Book Review: ‘Cuckoo in the Nest’ by Fran Hill

Today I’m delighted to be sharing my review of an ARC of this debut novel by my friend and very funny fellow-author Fran Hill, ‘Cuckoo in the Nest’, to be published by Legend Press on 26 April 2023. BLURB It’s the heatwave summer of 1976 and 14-year-old would-be poet Jackie Chadwick is newly fostered byContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Cuckoo in the Nest’ by Fran Hill”

Book Reviews: ‘1066: What Fates Impose’ and ‘In the Shadows of Castles’ by GK Holloway

Today I am pleased to share with you my reviews and thoughts on two works of historical fiction by GK Holloway which open up for us the years leading to the Norman Conquest of England, and the aftermath. They are ‘1066: What Fates Impose‘ and ‘In the Shadows of Castles.’ Historical fiction gives us aContinue reading “Book Reviews: ‘1066: What Fates Impose’ and ‘In the Shadows of Castles’ by GK Holloway”

Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #9 Kiama, the Illawarra Film Festival and the Norman Lindsay Art Gallery, New South Wales

This is the ninth of my Highlights and includes some of the most outstanding experiences of my Australian trip. First, Kiama, which is down the coast south of Sydney. This was a base from which we planned to visit the Illawarra Film Festival in the Phoenix Theatre, Coniston. We were there because my daughter AbigailContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #9 Kiama, the Illawarra Film Festival and the Norman Lindsay Art Gallery, New South Wales”

Book Review: ‘The Continued Times of Isabella M. Smugge’ by Ruth Leigh

I’m delighted to be bringing you my review of this third Isabella book, as I’ve read and loved the previous two by Ruth Leigh: The Diary of Isabella M Smugge (book 1) and The Trials of Isabella M Smugge (book 2). Author Ruth Leigh The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge was published by InstantContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Continued Times of Isabella M. Smugge’ by Ruth Leigh”

Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon

Today I am delighted to be sharing with you my review of an advance copy of a new collection of poems, photography and flash fiction by fellow author MJ Mallon. The book is due out on Kindle on 25th November 2022, and the paperback will follow in due course. I’ve read this author’s work before:Continue reading “Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon”

Book Review: ‘The Little Ice Cream Shop by the Sea’ by Lizzie Chantree

Today I am pleased to be sharing with you my review of ‘The Little Ice Cream Shop by the Sea‘ by Lizzie Chantree. I discovered this author through a Facebook support group for writers, and my decision to read this book is an example of how good feelings towards an author purely on the basisContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Little Ice Cream Shop by the Sea’ by Lizzie Chantree”

Book Review: ‘The Last Princess’ by Shelley Wilson

Today I’m pleased to be reviewing this excellent Young Adult novel by Shelley Wilson: The Last Princess. The Last Princess was published in May 2022 by BHC Press. Loosely based on what is known of the period when Vikings regularly raided Northumbria, this novel is strong and dramatic; in particular, the first few chapters areContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Last Princess’ by Shelley Wilson”

Blog Tour: ‘The Wanderer Scorned’ by Natasha Woodcraft

Today I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for a new book by Natasha Woodcraft. The Wanderer Scorned is published on 6 August 2022. The Wanderer: Scorned is biblical fiction. Natasha describes it as ‘a story that we all know, as you’ve never heard it before.’ Its sequel, The Wanderer Reborn isContinue reading “Blog Tour: ‘The Wanderer Scorned’ by Natasha Woodcraft”

Blog Tour: ‘The Pilgrim’ by Joy Margetts

Today I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for Joy Margetts’ new book ‘The Pilgrim‘ to be published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022. ‘The Pilgrim‘ is historical fiction, set in medieval Wales. BLURB Driven by ambition and family expectation, young Henry de Brampton is determined to make his mark. DestinedContinue reading “Blog Tour: ‘The Pilgrim’ by Joy Margetts”

Book Review: ‘The Fever of the World’, book 16 in Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series

Today I review The Fever of the World by Phil Rickman, who is one of my favourite authors. Phil’s genre defies categorisation, but Amazon often kindly list him under Welsh crime, and he variously takes the tags contemporary horror, horror thrillers, paranormal, women sleuths, gothic romance, and mystery, the last two being the case withContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Fever of the World’, book 16 in Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series”