Monthly Archives: January 2022

#Bookreview Revenge de los Muertos – Fifth Sun book 1 by @TalisJones #urbanfantasy #fantasy

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I won a copy in a competition and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to read book 1 in this new urban fantasy series – Fifth Sun.

Blurb

Selah’s biggest dilemma was trying to decide what to study in college. That is, until she stumbled across a clue to the grandparents she’d never met and hopped on a plane to Mexico where she would discover an entire hidden world of magic and monsters. Her best friend was a bruja, the Chupacabra was more than a myth, and she’d inadvertently caught the attention of the terrifying Blood King with golden eyes. What started as a two-week vacation quickly devolved into an adventure she might never return from.

Día de los Muertos had almost arrived and the monsters were on the hunt.

My Review

Urban fantasy is not something I read very often, but I’m glad I read Revenge De Los Muertos. It is an excellent introduction into the Fifth Sun series and I really enjoyed it.

This is a story filled with magic, covens and secrets. We get to see a slice of Mexican culture and it’s nice to have the odd Spanish phrase included. I did not know all the words, but it was easy enough to interpret the meaning. Plus there is a handy guide at the back of the book if you are interested in understanding the words and how to pronounce them.

The main character, Selah, starts the books very trusting and naïve. Almost too naïve. But we get a hint that things are not as they seem, and our patience is eventually rewarded (though I can’t say more – you just have to read it to find out!).

My favourite character was easily Rafi, a sexy protector with many hidden depths, and it was great to have alternating chapters from his viewpoint. There are lots of supporting characters too that bring the world of magic alive.

There is plenty of mystery and hints of a slow-burn romance to come, all elements I love in books. The events at the end had me rushing through the pages. It was dramatic and eye-opening for the reader and the characters alike.

I have to say I’ve been left feeling a little nervous for what’s to come in book 2. But that makes the anticipation even better. I know it will be action packed and I look forward to watching the characters continue to grow.

Book 2 is already out and I’ve seen that book 3 is only a few months away. It’s exciting to have such a quick release and I look forward to the next books. Check out the author on Amazon and Goodreads to find out more.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

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#Bookreview The Christmas Holiday by Sophie Claire #romance #greatread @SClaireWriter

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I won this book in a twitter competition held by Whispering Stories along with some lovely goodies. I’m very grateful as this turned out to be one of my favourite reads of 2021.

Blurb

Can a trip away lead you home?

After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn’t going entirely to plan.

Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he’s determined not to get close to anyone again – and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December.

Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them?

And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more?

My Review

I really loved this book and I’m so happy to have discovered a new author by winning this prize. I read The Christmas Holiday in a few days because I just couldn’t put it down.

As well as being an addictive, entertaining read, the book also has an emotional storyline. Grief is a central issue creating a barrier between the two protagonists.

I loved Evie and her story of opening her own craft shop in what sounds like a wonderful little village, Willowbrook. She has lots of insecurities and money troubles, but she’s determined to follow her dream and make the business a success even if others don’t believe in her.

I also loved Jake’s storyline and felt for his difficult situation. He is a brooding, handsome, hurting lead man with a heart in need of healing. His dog won my heart from the start of the story too.

I became invested in the two main characters straight away and read with increasing speed, desperate to follow Evie and Jake’s journey. It was a satisfying read, one that has stayed with me even two weeks after finishing it.

It’s a book I want to shout about, recommend to everyone and it is one I will read again! I can’t wait to discover more of Sophie Claire’s books.

Goodreads

Here’s a look at those goodies I received from Whispering Stories. Only the Pud in a mug and Christmas cake to go!

If you want to see my other favourite reads of 2021, check out this post Favourite reads of 2021

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

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#Bookreview Under the Mistletoe by @SueMoorcroft #romance

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I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book through Netgalley. It was one of my last reads of 2021 and was perfect for Christmas.

Blurb

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

My Review

I enjoyed returning to Middledip, especially at Christmas. It’s clear that childhood sweethearts, Laurel and Grady, would make a great couple when they meet years later but events from the past that forced Laurel to flee her home keep getting between them. Can their love conquer the past?

I felt that at times the past event focused too much in the plot, but I still rooted for Laurel and Grady to overcome it and have the happy ever after they deserved.

Art was a theme that featured heavily in the story as Laurel is a successful artist and Middledip’s art scene is buzzing with the arts and craft club preparing for the Chirstmas fair. Family relationships also play a big part in the story. I really enjoyed all the scene’s with Laurel’s niece and I have to mention the horse that helps Laurel’s sister Rea’s recovery.

This was a perfect seasonal read. You can’t go wrong when you pick up a Sue Moorcroft book!

Goodreads

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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Goodreads Challenge and planned reads for 2022 #amreading #bookchallenge

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I love the start of the year where I look at the books I own, check my TBR list and decide what to read throughout 2022.

I aim to read 25 books and have set my Goodreads challenge accordingly. I want to focus on writing more this year, but I do love escaping into a good book so I’m hoping that figure is not too ambitious.

Here are some books I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into though I’m not sure what order I will read them:

Fantasy and Urban fantasy

Revenge de los Muertos by Talis Jones – I won this in a competition and I’m currently reading it. I’m 40% in and it’s very intriguing. I’ve also pre-ordered bk 2 which comes out in a few days.

Nightborn by Jessica Thorne – I loved book one last year. It was one of my fav fantasy reads. See my post about them here.

Echo Murder by Laura Laakso – I really loved book 1 and keep meaning to catch up with the rest of the series.

Shadow and Bone trilogy – Christmas present I can’t wait to read. I loved the Netflix show and have already started the first book.

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman in audio – This was on my list in 2021 so I really need to give it a listen.

Romance

New Hope for the Little Cornish Farmhouse – Nancy Barone. I love the premise of this book.

The Summer Island Festival – Rachel Burton – another book premise that drew me in.

Tanglewood Flower Shop and The Tanglewood Wedding Shop – Lilac Mills

I have loads of romance paperbacks to choose from so I expect there to be plenty of mood reads coming up in 2022.

Classics

Dracula Bram Stoker – my daughter loves this book and says I should read it.

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Are any of these books on your radar? Have you made a reading list for 2022?

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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Favourite books of 2021 #amreading #greatreads

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This is a difficult call to make. I managed to read 33 books in the end, with a late finisher stealing my heart and giving me a huge book hangover. More on that later.

First to fantasy and a book that has stuck with me – The Sword of Kaigen by M.L.Wang.

It was different to what I was expecting and different to anything I have read before. I just loved how it shocked and surprised me and at times tore my heart out. In my review I even went as far as to say that it was a masterpiece in the fantasy genre.

Runner up in my favourite fantasy books of 2021 is Mageborn by Jessica Thorne.

This was a book I picked up and knew I would love it from the start. It has everything I love in a fantasy including mystery and romance. The magic and the worldbuilding are deftly done and I’m so looking forward to reading book 2. See my review here.

My favourite romance is also difficult to pick as I’ve read so many good ones this year, both with summer and Christmas settings. I’m going to name a couple that made a big impression on me.

A last minute entry for my favourite book of the year is The Christmas Holiday by Sophie Claire. Wow, I loved the characters and their struggles and their story wouldn’t let me go. I read it in about 3 days. I haven’t indulged like that for a long time. I actually won the book in a twitter competition along with some Christmas goodies. Thanks again to Whispering Stories for introducing me to such an incredible story. I will be trying some more Sophie Claire books in 2022.

Sue Moorcroft – Christmas Wishes and Under the Italian Sun are both books that I still think about fondly. Christmas Wishes was an emotional read that won my heart and I loved the mix of mystery and passion in Under the Italian Sun.

Jo Thomas – Celebrations at the Chateau. I loved this book as it fulfilled a wish of mine to inherit a Chateau and do it up. Now I’ve lived that life and can tick it off my bucket list! Plus I loved the building relationship between Fliss and Jacques. See my review here.

I’ve discovered some amazing authors in 2021 and can’t wait to read more in 2022. Check out my post of all 33 books I read in 2021.

Have you read any of my favourite books? What have been your favourite reads?

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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Welcome 2022! My writing plans and goals #amwriting

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I love this part of the year when 12 whole months stretch ahead of me and I can think about the future with time and optimism on my side.

I have a lot I want to achieve in 2022 as I feel the last 2 years have been a let down on the publishing front. I will set myself some big goals and do my best to meet as many as I can.

First I want to share the big goals to work towards over the whole year and then break that down into monthly tasks. I’ll try to give monthly updates which will hold me to account and hopefully give me the impetus to power through these goals.

Mermaid Hotel Romance Series

I’m considering approaching agents and publishers with this series idea, but I’m torn as I do love self publishing and I have already bought 3 beautiful book covers with the intention of doing everything myself.

If I do self publish I want to get 3 books out this year; Evie’s Song, A.J’s Legacy and Love in Degrees.

Starlight Prophecy Series

This fantasy series has been in my head for a long time and I really want to get book 1 and 2 finished and published in 2022. Again, I have purchased the covers but I’m stuck on the titles. So far I have Starlight Prophecy – Awaken. Starlight Prophecy – Arise and book 3 would be Ascend.

Other Writing Goals

Stick to a weekly word count. Before Christmas I was managing between 3 – 4k. That is a pretty good figure to aim for, whether that be new story ideas, new scenes for my WIP’s or with the new book I’ve pre-ordered as a late Christmas present to myself which is all about daily inspiration. More on that when the book arrives later in the month.

Write a new piece of flash fiction or short story each month for my writing group to critique.

Publish fantasy short stories set in the world of my books.

Publish a short story anthology.

Summary

As you can see I have set a huge challenge – publishing up to 7 books! I’m not sure if it is possible but I like to aim big!

For now I will focus on a month to month strategy. With that in mind my goals for January are simple. Finish editing Evie’s Song and publish my book of Fantasy Short Stories.

I’ll be back at the end of the month to review my plan and see how it’s getting along.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.