Readers Favourite 5 star review for The Lost Sentinel #fantasy #bookreview and book trailer on #youtube

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Yesterday I received a 5 star review from a reviewer on Readers’ Favourite, and earned this shiny badge to show off!

It’s been a while since I finished publishing the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy, so its wonderful to revisit the book and characters and see what reviewers think. Here is the review posted on the Readers’ Favourite website…

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers’ Favorite

Suzanne Rogerson brings us epic fantasy in the first book of the Silent Sea Chronicles: The Lost Sentinel. In Kalaya, the Assembly aims to eradicate anyone with even a hint of magic. New laws are passed almost weekly. So, when Tei’s father makes them leave their home in Seatown to reach the sanctuary of the Turrak mountains, she knows her life will change. Tei is now an exile. With her special talents, Tei is tasked with finding the next Sentinel, the one person who can save Kalaya from total decay. Danger lurks in every town and even in the Astral Plains, the only place Tei has ever contacted the Sentinel. Will Tei be able to accept the help of her new friends and complete her mission before the Masked Riders find the new Sentinel first?

Author Suzanne Rogerson has created a world with magic at its core. Written in the third-person narrative mostly from the perspective of the protagonist, readers are privy to her inner thoughts, desires, and fears. With epic journeys filled with sensory stimulation, readers are easily transported to a world where good and evil are constantly at war. The fight scenes are honed with precision. The characters are likable and undeniably relatable. With a steady pace and a magnificent plot, readers won’t want to put this book down. The Lost Sentinel is suitable for younger readers as well as avid fans of fantasy. The end of this book leaves ample opportunity to continue the next adventure in the new life of this mystic.

Here’s the review page on Reader’s Favourite

The review inspired me to post the book trailer my narrator and his wife made back when the audiobook came out. Here it is.

You can pick up a copy of the book in ebook, audio and paperback on Amazon.

Review snippets from the #Booktour for A Little Christmas Magic #festivestories

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

So far on the book tour for my new festive collection of short stories I’ve been loving the reviews coming in. It’s always fun to share a few of my favourite quotes with you. Please click the link for the full review on instagram.

weebelfastbookshelf ‘…Each story was perfect for an easy, cosy read at this time of year 🎄 the author has beautifully captured what this time of year is really about, even in such short stories. I found them all to be believable & relatable – I didn’t want them to end!’

Daisyhollands ‘…What a charming little collection of stories this is. If you are looking for something quick and stress free to read over the festive period, it should be this. Each story is different to the one before but there is Christmas magic weaved through all of them, like a glittery thread…’

afelton6212 ‘…this book just has all the Christmas magic I may be an adult but I fully believe In the magic!!’

currently_readingx ‘…Every story has a meaning behind it. From helping others to making sacrifices. When I was reading this book it made me feel so lucky to be surrounded by people I love…’

mommy_and_books ‘A perfect Christmas and winter anthology. The stories are short, enveloping, and everyone will find something for themselves here. An additional asset is the wonderful cover that catches the eye.’

lozzieloves ‘This is my first read by Suzanne Rogerson and it was a thoroughly enjoyable one. A collection of festive short stories which cover all the Christmas themes of love, kindness, family and friendship.’

bianca_reads_books ‘The underlying theme across all of these is kindness. They vary in length from a couple of pages to 18 pages, so they are very easy to race through.
It’s a great read to curl up with your christmas cuppa and enjoy.’

Thank you to all the reviewers who’ve posted so far. As you can see from the list below, there are still plenty more to come.

In case you’re interested in this festive read, or want to get a gift for a friend or family member, below is the all important link. You can still order the paperbacks / hardbacks in time for Christmas or even gift an ebook to someone special.

Winter Warmer Short Story Series

Thanks very much for following the book tour with me.

#Christmas book reviews #netgalley reads by @SueMoorcroft and @jo_thomas01

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’ve read a couple of Christmas / winter books over the last month or so and thought it was the perfect time to share a little book love.

These were both Netgalley reads kindly given to me by the publisher, and are by two of my favourite authors;

Sue Moorcroft – A Skye Full of Stars

Firstly I love the title, Coldplay is one of the best bands in the world!

It was wonderful to get back to Skye and pick up with the three sisters and their lives. I love the set up in the country house estate, and it’s also a pleasure to experience the island in winter this time.

This story is packed with family, emotion and love.

Ezzie is a great character with her fair share of issues, and Mats is suitably swoon worthy.
The difficulties the leads face to love seem impossible to overcome, and I couldn’t stop reading to find out how a happy ever after was possible with so much against it.

Mats young kids were adorable. And Ezzie meeting her birth family led to plenty of teary moments.

A brilliant read and I’m looking forward to the last story in the trilogy next year (though it will be a shame to leave the Isle of Skye).

Next up

Jo Thomas – A Recipe for Christmas

This was another great cosy Christmas read by Jo Thomas. And with lots of chocolate – what’s not to love!

Clara was such a lovely character who seems to naturally help everyone she meets and brings people together. Gabriel was the perfect, brooding leading man.

I loved the Swiss location with all the vivid descriptions of the snowy conditions, and especially the chocolate school and Gabriel’s farm.

It was a stay up all night kind of read and I just didn’t want it to end.

Both books are 5 star reads – I’m never disappointed with a Sue Moorcroft or Jo Thomas book!

I’m hoping to squeeze in a few more Christmas reads this year, and am already 80% through Claire Hutson’s new book – Bella’s Countryside Christmas. Another book that is most definitely worth a read.

Enjoy your Sunday reading.

***

A Christmas Wish book tour round up #christmasread #festivestories #bookreview

Posted on December 8, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is the last day of the book tour for A Christmas Wish and I’m happy to share some more review snippets…

Catreader18 – ‘Each one is enjoyable and cute and made me happier. My favorite story is called Santa Paws. It’s about a woman’s and her dog that visit nursing homes and this visit is the deliver Christmas presents.’

book_a_holic_17 – ‘I loved the diversity in these stories – whilst also keeping that same feel-good spirit of Christmas-time vibe… I don’t think that I could pick a favourite story from this – I really enjoyed them all – but Chance Encounters really touched me (being a mum of teens).’

bouquinistebookcase – ‘Each story had a meaning or moral and I’m sure a lot of people could put themselves in at least one of the protagonists positions. My personal favourite was the story of the two young brothers being led down the wrong path and being put in a difficult situation and having to make choices whilst being pressured by peers.’

booklover.kez ‘This was a delightful collection of 8 festive short stories, with themes of friendship, hope, family and second chances. They are all short and sweet and embrace the cosy Christmas atmosphere and time for helping others and being with family.’

afelton6212 ‘What a cute book. I loved this read… They really got me into the Christmas spirit. Highly recommended.’

thebookandbubble – ‘This collection of short stories is a heartwarming embrace of Christmas spirit. Each tale touches on heartfelt topics, weaving together themes of love, hope, and the magic of the season.’

nadz_sargent – ‘Such a lovely collection of heartwarming stories. The book is around 80 pages – these are short but sweet. Reminders of the importance of love, compassion, community and family.’

alyssas_book_obsession – ‘They were such feel-good and poignant stories. They brought the coziness of Christmas with themes of hope, family, second chances, and helping each other. The stories were relatable and realistic.’

And that’s it for the book tour. It’s been great to read the reviews coming in this last week and to share the love for A Christmas Wish. Thanks to all the reviewers who took part and a big thank you to Kelly and everyone at Love Book Tours for making this possible.

I will be back soon for a new book tour for A Little Christmas Magic – my newly released short story collection for 2024.

Both books are part of the Winter Warmers Short Story Series, which you can check out on Amazon now. Available as ebooks, paperbacks and free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a taste of the reviews and hope its inspired you to get into the festive spirit.

Mid-point book tour update for A Christmas Wish #christmasfiction #shortstories #bookreview

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

We’re half way through the tour and it’s been great to see so many reviewers sharing pictures and reviews of my book.

I always like to give the reviewers and their blogs / Instagram accounts a shout out, so here are a few teaser lines to the reviews and links so you can read the whole post. I hope you’ll pop by and check out their reviews of A Christmas Wish, and maybe find some other great book recommendations while you’re there.

fiction_vixen18 ‘It would be hard to pick a favourite as they are all lovely but Santa Paws Delivery, For The Holidays and The Icing On The Cake all stick in my mind and Blaze will be in my heart forever.’

dorianhellfire ‘They’re sweet and cozy revolving around topics like family, friends, hope and that second chance we all hope to get.’

plumbobmummy – ‘This is a collection of eight very short stories all set around Christmas time. They are all sweet, heartwarming tales, ideal if you are looking for something uplifting with lots of happiness and hope.’

bianca_reads_books ‘Chance Encounters was my favourite. It showed how easily things can get difficult for families and youngsters. It also showed that the bad name teens often assume is not always warranted. They just need someone to really see them.’

meandmybookshelf ‘While I enjoyed all the stories in the collection, two stood out as personal favorites: “Santa Paw’s Delivery” and “For the Holidays.” Both are brimming with charm and carry a magical festive spirit that stayed with me.’

katieluvstoread ‘I am not someone who usually likes short story collections, however this was a very sweet collection that had me wanting more…’

Lisa_reads_alot ‘Hard to say which was my favourite one as I liked them all for different reasons, some feel good tales, others poignant.’

caz.readz ‘This will lift your spirits and get you in the mood for Christmas.’

planteachread ‘…these stories are varied and festive. They allow us to dip in and out of different lives while giving us a little Christmas warmth. Honestly, get your tree up and treat yourself to a story from A Christmas Wish with a hot drink, I promise it will feed your Christmas spirit.’

Confession_of_a_reading_freak_ It really got me into the Christmas spirit !!

If these little snippets made you need to know more, please check out A Christmas Wish on Amazon. Available as an Ebook, Paperback, Hardback and Audiobook.

There are lots of stops still on the book tour, so I’ll be back at the end of the week with a summary of some more.

***

Book Tour for A Christmas Wish #bookreviews #shortstories

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Hello. As promised I’m back with a look at the week ahead, which includes plenty of stops on the book tour for A Christmas Wish. See the schedule below.

I hope you’ll get a chance to check some of the reviews and book spotlights for my short story collection. Here’s a sneak peak…

Amazon reviewer – ‘If you’re after something for the festive season that’s emotional and comforting this is the book to read.‘

I’ll be back during the week to share some of the reviews from the book tour.

A Christmas Wish is part of the Winter Warmers Series.

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

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

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.

***

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

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Audiobook reviews for the Silent Sea Chronicles books 1 and 2 #fantasy #audio

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I love to read reviews and it seems to be much harder to get reviews on audiobooks. These reviews on Audible made my day.

Book 1 – The Lost Sentinel

‘Everything about it was awesome. From the narrator to the sound effects. The storyline was very intriguing. I would definitely recommend this book’

Book 2 – The Sentinel’s Reign

‘What did I like? I liked everything about this book. Yes, there is some hardships, and friends lost. There is also strong ties as well. Trust me when I say. These books make you want to see them on a big screen’

The idea of seeing my books on the big scene has always been a dream of mine. I’m film obsessed and in more recent years I’ve fallen in love with binge watching series on Netflix and Prime, in particular fantasy. There just aren’t enough fantasy programmes made.

These are comments from audiobook reviewer Tess, who received a reviewer’s copy of each book and choose to share her honest review. I’m hoping the last book in the trilogy is as well received.

Perhaps these reviews have inspired you to check out the books for yourself.

Here are the links to my audiobook page

For a look at all my book offerings here the link to my Amazon author page

Blurb

Tei has magic in a world where people like her are persecuted and forced into exile. Whilst fleeing their home, her father is attacked and his deathbed confession reveals a dangerous secret that will change Tei’s life forever.

Tei’s homeland, the magical island of Kalaya, is dying and without a Sentinel to restore the magic, it’s only a matter of time before all life is wiped out.

She must join the exiles in the search for the lost Sentinel, but they are not the only ones after the missing guardian. Sinister Masked Riders are on their trail and time is running out.

Tei must risk everything she loves to save Kalaya, but is she ready to make that sacrifice?

1396 pages of magic, adventure and intrigue.

***

Whether you prefer reading or listening, I hope you enjoy the trilogy.

#Bookreview The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft #netgalley

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Heart warming and at times heart wrenching, but so, so good!

Blurb

A secret romance was just the start of the story…

Tucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson’s Bar – an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Cracey has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey – until an epic row sent him storming out into a blizzard, with no sign of him since that fateful night.

Six years on, and Maddy’s life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her young daughter and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.

As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can’t help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she’d thought it was…

My review

I really loved this book, as I do with every one of Sue Moorcroft’s stories. She has earned her title ‘Queen of Christmas feelgood novels’!

The characters were great and the situations they were in gave plenty of opportunities to tug at the heart strings. I found myself needing tissues quite a few times throughout this story.

Maddy is a strong woman, she’s had to be after her husband disappeared and left her in debt. She’s caring and always puts others above her own happiness, but with Raff there seems a chance for her to find love and happiness.

I loved Raff as the hero of the story, and I especially loved that he’s an author. A fantasy author at that!

The setting really came alive and the vivid depictions of winter in Nelson’s Bar transported me there. The supporting cast were excellent, Great Auntie Ruthie especially. It’s her backstory woven through the book that leads to so many of the emotional moments.

I love an epilogue and this one rounded off the wonderful tale perfectly.

Another excellent Christmassy 5 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC, the publishers and of course thanks Sue Moorcroft for another fantastic story.

***

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

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Blog Tour ‘This Christmas in Paris’ by Sophie Claire #bookreview #tuesdaybookblog

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m excited to be on the blog tour for This Christmas in Paris by Sophie Claire.

Blurb

What could be more magical than Christmas in Paris?

When Carys is offered the chance to run a little French café, she leaps at the chance to discover an exciting city where she can dream big.

Meanwhile, struggling journalist Mat is living in the City of Love – but he’s never found romance himself.

Then, a chance encounter changes everything, and it feels like the start of something wonderful. But Carys and Mat are both keeping secrets . . .

Can they open their hearts to one another – and maybe even find love, just in time for Christmas?

My review

I was drawn into the story from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down.

I liked first meeting Carys in Willowbrook, her small hometown with a tight-knit community. It’s quickly clear why she feels she must escape to find herself. She jumps in at the deep end and takes a job in Paris running the Red Cat Café while the owners have a family emergency. She might not be qualified but she does a great job of it, until a bad review knocks her confidence.

Away from the café, Carys meets Mat and forms an instant connection with him. They know nothing of each others lives, but over the course of a few months they regularly meet and begin to fall in love. But there are secrets between them, which could get in the way of a relationship.

I have to admit there were several times I wanted to stop reading and beg the characters to make different choices. However, I ended up reading on avidly to see the twists and turns in their relationship play out.

I loved all the scenes in the café as Carys does her best to increase custom and challenges the chef to be more experimental. The food descriptions are mouth-watering, but I especially loved the evening talent shows she organises and the mix of customers we meet along the way.

Carys and Mat are great leading characters and deserve to find happiness. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see if they do find love together, or if the secrets tear them apart.

Note – I love the added extras at the end of the book, especially the recipe for ‘Cake aux Olives’ which I hope to try making very soon.

Don’t forget to check out the other reviewers taking part in the tour.