of modelling for my black cat character in The Curse of Time, and I put out a call for help on Facebook. I received a few replies, not that many, but then I suppose it did seem a bit of an odd request. LOL !!! Then a ever so helpful blogging friend of mine, Gary Jefferies  who blogs at Fiction is Food put me in touch with Samantha: https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com

Not only did Samantha have a black cat but she has two! Plus several other cats too, so if you are a cat lover, (like I am,)  she’s definitely a blogger to follow.  Then, to my delight I discovered that she wrote about crystals. How perfect is that? I love crystals too! My manuscript, (which I intend to publish this year) : The Curse of Time – Book 1 – The Bloodstone has several themes: light, represented by crystals, darkness, suggested by shadows, and a nasty old curse.. etc.

Getting back to the black cat discussion …. The only slight problem with our stunning cat models Lily and Tooty  is their gender. They are both females! Whereas, the cat character in my book is male… This I can’t change… Never mind… that isn’t a big problem!

Of the two cats, Lily looks just like what I imagine my character Shadow looks like – very panther like! Let me introduce you to Lily…. isn’t she a beautiful cat?

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This is Lily with a very artistic shadow! She’s a natural model, look how she stays so still for the camera.

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And Lily with her eyes closed, looking very chilled! Love how the light falls on her fur giving it a white glow.

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This is my favourite of Lily  looking very regal! Look at those eyes, and that glossy fur!

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This is Tooty – Don’t they look similar?

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Here’s Tooty on the move, her shadow is following…

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One way and then another…

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Finally, Tooty staying still… looking quite thoughtful.  What an interesting background.. Great photo! Mesmerising…

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Photographs courtesy of Alex Marlowe (Samantha’s son.)

Thank you so much to Samantha and Alex for allowing me to use these images of Lily and Tooty on my social media. I really do appreciate it, and a big thank you to Gary for introducing me to Samantha.

Please do pop over to Samantha’s blog to appreciate all her lovely cats, and crystals. And visit Gary’s blog too – Gary is such a helpful and friendly blogger, who likes to write, and also blogs about kindness: Fiction Is Food Kindness Challenge Sign Up

You do get a sense of Samantha’s love for cats, and crystals in the following links:

Samantha Murdoch: Danburite and Darling Cats

And her feelings about spiders….

Samantha Murdoch: Moonstone and Meanderings, Spiders Part 4

And some wonderful poetry too!

Samantha Murdoch: Wanderer

Hope you enjoyed my Blogger Spotlight. I shall be continuing to do Author and Blogger Spotlights fairly regularly.

I will be sharing the wonderful photos of Lily and Tooty on twitter, Facebook, and my Instagram account later in the week. So keep a look out for them.

Before I go let me just say – I do find black cats very fascinating…

Black cats rule!

Many thanks to Samantha, Alex, and Gary for all being so kind, and to Lily and Tooty for being so fabulous.

Bye for now,

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Kyrosmagica is Now Award Free

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Hi All,

Just a quick little post here about Awards. I meant to do an Award Free post ages ago, in fact I thought I’d done it. Perhaps my memory is going? I think I got as far as doing a Bitstrips cartoon, I found this in my picture files. So time to get to it before anyone else nominates me for an award, (particularly if said person is a good friend.) I really do appreciate it so much but due to time constraints I just feel it’s time to step back from these type of awards for now.

In the past I have been blessed with the following awards:

One Lovely Blog Award, Real Neat Blog Award, Premio Dardos Award, Liebster Award,  The Creative Blogger Award, Wonderful Team Member Readership Award, Sunshine Bloggers Award, Blogger Recognition Award, The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, The Versatile Blogger Award. I think that’s the ones I’ve had… Oh, I nearly forgot there was also an Encouraging Thunder Award, I can still hear the thunder claps….

Latest – The Mystery Blogger Award. 

Here’s the link to all my awards if you’d like to have a gander:

My Awards

My very first award is of course very dear to me, a bit like your first baby!

I remember it well, it was The One Lovely Blog Award which was delivered to me on the 14th of July 2014:

My First Award:  The One Lovely Blog Award

Plus I had fun doing The Girl Love Blog Challenge:

The Girl Love Blog Challenge

I will still be doing the odd challenge, time permitting..

I will be adding names of bloggers who have nominated me recently for awards. My way of saying a big Thank You for thinking of me….

Thank you :

Annika Perry – Annika nominated me for the Liebster Award. Thank you so much Annika for nominating me. She is on a similar writing journey, and we chat about blogging, writing, and books. Definitely one of my favourite blogs to follow, I count her as one of my special blogging friends.

– Annika Perry

Amalia Pedemonte – Amalia nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award. Thank you so much Amalia for nominating me. Do check out Amalia’s wonderful blog it truly is a treasure chest of information about Greek Mythology, a subject that fascinates me so much that several Greek Gods and Goddesses have crept their way into my current WIP! Do follow her blog, she’s lovely, a very supportive and friendly blogger.

– Aquileana

Inese M J. Thank you so much to Inese for nominating me for The Creative Blogger Award. This is such a great honour coming from such a wonderful photographer. I urge you to follow Inese’s wonderful blog, she is such a lovely and friendly lady and has the most beautiful photography blog.

Inese M J Photography

Gary Jefferies. A big thank you to Gary for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award. Such a lovely award to receive. I do highly recommend that you follow Gary’s blog. He writes books, short stories and memoirs and has been known to participate in Kindness challenges. He is a really friendly chap and very supportive:

Gary Jefferies – Fiction Is Food

A big thank you to Cat for nominating me for The Mystery Blogger Award.

– Cat at High Risk

Bye for now…

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Marje @ Kyrosmagica. xx

One Lovely Blog Award Thank You!!!!

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A Big Thank You to Charley from Books and Bakes 1 for nominating me for the One Lovely Blog Award. Congratulations on the award Charley. Do take a look at her lovely blog which is all about her love of: “books, baking, theatre, visiting places, home. books and baking,”  https://booksandbakes1.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/one-lovely-blog-award/

This time I’m going to do a Thank You post rather than participating in the award, because:

  •  I’ve been nominated for this award before !! I thought it was twice but I checked and found it was four times, including Charley’s nomination!!
  • I’m taking part in the Red Eye Readathon on Goodreads for the month of October, so I will be very busy doing bookish posts. So more on that to come, stay tuned! My theme is going to be Halloween, so there will be predominantly spooky posts on Kyrosmagica to get in the mood…… for a bit of ghoulish, scary fun, Kyrosmagica style….

So thanks Charley I really appreciate all these awards so much. Look you’re making me blush. Oh, and you have nominated some wonderful blogs which I’m now following!!! So thanks for introducing those blogs to me too.

Bye for now,

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Marje @ Kyrosmagica xx