Book Review: The Ring Compiled by The Reading Agency

 

As my regular Bookaholic Friends know, I'm a sucker for a historical book. When one came along that is chock full of stories from outstanding authors, I just had to read it. The fact this is a charity anthology and the proceeds go to support literacy, was the cherry on the cake.

Blurb 

Forged over 2000 years ago, when Rome was still a republic, a simple gold ring was inscribed with the name and symbol of Fortuna, capricious goddess of fate. From the seven hills of Ancient Rome, to the streets of modern day New York, the ring passes from hand to hand, through the centuries, shaping destinies and unveiling secrets.

A Roman patrician gambles his future on its luck. A crusading knight takes it from the finger of a slain foe. A child is gifted it by a soldier in the Thirty Years War and trusts it to keep her father safe. A jeweller takes it to America in the Gilded Age seeking a new life. Each tale is a moment in time, a new wearer, and a twist of fate—sometimes fortune smiles, but all too often the ring brings ill luck.

In these stories, history seems driven by the will of chance. Those who possess the ring seek to shape their own destinies, but it is always Fortuna herself who has the final say.

With contributions from Alistair Forrest, Fiona Forsyth, Jacquie Rogers, Alistair Tosh, Graham Brack, Eleanor Swift-Hook, Mark Turnbull, Maggie Richell-Davies, Robert Bordas and Val Penny this is a spellbinding anthology of interconnected short stories, where luck is never what it seems.

Review

What can I say other than I truly loved this book. Every story is well written absorbing and drew me in as a reader. The way the stories work together throughout the centuries is brilliantly executed and what a superb idea for a book. All kudos to The Reading Agency for thinking of it. The writing is powerful and it is obvious the stories are well researched as to the time period. The history is woven in beautifully meaning the research does not overwhelm. Whilst each story is tied together by The Ring, each is individual in the way they are portrayed and the way the ring plays into the story. I found myself wanting to read on to find out how every author would approach the story. I was not disappointed by any of them.I can highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the Lynsey of Reading Between the Lines Blog Tours for an advanced reader copy of this book.

LINK TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-anthology-historical-short-stories-ebook/dp/B0F3DV7BPG


WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://readingagency.org.uk

Alistair Forrest – @alistairforrestauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Forrest/author/B002KQDTVE

Fiona Forsyth - @fionaforsythauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Fiona-Forsyth/author/B001KI2DEC

Jacquie Rogers - @jacquierogers - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jacquie-Rogers/author/B095M72LDL

Alistair Tosh - @alistair_tosh - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Tosh/author/B0C5XW2V98

Graham Brack - @GrahamBrack - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Graham-Brack/author/B075KQ6M8N

Eleanor Swift-Hook - @emswifthook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eleanor-Swift-Hook/author/B0BKTP1CMG

Mark Turnbull - @1642Author - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mark-Turnbull/author/B07YM39YLP

Maggie Richell-Davies - @maggiedaviswr1- https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Maggie-Richell-Davies/author/B0884G1MP6

Robert Bordas - @bordasauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Robert-Bordas/author/B0B5VRRKF8

Val Penny - @valeriepenny - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Val-Penny/author/B07C4725TK

That's it for another week Bookaholics. See you all soon with another review. Until then, keep reading and writing.

Book Review: Red Daisy by Gemma Owen Kendall

 

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall. This is a new author to me but I can assure you I will be reading more. Find out why in my review. 

Blurb

What if the girl who wore the red coat fell in love with the wolf?

Grace Kennedy was once a quiet teenage girl, growing up in a rural area with her parents. When Grace turns sixteen, she moves to a new town to live with her grandparents to study a diploma in Dance at the local college.

It's there that Grace’s life changes when she meets the polite and charming Daniel and also encounters the dark and mysterious Ben.

But are both boys truly who they say they are ...

Dealing with the sudden strange events happening to her and a complicated love triangle, Grace world implodes when she learns that werewolves and spellcasters do truly exist.

Review

I have to say, the cover drew me in in the first instance and I loved the premise of the book. What a twist to a classic fairytale and the fantasy elements develop it further. It is written for a Young Adult audience but I think adults will also enjoy it. I certainly did. The story is beautifully written and the characters are realistic - if you can call a werewolf realistic. They are certainly realistic for the genre. There was tension and romance in equal measure and I loved the way the which boy will she choose played out. I did feel that, due to some of the subject matter it would be more suited to the older readers of the YA genre but the subject matter was written well. I believe Owen-Kendall is an author to watch. I will mention one thing, it does end in a way that sets up the next book in the trilogy. All three of the books will need to be read in order. 

If you would like to know what other reviewers think of the book you can follow the tour as per the image below.

About the Author 

Gemma is a writer from North East Lincolnshire, UK. Graduated at the University of Lincoln in 2009, she studied a degree in Drama. However years later Gemma has discovered writing is her hobby and passion. She hopes to one day to be able to go back to University to study creative writing. As well as her own writing, Gemma is a huge supporter for writers within her local area.

That's it for another week my bookaholic friends. See you again soon. Until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

About Wendy H. Jones

Wendy H Jones is the multi award-winning, Amazon #1 international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers' Choice Award. Non-Fiction Matters the fourth book in her Writing Matters Series won the prestigious Dorothy Dunbar Cup from the Scottish Association of Writers. She is also the retired President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing.  She is the Editor in Chief of Writers' Narrative a new magazine for writers.  She is also a partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats an international publishing and writing retreat organisation. Wendy is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services. 

Website

Amazon Author Page

Twitter 

Facebook

Instagram

Book Review: The Queen of Cups Murders

Good evening Bookaholics. I am delighted to bring you my review of The Queen of Cups Murders by GB Williams as part of the Reading Between The Lines Blog Tour. I really am delighted as blogger and google were convinced I did not exist earlier. Anyway, here I am, not only existing but reviewing. Phew. You'll be glad I did.

Blurb 

He’s determined to draw a better future. But his morning reading didn’t warn him about the muddy ditch of corpses…

South Wales. Detective Sergeant Madoc Palmer struggles to fit in. Committed to his job, the tarot reader hopes his transfer away from a sabotaging superior is a fresh start. Though he downplays his psychic ability as good instincts, the ploy is tested when two murders trigger strange visions.

As his abilities take an inexplicable leap forward, Palmer navigates the tricky task of guiding the sharp-eyed, evidence-following Detective Inspector Ruth Atkins to the identity of the decayed remains. With his suspicious new DI watching every move, the newcomer fears any slip of the tongue could get him laughed off the force.

Can he reveal his truth without destroying his life or letting a killer slip from their grasp?

Review

From the first word to the last, this book is extremely well written with a skilful use of language which brings the story to life. I love the twist that Madoc, the main detective, is psychic and uses Tarot Cards to support the investigation. The interplay between Ruth and Madoc is good and they work well together as a team. The characters are real and I like the fact the reader also gets to see their personal storyline which brings them to life.There are a couple of areas where I felt the storyline was slightly improbable but this is necessary to Ruth's overall character arc which I am sure will be developed further in later books in the series. The story kept me reading and I enjoyed it. I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series. Williams is an excellent writer with a flair for storytelling which shines through in every page. Finally, I love the literary easter egg of the play on the characters' names. Brilliant. 

About the Author 

GB Williams specialises in complex, fast-paced crime novels. Her works include the recently expanded Locked Trilogy, The Elaine Blake Novels and the stand alone, The Chair. GB was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition with the story Last Shakes, now available in Last Cut Casebook. GB is a member of the Crime Writers Association, Crime Cymru, and part of the organising team for Gŵyl CRIME CYMRU Festival, as well as working as a writer and freelance structural editor.

LINK TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murders-Atkins-Palmer-Psychic-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DHV429QP


WEBSITE

https://gailbwilliams.co.uk

For a free story, see books.gailbwilliams.com.


SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook: @GBWilliamsCrimeWriter

Instagram: @gbwilliamsauthor

Threads: @gbwilliamsauthor

Blog: GB Williams Crime Blog

Book Review: Loyalty and The Learner by Miriam Drori

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. Here I am with another review of a fabulous mystery. I love a mystery and I know many of my readers do too. 


Blurb

Once again, Asaf is suspected of murder, but he’s soon released when the victim’s wife, Lihi, is arrested. Nathalie, now engaged to Asaf, is certain of Lihi’s innocence, and is determined to find the real murderer.
As Nathalie, Asaf and friends stumble along the path to achieving their goal, with a little inspiration from Molière, Hillel and Adenauer, they discover new places in Jerusalem and also venture west and north. Despite experiencing fear, sadness and other painful emotions, they never lose their sense of humour – and find that sharing their worries helps them pull through.

While some questions are answered on the way, new ones take their place. But what about the original question: Who killed Ofir? And how much is Nathalie willing to put at risk in order to solve this mystery? Her relationship? Her life?


Review

This is a gentle, character driven mystery rather than an on the edge of your seat thriller. However, that does not mean there is any less tension or the book is any less enjoyable. I loved every carefully crafted word and felt the main characters, Nathalie and Asaf were realistic and relatable. I warmed to them more and more as the story progressed and wanted to know what happened to them. Asaf's anxiety and fear is particularly well written, ensuring he is a well rounded 3D character. The mystery itself, although gentle, kept me reading and the surprises kept coming. This is a book I would highly recommend if you like well written literary mysteries. 


About the Author

Miriam Drori was born and brought up in London and now lives in Jerusalem.

With a degree in Maths and following careers in computer programming and technical writing, Miriam has been writing creatively since 2004. After some success with short stories, Miriam turned her hand to longer fictional works, publishing NEITHER HERE NOR THERE and THE WOMEN FRIENDS: SELINA, co-written with Emma Rose Millar.

Social anxiety features in Miriam's latest publications. SOCIAL ANXIETY REVEALED is a non-fiction guide that explores this common but little-known disorder from multiple points of view. The book has been highly recommended by ‘sufferers’ as well as professionals in this field. CULTIVATING A FUJI is the story of a fictional character who battles against social anxiety before learning to make friends with it. STYLE AND THE SOLITARY, a crime novel, asks an important question: what happens when a suspect can't stick up for himself?

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, hiking, dancing and touring.

Links to Buy

https://mybook.to/LoyaltyandtheLearner

Social Media Links

http://miriamdrori.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559937239829

https://x.com/MiriamDrori

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4829682.Miriam_Drori

https://www.pinterest.com/miriamdrori/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miriam-drori

https://www.instagram.com/miriam.drori/

http://www.wattpad.com/user/MiriamDrori

https://www.youtube.com/@miriamdrori

I was given an ARC of this book from Reading Between the Lines Book Tours. At no pint was I asked to provide a positive review and my review is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. 

That's it for another day my bookaholic friends. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Book Review: Downstream by Maressa Mortimer

 

Hello my Bookaholic friends. This week I bring you my review of Downstream, book three in the Elabi Chronicles by Maressa Mortimer.

 Blurb

Radio signals have been picked up that might reveal the location of Downstream. Macia longs to find her mother there and tries to persuade her friends Gax and Cecilia to join her in the search. But is it a dangerous mistake or a mission from God? Many difficulties await them and they will need to trust God as they encounter darkness and danger, reaching out with the Light.

Review

If you have not read books one and two in this series I would strongly advise you to do so before reading this one. This is Christian Dystopian at its best and you will not be sorry you read the series. We meet the characters from the first two books as they depart on another dangerous quest, this time downstream. The characters are well drawn and believable and one can see there development as they grow in their faith nd grow in courage. The storyline itself rattles along with danger, adventure and intrigue, all of which tests their faith as they follow God's guidance. The setting is also exceptionally well drawn and it was easy for me to imagine myself there. The world may be different to the one we know but Mortimer brings it skilfully to life. 

Did I enjoy this book? I can say a categorical yes from start to finish. The storyline kept my interest and I found my self wanting to read more. I can highly recommend this book.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy as part of the Reading Between The Lines Blog Tour. Thank you to Lynsey Adams for the opportunity. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review and this review is based on my reading of and enjoyment of the book. 

Author Bio 

Maressa grew up in the Netherlands, and moved to England soon after finishing teaching training college. Married to Pastor Richard Mortimer they live in a Cotswold village with their four children. She is a homeschool mum, enjoying the time spent with family, travelling, reading and turning life into stories, she wants to use her stories to show practical Christians living in a fallen world.

Buy Link

Website

Instagram

Linktree

Book Review: Death at a Shetland Festival by Marsali Taylor

 

Another cracking book for you to read my Bookaholic Friends.

Blurb

Crowds are gathered for a concert at Shetland's renowned folk music festival when there's a shocking discovery - international folk legend Fintan Foley has been stabbed backstage.

Sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae are in the audience and must untangle a complicated case where nothing is quite what it seems. Cass soon discovers that Foley's smiling stage persona concealed links with Shetland. He'd worked here in the 80s, the days when oil brought wealth to the islands.

Has a long-buried secret risen to the surface - and will it make Cass a target for a cold-blooded killer?

Review

You always know when you start a Marsali Taylor Book you are in for a fabulous read. This one did not let me down. It starts off gently, describing the festival and really setting the scene; this is important for the plot. When the action starts it is non stop. Setting is extremely important to this book and it is described beautifully. I could imagine myself at the festival and found my toes tapping as the songs were described. I love the way the Shetland folk songs are used as chapter titles. This adds to the overall atmosphere and atmosphere there is in more ways than one. The plot held my interest as did the characters, all of whom are integral to the storyline. They are weaved in perfectly and all come across as real people. I found myself reading this way past the sensible time to put it down and first thing on waking up. The sign of a good book. Despite the fact it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. 

HOW TO BUY

Amazon

SOCIAL MEDIA LINK

Author Facebook Page 

WEBSITE LINKS

Website 

Amazon Author Page 

That's it for another week Bookaholics. See you all again soon. Until then keep reading and keep writing. 

Book Review: Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-Ki ng

 

Hello, my Bookaholic friends. I have yet another cracking book for you. Gather round and let me tell you about it. 

Blurb

A historic Canadian property becomes the canvas for a tale that spans generations. In 1914, a tragedy unfolded, leaving scars that linger far beyond the passage of time.
In 1947, a visionary purchases the haunted remnants, seeking a new beginning for his family, but his young daughter senses a ghost from the far past.
In the present, urban explorers unlock the secrets of the past while running a web design company. Photographs and sketches capture the essence of the property, documenting the whispers of spirits from another era.
As the explorers navigate the abandoned corridors and forgotten chambers, the photographs unveil subtle anomalies until supernatural phenomena manifest that defy explanation.
Amidst the subtle changes in decor and the flickering candle flames frozen in time, the explorers find themselves entangled in a mystery transcending the boundaries of the living and the dead, forcing the urban explorers to confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.
Is a structure just that, or can it house remnants of horror, pain and sin? The urban explorers find they must confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Review

I love the premise of this book with the historic house as, not only background, but main character. The setting is perfectly written giving a chilling feel to the book. I felt as if I were there and chills were running through my body. In fact, it was downright spooky. The story is told through four time periods and these are interwoven beautifully, to perform a novel which holds the reader enthralled. Historical fiction is a particular favourite of mine and I think the historical aspects are handled well. It is obvious the author has conducted thorough research but this does not bog the story down. 

Of course, one cannot ignore the human characters in the book. Just as the character of the house is well written, so are the main characters. They each have their own personalities and are brought to life on the page. Taken together with a riveting plot and a mystery which keeps one reading, this is definitely one to read. 

About Melanie Robertson-King

A native of eastern Ontario, Melanie Robertson-King lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River during her pre-school years. Before starting school, her family moved to Brockville, where she received her education, including a post-secondary degree in Computer Programming.
As an only child, Melanie was an avid reader and remains so. She knew then that one day, she would be a writer. When she wasn't talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.
Melanie's father was a Scottish national. He came to Canada as a 'Home Child' through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland. She promised herself that one day, her feet would touch the soil in her father's homeland. That first trip was in 1993, and she's not looked back since, having returned to the Auld country many more times. Her last trip abroad was in 2018. On one of her many trips to Scotland, Melanie had the honour of meeting Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at the orphanage where her father was raised.
Encouraged to study Highland Dancing, she competed locally. Her final competition took place during the summer of 1969, a few short months after her father's death, at the 1000 Islands Highland Games. She won the Silver Medal in the Sword Dance in that last event.
Melanie began her professional writing career in non-fiction. One of her articles graced the cover of an international publication. At the same time, she continued to develop her writing voice: short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) as well as novel-length work.
Since her debut novel was published in the summer of 2012, Melanie has written eleven more books (including two for children) and released the second edition of her first.

WHISPERS THROUGH TIME is Melanie's twelfth book.

Her short story, Cole's Notes, has been re-edited and is available as a free read through her website and blog.

You'll find her out and about when not sequestered in her cave writing, plotting or editing. Her favourite haunts (pardon the pun) are cemeteries (the older, the better) since they have more character, and perhaps a few more characters. She also loves travel and photography.

Melanie and fellow authors Wendy H. Jones and Chris Longmuir make up the infamous trio – the Princesses of Pandemonium.

Links to Buy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WHISPERS-THROUGH-TIME-Melanie-Robertson-King-ebook/dp/B0CTHS2C9H

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-through-time-melanie-robertson-king/1144957392

Website and Social Media Links

WEBSITE - https://melanierobertson-king.com

BLOG- https://melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/melanie.robertsonking

GOODREADS - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543072.Melanie_Robertson_King

TWITTER - @RobertsoKing

PINTREST - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/robertsonking/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Melanie-Robertson-King/author/B008SQFS9Q