Monthly round up – reading and writing #amreading #amwriting

I am not great at sharing reviews, which is a shame as I know how important they are to authors, so I’ve decided to try a monthly wrap up post to share what I’ve been reading through the month. I also plan to share any progress on my writing projects as well as trying to stick to a quarterly plan.

January Update

Reading

I’ve made a good start to the year and my Goodreads goal of 26. Reading 4 books this month has set me up well.

The Fifth Sun Series by Talis Jones has kept me entertained and I’m looking forward to the final installment.

Writing Romance Novels and Love Stories has given me plenty to think about and work through with The Mermaid Hotel Series.

Rules for dating a Romantic Hero was a quick read and enjoyable. A good choice to get someone into reading who is daunted by bigger books.

Christmas Kisses by Alison May was a great read. I loved how the three novellas were interlinked and how it all came together at the end. Very enjoyable.

Writing

My new audiobook came out in January – Love, Loss and Life In Between. I have free audio codes available for reviewers, so please get in touch.

Romance series

Book 1 has a new title (formerly known as Evie’s Song) – Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel. It really fits the story and the genre. Feedback so far has been brilliant. What do you think?

I’ve also decided that I’ve been mentally putting the book in the wrong category – thinking of it as Contemporary Women’s fiction when it’s closer to the Cosy Seaside Romance genre.

I’m still editing the above and have quite a bit of work to do on the descriptions and layout of the novel.

Other Writing

Starlight Prophecy – No progress

Other writing – Nothing to report.

Other relevant writing news

I have joined the Romantic Novelist Association’s New Writers Scheme, which turned out to be easier than anticipated. It means I can send ‘Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel’ to a reader in March and get new professional eyes on the story.

I have subscribed to Mslexia, the women’s writing magazine and taken out their special Salon membership which has various perks throughout the year.

I have signed up to the RNA’s course ‘Writing a series with a coastal or countryside setting’ taught by Jessica Redland (I’m reading one of her books for the first time and loving it!). I think this course will be really helpful as I plan the rest of The Mermaid Hotel Series.

Plans for February

Books I hope to read this month

Writing projects for February

Complete the latest draft of Secrets and Love Songs at the Mermaid Hotel in preparation for the New Writer’s Scheme.

Write something new for my writing group meeting mid-February.

I think that about sums up my plans for February. Short and sweet!

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

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Reading challenge 2023 and my TBR so far #amreading

As it’s the start of the year, it’s time to set myself some reading goals. Last year I was very comfortable with a 25 book target. In 2023 I don’t plan to up it by much, just going for 26 books. I’m hoping that is a practical target to fit around my writing and whatever else the year throws at me.

I have some books carried over from last year that I want to read so I already have an idea of some of my reads. I plan to stay away from Netgalley and requesting books even though it’s a great way to read books by my favourite authors before they are published. Saying that, if the publishers marketing teams contact me, I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist the pull of a shiny new book or two!

My TBR for 2023 so far

Fantasy

Urban Fantasy

Romance

Writing guides

That is just a taster of the books that I’ve wanted to read for a while. I have a ton on my kindle which I haven’t even looked through yet. I’ll see how I go with this lot first.

What do you think of my selection?

Have you set yourself a reading challenge this year? Do you usually meet your targets?

Whatever and however you read, I hope you enjoy lots of books in 2023!

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

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Goodreads reading challenge and Fav read of 2022 #amreading

It’s been a good reading year for me. I completed my Goodreads challenge of 25 in plenty of time, getting to 28 books in total. It’s not the biggest target, but I’m pleased I made it.

I’ve read a mixture of romance, urban fantasy and fantasy with a couple of thrillers, a how to book and a graphic novel thrown in.

You can check out all the books I read on my goodreads challenge here.

I’ve been transported to some amazing locations and different worlds, I’ve been entertained and kept up too late at night on many occasions!

I try to read as many books as I can by fellow indie authors or those published by small presses, and I’ve discovered new to me authors whose work I will be searching out in the future.

I haven’t reviewed as many books on my blog as I would have liked in 2022, but I try to leave reviews or at least ratings on Goodreads and Amazon because as an author I know how important these are.

Looking back over the list on Goodreads, I find it almost impossible to pick a favourite. But If I had to, I think I would say The Switch by Beth O’Leary. I only picked it up because so many agents rate her work and having read this book I can completely see why. I highly recommend it.

Did you meet any reading challenges you set yourself? Have you got a favourite read you can recommend?

I will be back in the new year with some of the books I plan to read during 2023.

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

You can follow me on

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#Bookreview Jo Thomas Keeping a Christmas Promise #romance #netgalley

Another great festive read from Jo Thomas. First off, I love the cover. It’s joyful, colourful and pretty, perfect for a Christmas story. It is also a very good reflection of the story itself.

Blurb

Four friends
Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . .

One promise
Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they’ve lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas.

A life-changing adventure
They didn’t count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients.

But will the Northern Lights appear so they can honour their friend’s wish? And can Freya’s own dreams come true, this Christmas? 

Add to Goodreads shelf

My Review

I really enjoyed this story and escaping into Freya’s world. I liked the premise of keeping a promise to a friend that is no longer with you and fulfilling their dream of seeing the northern lights. However driving out into a building snowstorm? That was never going to be a good idea. Cue Petur, and what a savior he turned out to be!

I loved the friendships and sense of community with this story. I wasn’t let down in the romance department either.

I felt like I went on an adventure with Freya and her friends, though admittedly I hate the cold so you wouldn’t catch me getting up to some the things Freya did! I much preferred snuggling up under the covers and imagining the experiences as I read about them.

I recommend you pick up this book and devour it with a hot chocolate next to an open fire!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy and apologies I’m so late posting this review. I’ve been working on a little of my own Christmas magic in the form of festive short stories.

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

You can follow me on

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It’s time for the #indieaugust book sale! Bargain alert!

It’s Indie August and a bunch of indie authors, including myself, are involved in a huge sale over the weekend. See the graphic below for just a few of the titles on sale.

Please check out the sales page with all the links you need.

This year I have included my standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua, for 99p worldwide and my Fantasy Short Stories collection for free for the next 4 days!

It’s the perfect time to try out some new authors and fill your kindles / devices with indie books!

Happy reading everyone.

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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.

How long should a short story collection be? Your thoughts and a twitter poll #amreading #shortfiction #readingcommunity

I’m toying with the idea of publishing a short story collection. Whether that happens now with 10 stories written, or in the future once I have written more content is my dilemma. And I’m hoping you can help.

So over to you guys.

What do you think about short story collections? How long should they be? Would you buy one for 99p? And if you are going to part with the cash, how many stories seems like value for money?

Please feel free to put your thoughts in the comments, or take part in this quick twitter poll.

Thanks for your time. I’ll be back soon with the results and a writing update.

And watch this space, there may soon be a new story collection on the way!

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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.

Blog tour #bookreview An Escape to Provence by Sophie Claire @sclairewriter #romance #arc

I’m really excited to be part of the blog tour for the excellent book – An Escape to Provence. The paperback published 21st July 2022. I assure you, you don’t want to miss this warm and addictive read!

Blurb

Where there’s a will, can love find a way?

When cynical divorce lawyer Daisy Jackson unexpectedly inherits a ramshackle farmhouse in Provence, she sets off for the French countryside to oversee renovations herself.

But Gabriel Laforet has other ideas. A local builder with ties to the property, Gabriel is determined to see Daisy off and preserve the characterful, charming farmhouse – which, but for a missing will, he knows is rightfully his.

When the two meet, it’s clear they couldn’t be more different: Gabriel has lived in the small country village all his life; Daisy is a city girl whose career means everything. He is laid-back and messy; she is used to being in control. As they begin to work together, sparks fly. Yet they’re inexplicably drawn to each other and, in the heat of the Provence sun, secrets begin to spill. Perhaps Daisy can trust him with her carefully guarded heart after all?

But Gabriel is still searching for the missing will that proves the farmhouse belongs to him – and in doing so, risks upturning everything he and Daisy have started to build together . . . 

My Review

I love the tag line – Where there’s a will, can love find a way?

It sums up the story perfectly and gives a hint at the troubles to come. As soon as Daisy and Gabriel meet, it’s clear there’s chemistry between them but they are from different worlds and are wildly different people. Daisy is a cynical workaholic and Gabriel is a romantic who enjoys a slower pace of life. Neither of them have plans to change their views of the world and seem so incompatible despite the obvious attraction between them.

Daisy is completely single-minded in her ambition to modernise the farmhouse she’s inherited, desperate to turn it into a holiday let and return to her job in London. Gab applies underhand tactics to see her off, wanting to retain the memories of the old farmhouse which he believes should be his.

The issue of the will hangs over any budding relationship and they have other hurts that must be overcome if anything meaningful is to develop between them. I loved the slow reveals, the steamy passion, and the developing romance between them. They are perfect for each other, if only they could see it too! But they are also as stubborn as each other and refuse to acknowledge the truth even to themselves.

Gab is a swoon worthy hero and Daisy is a feisty heroine. As a reader you’re behind them all the way, willing them to see beyond their differences and grab the chance of happiness even if it means changing the future they’d originally envisaged for themselves. So much stands in the way of love, at times it seems impossible for them to reach the happy ever after they deserve.

I loved the setting in Provence, the village and the people, and inheriting an old farmhouse is on top of my wish list!

It’s an entertaining, emotional journey of self discovery and learning to open hearts and minds to others. I enjoyed every page and didn’t want the story to end. It’s a book I can’t wait to revisit and one I will be recommending to all the romance readers I know.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the bloggers on the tour. And you can see the book for yourself on Goodreads or Amazon

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of An Escape to Provence and for allowing me to take part in this blog tour.

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

You can follow me on

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Last chance to grab The Lost Sentinel for free #freebook http://mybook.to/LostSentinel

The free period for The Lost Sentinel is sadly coming to an end, so if you fancied trying out my book, today is your last chance to grab the deal.

‘I loved this story & finished it in two sittings! Have just bought Book 2 & 3 in the saga. If you want to be taken away to another world with fantastic characters & superb plot, this is for you!’ Amazon reviewer

The Lost Sentinel – universal link.

Books 2 and 3 will also end their discount period of 99p each, so don’t miss out on your chance to collect the whole trilogy for £1.98.

Check out my books on the Amazon Author Page.

The Lost Sentinel has reached the top 10 in many of the relevant Amazon Best Seller categories, and 18 in the overall fantasy bestseller list, which is always wonderful to see.

This sale has introduced my Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy to many new readers, maybe you can be one of them!

Let me know what you think in the comments, or use the contact me page to get in touch. I love to talk about reading, writing, fantasy, self publishing…

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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.

Part two – Fantasy Short Stories blog blitz #amreadingfantasy

I have some more reviews and spotlight posts to share during the blog blitz for my latest release. Here are a few stand out lines from the reviews.

Reviews in Heels – ‘…If you’re looking for some fantasy to jump into, these bite-sized stories will give you a good taste of something new – and if you’ve read these books already, these will give you some backstory of your favourite characters.’

Pooled Ink Reviews – ‘…Quick paced, flowing prose, it was a delightful dip into these characters’ stories…’

Insatiable Readers – Spotlight post

Chicks, Rogues and Scandals – Promo

Sadie’s Spotlight – Book Promo

Scintilla – Review ‘…Rogerson has effectively pulled me into her worlds.’

Rosie Writes – ‘…sympathetic characters in worlds that feel realistic and consistent. The stories are dramatic and satisfying…’

Thanks to all the reviewers and bloggers who have taken part so far. I’ll be back later to share the rest of the posts from today.

I hope the review snippets have inspired you to check out more info on the blogs.

Fantasy Short Stories – available on Amazon.

#Bookreview Summer at the French Cafe by @SueMoorcroft #romance #netgalley #ARC

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC from Netgalley of Sue Moorcroft’s new book – Summer at The French Cafe. It publishes on 12th May 2022.

It was a brilliant, satisfying 5 star read.

Blurb

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel.

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

My Mini Review

I loved this novel. I feel like I say this about every book Sue Moorcroft writes, but it’s true!

Just thinking about writing a review makes me want to pick up the story and read it all over again.

Kat and Noah are brilliant main characters who deserve happiness together if only life’s problems didn’t get in the way. We follow both as viewpoint characters and really get insides their heads to understand the decisions they make and how the past has affected them. There are serious issues in this book that are handled with care and sensitivity. My heart aches for Noah and his little girl, and Kat has some really crap situations to contend with too. At the end I felt like cheering, but you’ll have to read Summer at the French Cafe to find out why!

All I can say is that it has a very satisfying ending.

I loved the book cafe in Park Lemmel, I would love to stop there for cake and tea. And Angelique the dog was a star character for me. Having a dog in romantic fiction should be compulsory!

This book is published in 12th May but you can Pre-order now.

Check it out on Goodreads

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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.