Tag: Blog Tour

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Books On Tour: The Other Daughter

I have read a couple of this author’s books before and am often left wanting (The Girl from the Sea comes to mind). But I think she does a decent job of throwing red herrings into her plots, so I keep coming back for more. I am happy to say that I believe The Other Daughter is one of her best books yet.

The action takes place in the present time with a few “Then” flashback chapters interspersed. Everything is seamless, though, so it never feels like too much of a jolt to shift time frames. The chapters detailing past events add much to the current developments and even allow the reader to question what is happening in the present. I love it when an author can craft a plot in that manner.

The characters are realistic. I can see each of them being a real person, and all of their reactions appear to be genuine. That being said, however, I do think that the “big reveal” (while a shocker) seems a little far-fetched – but I am willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt that extensive research was completed to portray the character’s actions and reactions accurately. Regardless, it made for a real “WTH” moment and kept me engrossed in the story to the end.

If I had to pick on anything, I would say that things were tied up and explained a little too neatly. I did like the twists that the author threw in that propelled Rachel’s actions while making me question Rachel’s stability. That was a delicate balancing act. However, there was an answer for everything, and a little bit of messiness might have added to the realness of the story.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a quick psych thriller.

The Other DaughterThe Other Daughter by Shalini Boland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This psychological thriller was a quick read that had me questioning the characters’ motives right up until the last page. I thought that the author did a good job of laying the groundwork for the reader to believe one thing while crafting a sub-story that was equally plausible. There were more than a few “Oh, no way” moments, and the big reveal did surprise me (that’s hard to do). For a more detailed review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of this book.

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http://someonewotwrites.blogspot.com/ 
@ShaliniBoland
https://www.facebook.com/ShaliniBolandAuthor/

Shalini Boland is the million-copy, USA-Today bestselling author of eight psychological thrillers: ‘THE GIRL FROM THE SEA’, ‘THE BEST FRIEND’, ‘THE MILLIONAIRE’S WIFE’ (optioned for TV by Legendary Studios), ‘THE SECRET MOTHER’, ‘THE CHILD NEXT DOOR’, ‘THE SILENT SISTER’, ‘THE PERFECT FAMILY’ and ‘THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL’.

THE OTHER DAUGHTER comes out Nov 5th and is now available to preorder!

Her titles are published by Bookouture, Grand Central (USA) and Tantor.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her husband, two children and their cheeky terrier cross. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing psychological thrillers (in between school runs and sorting endless baskets of laundry). 

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Books On Tour: The Empty Nest

I will be blunt right from the start; this was not the type of psychological thriller I am used to reading. It ended up being quite engaging, but there were a few things that made it rough going in the start for me.

The first few chapters were told almost all in narrative, with Kat “remembering” events of the past. After finishing the book, I can see why the author chose to write it that way, but it took some getting used to in the beginning. I kept wanting the author to show me the action in a flashback instead of just telling me about it. Being inside a character’s head for that long became tedious.

(Of course, flashbacks are a much-used device, while effectively conveying someone’s thoughts can be more difficult, so I recognize the writing skill in this manner).

I also had a hard time connecting to Kat. She came across as a helicopter parent who over-reacted at everything, and frankly, she got on my nerves. Of course, there are revelations along the way that explain her behaviors, but that didn’t help me latch onto her to feel her concern through the first part of the story.

Fortunately, the interaction between characters picked up roughly half-way through, and the author did a great job throwing some twists into the plot, as well as allowing the reader to question the motives of particular characters, just as Kat was doing the same. There were more than a few “I did not see that coming” moments, especially in the latter part of the book, which made the second half a much more exciting read than the first half.

One other thing I must mention, and this has unfortunately become a common occurrence lately, there was yet another unnecessary barb at the current American president. I have mentioned it before, and I will call it out every time. If it doesn’t have a place in the plot, it doesn’t belong. It takes a reader right out of the story, and it garners the author no favor with many readers. I wish they would stop doing it.

Author Bio

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked. 

USA Today bestselling author, Sue has written fifteen novels – many involving cake – which have been translated into several languages and involved tough ‘cake research.’ Sue is now exploring the darker side of life with her thrillers OUR LITTLE LIES, THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR and THE EMPTY NEST. Writing in this new genre doesn’t involve the deep research of baked goods and Sue’s hoping the change in direction will be reflected on the weighing scales.

Originally from Manchester, Sue now lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Worcestershire where much of her day is spent procrastinating, eating and watching ‘My 600lb Life,’ on the sofa.  

Web: http://www.suewatsonbooks.com/ 
Twitter: @suewatsonwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks/
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Books On Tour: The Paris Girl

Reading this book was like wandering the streets and alleyways of Paris.  The story unfolded at a leisurely pace, a few turns sent the action in a different direction, several parts that required more thought like pausing at a store window, and it eventually reached its final destination. Just as a walk through Paris is enjoyable, so was this book.

I thought that the cast of characters was representative of Paris at the time (1920s). Exiled Russians, jaded Parisian artistes, Americans who stayed in Europe after WWI – all are present. Some of them are more vivid than others, and some could have done with more depth. I would have liked to have seen more of Constanza and Tatiana’s relationship that would have supported events later in the book. I did think that her villains were very well-done, and easy to loathe.

I also wish that the author had spent a little bit of background time on the exploding artistic scene in post-WWI Paris. This was the time of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein,  of Picasso, Dali, and Chagall. I loved the focus on couture and fashion, but (once again) acknowledgment of the overall artistic scene of 1920s Paris could have used some beefing up.

I wasn’t kidding when I said that the plot meandered. It all worked together in the end, and to great effect, but there were several times that I wasn’t sure where the focus of the story was actually going. At the time it was a little frustrating because I was looking for a linear story. However, after some reflection, I have a greater appreciation for the way the plot was crafted.

I did think that the Russian aspect was particularly fascinating to me. Having visited and studied the history of the country, I would have loved if the author had gone into a little bit more detail about Tatiana’s family and the reasons for their situation. I think that was one plot point that could have used a little fleshing out.

These points are mainly because I am a huge history buff, and I feel a little bit like there was a missed opportunity here. That being said, the author did a bang-up job of describing the life of mannequins and the French fashion houses. I didn’t know much about them, so that was very informative.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I especially liked the plan that three main characters come up with towards the end – I think it encapsulated American ingenuity, Parisian class, and Russian daring. It was a good read, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone with interest in historical fiction.

Author Bio

Natalie Meg Evans has been an art student, actor, PR copywriter, book-keeper and bar tender but always wanted to write. A USA Today best-seller and RITA nominee, she is author of four published novels which follow the fortunes of strong-minded women during the 1930s and 40s. Fashion, manners and art are the glass through which her characters’ lives are viewed. Each novel is laced with passion, romance and desire. Mystery is never far away. An avid absorber of history – for her sixth birthday she got a toy Arthurian castle with plastic knights – Natalie views historical fiction as theatre for the imagination. Her novels delve behind the scenes of a prestige industry: high fashion, millinery, theatre, wine making. Rich arenas for love and conflict. Most at home in the English countryside, Natalie lives in rural Suffolk. She has one son. 

http://nataliemegevans.uk/ 
@natmegevans
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Blog Tour w/Review: Kiss Me Again

We were first introduced to this winning trio in Kiss Me Not, where we had an enemies-to-lovers theme with Halley and Preston. Then we got Reagan and Noah’s story, (texting strangers/opposites attract) in Kiss Me Tonight. In the third of the series, Kiss Me Again, we finally get Ava’s story. It’s a mash-up of multiple themes, including roommates-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and brother’s best friend.

Perhaps the several themes are what make this book seem longer than the first two. Don’t get me wrong; I loved their battle of wills and pranks on each other. It reminded me of one of my favorite episodes of the tv show M*A*S*H when BJ plays pranks on all of their friends, and Hawkeye is left wondering when he is going to get pranked.

But I digress.

It was fun reading with the anticipation of what Ava and Ethan would do to each other next.

However, I thought that their fighting and staying apart because of their worry about what Ava’s brother, Leo, would say lasted much too long. I kept wanting them to give in to each other sooner and then have to figure it out from there. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give away the plot, but I would have liked to see them together earlier, not unlike the first two.

That being said, I do like how the author always includes quirky animals to go along with her quirky heroines. From the Boris and his clan of raccoons in the first book to the underwear-stealing Poosh to Mr. Prickles the hedgehog, I love how the pets (or pseudo-pets in the case of Boris) have become characters who make a difference in their own right. They add a touch of levity but also show how animals can influence owners.

I’m sorry to see these characters’ stories come to an end because I enjoy visiting with them. Maybe we can hope for a short story with Bethel?

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Blog Tour w/Review: Deadly Silence

As anyone who follows my reviews knows that I read a lot of crime thrillers, and most of them are from the UK. I have mentioned how much I enjoy the structure of these, as it reminds me of the BBC shows we watch on Acorn TV. We’ve binge-watched several over the past few years. Deadly Silence ranks right up there with some of the better books I have read.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Silence-gripping-thriller-Detective-ebook/dp/B07Z2R84T9/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=deadly+silence&qid=1571140575&sr=8-5
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Silence-gripping-thriller-Detective-ebook/dp/B07Z2R84T9/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=deadly+silence+OMJ+Ryan&qid=1571140710&sr=8-1

One thing I particularly liked about this book was that the main character was not the typical put-together, straight-arrow protagonist. Early on, there are references to previous events which have impacted Jane Phillips’ life. It would probably help to read that book first if only to understand all of those moments, and to gain some insight into Jane’s background. However, this book can be read as a standalone. The author does an excellent job of clearly stating where Jane’s mind is throughout this investigation.

I also liked the interaction between Jane and her team. It was evident that they were a tight-knit group who had worked together for a long time, and no asshole of a boss was going to change that. And speaking of asshole bosses, I have to say that DCI Fraser Brown really takes the cake. His Napoleon Complex was quite apparent.

The investigation itself was also interesting. I thought the author laid out the clues and plotted the investigation in a manner that was intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages. I did figure out who the culprit was, and the person’s motivation, reasonably early on, but that is only because I read a lot of crime thrillers and I have learned a lot about investigations and reading clues from my husband’s profession.

It was still a terrific novel, and I highly recommend it.  

About OMJ Ryan

Hailing from Yorkshire, OMJ Ryan worked in radio and entertainment for over twenty years, collaborating with household names and accumulating a host of international writing and radio awards. In 2018 he followed his passion to become a full-time novelist, writing stories for people who devour exciting, fast-paced thrillers by the pool, on their commute – or those rare moments of downtime before bed. Owen’s mission is to entertain from the first page to the last.

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Books On Tour: A View Across the Rooftops

Historical fiction is not usually my top pick, but after reading A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman, I may have to re-evaluate and read more of this genre. It was an extraordinary lyrical book that perfectly captured the hopelessness of occupation while also celebrating the human spirit and instinct for survival.

I thought Josef’s character was exceptionally well-done (which is good, since the whole plot centers around his actions). He had allowed his grief to envelope him to the point that he was barely living any meaningful existence. It takes a few actions by the Nazis to make him realize that his self-imposed emotional prison is nothing compared to the atrocities that his neighbors and friends were facing.

The author did an excellent job of conveying the mood and atmosphere of all aspects of occupation and did so by personifying them in her characters. For example, Ingrid’s eagerness to support the Third Reich showed how much she longed for stability and a comfortable life, mainly due to her unsettled childhood. She was blind to the true nature of the Nazis in her desire for steadiness. And her realizations about the truth come only after some truly horrific events.

Honestly, I wish I had the time and space to analyze each of the characters because I think each one of them was multifaceted and changed throughout the story. The journey of the characters through occupation is as long and complicated as the war itself.

An underlying theme of perseverance through adversity is also well-thought-out. Michael maintains his personality for most of the book, only falling into real despair once (no spoilers). Hannah realizes that she has more courage than she thought possible. Even little Eva finds something that keeps her motivated while destruction surrounds her.

I do not get emotional at books, but this one had me crying in quite a few places. Some of it was due to the author’s ability to convey the emotions of the moment, but it was also at the realization of the sheer evilness that humanity can exhibit. Hate, and the belief of inherent superiority, is a destructive force. Those who ignore the rise of suppressive forces are doomed to suffer under it. It takes internal fortitude, and a belief in the fundamental good in people, to overcome it.

A View Across the Rooftops is well-written, full of description and depth, and it should go straight to the top of your reading list.   

A View Across the RooftopsA View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Epic. There is no other way to describe this story. It is an incredible journey through occupied Amsterdam, from 1941 to after the war in 1947. The characters are realistic, and the author did an excellent job of creating a representative cross-section of people, from the Nazi sympathizer to the members of the Dutch Resistance. When it comes to books, I am not a crier, but I found myself tearing up several times at both the sheer beauty and the utter despair on the pages. This is one of my favorite books I have read this year, by far. For a detailed review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.

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Author bio
Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.  

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Books On Tour: What He Did

I love a book that has an intriguing opening prologue that sets the tone, even if it takes a while to figure out where the event falls in the importance of the story. That is the case with What He Did, the latest release from J.G. Roberts.

From the opening scene, this book had me hooked. I think I was also drawn in because we are a football (soccer) family, so I was interested in that aspect of the plot. But, even if it hadn’t been a significant point, I still would have enjoyed this story.

I thought the author did a fantastic job of revealing clues as the investigation proceeded; I appreciate when an author takes the time to plan things so that the reader can try to solve the case along with the characters. That is what occurred in this book. I dislike when all of the information comes across at once, making the Detective (or Investigator, or whatever position) look like a genius.

That doesn’t happen in this book. Detective Rachel Hart follows multiple leads, and the investigation branches in several different directions, just like a proper case would in real life. This means that either the author has first-hand knowledge of the process, or took the time to do extensive research. Either way, it makes for a much more interesting read.

I also appreciated the red herrings that the author threw in for the reader. There were more than a few moments where I switched my mind about who was who (and who was responsible for something occurring). I read a lot of crime thrillers (and my husband is law enforcement), so I am always excited when an author keeps me on my toes.

The subplot of Rachel’s personal life fit into the plot neatly, which isn’t always the case. Although, I do think that there is more to be revealed in future books if the ending is any clue. This is the second book in the Detective Rachel Hart series, and aside from a few references to a previous case, it can be read as a stand-alone. That being said, I have already downloaded the first book in the series, and eagerly await the next installment.

What He Did (Detective Rachel Hart Book 2)What He Did by J.G. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Detective Rachel Hart series can be read as a standalone, and it is quite the page-turner. The author does an outstanding job of allowing the reader to follow the case along with Rachel, while also throwing in a few twists along the way that keep it interesting. While the investigation aspect is well-done, the personal side of Rachel’s life is also realistic. Although I did figure a few things out before Rachel did, the author kept me engaged right up to the final page. An excellent crime thriller to pick up! For a full review, please see my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of this book.

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Author Bio
Julia was born in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, and began her career as a professional singer/dancer. This enabled her to travel the world in her late teens storing up experiences she has since included in her writing. Following roles as a hostess on The Price is Right and a member of the Beadle’s About ‘hit squad’ in the 1980s, she became a TV Presenter and filmed features for Sky Sports before launching the QVC shopping channel in 1993 where she still presents today. Having always wanted to write, she penned her first book, a memoir sold on QVC, in 2013 and has since written four full length novels, two novellas and several short stories.  

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Books On Tour: In My Mother’s Name

Some psychological thrillers are rollercoaster rides. They start slow and then pick up the pace, gradually turning into an exciting, page-turner of a read. Others are more like ivy. They creep and crawl, drawing readers in slowly with tendrils of information until they are completely entangled in the story. In My Mother’s Name belongs in the latter category, and it is one of the most stunning books I have read in a long time.

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When cleaning out her grandmother’s house, Adele finds a diary that belonged to her long-dead mother. What follows is Adele’s journey to discover the truth about her mother’s life as well as Adele’s history. As Adele visits the village of Reedstown and meets people who knew her mother as a teenager, Adele soon realizes that there is a lot more to her mother’s story than meets the eye.

The author does a fantastic job of keeping multiple character arcs moving forward while intertwining them with other characters’ stories. The writing styles also change: at times, the descriptions are very poetic and idyllic, while at others (specifically in diary entries and flashbacks) there is a rawness that comes across strongly. I also liked how the author used several innocuous things (a bird nesting in an attic, a smoky chimney, etc.) to illustrate how even minor events can have a significant impact on one’s life.

In the midst of it all, the character development is what struck me as the key to drawing me into the story. Each of the main characters (and even several of the secondary characters) are fully fleshed out and grow with the events of the plot. As more village secrets are revealed, I realized how my perception of the characters changed – but also how there were apparent signs in earlier events that hinted at each character’s role in the activities of 24 years prior.

I know that sounds a little muddled, but it actually isn’t within the course of the story. As I said, the author pulls the reader in slowly with the bits of information and then throws in twists that take the action in a different direction. In My Mother’s Name is certainly a page-turner, but not a high-velocity one. Be prepared to settle in for the long haul and allow the plot to wash over you as you follow Adele’s, and ultimately Marianne’s story. You will not be disappointed.

In My Mother's NameIn My Mother’s Name by Laura Elliot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not usually one to agree with taglines or blurbs because they often feel over-the-top, but this is one case where I can wholeheartedly say that it is 100% accurate. This book was an addictive, emotional, page-turner of a psychological thriller (that’s a mouthful). The characters are real and well-developed, and the author does a superb job of bringing the village of Reedstown with all of its blemishes, secrets, and tainted history to life. Adele is a protagonist who is easy to support as she journeys into the past to find the truth about her mother’s life and death. In My Mother’s Name is one book you do not want to skip over. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read a complimentary pre-release, digital ARC of this book.

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Author Bio

Laura Elliot is an Irish novelist who writes psychological thrillers and lives in Dublin, Ireland. Her novels are: The Wife Before Me, Guilty, Sleep Sister, The Betrayal, Fragile Lies, Stolen Child and The Prodigal Sister. She has worked as a journalist and magazine editor. In My Mother’s Name is her latest novel published by Bookouture.

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Books on Tour – Her Mother’s Lies

I love Rona Halsall’s books because even if I guess one of the twists, there are always at least two more that I did not see coming. Her Mother’s Lies is no exception to this.

I loved the set up of the novel. Martha is a 24-year-old who struggles with taking care of her alcoholic mother. On what is arguably the worst day of her life, Martha realizes that life can always get worse; unfortunately for her, it does.

What follows is a tightly-written, intricate plot filled with little details and clues that are often so subtle, they’re easy to miss the first time reading. There were even a few parts that I had to go back and re-read after a particular revelation, just to see what I missed the first time. I love it when an author writes something so clever that I don’t even realize my assumptions are wrong.

I did guess at one of the twists about halfway through the book, but I knew there would be more coming, and I wasn’t disappointed. There were several more that I did not see coming at all. When I did realize what they were, they were jaw-droppers.

I thought all of the characters were well-developed. I felt for Martha’s sense of hopelessness in a dire situation, but also compassion for Fran’s choices (although that feeling changed as more details were revealed). And Izzy is a whole different story – complicated and sympathetic doesn’t even begin to describe her.

I also liked the setting. True story: as I was reading, the town of Truro sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it. I asked my husband where we knew it from, and he replied, “That’s where the hospital is in Doc Martin.” Now, that’s one of our favorite tv shows, and as soon as he said it, I realized that the entire setting reminded me of the village and surrounding areas in the show. In hindsight, it makes total sense, but it was a neat little moment as I was reading.

If you are looking for a page-turner with realistic characters and twists that surprise you, look no further; pick up Her Mother’s Lies now!

Author Bio

Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she’s actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true. 

She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she’s plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because… well, you can’t be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media Links

To find out more about Rona’s novels, go to www.facebook.com/RonaHalsallAuthor or follow @RonaHalsallAuth on Twitter.

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Books On Tour – Her Last Whisper

Time for another “unputdownable thriller.” This time up, it’s Her Last Whisper, the second book in the Detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase.

Fresh off her first case, Katie is assigned to investigate cold cases in the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department. One particular cold case catches her eye because it is only six months old. It is somewhat “ripped from the headlines” in that it involves a woman who claims to have been kidnapped, but details and supporting facts seem to be lacking. (If memory serves there was a similar real-life case near Sacramento, CA a few years ago).

Katie suffers from undiagnosed PTSD from her time in the Army. The subplot involving a former Army buddy seems like an unnecessary complication, although it does give a little bit of depth to Katie’s background. Likewise, her PTSD appears to be used as a plot device more than an actual character trait.

I thought the detective work was mostly accurate, and the crime(s) were interesting. However, I felt like the author gave superficial treatment to some aspects of the case, even tossing off one plot point with a “we’ll never know” comment. It played a part in the investigation, and it didn’t ring true that it all of a sudden didn’t matter to the case. And I didn’t think that the perpetrator’s motivation was as detailed as it could have been.

All of that aside, there were some genuine surprises, and it was an interesting book. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good crime thriller series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but there are several references to events from Little Girls Sleeping (the first book), so if you want a more solid background, start with that one.

AUTHOR BIO

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.  

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