Tag: Books On Tour

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): Fearless Girl by Emma Tallon

I absolutely devoured this book but will admit that I felt like I was coming in halfway through the story. Turns out, that feeling was not unfounded.

Memo to me: check before starting a series in the middle.

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B083WCYPWLSocial

First, the good parts (and there were a lot of them). I loved the grittiness of the world that the author created. The atmosphere was apparent from the very beginning, and the characters matched the world in which they lived. The author has established a fully-realized setting where everything and everyone fits in their place.

From the central players down to the minions of the “family,” the characters were realistic.  I got an excellent sense of Anna’s sorrow and determination, of Freddie’s tension, even of Ethan’s uncertainty as he seems to understand more than adults give him credit for noticing.

The plot itself is good for this installment, and this is totally my fault, but it is also where I bogged down a little bit. It is gripping (two brothers get out of prison and return to their “family business”). But not having read the first books, I was missing all of the set up that really would have brought everything together.

It’s a strange thing because I “got it.” I mean, I understood the characters’ motivations, and I wasn’t lost in the plot at all – the story for this book is clear. But without the backstory, it was simply a story instead of the continuation of an epic family story. I found myself debating whether or not I should stop reading and go back to start at the beginning of the series, which pulled me out of the story. I hope that makes sense.

I think it’s a testament to the author to be able to create this kind of conundrum.

It’s aI want to be clear that this is totally on me – as mentioned, the author has created a gritty and hard-hitting world filled with unique characters, and this was a great read. I would definitely recommend picking it up – but learn from my mistake, and 100% read the others in the series first. You will enjoy it so much more.

P.S. It can be read as a stand-alone (I did it) but would be much more enjoyable with the other stories under your belt first.

Author Bio:

Emma Tallon is a British, gritty crime writer, adventurer, Londoner and mother to a young son. Starting her career a few years ago as a ghostwriter, Emma crafted some of the most adventurous, edgy and heart-wrenching stories you can find on the shelves today.

In March 2017 Emma stepped out of the literary shadows and self-published her first book, Life Game. The book was an instant success, the results far exceeding anything she had expected. As news of Life Games popularity spread, she joined forces with W.F.Howes and the audiobook was launched in October 2017.

In December 2017, Emma signed a book deal with publishers Bookouture. This included Life Game which was changed, re-edited and re-released as Runaway Girl.

Drawing inspiration for her books from a mixture of her own observations and an active imagination, the characters Emma paints are colourful and larger than life. Her story lines are an interesting recipe of deep emotion and violent grit, that keep her readers engrossed.

With more books in the works for this series already, Emma has many more stories planned out for the future.

For more information on Emma or to join her mailing list, please go to: www.emmatallon.com or alternatively, follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial or on Twitter: @EmmaEsj
Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): Daughters of Wild Rose Bay by Susanne O’Leary

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I can safely say that it wasn’t a purple-haired Irish mother on a raw food diet who is into yoga and meditating. And that’s just one reason I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B082FGJ97WSocial
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2E0WUWP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2YxxZDQ
Googleplay: http://bit.ly/38hq9Tg

It is filled with quirky characters, some of whom may be familiar to readers of this series (it’s the fourth out of five books). As I am new to the series, I found joy in each new introduction from Sally to Mad Brendan and all of the other inhabitants of Sandy Cove. And yes, Aiden is an absolutely swoon-worthy Irish suitor. 🙂

I thought that the author painted a lovely picture of an Irish seaside town. Her writing is almost lyrical at times, effortless to read, and it drew me in, nearly lulling me the way lapping waves on a beach would. I know that might sound a little corny, but I had that same feeling of contentment as I read.

I also like Jasmine as the “heroine.” I thought her background was unique, and I enjoyed her journey. I also appreciated how the author didn’t hit the reader with a great big sob story from the start. That sometimes seems manipulative, like we’re being forced to feel pity for the character.

But Ms. O’Leary allows us to get to know Jasmine gradually so that when her reasons for leaving France are revealed, we have a greater understanding of her and, therefore, my reactions and feelings towards Jasmine were more real and heartfelt.

As I mentioned, this is the fourth book in the Sandy Cove series. If Daughters of Wild Rose Bay is any indication, I will absolutely be going back and grabbing the first four to catch up while I wait for the fifth one. This is a place I will be happy to revisit.

Author Bio

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than twenty novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She has also written three crime novels and two in the historical fiction genre. She has been the wife of a diplomat (still is), a fitness teacher and a translator. She now writes full-time from either of two locations, a ramshackle house in County Tipperary, Ireland or a little cottage overlooking the Atlantic in Dingle, County Kerry. When she is not scaling the mountains of said counties, or keeping fit in the local gym, she keeps writing, producing a book every six months.

Visit Susanne at her website, http://www.susanne-oleary.co.uk  or her blog, http://bit.ly/11F4e4S 
Find her on Facebook, http://on.fb.me/1A2NAbr and on Twitter, http://bit.ly/1rH67dK
Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): Buried Deep by Susan Wilkins

I always look at the first book in a new series like the pilot of a television show. The author has to introduce all of the characters, give them at least a little bit of backstory, and write a plot that grabs the reader and hooks them for however long the series lasts. I would think that would be a challenging task. Fortunately, the new Detective Megan Thomas series mostly delivers.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B083JLJ8WTSocial
Apple: https://apple.co/2QAaFTL
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2QRPL1m
Google: http://bit.ly/2R0Dibs

I liked Megan. She suffers from almost crippling self-doubt due to past trauma (more on that later). As a result, she has to find her footing personally and in her new assignment. She’s feisty and tenacious, which sometimes leads to conflict with her superiors. Although, it was difficult to determine if that was due to Megan’s personality or for some other reason.

The members of her unit are unique individuals, and I could see the beginnings of a good working relationship between all of them. I did think a couple of them got short shrift; one did not have much to do, and another made some pivotal discoveries but then seemed to get sidelined a bit. Regardless of that, the chemistry is there to build upon in later books.

The plot is twisty, with two different cases running concurrently. The reader is led through both, wondering if they ever converge (I’m not tellin’). But both are fully realized, and the investigations are well-described and thorough.

The only thing that felt stilted was Megan’s past trauma. It seemed to exist in a vacuum, and its sole purpose was to give her a reason to be broken. There was no other tie to anything, which made it seem contrived. I would have liked to have seen it play more of a part, or come full circle somehow.

But that’s trivial. I liked the author’s writing style, and the plot did have me guessing more than a few times. I will undoubtedly be looking to read more of Detective Megan Thomas’s investigations.

Author Bio:

Susan Wilkins also writes as S.J. Wilkins. Susan worked for years in television drama, wrote for shows including Casualty, Heartbeat, Coronation Street and Eastenders and created the London-based detective drama South of the Border.

Her gritty, Essex-based gangster trilogy – THE INFORMANT, THE MOURNER and THE KILLER – has been compared to Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and described as “blazingly brilliant” (Sunday Mirror). IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME, her fourth book, is a twisty psychological thriller, featuring police detective Jo Boden, an ambitious cop still grieving for a murdered sister.

For 2020 a completely gripping new series from Susan introduces the tough and determined Detective Megan Thomas. For fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Mari Hannah, this will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Writing as S.J. Wilkins, A KILLER’S HEART – a tense and timely political thriller, is now available on Kindle.

Website:  https://susanwilkins.co.uk
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/susanwilkinsauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SusanWilkins32

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): My Husband’s Lie by Emma Davies

 A good set up is key to a good story. If the opening doesn’t grab me, it can sometimes be a slog to get through to anything exciting. Fortunately, the author of this book sets up what’s yet to come with two straightforward statements from the main characters. From there, it was a page-turning read to find out what was behind it all.

One thing I appreciated about this book was the story unfolded. Often-times, there seems to be a rush to “get to the good stuff,” which can sometimes feel manipulative. That is not the case here. Ms. Davies does a terrific job of lulling the reader into a sort of peacefulness, as we follow Thea and Drew through their move to Thea’s childhood home.

I got into the renovations of the studio and was excited that the two characters were excited. The author made me feel that much for them that early in the book. But even as everything seems to be coming together for them, there is an ominous feeling that builds right along with Thea’s odd experiences in the village.

This is another thing that I enjoyed; everything is just smooth. It’s hard to explain without giving anything away, but there was a thin line between the bad stuff that started occurring and the struggle Thea had as she tried to reconcile her memories with current events. Everything melded together into one coherent story, and neither thread got lost at the expense of the other. I thought Thea was a solid character, and I especially liked how she took control and helped her story came full-circle.

One of the things I appreciated most, and I suppose this could be considered a mini-spoiler, was that the family unit was not decimated as so often happens in this genre. I thought the author made the point about support and love at any cost crystal clear through both Drew’s and Thea’s actions.

I read this in essentially one sitting, as I was fascinated with how Ms. Davies crafted her story. It kept me interested and even got me teary as resolutions started to occur. This is one you should pick up right away.

Author Bio:

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It’s a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea. 

Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor / https://twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her):  https://www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor/

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): One Of Us is Lying by Shalini Boland

I have read quite a few books by this author, and I think she gets better each time. This one is the best yet.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3axjJjy
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3asr2Jm
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3dJ64Iu
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2JrGycx

I like a book that starts with a flashback and then moves to the present time, leaving the reader wondering how the first event fits in. The author does a fantastic job with that, as my thoughts on the relationship changed more than a few times.

I thought the characters were interesting, if not a little bit unfinished. All three of the main women were unique individuals, but I didn’t feel like I had a full understanding of them. There was enough information for the plot to move forward, but it wasn’t as in-depth as it might have been.

For example, there were hints about Fiona’s relationship with Nathan, but it wasn’t until the end that we find out the true nature of it, and even then, it’s more of a passing statement. I suppose I’m being a little nitpicky because the plot itself drew me in and kept me turning pages to finish this in one sitting.

I liked how the author shifted between the three women’s perspectives seamlessly. I never felt jolted by the switching point of view; each woman’s story dovetailed nicely into the others. The author also did a great job illustrating how easy it is to get carried away with one’s problems and be oblivious to issues others might be having.

(As always, I know that’s cagey, but you know how I am about giving away plot points).

I did figure out most of the overall mystery around three-quarters of the way through, but that’s not because the author made it obvious. More, I think because I have learned a lot about putting clues together through family work. The perpetrator was quite devious, however, and I liked the attention that was given to detailing the steps they took.

It was a really good, page-turning read, and I would definitely recommend it.

Author Bio

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaliniBoland
Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): The Secret Admirer by Carol Wyer

I have a confession to make.

After the bombshell events of The Blossom Twins, I was a little bit concerned as to where the author would go with Detective Natalie Ward. Ms. Wyer set a high bar, and it was difficult to see where she would be able to go with the narrative.

Spoiler alert: I shouldn’t have worried.

Not only did the author meet expectations set from the previous book, but she also exceeded them.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3bCi78y

The tension begins in the very first chapter with a vicious attack and never lets up. The reader knows that Natalie will be on the case. However, as she is still reeling from personal tragedy, there is a natural curiosity as to whether she will give the investigation her full attention.

Again, no need to worry. Natalie is a consummate professional.

One of the strengths of this series, as I have mentioned in past reviews, is how well the author balances Natalies personal and professional lives. The transitions between the two are seamless and allow the reader to glimpse insights into the thought process of a woman struggling with a significant loss. As you know from the blurb, these two storylines converge, which leads to even more personal turmoil for Natalie.

Another strength is the accuracy of the investigation undertaken by Natalie and her team. Finding clues, following leads, and taking nothing for granted, this is one of the most realistic portrayals of police work I have ever come across. I especially liked how the focus of the investigation changed as new evidence came to light.

I also thought that the author’s portrayal of college students was especially astute. She captured that lack of self-responsibility that some millennials exhibit – nothing is ever their fault, it’s always somebody else’s. This just added to the realism of the plot and its characters.

I absolutely tore through this book! Just know that Ms. Wyer has outdone herself once again, and I can’t wait for the next Detective Natalie Ward investigation.

Author Bio

Carol Wyer garnered a loyal following as an author of romantic comedies, and won The People’s Book Prize Award for non-fiction (2015). In 2017 she stepped from comedy to the “dark side” and embarked on a series of thrillers, featuring the popular DI Robyn Carter, which earned her recognition as a crime writer.

The Staffordshire-based writer now has more crime novels in the pipeline, although she can still sometimes be found performing her stand-up comedy routine Laugh While You Still Have Teeth.

Website: https://www.carolwyer.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolEWyer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolewyer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14925467.Carol_Wyer

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): The Garden of Lost Memories by Ruby Hummingbird

I absolutely loved this author’s first novel, The Wish List of Albie Young, so I was very excited to see this new one. No sophomore slump here. Once again, the author tugs at the heartstrings while emphasizing the importance of living life while you can.

I instantly related to Elsie. Although I have not lost my mom, I am far away from her, and I often think of all of the memories that we have shared. And yes, I do talk to her even when she is not here. I can see myself being more like Elsie as I get older as well. Not to the extent of sticking to rigid schedules like her (that would never happen here). But I could easily get caught up in the past more than looking at the present or future.

I also liked Billy more than I expected. It is difficult to make a ten-year-old boy a likable and relatable character, but the author succeeds. I think it is because Billy has his challenges, between being uprooted to a new home and the bullies at school (where he doesn’t fit in). Those are events that many people have experienced.

Secondary and even bit characters are also well-developed. I got a good feel for Billy’s mom, and June reminded me of Mrs. Tishell from Doc Martin (one of my favorite shows). This type of detail gives depth to the story.

I particularly like the author’s writing style in that nothing is “hit you over the head” obvious. Instead, clues to the causes of events are more subtle. For example, Billy remembers his dad promising to take him fun places. But in the morning, Dad had slept on the couch, smells funny, and takes paracetamol. Couple that with why Billy and his mom moved, and the reasons become crystal clear. I appreciate the careful attention this type of reveal requires.

Ultimately this story is about the mutual respect that grows between Billy and Elsie as he helps her learn how to live again, while she helps him navigate his new life. And it proves that the best, and possibly most helpful, friendships can pop up in the strangest of ways. No fooling around, it’s another winner from this author.

Author Bio

Ruby Hummingbird is a novelist based in the English countryside. She loves nothing more than writing uplifting and heartwarming fiction that gets her readers reaching for the tissues. When she isn’t storytelling, she can be found tending to her beloved sunflowers or sipping on hazelnut lattes.  

Posted on

Books On Tour: After the Accident by Kerry Wilkinson

I am a fan of this author, so I was excited to see the announcement of the latest release. I was quite surprised by what I found.

Buy Links:   
Amazon: https://geni.us/B083Y2P7SZSocial 
Apple: https://apple.co/2R162SI
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2FUjtO6
Google: http://bit.ly/2NwDPkr

I absolutely loved the writing style of this book. It is not a traditional novel. Instead, the story unfolds via “interviews” of the main characters. It was fascinating to read the words of each character instead of having a “narrator” or one point of view.

I think this allowed the author to write an overwhelmingly personal story, as we got to “deep dive” into each character. Their traits and personalities were evident through their own words, as opposed to what someone else thought about them. However, we do get each character’s perspectives on the others as well.

I also enjoyed how this style made it easier to follow the plot (no jumping back and forth) and – for me, at least – gave me a better idea of who I believed and who I didn’t believe. And there is a lot to unpack in that regard.

(As always, no plot reveals here). It is quite apparent that certain characters have it out for others. Whether it is just a personality thing or if it is more nefarious, well, that’s up to the individual reader. I found myself wavering in whose story I believed more.

Does someone’s history automatically make them less believable? What about their actions after the fact; does that cast doubt on what they initially said? It’s all addressed here.

For example, most of the time, I believed Emma’s version. However, there were times that I thought she gave so much information in her “interview” that it seemed like she was trying too hard. Other times, it appeared that she was deliberately vague. That being said, Daniel (for one) had very deflective comments and seemed to rely on the premise of “I’m rich, and, therefore, you have to believe whatever I say.”

Who is telling the truth and who is lying is anybody’s guess. That continues right up until the very last page. The only thing I could complain about (and this is nitpicking)  is that I don’t feel like I got a clear idea of what actually happened on the island. But, I also recognize that this is the aim of the author – to leave it ambiguous, allowing the reader to determine where the truth of the matter lies.

It’s a bold gambit, as people generally prefer their mysteries to be wrapped up tidily by the end. I, for one, enjoyed it and found it one of the more thought-provoking reads I have had in a long time.

Author Bio

Kerry Wilkinson has had No.1 bestsellers in the UK, Canada, South Africa and Singapore, as well as top-five books in Australia. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States.

As well as his million-selling Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written the Silver Blackthorn trilogy – a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults – a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry has spent far too long living in the north of England, picking up words like ‘barm’ and ‘ginnel’.

When he’s short of ideas, he rides his bike or bakes cakes. When he’s not, he writes it all down.

Author Social Media Links:
http://kerrywilkinson.com
http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): The Daughter She Lost by Lauren Westwood

This book went a completely different way than I thought it would, and I couldn’t be happier about that. I do love it when a book surprises me like that. Although, now that I think about it, even if the book had been more straightforward without the intrigue (more on that later), I still would have enjoyed it.

The author set the scene perfectly in the opening chapter with Amanda’s drive through the fog on her way to Avalon Springs. Aside from being well-described and atmospheric, it also illustrated the mental fog that Amanda was in personally.

As always, I know that sounds cryptic, but I don’t want to spoil anything in this review. Suffice to say that the fog that Amanda encounters on the California Coast can hide many secrets. And that is another thing the author gets absolutely right: small-towns and their hidden stories.

(On a side note, the descriptions of the location, the redwood groves, in particular, reminded me of growing up in the SF Bay Area and our cabin in the Sierra Nevada that was surrounded by giant redwoods. Good memories.)

In an isolated area, there are not always options for…well, almost anything. It is effortless for people to grow up and stay in the area because it is comfortable or because something is holding them to it. Both are true in Avalon Springs. Add in the recession or the diminishment of industry, and you can get more of a ghost town.

It also applies to the people of such a town. Their lives are often inextricably woven together, whether by choice or by circumstance. That is what Amanda finds herself in the middle of as she tries to uncover her past. The characters’ interactions weave together naturally, and nothing feels forced or trite. I liked how even Amanda’s kids were fully-realized characters and not just “props.”

The intrigue of who knew what, or who did what, had me second-guessing what I thought I knew. It also kept me turning pages, but not in a roller coaster “what’s going to happen next” way. Rather, it was the slow revealing of secrets and unraveling of lies that made this an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

Author Bio

Lauren Westwood writes dark and romantic women’s fiction and is also an award-winning children’s writer. Originally from California, she now lives in England in a persnickety old house built in 1602, with her partner and three daughters.

Lauren loves hearing from readers, so if you wish to get in touch, please visit her here:

  1. Website: https://www.laurenwestwoodwriter.com/
  2. Twitter: @lwestwoodwriter  https://twitter.com/lwestwoodwriter
  3. Facebook: @Lwestwoodbooks https://www.facebook.com/Lwestwoodbooks/
Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): The Girl I Thought I Knew by Kelly Heard

I love it when a book title has multiple meanings, and this one is no exception.

Is the girl Daisy, as the person she thought she was growing up? Is it Daisy as others have seen her? Or is it Stella, her best friend from childhood? Or is it somebody else altogether?

A lot is going on in this story, but it all hinges on one event at the beginning of Daisy and Stella’s senior year of high school. Repercussions follow both girls over the years, ultimately bringing Daisy back to the small town she grew up in to confront the past.

I thought the author did an excellent job of setting the scene and laying out the details of Daisy’s life. The interspersal of “Before” chapters dovetailed nicely with the “Now” chapters without seeming choppy or taking me out of the flow of current events.

I liked Daisy as a character and as a person. Although it seemed as if there were times that she tended towards the melodramatic, once her entire story was revealed, it became obvious as to why she acted the way she did.

Stella did not play as big of a part as I expected her to, given the taglines and descriptions. But I did like her choices that were the catalyst for the journey into the past undertaken by Daisy. (It sounds convoluted, but it makes sense in the course of the book).

I also thought that the whole reveal was a little bit of a throwaway, given the build-up through the entire book to that point. After everything Daisy had endured over 17 years, it was all explained away in just a few pages. I wish there had been just a little bit more depth to that.

That being said, I did like Daisy’s overall journey, especially as she realizes that she is stronger than she (or anyone) has ever given her credit for being. She had the courage to stick to her convictions, even as everyone else ridiculed or diminished her abilities. On that note, although I initially thought that Anderson’s part in the story was contrived, I found the chapter from his perspective to be ultimately satisfying.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and was turning pages late into the night to finish. (I also love that the author isn’t too far from me, so the world she describes was familiar). I would definitely recommend it.

Author Bio

Originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Kelly Heard now lives in Richmond with her husband, spoiled house cat, and two-year-old daughter. She writes poetry, adult fiction, and creative nonfiction. When she is not writing or reading, Kelly enjoys spending her time gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele for her toddler.

close

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)