Tag Archives: book review

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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Book Tour for A Christmas Wish #bookreviews #shortstories

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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

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

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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

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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.

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

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

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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.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC copy and to the author for writing another brilliant festive read. FYI – this is my honest review.

#Bookreview Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas #romance #christmasread #netgalley

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This is another great, feel good story from Jo Thomas.

The Blurb

Chloe can’t wait for Christmas . . . to be over! Her son Ruben is staying with his dad and Chloe is planning to ignore the holidays altogether. Her only festive touch is her son’s advent calendar, to help count down the days till he’s home again.

But a surprise call changes everything. Chloe might be the unexpected owner of some land in Canada! Surely, it’s a scam. Or could it be just the escape she needs right now? Ruben’s latest note in the advent calendar tells her to ‘say yes!’

In a flash, Chloe’s new countdown to Christmas involves a log cabin in the middle of a snowy forest, a community that’s worried for its future, a gruff lumberjack who gives her butterflies and a lot of pancakes with maple syrup . . .

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My Review


I loved the characters, the setting and the premise of counting down to Christmas via an advent calendar Chloe’s son made to help her get through the period without him. Although Ruben isn’t in the book that much, her 12-year-old son has a great impact on the story and I’m sure the readers.

As usual, food plays a main role (everything with maple syrup) and I learned something new about another part of the world and profession – tapping trees. The supporting cast were great, especially Bea at the diner and Theo as the rugged hero of the story. But I also loved the rogue turkey always chasing Chloe around.

I loved every minute of this book. I’m so pleased with the ending as well, wish I could say more but I don’t want to have spoilers in this review!

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC copy.

I hope you enjoy this festive book as much as I did. Let me know if you’ve read it, or if you plan to read it this season.

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#Bookreview Your Book Won’t Sell Itself by GJ Stevens #writingguide #indieauthor

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I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book before it was released in May 2023. Life has got in the way of me reading it until now, but that is no reflection on the quality of the advice on offer.

This book is packed full of information that will help you on your indie publishing journey. It’s a practical guide on what you can expect along the way, drawing on GJ Stevens experiences.

It’s the kind of book I wish I’d had when I first started out. And for those who have experience, there are still many things you can learn. It’s always interesting to see the world of indie publishing through another author’s eyes, and compare techniques.

I like how the author has discussed the different software he uses and professional services that are available to help you with the process of writing and self publishing. It’s great to know you are not alone and that you can draw on experts for certain areas that may not be your strong point.

The take away from this book is anyone can do it. Go on, go for it!

This is a how-to guide I highly recommend to new writers, and those like me that have done it before but may be looking for some tips to improve the process.

Here’s the blurb.

A helpful guide for authors, whether established or just starting out.

Despite writing and publishing eight novels, two novellas and an array of short stories over ten years, I still remember how daunting it was to start with a blank page.

This book is intended as a guide for anyone thinking about writing a book or those who have written a book but its sales are stalling. Presented in two sections, we’ll take a journey through the writing process before delving into strategies to get your book in front of reader’s eyeballs.

Covering a range of topics, including the basics of writing, editing, cover design, blurbs and publishing, I pass on the many tips and tricks I’ve learnt along my journey to get you started and help prevent you from making costly mistakes.

I’ll introduce everything you need to know to get your books selling, from building your community on social media, advertising and selling in person, all with an aim to fast-track your sales with my tried and tested methods.

Here’s the book links

Amazon

Goodreads

And if you want some more information, GJ Stevens writes a weekly blog about his writing and marketing efforts here.

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