“Wild Blue Yonder” Review

Hello Friends!

Weekends have been beach days for me, that’s why I’m posting later in the night. The good thing about beach days is that I can read without any worries. And this book was one of those that I read during my relaxing days at the beach.

“Wild Blue Yonder“, written by M W Arnold, is a Historical novel, in the saga subgenre, the Second Book in The Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club series, published on 26th July 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and M W Arnold for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Air Transport Auxiliary pilot Doris Winter is accused of stealing a valuable item from a famous Hollywood movie star, now a captain in the US Army Air Corps, after a dance at the air base in England where he’s stationed. Gathering her close friends together, she’s determined to clear her name.

Ruth’s POW son suffers a life-changing injury just as her own cottage takes damage in an air raid and Penny’s estranged little sister unexpectedly turns up, having run away from school. Together with the ongoing thefts of items of clothing and surprise personal revelations, these all threaten to hamper their investigation.

In spite of the worsening war situation, they must band together to rise above their troubles and prove love and friendship is worth fighting for.

Purchase Links – Amazon

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About the Author

Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elizabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots and realizing how much he missed the travel. He’s replaced it somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.

He’s the proud keeper of two cats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humoring his Manchester United-supporting wife. Finally, and most importantly, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. Wild Blue Yonder is the second novel in his Broken Wings series and he is very proud to be a part of the Vintage Rose Garden at The Wild Rose Press.

Social Media Links – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

I had the chance of reading the previous book last year, so I was very excited to continue the journey with these characters in this fascinating setting. First of all, I suggest you read book one to get a fuller experience of this series and to understand better the characters’ life.

Yes, we still are following the lovely ladies of the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary). We learn how their lives are at the moment and what adventures and obstacles will appear in their path.

I won’t give any spoilers, but I can say that there is drama and mystery, and a Hollywood connection. And of course we still have the friendship and the WWII setting that gives an atmosphere of going back in time.

Overall, it was a fantastic sequel and I’m still fascinated with the entire ATA element of the story. Plus, I loved going back to this story and feeling as if I was checking up on my old time friends.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, from reviews and very limited extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

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“Someone Who Isn’t Me” Review

Hello Friends!

Tonight I bring you a review of a sequel of a book I previous read and review (you can find the review HERE).

“Someone Who Isn’t Me“, written by Danuta Kot, is a Mystery novel, published on April 1st 2021 by Simon & Schuster UK.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and Danuta Kot for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

When everyone hides the truth, who do you turn to?

Becca’s had a hard time of it, but she has finally got her life together. She has a nice little flat, a steady job pulling pints, and she’s even seeing someone new: Andy, who keeps his private life to himself but is always good for a laugh. And then Andy vanishes. When his body turns up on isolated Sunk Island, Becca learns Andy wasn’t just another punter. He was a police officer, deep undercover, investigating a drugs ring that he believed operated out of Becca’s pub.

Staggered by the betrayal, Becca turns to the only person she thinks she can trust: her foster mum, Kay. But Kay has problems of her own. She’s just moved into a short-term let in the hopes of finding some peace and quiet. But peace and quiet are hard to come by on Sunk Island . . .

Before long, both women are drawn into a terrifying world of drugs, money and death.

The gripping new novel from Dagger-Award-winning author Danuta Kot, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Tana French and Denise Mina – a story about the people we are… and the people we aren’t.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Danuta Kot (who also writes as Danuta Reah and as Carla Banks) grew up with stories. Her Irish mother and her Polish father kept their own cultures alive with traditional tales they shared with their children. For many years, she worked with young people in Yorkshire who were growing up in the aftermath of sudden industrial decline. She uses this background in her books to explore some of the issues that confront modern, urban society: poverty, alienation and social breakdown, using the contexts of the modern crime novel. She now works as a senior education consultant, work that involves travel to establish education and training in other parts of the world. She is a regular academic speaker at conferences and literary festivals and has appeared on radio and television.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

“Someone Who Isn’t Me” follows the characters we are introduced to in “Life Ruins”. We go back to a setting that felt real to me – a Portuguese woman that has only been to 4 countries outside her own (Spain, France, Germany and Switzerland) – as if I have been there and met the people an seen all the sights. And we are taken into a journey of mystery, drama, tension and uncovering the truth.

We follow Becca’s life again, and I loved that, but we also get to see the point of view of other characters, which made it possible for me to understand what was happening, coming up with theories (Who can resist doing that in a mystery/crime novel?), and understand the characters mind and their choices.

I’m not going to go into details because I’m always scared of revealing some important plot moments. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable, and it hit the right spots for me in terms of the story and with each page I was intrigued by the characters. Although I was on the fence about some of them, I still liked the way things went and the answers to my questions.

Overall, I was a good book filled with tension, danger, personal agendas, mysteries and character and relationship growth.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Life Ruins” Review

Hello Friends!

I love to get to know more authors in genres I’m still exploring, and mystery/crime is one of those genres. So I was very interested in this book.

I don’t know when it all started, but I remember being very young and watching crime shows with my parents. It’s a old memory, one that I thought it was fabricated, but that my mom has confirmed it’s true. She says I have always liked those kind of shows. Interesting enough, I never really read those kinds of books, but I have started reading them, since the past few years. You may be asking why I’m saying this, because of the genre of this novel.

“Life Ruins“, written by Danuta Kot, is a Mystery novel, published on July 25th 2019 by Simon & Schuster UK.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and Danuta Kot for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

In a small northern town, girls are disappearing.

You won’t see it in the papers and the police aren’t taking any notice, but the clues are there if you know where to look.

Becca sees that something is wrong, but she’s been labelled ‘difficult’ thanks to her troubled past. So when a girl is so savagely beaten she can’t be identified, and Becca claims she knows who she is, no one will believe her.

With the police refusing to listen, Becca digs for evidence that will prove what she is saying. But her search for justice will put herself and those closest to her in danger – and once she finds the truth, will anyone even listen?

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Danuta Kot (who also writes as Danuta Reah and as Carla Banks) grew up with stories. Her Irish mother and her Polish father kept their own cultures alive with traditional tales they shared with their children. For many years, she worked with young people in Yorkshire who were growing up in the aftermath of sudden industrial decline. She uses this background in her books to explore some of the issues that confront modern, urban society: poverty, alienation and social breakdown, using the contexts of the modern crime novel. She now works as a senior education consultant, work that involves travel to establish education and training in other parts of the world. She is a regular academic speaker at conferences and literary festivals and has appeared on radio and television.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

“Life Ruins” caught my attention immediately. From the genre to the first sentence in the synopsis: “In a small northern town, girls are disappearing.” We follow Becca in a journey to uncover the truth about the crime. Becca, her personality, her thoughts, her past… The relationships that developed between her and those around her… The way she was treated… I really connected with her the most.

It was a fantastic start, meeting the characters and the entire scenery and the community portrayed in this story. It definitely gave a good context and setting. The characters and their interactions were great and I could understand them and even be very curious to learn more about them.

I won’t reveal much about plot or the particular aspects of the story and the mystery, I can say that it was interesting to uncover information after information. It felt simple, but at the same time it felt just what I needed to read in the novel. Maybe it was because of the characters and how the story, for me, was connected with the characters, which I find important.

Overall, it was a great start and thankfully I had the sequel to read as soon as I finished this novel.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Mersey Angels” Review

Hello Friends!

I have been reading saga novels for God knows how long, maybe since last year, maybe since 2019, and the more I explore I am fascinated with the genre and the authors. Today I bring you a review of a saga novel.

“The Mersey Angels“, written by Sheila Riley, is a Saga novel, the second book in the Liverpool Saga series, published on 10th August 2021 by Boldwood Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Sheila Riley and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

1916 LIVERPOOL

Following the death of her father, Ruby Swift, and husband Archie finally move back into Ashland Hall.

As the Great War rages, fathers and sons take the King’s Shilling and head off to fight the unknown enemy, not knowing what horrors lie ahead.

With Ned Kincaid in the Navy, Archie signs up to the volunteer constabulary and nurses Anna Cassidy and Ellie Harrington enlist to do their bit for King and Country.

Soon the true casualties of war are being brought home in droves, Ruby converts Ashland Hall into an auxiliary hospital for wounded servicemen.

It’s not long before the true cost of war is brought closer to home and Anna and Ellie enlist in the British Military Nursing Corp and soon find themselves in the battlefields of France in search of the truth.

But they soon discover more than they bargained for…

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing a new saga trilogy for Boldwood under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years. She still lives in Liverpool. Her new trilogy began with The Mersey Orphan in September 2019.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

Saga books, at least those that I have read, have this sense of community and family. Maybe because of the circumstances following the characters, with the wars and the dangers. Nevertheless, it’s something I love. In this book we follow a group of characters during the WWI.

As Ruby turns Ashland Hall into a hospital and Anna and Ellie follow their path as nurses right to France, a lot can be said for these angels. The characters touched my heart, their kindness, their role in the story… I could feel compassion for them. I worry for them and for their loved ones. That’s the power of stories like this one, even if they are fiction, they feel real, because the events are realistic and the Great War really existed.

Like I previously said, this is about family, about the way we are connected, the way war affects people’s life. It’s also about secrets, and there are a lot of them when it comes to our society. It’s about hardship and love and finding your path and strength. In the end, it may feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, but it gives me hope.

Overall, it was an amazing book. And even though it’s part of a series, I felt it could be read as a standalone. Although, it was a nice continuation of book one and I loved to be back to this group of characters. Sheila Riley did a brilliant job with the characters and with transporting us to their sides in this setting and time period. If this genre and setting is one you enjoy reading about, do give it a change.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The First Cut” Review

Hello Friends!

Here I am with a review of a crime novel. This one is a book is the opening to a new series by an author I come to know via her previous books..

“The First Cut“, written by Val Penny, is a Crime (Police Procedural) novel, first book in the Jane Renwick Thriller Series, published on 8th August 2021 by Darkstroke.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Val Penny for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

It’s hard to escape a brutal past…

A vicious serial killer is on the loose. Victims include an academic and notable members of Edinburgh’s high society. 

When Detective Sergeant Jane Renwick learns through DNA that a member of her family could be the killer, she is banished to the sidelines of the case and forced to look on impotently as the hunt for the killer ramps up. 

Frustrated, she decides to conduct her own investigations. 

Has someone from her estranged birth family returned to haunt her? And where will the killer strike next? 

It’s a race against time…

This fast-paced, gripping police procedural is set in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. It is the first in the new series of Scottish thrillers by bestselling crime writer, Val Penny.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats. She has a Law degree from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer. However she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. Her crime novels, ‘Hunter’s Chase’ Hunter’s Revenge and Hunter’s Force are set in Edinburgh, Scotland, published by Crooked Cat Books. The fourth book in the series, Hunter’s Blood, follows shortly.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter

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My Review

Val Penny is an author I have come to know thank to her other crime novels. Yet this is a new series and this that comes a new side of Val Penny as a writer. Yes, there is still a lot of elements in her writing that are present her and I loved them all. There is also new possibilities and new characters that will allow me to see the author’s amazing abilities in this genre.

This book follows Jane, this is her series, and Jane isn’t like many other main female characters in crime novels. From her private life to her role as a detective. I love her and I know there is a lot more to uncover in upcoming novels.

Without revealing much of the plot and the mysteries in this story, for a first book in a series, it was what I expected and it was also more. It got me curious with the information being exposed, the way Jane acted and her thoughts, the crimes and the reasoning being it. It was an interesting start and it introduced various characters I want to know more about.

Overall, was not disappointed and I can’t for book two. If you are into crime novel, maybe you would like to check this story out. Or maybe this author.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, basic spotlight/promo posts and very limited extracts, guest post and Q&A.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“BElieve in YOUrself” Review

Hello Friends!

Here we are for a day of learning, with an activity book. Yes, it’s for children and middle grades, but I think we all can learn with this book.

“BElieve in YOUrself“, written by Lexi Rees, is an Activity book, published on August 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lexi Rees for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Want your child to be more focused, feel calmer, and increase their self-belief?

This unique activity book is packed with fun, creative tasks, plus a wide variety of mindfulness strategies including

✓ visualisation exercises

✓ breathing techniques

✓ mindful arts and crafts

✓ games to improve focus and concentration 

✓ mind and body detective skills

Written by primary school teacher and founder of Mindful Mentors, Sasha Mullen, and best-selling author and tutor, Lexi Rees, this fully illustrated activity book provides children with the essential tools to be their best selves, every single day.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south. She writes action-packed adventures brim full of witch-doctors, fortune-tellers, warriors and smugglers, combining elemental magic with hints of dystopia. She also writes fun activity books for children. 

Her fantasy adventure, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids. The sequel, Wild Sky, is available now. 

She’s passionate about developing a love of reading and writing in children and, as well as her Creative Writing Skills workbook, she has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.

In her spare time, she’s a keen crafter and spends a considerable amount of time trying not to fall off horses or boats.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

I’m not a teacher, I’m a Social Educator. But I have worked with children and teens, so I’m always interested in knowing more about workbooks/activity books for children since it may help me out in the future.

This book was quite amazing. From the lovely illustrations to the cute and instructive activities. Plus, I loved the goal trackers and the mindful and breathing exercises. The way it touches in multiple areas of the self, is fantastic. We all have to work on it, we have to maintain our mental health in check and this does it in a cute and fun way.

The creative tasks, the arts and crafts, the games and the techniques… If we think about it, this book could even be used by everyone, and should definitely be kept in mind not only by parents but by professionals as well.

Overall, I loved it and it has gave me some ideas. It’s a perfect solution to promote the idea of believing in ourselves, reinforcing our self-love and work on our focus and concentration. And that’s something we should all have been doing since we were young, so the fact that it is a book targeting children and Middle grade, is amazing.

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Giveaway

For a chance to win one of the 3 signed copies of BElieve in YOUrself (BE YOU) Click Here.

(Open UK Only)

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“With Face Aflame” Review

Hello Friends!

Second review of the day and it’s about another historical fiction novel. Are you ready?

“With Face Aflame“, written by A.E. Walnofer, is a Historical novel, published on April 13th 2018.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and A.E. Walnofer for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Born with a red mark emblazoned across her face, seventeen-year-old Madge is lonely as
she spends her days serving guests and cleaning rooms in the inn her father keeps.

One day, she meets an unusual minstrel in the marketplace. Moved by the beauty of his
song and the odd shape of his body, she realizes she has made her first friend. But he must
go on to the next town, leaving her behind.

Soon after, while she herself is singing in the woods, she is startled by a chance meeting
with a stranger there. Though the encounter leaves her horribly embarrassed, it proves she
need not remain unnoticed and alone forever.

However, this new hope is shattered when she overhears a few quiet words that weren’t
intended for her ears. Heartbroken and confused, she flees her home to join the minstrel and
his companion, a crass juggler.

As they travel earning their daily bread, Madge secretly seeks to rid herself of the mark upon
her cheek convinced that nothing else can heal her heart.

Set in England in 1681, With Face Aflame is the tale of a girl who risks everything in hopes
of becoming the person she desperately wants to be.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

A.E. Walnofer spends weekdays mobilizing the soft tissue and synovial joints of patients,
and weekends typing out stories that are incessantly brewing inside her head. There are lots
of these tales and she hopes to share many more of them with you in the future.

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

The first thing I noticed in about this book wasn’t the cover, it was the title. That was what caught my attention immediately. Once I read the synopsis and saw the cover, my curiosity got bigger.

In this book, we follow seventeen-year-old Madge as she goes on a personal journey to become the person she wants to be. With her we read about several topics that were powerful and emotional. From self-love and self-esteem to the society’s actions. The emotional rollercoaster was amazing and quite what I needed for these past few weeks.

The connection I felt with Madge was one of experience, although the context and time period are different, we both have had similar experiences and that made me understand her more. Seeing her journey of self-acceptance and searching for normalcy and happiness, is something we all can understand.

Overall, the story was brilliant. With the historical elements giving us a interesting context of how things worked back then, we end up jumping to the pages of this book and yet feeling that things are still happening today. Just like before… We still have the same fears and wants.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Devil’s Shadow” Review

Hello Friends!

I have been reading suspense and thriller novels this past few months and it’s quite amazing all the possibilities in the genre.

“The Devil’s Shadow“, written by BJ Edwards, is a Supernatural/Suspense/Thriller Novel, published on 31st March 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and BJ Edwards for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

In a vault beneath the Mediterranean Sea, a creature from myth and folklore sleeps. Government agents David Coswell and Hannah Martin join forces to find and study the creature with the hopes of harnessing its power for their country’s good. Accidentally, they release the creature and London is plunged into chaos. Lawlessness and hedonism spread as Lord of the Flies regains his strength and uses violence and fear to build his new kingdom.

David Coswell, along with his ‘handler’ Sentinel Nutbeam, retired soldier Nigel Carter, and Spanish matriarch Maria Perez help the Prime Minister confront the beast and take back control of a fractured country.

The Devil’s Shadow is a fast-paced supernatural thriller. Sometimes scary, sometimes sexy and always exciting, it is an absorbing tale of friendship, loyalty, faith and belief.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

BJ is a writer of novels, plays and short stories. He also writes screenplays – one of which is currently in development. To date he has published four books, including a collection of poetry. With a passion for history, anthropology and archaeology, he is a former English teacher and theatre director. BJ is totally blind and lives with his partner, his collection of swords and their dogs, Oliver and Sallie. In his spare time, BJ enjoys films, books, training, martial arts and rowing.

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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My Review

From the appealing cover that already catches our attention, to the interesting plot and characters, “The Devil’s Shadow” is a fascinating story that gives us some supernatural mixed with the suspense and thriller.

It was an unusual story, because of the supernatural that I don’t think I have read joined with the thriller genre. It got my heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing, it also was so curious to see uncover the background and the truth behind the mysteries.

Filled with twists and turns, we are taken in a rollercoaster of emotions. Unexpected and surprisingly engaging. My mind was fully focus on the story, the characters and their actions.

Overall, it was an exciting story and quite different from what have read in the past.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews and basic promo / spotlight posts.

---

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Corfe Castle Murders” Review

Hello Friends!

I have read Rachel McLean’s books before and I always loved them. They had a balance and certain elements of crime and thriller that I had no idea I would enjoy. She was one of the first authors that got me curious about the genre and the endless possibilities.

“The Corfe Castle Murders“, written by Rachel McLean, is a Crime Novel, published on 15th July 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel McLean for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Meet DCI Lesley Clarke. She’s a straight-talking city copper who doesn’t suffer fools gladly… and she’s been transferred to rural Dorset.

After being injured in a bomb attack, Lesley is presented with a choice – early retirement, or a period of respite in a calmer location.

But things don’t stay calm for long.

Before she’s even started her new job, Lesley is dragged into investigating a murder at one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing Corfe Castle.

Lesley must hit the ground running. Can she get along with her new partner DS Dennis Frampton, a traditionalist who doesn’t appreciate her style? How will she navigate the politics of a smaller force where she’s a bigger, and less welcome, fish? And most importantly, can she solve the murder before the killer strikes again?

The Corfe Castle Murders is a compelling, character-driven mystery perfect for fans of Ruth Rendell, Colin Dexter, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

My name’s Rachel McLean and I write thrillers that make you think.

What does that mean?

In short, I want my stories to make your pulse race and your brain tick.

Do you often get through a thriller at breakneck pace but are left with little sense of what the book was really about? Do you sometimes read literary fiction but just wish something would damn well happen?

My books aim to fill that gap.

If you’d like to know more about my books and receive extra bonus content, please join my book club. I’ll send you a weekly (sometimes fortnightly) email with news about my writing research and progress, stories and bonus content for each book. And I’ll let you know when my books are on offer.

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

“The Corfe Castle Murders” isn’t my first book by Rachel McLean and I can see the same tone she has on her previous books, something I loved and continue to enjoy.

In this book, we are introduced to DCI Lesley Clarke, a woman as and investigator is just the best. Since this is the first book in a brand new series, we are still getting to know her and I honestly can’t wait to see what will happen in the next books. Seeing her journey throughout the story was fantastic. The interactions with the other characters, the tensions, the uncovering of her background and personality… It made me connect with her, and I would love a tv series with her and the mysteries at Dorset.

Having this series in a more rural setting no only gave me a sense of familiarity, since I live in a small town and I’m not really a city person, but it also allowed certain topics of conversation to come to light. Specially with Lesley’s new coworkers. Having the story being driven by the relationships, the interactions and the dynamics between the characters in this setting that is sometimes unused for crime novels – most I have crime stories tend to be in cities – left me focus and interested in learning more.

Overall, I loved the book and it was a good start for a series. Rachel McLean did not disappoint me. She gave me the perfect amount of politics, police procedural, character development and crime. Do I want to go reread the book again so that I can see if I missed something? Yes, I do. Will I be patiently waiting for the second book? Yes, I will. Do I recommend it? If this is your genre, yes, go for it.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews and basic promo / spotlight posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall” Review

Hello Friends!

I feel like I have be reading a lot of Historicals and Thrillers in the past few months, more than other genres. And I’m quite liking it, specially since I have been trying to stay away from paranormal because of the book I’m editing. I still am reading that genre, just not as much.

Anyway, today’s review is a historical romance, from a publisher I like, from an author I’m being introduced to.

“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall“, written by Lotte R. James, is a Historical Romance in the gothic romance subgenre, that will be published on 22nd July 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lotte R. James for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

She arrived as a housekeeper

Will she leave as a countess?

To some, Thornhallow Hall might be tarnished by tales of vengeance and ghosts, but to new housekeeper Rebecca Merrickson it represents independence and peace from her tumultuous past. Until the estate’s owner, William Reid, the disappeared earl, unexpectedly returns… After clashing with him over the changes she’s made to the house, Rebecca slowly unearths the memories that haunt brooding Liam—and her defiance gives way to a shockingly improper attraction to her master!

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warnings: Mention of suicide, Mention of emotional parental abuse, Threat of sexual assault, Some mild violence, Mention of mental health problems.

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About the Author

Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she’s not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.

Social Media Links: Twitter

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My Review

I have read many historical romances and I have always enjoy them. This one was just as amazing. The novel has put in the subgenre Gothic Romance, and I haven’t explored that subgenre much compared to others, it doesn’t really matter. It was exciting, and it had the elements I love in historical romances.

In this story we follow Rebecca, the new housekeeper at Thornhallow Hall, and William, the earl and owner of the estate. I just loved them. I felt connected to them, I was curious about their lives, their past, and their dreams. And from the very beginning I wanted to know more about them. Memories, uncovering the background of Liam and Rebecca… It all grab my attention.

The circumstances that made them interact, fall in love… It made sense, it was exciting, it had a good pace and flow. Seeing them grow and open up, it helped with connecting with the characters, which is always a plus. With the housekeeper and earl roles, the romance was lovely and emotional. And since it was in a historical setting, it added the context of certain themes of the story and the characters’ life.

Overall, I enjoyed the stor. I liked that there was some drama, romance, secrets and a dark past, it’s just what I like in any book, specially in Historical Romances. The cultural and social elements that make the story unique and take us on this time-trip, is always an welcome read. It was fascinating.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, Q&As and Limited guest posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess