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

Posted on February 1, 2024 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

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

Posted on October 20, 2023 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

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 Jo Thomas Keeping a Christmas Promise #romance #netgalley

Posted on November 29, 2022 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

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

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

Posted on July 24, 2022 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

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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Elle’s A to Z of Love by Claire Huston #romance #bookreview

Posted on December 8, 2021 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

A very enjoyable romance that keeps you guessing in the love interest sakes.

Blurb

Haileybrook, a beautiful village in the peaceful Cotswolds countryside, is most people’s idea of heaven on earth.

It should be easy, but every time she packs her bags for exotic adventures, old loves and loyalties pull her back.

Will Elle be forced to forget her dreams of far-flung places and epic romance, or can she grab one last chance to have it all?

An uplifting, romantic story about friends, family and the relationships that make a place a home.

My review

Firstly, isn’t this a pretty cover!

I really enjoyed my visit to Haileybrook but felt for Elle – no matter how much she wanted to escape her childhood home, life and fate always intervened.

This was a very enjoyable romance, the kind that keeps you guessing if the couple that are meant to be together will ever admit their feelings for each other. The book is filled with entertaining characters, unexpected situations and keeps you turning the pages wanting to know what happens next.

I enjoyed Elle’s journey of discovery and I recommend this book to all romance readers.

Also, I must just mention the title – I didn’t realise it’s significance until quite late in the book. It’s very clever.

You can add it to your goodreads shelf.

See my review of Claire Huston’s previous book Art and Soul – another great romance.

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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

Posted on May 25, 2021 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

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

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#Bookreview Capital Action by @stevens_gj #spy #thriller

Posted on March 17, 2021 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

As a newsletter subscriber, I was excited to be able to download a free copy of GJ Stevens new novella Capital Action. More on how you can get your free copy later, first let’s focus on the book.

Blurb

After two years of clandestine operations, Agent Carrie Harris doesn’t know why she’s been attached to the Metropolitan Police. Could it be, as her superiors say, to hone her skills at breaking down doors and catching bad guys? Or is it to become accustomed to working as a team when she’s been so used to operating alone?

Putting her uncertainties behind her, Carrie leans into her new role, taking pleasure as part of a special task force targeting organised criminals, until during an early morning raid, her colleagues lay dead and dying around her.

After saving those still clinging to life, she can’t do as she’s told and sit around while others hunt down those who gave the order to murder her colleagues. Determined not to let their deaths be in vain, can she rally against those up high who want her to have nothing to do with the investigation? Can she make the right choices to bring justice for her friends when everything, even the people she should trust, seem to conspire against her?

My Review

This novella was entertaining from start to finish. It’s a complete story that can be read as a standalone, or at any stage you are reading the agent Carrie Harris series. I think it’s a great introduction to her story, although having read book one (Operation Dawn Wolf) I enjoyed seeing what Carrie is getting up to after finishing her training.

I love books (and films) where they show you a glimpse of the present day and set up the main character in an impossible situation. Then you’re taken back in time to see how it all transpired. Stevens make great use of this and had me turning the pages to find out the who, what and why.

Capital Action is fast-paced and intriguing, with a twist or two along the way that has you wondering who is to blame for the messed up operation that cost so many lives. You can always rely on agent Harris to sniff out the baddie though, and deal some well deserved justice.

A great quick read, perfect for those who love spy thrillers.

If you want to receive this book for free, all you need to do is sign up for GJ Steven’s newsletter. See more details on his website here.

I have previously read and reviewed book 1 in the series Operation Dawn Wolf.

Add Capital Action to your goodreads bookshelf.

Check out GJ Stevens Amazon author page

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

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Recap of The Lost Sentinel #audiobook blog blitz #fantasy

Posted on January 18, 2021 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Yesterday was the one day blog blitz for The Lost Sentinel and I missed a couple of great reviews that came in after I posted last night. I didn’t want to miss sharing these so here are my favourite snippets and links to the full reviews.

‘…It was the accent, it gave the narrative such an extra beauty, and it transported me to the world that the author created, with such ease.‘ Jess Bookish Life

‘A story in which the author’s world-building is exceptional, I was immersed in Tei’s story from beginning to end and the characters were fantastically developed. I thought Rike and Garrick were great! The fantasy world with the quest for Tei kept me gripped…’ Sharon beyond the books

Yesterday I shared links to other reviews in One day blog blitz and Part two one day blog blitz

I hope you’ve enjoyed these snippets. Here’s a sample of George Ellington’s narration and the prologue of The Lost Sentinel.

If these review snippets have you eager to learn more you can listen to Silent Sea Chronicles book 1 and 2 on Audible UK Audible US, Amazon and iTunes. And book 3 with be out very soon.

I’ll leave you with the blurb, thanks for reading.

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel.

The Assembly controls Kalaya. Originally set up to govern, they now persecute those with magic and exile them to the Turrak Mountains.

Tei, a tailor’s daughter, has always hidden her magic, but when her father’s old friend visits and warns them to flee to the mountains, she must leave her old life behind.

On the journey, an attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He entrusts her into the care of the exiles and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles search for their new Sentinel who is the only person capable of restoring the fading magic. But mysterious Masked Riders are hunting the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

Against mounting odds it will take friendship, heartache, and sacrifice for the exiles to succeed, but is Tei willing to risk everything to save the island magic?

If you like character-based fantasy, then you’ll love The Lost Sentinel – book one in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

Day 7 of Silent Sea Chronicles Blog tour #fantasy #bookreview organised by @rararesources

Posted on June 27, 2019 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Here comes some reviews today for The Sentinel’s Reign…

Seans book reviews – ‘This series is great and I just love to see what has happened from the first book to the second you see the growth of Tei who is the star of the show.’

Radzy writes – ‘It’s obvious the author has carefully plotted this series and put in many hours, to the point where I’m stunned this series hasn’t exploded to a mainstream audience yet. It’ll happen, and if you’re on the fence as to whether you should keep going with the series, the answer is yes. Continue, and then shout at all your fantasy loving friends to check this out as well. …I should say somewhere however, that you don’t need to be an avid fantasy reader to enjoy this. It’s magical realism, and the undercurrent of fantasy is subtle enough, that even your fans of general epics will get a real kick out of this. It’s genre’d right, and is absolutely fantasy, but it’s not High, nor Paranormal.’

And a mid-read review on The Lost Sentinel

Writing with wolves – ‘…the world-building in this book feels super unique to me… I love that we get to experience three different parts of this world but my favourite is of course the exiled land of Kalaya; I love the tunnel system & the feeling of magic that flows out of the book during the scenes set in that part of the world. The island that Farrell lives on also intrigues me though & I’m excited to learn more about it as the story progresses.’

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I just want to say a quick thank you to all the reviewers who have taken the time to read and review my books. I really appreciate your help reaching more readers. And of course a special thank you to Rachel for organising everything.

There are still three days to go on the tour so I hope you can join me for more quotes. I will just ask if these reviews have caught your interest, please consider picking up the trilogy for only £2.97. And of course, I’d love to see your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Thanks very much.

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Each book in the series is only 99p for the duration of the tour.

The Lost Sentinel

The Sentinel’s Reign

The Sentinel’s Alliance.

Hopefully, I’ll be back tomorrow with some more reviews to share.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

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Day 6 recap Silent Sea Chronicles #blogtour #fantasy #bookreview

Posted on June 27, 2019 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

This is a quick recap of the reviews that came in on Day 6 of the blog tour.

A couple of new reviews for The Lost Sentinel

Mai’s Musings – ‘The Lost Sentinel is a rich storyline told from various viewpoints, and as I tried to work out how these would all intertwine over the course of the books, I found I was asking more and more questions, and reading faster and faster. It is the sort of book that you want to read slowly so it doesn’t end, but at the same time you can’t help but race through.’

The Treasure Within Blog – ‘Tei is a resilient character, but not a perfect person, by any means. She makes numerous mistakes and bad choices, and is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions. It’s refreshing to read a character who’s author really wasn’t afraid to supply with flaws – and it makes Tei feel much more realistic overall. In the writing world, a very focused- on fact is the necessity of providing characters with flaws – and I think Suzanne Rogerson has done a stellar job of it.’

The Sentinel’s Reign – book 2 in Silent Sea Chronicles also hit the spotlight with reviewers.

Jessica Belmont – ‘What I love about The Sentinel’s Reign is that it doesn’t struggle from “middle book syndrome.” The plot is great, the characters are developing, and this doesn’t feel like just a bridge from book one to book three!’

PageFarer Book Blog – ‘I said in my last review that Rogerson is good at writing bad guys; this is still the case but another thing to add to that is the depiction of injustice – something that always gets to me in the real world, and the unfairness of which I found was genuinely affecting me at times.’

The Treasure within – ‘A small character from the first book was picked up again in this narrative, and expanded into a more main member of the cast. She was honestly one of my favourites throughout the book – a young but powerful magic-wielder, with uncanny senses and the kindest of hearts. She stole my heart, and I hope to read more of her in the third book!’

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Thanks very much to the reviewers on this tour, you’ve made this last week awesome!

There are still a few more days on the tour to go so I hope you can join me again.

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Each book in the series is only 99p for the duration of the tour.

The Lost Sentinel

The Sentinel’s Reign

The Sentinel’s Alliance.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

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