Tag: New Release

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Books On Tour: The Wish List of Albie Young

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. 

Twitter: @HummingbirdRuby
Facebook: /ruby.hummingbird.58
Instagram: rubyhummingbirdauthor
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Books On Tour: My Mother’s Silence

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.

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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 SilenceMy 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/

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Blog Tour w/Review – Tell Me Everything

I have very mixed feelings about this book, mainly because it seems as if the author had a difficult time deciding what to focus on in the book.

On the one hand, it was a fascinating look at alternative lifestyles for adults, a topic that does not get enough honest attention. What two consenting adults do in their private life is really nobody else’s business, regardless of age or gender.

I found this first part of the story to be extremely interesting because I thought the author’s exploration of a married couple’s shared interest outside the marriage is not a usual catalyst in a novel. The actions and reactions of Jessica and Jake were honest and realistic.

When Jessica crosses a few lines, however, I felt that the plot sort of lost its way. It wasn’t so much her crossing them because that seemed like a natural progression in the relationships they had. It was that the character who was the catalyst for the “line-crossing” did not have enough depth to him.

Everything else to that point was carefully described and detailed. Then this guy pops up primarily (it seemed) to cause problems. I thought this whole interlude did not ring true and was thrown in to make it “interesting.” All it did for me, however, was to take focus away from the couple’s growth and dealing with issues.

That’s not to say that the conflict shouldn’t have happened. I liked how Jessica was able to use her experience to help another character, so I think that something should have happened – I just think it could have been done differently. I also felt that it was resolved way too easily, considering the trouble that it caused, and everything wrapped up rather quickly at the end, not to mention there were a few characters that were just sort of left hanging.

My other issue is in the author’s notes; she mentions that she wrote the book to be able to address “toxic masculinity…and rape culture.” I did not get that from ANY of this book and could not even begin to see where that would have had any place in the story. I would still recommend this book. I just wish it had been a little bit more streamlined.

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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: 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.  

Links

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Blog Tour w/Review: Southern Heartbreaker

Jessica Peterson just keeps getting better and better. Her Charleston Heat series has become one of my favorites. Where else can you find sexy men with a sense of humor and women who can get as raunchy as they do? (Okay, maybe a few other series, but not many).

Southern Heartbreaker is by far my favorite in the series so far. From the characterizations to the plot to…well, everything, I loved every part of it.

I thought that Eva’s situation was relatable. Having success and then being stuck on how to follow it up with a strong second outing is something that just about everyone has experienced in one way or another. I loved how she figured out what needed to be done (with Ford’s help, of course) and would totally buy what she is selling!

And then there is Ford. Where to start with him? I think he is one of the more complex characters that Ms. Peterson has created. It’s not easy to balance being a doting daddy and a foul-mouthed (fairly raunchy) lover. I mean, those guys exist in real life, but writing them becomes tricky because they can easily turn into caricatures.

Not so with Ford. The scene on the boat has to be one of the most amazingly hot scenes I have read in a long time. And not just because of the chemistry between the characters, but also because of the depth of their connection that makes it feel so right to them.

I think that is where this relationship shines; they had a connection in college that never really went away in spite of where life took each of them. In a way, they were each other’s “the one who got away” and they were able to find each other again. Don’t we all have one of those? We may not want to find them, but it’s fun to live vicariously and imagine what could be if we did, right?

At any rate, this latest entry into the series is top-rate. If you haven’t read the series, start now. If you have, get this one to add to the collection.

Southern Heartbreaker (Charleston Heat, #4)Southern Heartbreaker by Jessica Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The latest entry in the Charleston Heat series does not disappoint. We get Ford and Eva’s story (which is amazingly hot and emotional), and we also get updates on the other couples in the series. I love how the author has created this universe of people I would love to hang out with daily. Ford is my absolute favorite so far; I love his goofiness with his daughter and his raunchiness with Eva. It was a fun read from beginning to end, and I hope there are more in the series. For a detailed review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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