Tag Archives: ARC

#bookreview of The City of Stardust Georgia Summers #netgalley #fantasy

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy of this debut by Georgia Summers.

The Blurb

Curses are made to be broken.

‘ENTHRALLING TO THE LAST PAGE’ SHELLEY PARKER-CHAN

Filled with magic, stardust, and a shockingly dark heart, this is a stunning standalone fantasy perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Starless Sea and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor is a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never grows sick – and never forgives a debt.

Ten years ago, Violet Everly’s mother left to break the curse, and never returned. Now Violet must find her mother, or she will be taken in her place.

Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. And into the path of Penelope’s quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted – and yet to whom she finds herself undeniably drawn.

Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel to the edges of the world to find her mother and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began . . .

My Review

This was a very enjoyable read from a debut author. The blurb drew my interest straight away and I really liked the simplistic beauty of the cover, which fits the story perfectly.

From the first page, I knew I would like the story and it didn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of intrigue at the beginning when you have to keep reading to uncover the mystery along with Violet. As she grows up and the story develops secrets are revealed, trust is broken and Violet must face up to her fate or do all in her power to change it. Her journey of discovery drags you along and the final confrontation is satisfying.

There is a certain strangeness to the world Georgia Summers has created which reminds me of Neil Gaiman.

I’m looking forward to more books by this author.

I’m especially looking forward to meeting her at my local Waterstones later this month! I’ll have to try and think of some questions for the Q&A and will hopefully post more about the night here.

You can pick up a copy of The City of Stardust on Amazon and add to your Goodreads shelf.

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

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

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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

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New books – Fantasy Adventure books by various authors. Free ARC’s available

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ARC’s of Fantasy Short Stories is up for grabs along with lots of other fantasy adventure books by various authors. There are plenty to choose from and all that’s asked in return is a review on the usual sites.

Take a look at these fantasy adventure you’ll love

I’ve had a couple of great reviews so far, but I’d love to see my origin stories get some more coverage.

Margaret on Goodreads says – ‘Entertaining! Interesting! Fast paced! Easy flow! Interesting characters! Page turner! Read! Enjoy!’

Cara on Amazon says – ‘An assassin killing mages. A young man charged to protect his cousin when her magic breaks through in a world where magic is a crime. A soldier desperate to return to his wife. Each of these stand alone stories is vividly told and I enjoyed reading them.’

Dina on Goodreads says – ‘This is one of the best selection of short fantasy stories that keeps you entertained from start to finish. It’s a must-read.’

Check out Fantasy Short Stories for yourself on Goodreads and Amazon

Or request your ARC from Book Sirens

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

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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

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Looking for a new read? Check out these free ARC’s across many genres

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I’m excited to share a bundle of Coming of Age ARC’s that Book Sirens have organised.

Fantasy Short Stories are amongst those offered in exchange for an honest review. Click on the link below for more information. Hopefully you will find some great new reads by new to you authors.

Coming of Age ARC’S

The Sixth Fire – Children of Sinai II by Clarke Nixon #bookreview #fiction

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Brilliant sequel!

Blurb

Hope Meadows is now a thriving community of survivors, following the world-changing revelations made by The Fathers. They live and work together to follow the guidelines set down for a kinder, more tolerant future, and their number is growing every day.

A Ute medicine woman inherits the double-edged gift of visions of her own, and, following their confusing messages, she leads her diminished group to Hope Meadows. It becomes clear that an ancestor’s prophecy, and those of the old tribes, is to become a reality… but they come with one final warning for mankind. Their ancestors, and those of the Hope Meadows founders, are inextricably linked, and their communities must now work together to preserve the world for which they have fought.

But old enemies are gradually building their plans against them, and all too soon they realise that the solution could prove as deadly as the threat.

My Review

I loved the start of the second book where we meet and follow some new characters and see events that happened in book 1 through their eyes and the awful impact it had on their lives. I loved Rose and Joe, but I think the star of the whole book for me was Nita the medicine woman who plays a huge part in the unfolding story of the survivors. I loved her scenes with Doron too.

It was also great to be back at Hope Meadows to see how the characters are coping with the realities of their new lives. I loved meeting up with the twins again and seeing how their powers are being honed for the good of the growing community of survivors. There are plenty of shocks and surprises in book two and plenty of new revelations. It was an entertaining read.

I have to say I was sad to finish The Sixth Fire. There is plenty of scope for further books in the series, so I really hope the authors are working on a sequel right now!

I was given a ARC copy. This review is an honest reflection of my thoughts on what is a very different and entertaining series.

Check it out on Amazon

Link to review of Book 1 Children of Sinai

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

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#Bookreview The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick #romance #netgalley

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I received an ARC of The River Between Us via Netgalley. It is due for publication next month – 10th June 2021.

Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo has bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman’s Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal.

Yet soon after her arrival, Theo discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than a century. The letters – sent from the battlefields of France during WW1 – tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house, Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to lose.

As she begins to bring Boatman’s Cottage and its gardens back to life, Theo pieces together a story of star-crossed lovers played out against the river, while finding her own new path to happiness.

The River Between Us beautifully explores the mystery and secrets of a long-forgotten love affair, and will be loved by fans of Kate Morton.

My Review

I’ve read a few of Liz Fenwick’s books and enjoy her style of storytelling. I really liked how The River Between Us is split between modern day and goes back to a historical love affair set around the time of WW1. Reading the book it often felt as much a mystery as a romance. Both timelines are captured beautifully on the page. I found myself drawn to the modern day heroine, Theo, and the characters from the past. It was so interesting to unravel the story and see how people and events have some bearing on Theo’s life.

At times it did feel strange that the love element was firmly in the past. However, Theo has plenty going on in her life including a horrible ex and a mystery love affair in her own distant past.

This was a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book to those who’ve enjoyed Liz Fenwick’s unique storytelling style of mixing past and present, and those who love to unravel a mystery or two alongside their romance.

Add to your goodreads shelf

Pre-order on Amazon

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

You can follow me on

Twitter   Goodreads   BookBub   Amazon   Facebook Instagram

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