Mailbox Monday - April 22nd

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. Head over and check out other books received during the last week. 

 

Received via Beauty & Lace Bookclub

Without a Doubt by Fleur McDonald

Detective Dave Burrows had never even heard of Nundrew in Queensland before. He'd certainly never have guessed that this was where he'd be risking his life.

In Barrabine, as Dave's workload skyrockets, Melinda, Dave's wife, is unhappy about being left alone so much to raise their eighteen-month-old daughter. It's not how Dave wants it either, but crimes still have to be investigated - it's what he joined the force for - and he's the only one able to do it.

Melinda's interfering father isn't helping. He's never thought that Dave is right for his daughter and he's not shy about telling Dave what he's doing wrong. When things come to a head at home, Dave's policing mate, Spencer, comes up with a plan.

In the most dangerous mission of his life, Dave knows what he's risking. If he's found out, he'll never see Melinda or Bec again. Of that he's sure.

eBooks received via Netgalley

 Seraphina Does Everything by Melissa Gratias

  Seraphina wants to do it all. From soccer to ballet to French club, her schedule is jam-packed. However, Seraphina finds she feels blue. With some help from her dad, Seraphina discovers that in trying to do everything, she's missing out on some of her favorite things.

Hide and Seek Little Chameleon by Anita Bijsterbosch

  Little Chameleon loves to play hide-and-seek. He knows a few special hiding tricks. Will you help look for Little Chameleon?

A cheerful seek-and-find book filled with colors, numbers, and animal friends. For toddlers ages 30 months and up, with a focus on the child's language development. 

What Books did your postman deliver this week?

Post a link to your Mailbox Monday or simply list your books in the comments below.

   

 

Winner of Under the Midnight Sky by Anna Romer announced

A big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for a paperback copy of Under the Midnight Sky . I had a huge amount of entries which  goes to show how popular Anna Romer is. The giveaway closed on 19th April and the winner was randomly selected from all correct entries. 
Congratulations to..

 Kylie H

You will receive an email shortly and have 7 days to provide a mailing address. I hope you enjoy your prize.

Please see my Giveaway tab for more chances to win great books. I will have a new international giveaway starting shortly.

 

Book Review: What Happens at Christmas (Romantic Suspense)

What Happens at Christmas

by 

Evonne Wareham

 
Another Christmas themed book can be crossed off my list and my plan to finish them before Easter (the end of the Easter weekend) is still on track. I have one more book on my list. 

Publisher: Choc Lit
Publication date: 5th December 2017
Pages: 255
Format Read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

 

Best-selling author Andrew Vitruvius knows that any publicity is good publicity. His agent tells him that often, so it must be true. In the run-up to Christmas, she excels herself - talking him into the craziest scheme yet: getting himself kidnapped, live on TV.

But when the plan goes ahead and Drew is unceremoniously thrown in the back of a van before being dragged to a hut in middle of the Brecon Beacons, it all starts to feel a little bit too real.
Meanwhile, not far away, Lori France and her four-year-old niece Misty are settling in to spend the holidays away after unexpected events leave them without a place to stay. Little do they know they’re about to make a shocking discovery and experience a Christmas they’re not likely to forget …

 

Successful author Andrew (Drew) Vitruvius reluctantly agrees to a fake kidnapping on live TV as a publicity stunt. However the kidnapping feels all too real when he is left beaten and chained in an abandoned house with no means of escape.

Lori France, an aspiring writer, is looking forward to a few days off to finish writing her first novel. When her four-year-old niece is unceremoniously dumped on her for the holiday break Lori puts aside her plans and takes her to stay at a friend’s cabin in the Brecon Beacons, determined to give Misty a happy Christmas.

I quite enjoyed this Christmasy romantic suspense with likeable characters and a few twists to keep the reader engrossed. It was a light, easy read and had a compelling mystery behind the slow-burn romance between Lori and Drew.

Drew had a heart-breaking past that he needed to work through before he could give his heart to Lori. Both characters worked through problems that arose with patience and maturity. The inclusion of 4-year-old Misty and Lori’s cat, Griff added a sense of fun and humour to the story.

I am adverse to internal monologue and there is an abundance of that throughout the story but the anguish (which is another of my pet peeves) is kept to a minimum.

What Happens at Christmas is the perfect story for a quick holiday read.

My rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Evonne Wareham was born in South Wales and spent her childhood there. After University she migrated to London, where she worked in local Government, scribbled novels in her spare time and went to the theatre a lot. Now she is back in Wales, living by the sea, writing and studying for a PhD in history. She still loves the theatre, likes staying in hotels and enjoys the company of other authors through her membership of both the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Crime Writers' Association.

 

 

Mailbox Monday - April 15th

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. Head over and check out other books received during the last week. 

Received for review:

The One by Kaneana May
Publication date: 17th June 2019

Before cameras roll on the final ceremony, three women  will discover just what they're willing to do in pursuit of the one....

A highly entertaining debut from an Australian scriptwriter (Home and Away, All Saints and Headland) filled with heart-warming drama and relatable characters.

If you like the behind-the-scenes action of Unreal and the charm of Zoe Foster-Blake, you'll love this story.


Received from the author:

The Bloodstone Key by Jenni Boyd
Publication date: 21st December 2013


It is Medieval times where the word of the King or Queen is law and a knight swore upon an oath, a code of chivalry to guard the Sovereign and protect the weak. The land is called Zanna, a place where mythical creatures and sorcerers of great power exist, a power used for both good and evil.
The Queen is dying, a secret closely guarded to protect the Princess, heir to the throne. The Royal Duke, the Queen's cruel and sadistic nephew believes the crown is rightfully his and will do whatever it takes to become King.
As a dark shadow of evil spreads across the land, whispers arise of an old legend passed down through the generations about 'The Child of the Gods', a child born to save the Kingdom from absolute terror! 

I really enjoyed this light fantasy. You can read my review  here.

 

What Books did your postman deliver this week?

Post a link to your Mailbox Monday or simply list your books in the comments below.

 

 

Book Review: The Butterfly Room by Lucinda Riley

The Butterfly Room

by 

Lucinda Riley

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 
Publication date: 23rd April 2019
Pages: 624
RRP: $29.99
Format Read: Uncorrected proof paperback 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Posy Montague is approaching her seventieth birthday. Still living in her beautiful family home, Admiral House, set in the glorious Suffolk countryside where she spent her own idyllic childhood catching butterflies with her beloved father, and raised her own children, Posy knows she must make an agonising decision. Despite the memories the house holds, and the exquisite garden she has spent twenty-five years creating, the house is crumbling around her, and Posy knows the time has come to sell it.

Then a face appears from the past - Freddie, her first love, who abandoned her and left her heartbroken fifty years ago. Already struggling to cope with her son Sam’s inept business dealings, and the sudden reappearance of her younger son Nick after ten years in Australia, Posy is reluctant to trust in Freddie’s renewed affection. And unbeknown to Posy, Freddie - and Admiral House - have a devastating secret to reveal . . .

 

The Butterfly Room is a sweeping multi-generational saga of long held secrets, devastating despair and second chances. Riley’s writing is rich and engrossing. Her characters are convincing.

I love stories told in dual time lines as the mysteries and secrets of the past unfold and crash into the present day.

Posy is almost 70 and her family estate is becoming too large and costly for her to handle. If she sells she can help her son Sam with his new property development company and downsize at the same time. But everything Sam has touched has failed. Will this new venture go the same way? Youngest son Nick returns home after 10 years in Australia and the arrival of an old flame in Southwold has Posy filled with indecision and confusion.

The story is filled with burgeoning romances but nothing goes smoothly as secret liaisons are made and shocking secrets are revealed as the past explodes into the present.

Each character had their own distinct personality and we get a very good insight into their lives and their different occupations. I really enjoyed the information on Nick’s antique business and Tammy’s work starting her antique dress shop.

The Butterfly Room is a big book, over 600 pages, however the mysteries are captivating and Riley feeds out snippets of information which had me guessing my own conclusions only to find I was wrong every time.

Riley evokes empathy for her characters but there is also plenty of anger, despair and heart-wrenching emotion, confirming that Riley can elicit a full spectrum of emotions from one book.

Despite its lengthy size The Butterfly Room is a totally engrossing and fast read. I was completely enthralled by the Montagues’ lives.

My rating: 5/5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

content: domestic violence. 

 

Photo credit: Goodreads

Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland, and after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first book aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into over thirty five languages and sold fifteen million copies worldwide. She is a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.

Lucinda is currently writing The Seven Sisters series, which tells the story of adopted sisters and is based allegorically on the mythology of the famous star constellation. The first five books, The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister, The Shadow Sister, The Pearl Sister and The Moon Sister have all been No.1 bestsellers across the world, and the rights to a multi-season TV series have already been optioned by a Hollywood production company.

 

 

 

Book Bingo - Round 8 #BookBingo2019

Book Bingo is a reading challenge hosted by Theresa Smith Writes , Mrs B’s Book Reviews and The Book Muse. Every second Saturday, book bingo participants reveal which bingo category they have read and what book they chose. 
This week I have chosen the category 'A book set in the Australian Outback'

A book set in the Australian Outback:

Home At Last was my first medical based romance and also my first book about the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I really enjoyed all the details about the different cases they are called to and the difficulties with medical help in really remote areas. The RFDS is a valuable life saving service and Appleyard brings to the fore some areas we don’t often think about such as the difficulties of shift working, the long shifts and the lack of adequate staff. 
I loved this story and it really highlighted for me the remoteness of the Australian outback.

 You can read my full review of Home At Last here

#BookBingo2019 


 

Book Review: The Bloodstone Key (Fantasy)

The Bloodstone Key

by

Jenni Boyd

Publisher: Jenni Boyd Books
Publication Date: 21st December 2013
Pages: 362
Format Read: ebook
Source: Courtesy of the author

 

It is Medieval times where the word of the King or Queen is law and a knight swore upon an oath, a code of chivalry to guard the Sovereign and protect the weak. The land is called Zanna, a place where mythical creatures and sorcerers of great power exist, a power used for both good and evil.
The Queen is dying, a secret closely guarded to protect the Princess, heir to the throne. The Royal Duke, the Queen's cruel and sadistic nephew believes the crown is rightfully his and will do whatever it takes to become King.
As a dark shadow of evil spreads across the land, whispers arise of an old legend passed down through the generations about 'The Child of the Gods', a child born to save the Kingdom from absolute terror!
A beautiful young woman with hair like liquid silver, finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, with no recollection of her name or her past, but when the plight of the people of Zanna come to her attention, she defies all odds to stand up against the terror inflicted upon them, armed with nothing but her unique bow and arrows, earning herself the name 'The Silver Angel'.
A mysterious man aids her in her quest, telling her he knows her true identity and that she must seek a hidden object, one that possesses great power, but only she holds the key and the knowledge of its secret location. He insists it is imperative she find it in order to save the people. The Silver Angel questions his motive for helping her, for he hides behind a mask, refusing to reveal his face.
Despite all warnings and increasing suspicions as to his true identity, she falls in love with him, putting her life in great danger.

 

I originally read this book back in 2015 when the author gifted me with an ebook. I loved the story then and still remember the compelling mystery and startling twist. I was very pleased when the author offered to send me a print copy recently as she was thrilled that I loved her story so much.

Thank you Jenni Boyd, you are so very generous.

Below is my original review from 2015.

The Queen and her only living heir, Princess Felicia, have been murdered. The Queen’s nephew, the evil Terric, has taken the throne and now rules by fear and death. For the people of Zanna their only hope is a myth, passed down through the generations, that the “Child of the Gods” will one day free them from Terric’s rule.

Low Fantasy would have to be one of my favourite reads and “The Bloodstone Key” didn’t disappoint.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the start of the story is confusing and I will have to agree. It’s like “hang on, what just happened?” But this is all part of the mystery. The Bloodstone Key is full of mystery and the full explanation of what happened on that fateful night comes later in the story. So don’t despair if you feel a little lost, all will be revealed.
The Bloodstone Key is shrouded in mystery, romance, suspense and danger. The characters are likeable and well developed which makes you want them to survive and prosper. My favourite characters being little Henry, Matthew, Hamond, Edwin and David.
I found the violence is kept to a minimum with more telling than showing as the main theme is kept to one of hope and courage.
There are brief appearances of mythical creatures and minimal magic, so maybe not for High Fantasy fans.
A wonderful story for fans of good overcoming evil and love overcoming adversity.

My rating   5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

I was born in Australia and currently reside in Tropical Far North Queensland with my partner.

My early childhood years were spent constantly on the move, and at times places remote and so isolated I used my imagination to create friends and another world. My family eventually settled in Rural Northern NSW, and a part of my life where my real need to write came to me, secretly writing down my stories for only me to see.

Very few of my friends were aware of my desire to become an author, and as my family grew, so did my desire to write, until eventually taking the bold step to publish my first book, 'Natalia'.

I love the great outdoors, hitching up the camper trailer and travelling to far and remote places, some so vast you could disappear without a trace, but none the less beautiful.
I love anything that allows me to use my imagination and the freedom to be creative; writing, sewing and gardening.