Tag: Books On Tour

Breathtaking, heartbreaking, and unlike anything I have read in recent memory, this book has left an indelible mark on me. Do not hesitate, go get this one now. In the season of thankfulness, there is no better choice than a novel that celebrates love.

From the beginning, I could tell that it was going to be a unique story. I will admit that I found it a challenge at first because the writing style was written as a reflection, both conversational and almost confessional, two things that I usually do not enjoy while I read. But I was curious enough to continue reading, and I am so very glad that I did.

I don’t want to give anything away, because the path the author takes is carefully laid out and should be discovered by each reader at their own pace. I will say that each stage of love over a person’s lifetime is thoughtfully addressed in such a way that I found myself thinking about my past romances and trying to figure out which one would fit in with each of Aphrodite’s.

The in-depth exploration of love and all of its beauty and pain is thought-provoking. Every experience is written with emotion, and I found myself tearing up more than once. I particularly enjoyed the mythology of Aphrodite’s story and how there was a mystic quality about each of her experiences.

To be perfectly honest, though, it is difficult to put into words just how impactful this book is; it is a must-read and definitely shoots to the top of my best books of 2019. Seriously, go get this one NOW.  

Author Bio:

Rose James’ debut novel, The Beginning and End of Us was shortlisted in the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition in 2014, and after a lot of rewriting and personal ups and downs, she’s delighted that it’s being published through Bookouture.

Rose has been addicted to reading and writing for almost as long as she can remember, and she’s currently working towards a Creative Writing MA (distance learning) with Lancaster University.

Among her other favourite things to do are travelling, making connections with fascinating people, and playing and writing music, all of which she thinks translate into her writing. Living in gorgeous Shropshire, she’s endlessly inspired by the beautiful landscape and historical architecture, which makes it very easy to daydream – perhaps too easy!

How many of us often wonder if we are doing the whole “motherhood” thing right? Kerry Fisher takes an unflinching look at how easy it is for a mom to be doubtful about her capabilities in raising a child in The Mother I Could Have Been.

When I started reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed a little bit “thriller-ish” with chapters from Vicky’s point of view interspersed with ones from a mystery person. But at the same time it also appeared to be more straight fiction in the actual plotline (if that makes sense).

I think many readers will be able to relate to Vicky’s uncertainty and self-doubt as well as her feelings of inadequacy. I also think some might live vicariously through her as she makes choices that allow her to live mostly free of any responsibility.

But what happens when responsibility is thrust upon her, not once but twice? You’ll have to read it to find out because you won’t find spoilers here.

I enjoyed the way Caro’s and Vicky’s lives crossed and intertwined. I thought both characters (and the secondary characters as well) were realistic, and their actions thoroughly natural. India, Caro’s daughter, was especially well-done; it was a pleasure to despise her.

I did think that there were a few events that seemed more manipulative than organic, but they didn’t bother me too much. I understood why the author had to have them occur the way they did.

I also appreciated a little twist that made me go back and re-read a few sections. I love when an author writes in such a way that what is assumed is not actually reality. My real only complaint was that the ending seemed a little rushed and quite abrupt. But again, I realize that it wasn’t meant to be a “full-circle” as much as “finally on the right path” type of story.

It’s another great read for you to put on your TBR or Holiday Wish List.

AUTHOR BIO

Kerry Fisher is the bestselling author of five novels, including The Silent Wife and The Secret Child. She was born in Peterborough, studied French and Italian at the University of Bath and spent several years living in Spain, Italy and Corsica. After returning to England to work as a journalist, she eventually abandoned real life stories for the secrets of fictional families. She now lives in Surrey with her husband, two teenage children and a naughty Lab/Schnauzer called Poppy.

I don’t get emotional when I read books. I may hate/love/enjoy characters and their interactions, but I rarely have a deep connection that makes me feel more than what the story demands.

That is most definitively NOT the case with The Wish List of Albie Young. I felt this book deeply in so many ways I have a hard time knowing where to start. It has vaulted to the top of my best reads of the year.

From the beginning, it was thoroughly unique that the reader never actually meets the main character, the man who was the catalyst for the entire story. We only learn about Albie through the eyes of Maria, a woman who got to know him through weekly meetings at a local café.  

Maria is one of the most “real” characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Watching her move through the stages of grief was touching and emotional. I could visualize exactly what was happening to her and empathized with how she tried to cope with her new reality. It wasn’t always easy, but she drew strength when she needed to, and she did so with the help of Albie.

Her heartache (that preceded the loss of Albie) had caused her to withdraw from living until she became a shell of a person. She eventually realized that he was an amazing man, and if he thought she was special, then maybe it was time she gave herself a chance to live.

It is so true that sometimes the dead need to show us how to continue living. And this was the heart of the book for me. By continuing Albie’s wish list, Maria finds a new lease on life, learning that it is never too late to start living. Her blossoming brought tears to my eyes, which continued through the rest of the book.

I also had a feeling about one aspect of the plot (no spoilers), but that didn’t stop me from absolutely bawling like a baby when I read the section confirming it.

Honestly, even though there was sadness at missed opportunities, the hopefulness that Maria had by the end of her story absolutely leaped off the page at me. I wanted to spend more time with her to see her continue her journey.

This is a story that has everything, and it should not be missed. As we head into the holiday season, it is an excellent reminder of how simply we can have an impact on others and to be thankful for those interactions that improve our lives – if we just remember to look for and recognize them.

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. The Wish List of Albie Young is her debut novel, and it promises to be a real heartbreaker. 

I’ve often distinguished thrillers as either moving fast with lots of twists or slower with a more ominous build to the reveal. My Mother’s Silence belongs in the latter category.

Buy Links

• Amazon: https://geni.us/B07WFF194PSocial
• Apple Books: https://apple.co/33ym1fc
• Kobo: http://bit.ly/2MgQRDO
• Googleplay: http://bit.ly/2Mj0RMI

Skye is returning home after leaving 15 years prior, shortly after her twin sister died and she was in a horrible car accident. She grudgingly agrees to return only because her brother tells her that her mom has taken a fall and is asking for her. There are family secrets, town secrets, and a whole lot of messed up for her to deal with.

Her memories surrounding the accident are missing, but as she speaks with old friends, she starts having flashes that she comes to realize are memories resurfacing. This is when the story really takes off because everything that she thought comes into question, which in turn leaves the reader wondering what the real story is.

I particularly liked the Celtic themes and perspective of the townspeople. I thought the author did a very good job of illustrating how small towns work, where everyone has a connection and they stand up for their own. I also wish I could hear some of Skye’s songs because they sounded beautiful in my mind 😊

There were a few parts that seemed like a little bit of a reach, but only because they didn’t seem to be as detailed as others. Skye’s mother’s state of mind is something that I found particularly fascinating, as her lucidity appeared to be directly linked to the facts of the past. I know that sounds a little cagey, but I don’t want to give anything away.

I do wish that we could have had more of Ginny’s diary entries because I thought they were interesting and gave a new dimension to the events of the past. I think a few more of those placed at strategic points in the plot could have added to the questions that Skye was trying to answer.

All in all, this was a solid story and I would definitely recommend it.

My Mother’s Silence by Lauren Westwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As psychological thrillers go, this belongs in the slow-build/reveal category. It is not particularly chilling as much as it is a story of family secrets and the consequences surrounding them. I liked the setting and thought the author did a great job of creating the small-town atmosphere. I also thought that Skye’s personality was very balanced and crucial for how she approached each new piece of information as she tried to piece her memories back together. This was a quick and intriguing read, and I would recommend it. For a full 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

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 hopes you enjoy her latest book, My Mother’s Silence, which is a dark, emotional journey about homecoming and family secrets. Your opinions are important to her, so please do leave a review.

Author Social Media Links

Lauren loves hearing from readers, so if you wish to get in touch, please visit her website: https://www.laurenwestwoodwriter.com/, or follow her on twitter: @lwestwoodwriter  https://twitter.com/lwestwoodwriter or Facebook: @Lwestwoodbooks https://www.facebook.com/Lwestwoodbooks/