Walled City by Maressa Mortimer

 

Good morning bookaholics. I know many of you are allowed out again and will be catching up with the things you couldn’t do for some time. However, this means you can once more grab a coffee in your favourite cafe and sit down and relax with a good book. There’s always a reason to read. The book I bring you today is well worth reading. 

A young man, Gax, enters unseen in the dead of night to Elabi, a city where all is not as well as its inhabitants want you to think. With every aspect of their lives controlled, no one in Elabi is allowed to think for themselves and each one believes this is for their own good. With a hierarchical system everyone aspires to climb, no one wants to step out of line. However, Gax is a man with a mission, that mission being to change the hearts and minds of those who live in the city.

This is not the usual sort of book I read but I can tell you I was spellbound and could not wait to find out what happened next. A beautifully written book, it is set in an alternate reality, but one which the author sets to perfection. Maressa Mortimer had me almost believing I was there. The characters pop off the page and each and every one of them is individual and lifelike. I found myself loving and hating them in turn. I could feel the tension inherent in living such a tightly controlled life and was rooting for the characters, Gax especially, every step of the way. 

This is the first in a new series and I cannot wait for the next one. Whether this is your usual reading matter or not, I would  encourage you to read it.  You may very well find yourself hooked as I was.

That’s it for another day my bookaholic friends. See you back here soon but until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

Count Our Blessings Book Review

Good morning Bookaholics. This may be April Fools' Day but I can assure you this book review is one hundred percent genuine. I bring you this book because I loved it on so many levels. 

I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone in terms of reading and as it is also Easter, I took the opportunity to read the latest book by Fiona Linday. The subtitle of the book is, Short stories of identity and hope and, given the current pandemic, I feel that we can all do with a healthy dollop of hope. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the book to be honest but what I found was a book which intrigued and enticed, which made me think and ponder, which made me reach down inside myself and find a strength I didn't know I had. 

As is indicated from the subtitle, the book is a mixture of short stories and poems around different themes. Each is written from the heart and touches your mind, your heart and your soul. They are both simple and profound, both accessible and complex and each reading brings something new to the literary table. Linday, a gifted writer uses every word to good effect weaving a tapestry of hope for these troubled times. It is a Christian book which has God at the very heart of it. It draws you closer to him and allows the reader to see the hope which can only come from God. 

It reaches through the generations and I feel readers of all ages would be attracted to its message. Linday uses tales from her own life and I particularly liked the poem which she wrote as I child at school and which was subsequently published. It's simplicity drew me in and allowed me to see things with fresh eyes - something repeated throughout the book.

This is not a book to rush through but a book to read, ingest and think about. It is a book which can be read again and again, allowing the reader to relax in its words and to feel the warmth of its literary embrace and as the title says Count Our Blessings. It is perfect, not only for Easter but, for any time of the year and would make a thoughtful present. 

      

You can buy the book from your local Christian bookshop when open, or via the links above. 

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review, it is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. The links above are affiliate links and I will receive a few pence if you buy the book. 

The Diary of Isabella M Smugge - a perfect read, darlings.

Good morning, Bookaholics and a lovely morning it is too. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it's a perfect day to curl up in the conservatory and read - I have just the book for you in order to help you do that.

It’s not often a book comes along that makes you laugh, cry, and take stock, then do it all again in just a matter of a few breaths. This debut novel by Ruth Leigh did that for me. This is chick lit with passion and a purpose, that purpose being to make you take a look at the way you live your life and the way you portray yourself on social media. It certainly made me take stock of the way I portray my life to others. The book is also pure entertainment from the first page to the last. A skilled writer, Leigh uses every word in the book to draw the reader in and make them keep reading. Using words, she paints a portrait of village life, how it really is, and paints a portrait of characters for who they really are.

So, what is the book about?

We all know her name should be pronounced Smug but of course, Isabella herself pronounces it like the word Bruges. Isabella is a pretentious Instagram influencer whose every living moment is catalogued on social media. Her obsession to have the most followers, likes, and comments, means that everything she does, either alone or with her family, is driven by how it will look on social media. Every moment of their lives is captured on camera and shared with millions. At the beginning of the book, she is newly settled in a Georgian pile in the country, having left her life in London, and, therefore, all her friends, behind. She immediately sets to getting to know the neighbours, but this proves more difficult than she could ever imagine. She soon finds out the villagers are harder to win over than she at first thought. Her life seems picture perfect in a shallow way, but we soon come to realise that there is more depth to Isabella than can be seen on the surface. As her life begins to unravel, she grows and develops and comes to realise the people around her are more than just an opportunity to diarise her life on Instagram. The more you read the more you come to understand and sympathise with her. My emotions were all over the place and I found myself hoping everything would turn out well for our heroine despite her being a grade A snob.

This is also a book which deals with Faith. Becoming friends with the local Vicar's wife opens Isabella up to the possibility that there may be more to life than she believes. It opens her up to the possibility that the church is more than just a place to see and be seen and as a new opportunity to paint her perfect life on Instagram.

The characterisation is truly brilliant, showing every aspect of human nature you can possibly imagine. I loved characters, hated them, and then fell in love with them again. Every one of them was real to me and I would love to have them as friends. Well, most of them anyway. Some I would like to boot out and lock the door, just as Leigh intended. She has a rare insight into the human psyche and this comes across in the characters she writes. 

This book is absolutely fabulous, darlings. It makes you want to break out the champagne and your best crystal goblets whilst realising you should keep both feet very firmly fixed on the ground. It is one of the best books I have read this year and would highly recommend you read it. Now, If you will excuse me, I'm off to share this on social media and see how many likes, shares and followers I get. Oops. Maybe I should go and read the book again. I would urge you to buy a copy, you will not regret it. As I say, pure entertainment from first word to last. 

You can buy signed copies of the book from Ruth Leigh's Website any good bookshop or alternatively you can buy the kindle version from the links below. Please note these are affiliate links and if you choose to use them I will receive a small renumeration. 

You can follow Ruth on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 

    

That's it for another day, Bookaholics. I'm off to find my next read, although that will be after I do some writing. After all, I need to get my own books finished too.  

 

 

The Healing - a book no one should miss reading.

Good morning Bookaholics. I may not have been with you for a few weeks but I was holding off to bring you my review of a newly published book. I am sure you will agree it was worth the wait. 

I am struggling to know where to start to review this book because there is so much I want to say, each part of which deserves to be first. Therefore I will start by saying congratulations to this debut author for a work of fiction which has truly blown me away. I read a lot and yet it is rare that a book moves me so deeply or makes me think so deeply. The Healing has done just that. 

Margetts is a skilled writer with a true gift for words - that is apparent on every page of this, her first, novel. She uses words to good effect to draw the reader in and guide them through the highs and lows of emotions. The premise of the story is that in the year 1231 a nobleman, Philip de Braose is grievously injured and is rescued from certain death by Brother Hywel a Cistercian Monk. We see Philip as he starts to heal from his wounds and yet it is obvious he also requires both emotional and mental healing, not so easily obtained. The readers joins Philip and Hywel as they journey from France back to Wales and the monastery in which Hywel is based. 

The characterisation is outstanding. Margetts draws them to perfection and pulls the readers inside their heads. Philip is a broken man but the author handles this with gentleness and deftness allowing us to see the swings in his mood and yet keeping the character relatable and likeable. As the book progresses she gently teases out different aspects of his character allowing the reader to immerse themselves in his journey to restoration and transformation. Brother Hywel, a gentle and compassionate man, brings peace, not only to Philip but to the reader. The book soothes and comforts as it is read. 

Equally well written is the setting. From the monasteries of France to the inns and monasteries of Wales, I felt like I was in the midst of the events. I could picture everything perfectly right down to the steeds which the men rode. I was right there living the story alongside the characters - saying prayers with the monks and walking with them as they carried out their chores.

This is an obviously Christian, faith driven book and yet this did not overwhelm. It is skilfully weaved throughout and is an integral part of the story. Bible passages are used at the end of each chapter and these support the narrative beautifully. God is at the heart of it, as one would expect, but the story is one of transformation and redemption. It had me soaring to the skies one minute and crying the next. I was not expecting the ending at all. This book plays a beautiful melody with the heartstrings and leaves the reader pondering on its meaning and message long after the book is finished. It will help any reader on their own journey of healing.

Whilst this is a book I could have read in one sitting, I did not do so. Whilst it begged me to keep reading I wanted to slow the pace and take my time to embrace the central message and enjoy the writing. The story came from a place of reflecting Margett's own journey of healing and I wanted to give it the time and space it deserved to be read properly. I am glad I did. 

Would I recommend this book - one hundred percent. I consider it to be one of the greats and it deserves a wide readership. Well done to the author. I hope she writes another book and I will be one of the first to buy it. If you would like to buy a copy you can do so via the links below. 

You can also buy signed copies direct from the author via her website

And of course you can buy copies from your local Christian Bookshops if they are open. You can order it from them if they don't have it on the shelf. 

If you would like to connect with Joy Margetts you can do so on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

   

That's it for another week Bookaholics. Expect more soon. I've another cracking book for you so don't miss out. Until then, keep reading and writing, my Bookaholic friends. 

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair review. At no point was I asked to write a positive review and the review is unbiased and based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. The links above are affiliate links and if you use them I will receive a small renumeration from Amazon.

 

Books and Christmas - The Perfect Combination

Good afternoon Bookaholics. Today, I am bringing you some books which have been released in the last couple of weeks and would make fabulous Christmas Presents. If you purchase them from the author they can be personalised and signed, making them even more special. You would also be supporting an author. So, here is my selection.

Middle Grade/Young Adult

The Fire Children by Abigail Van Kraay

If you have a middle grade child who likes fantasy, akin to The Chronicles of Narnia, then this is the perfect gift. 

The thought of living in a black-and-white world forever, made Benji Brook and Flo Knightly feel as hollow as the trunk of their favourite tree. It seemed to them, that since the colour had gone, the joy had left the people of Kingswick.But like Grandpa Jo had always said, 'There’s more to life than what meets the eye.'With their so-called arch enemy, Ozzy Stone, they are thrust into a world between worlds, as they go on the wildest of adventures and come face to face with the shadow beasts of Battlelands. Could it be that this unlikely trio could not only save the stolen children, but restore colour to their black and white world?

You can grab a copy from Abigail's website

Walled City by Maressa Mortimer

Gax enters Elabi on an undercover mission unseen. Or does he? Who spots his risky nighttime landing and what implications will it pose for his bid to win hearts and minds in the walled city?

Gax is a young adult who enters the city-state of Elabi undercover as a missionary. His mission is to infiltrate a society that does not allow for belief or emotions. Elabi has a culture based on logic and factual thinking, and a view of relationships Gax comes up against when he tries to share the Gospel. His own worldview is challenged when the city's control hinders his evangelism, limiting his opportunities to reach out to share his faith with the people in this first book of the Elabi Chronicles. Will Gax survive long enough to spread the Gospel, or will he be sent beyond the Hills?

You can buy signed copies from Maressa's Website 

Adult

Leah By Amanda Bedzrah

Lying in bed next to ‘the man of her dreams’, Leah is crippled with fear and unable to sleep. She knows that her husband, Jacob, is going to wake up to her, not “the woman of his dreams”. Jacob worked and served Leah’s father Laban for seven years to marry her younger sister Rachel, but on the night of their wedding, the brides were switched; the right man was married to the wrong bride. As Leah anticipates, his dissatisfaction is not hidden; his rejection is immediate. Seven days later, Jacob marries Rachel after promising to work another seven years for her. Leah is now left in a place of pain and bitterness. A fearsome war erupts. She is in a battle for her husband’s affection – not with an enemy, but with her own sister! Will she ever be loved and accepted? Can God use a woman like Leah: unnoticed, unwanted, and unloved, to change history?

This book is a fictional retelling of one of the greatest Bible stories of all time. It is a story of love, deception, betrayal, competition, heartbreak, and forgiveness.

You can buy a signed copy from Amanda's Website 

Paranormal Warwickshire by SC Skillman

Warwickshire is a county steeped in the supernatural, as befits the county of Shakespeare and the many ghosts and spirits that he conjured up in his works. The towns and villages of Warwickshire, its castles, houses, churches, theatres, inns and many other places both grand and everyday have rich and complex stories to tell of paranormal presences. In this book author S. C. Skillman investigates the rich supernatural heritage of this county at the heart of England in places such as Guy’s Cliffe House, the Saxon Mill, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick Castle, St Mary’s Church in Warwick, Nash’s House and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Stoneleigh Abbey, as well as in the towns of Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa. She explores the spiritual resonance of each location, recounting the tales of paranormal activity associated with it and examining the reasons for this within the history of the place. Paranormal Warwickshire takes the reader into the world of ghosts and spirits in the county, following their footsteps into the unknown. These tales of haunted places, supernatural happenings and shadowy presences will delight the ghost hunters, and fascinate and intrigue everybody who knows Warwickshire.

You can buy a copy from SC Skillman's Website 

The Power of Why - Why 28 Women Created an Online Course and Why You Should Too - compiled by Purvi Tantia, Wendy H. Jones and Lisa McGrath

Yes, this one has my name on the front as I was one of the compilers and editors for the anthology. This is not a signed copy for you to buy but an ebook to inspire you and help you take the step into developing an online course. Buy one for yourself or you can gift a copy to your friends and give the gift that can transform your life by reading the powerful stories of 28 women (and 1 man).  Only £0.99/$0.99 until 11th December 2020 so don't miss out 

If you are a coach, consultant, or a counsellor, you must have experienced the ceiling to how many hours you can work and the number of people you can help with your expertise on a one-on-one basis. Now, technology gives you the power to help more people without overwhelming yourself with long hours of work. If you are ready to scale your coaching, consulting, or counselling business to the next level, then you are in the right place.

With this book, 28 women from across the world have come together to share their journeys and their stories as course creators. They share their honest insights into these journeys which unfolded to create their own online courses. These are real women running real businesses, and they are sharing their 'Why' with you so that you can find yours, too.

If you are a few steps behind this in creating your own online course, this book will inspire you to action as you will see how creating an online course can help you change the way you do business. It will also inspire you to achieve more in less time, using tried and tested strategies and ultimately allowing more time for family and friends.

Told from a feminine perspective with a mix of storytelling, quotes, and anecdotes, this book will encourage you to ask yourself why you should create your own online course.

Universal link to buy from your country's Amazon Store

So, a bumper crop for you my Bookaholic friends. It's your chance to get some fabulous gifts for you and your family. 
 

Book Launch - Paranormal Warwickhsire by S.C. Skilman

 

Good morning, Bookaholics. I have a treat for you today as my friend and fellow author, S.C. Skilman has a book released today. You may be wondering why I am hosting an author writing a book about the Paranormal - on a Sunday fo all days. Sheila, as she is known to her friends, brings aspects of spirituality into her books and teases this out. I love her books. So, let's give Sheila a warm welcome to Bookaholics. 

Thank you, Wendy, for offering me this chance to appear on your blog on the day my new book is launched.

Paranormal Warwickshire investigates the curious tales at numerous locations in this, the county of William Shakespeare. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he is widely celebrated, Shakespeare called Warwickshire his home, and although he did find great success in London with his troupe of actors, The King’s Men, he eventually returned to his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, to live out his final years in his beautiful manor house at New Place. Indeed, it is thought he wrote The Tempest there. It is in this play that we may find the spirit Ariel, servant to Prospero the Magician. I love Shakespeare’s spirits and perhaps my favourite is the mischievous Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare’s plays are full of ghosts and spirits, and so I have taken this as my theme for the book. It was easy for me to find quotes from the Bard which enriched or threw into sharp relief my own feelings about each place I visited.

Among the stories in my book we may find several theatre ghosts. It is well known members of the acting profession are superstitious. Actors observe many strange rituals before going on stage to perform; and despite all protestations otherwise, most of them continue to treat Macbeth with great caution. Within the pages of my book I share stories about the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and about Rugby Theatre. Iconic castles, manor houses, abbeys and churches all appear in my pages.

But fear not, there are many stories in my book about everyday places, with working people going about their business. I share stories from trespassing teenagers; retail staff and customers; pub chefs; tourists; and workmen on building sites. Once you start looking for them, showing a readiness to listen to people, and ensuring you have your audio recorder to hand, curious anecdotes and strange first-person accounts are never far away!

Paranormal Warwickshire is out today: 15th November 2020

I hope you will enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed researching them!

Thank you, Sheila. I love Shakespeare and I am looking forward to reading this. 

Sheila is a fabulous writer, my Bookaholic friends, and I know you are going to love this book. See you back here soon, and until then keep on reading and writing. 

Buy Links:

https://www.amberley-books.com/coming-soon/paranormal-warwickshire.html

https://www.waterstones.com/book/paranormal-warwickshire/s-c-skillman/9781445698267

https://amzn.to/2IEt28F

https://bit.ly/3ngKmzo



Social Media Links:



Website and blog: https://scskillman.com/

Amazon Author Profile: http://bitly.ws/9SK9

https://www.facebook.com/scskillmanauthor

https://twitter.com/scskillman

https://www.instagram.com/scskillman/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/scskillman/_created/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sc-skillman-42347a47/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4692653.S_C_Skillman

The Benefits of Journaling for Writers

 

There's nothing like a brand new notebook to get a writer's heart pumping. Unless it's a brand new top-of-the-range MacBook of course. However, even the most expensive notebook is considerably cheaper than that. Writers love notebooks. They love buying notebooks. Then, they decide the notebook is far too nice to write in, and they buy another notebook. And, so it goes. Piles of notebooks and not a jot of writing done. My blog today is to exhort you to crack open that brand new notebook and actually do some writing on those pristine pages. 

Why am I encouraging you to do this - because I am talking about journaling in today's post. In order to embrace journalling, you actually need to write something. Or draw something. Or past something. You get my drift. 

What is Journaling?

It is simply, the practice of writing, without pressure, on a regular basis. 

Why Journal?

Why am I encouraging you to journal? The benefits are both well known and numerous. 

• Improves brain power.

• Improves mood. 

• Improves memory.

• Aids focus. 

• Reduces stress.

• Record day to day events. These may come in useful in your current or future WIP.

• Gets you writing every day.

• To practice stream of consciousness writing.

• Opens up the brain to new ideas.

• Declutters the brain.

• Write without pressure.

• Motivation.

• Practice new or different writing techniques.

• Increases your daily word count as you will be more likely to write

In order to get started, I would suggest you pick a time you will journal each day. Open a notebook and pick up a pen and spend fifteen minutes writing, on any topic which comes to mind. Do this for a week and see how your writing has changed over that time. You will be surprised at how far you've come. 

Now, my Bookaholic friends, if you'll excuse me I'm off to buy another notebook ready for tomorrows writing session. See you soon and until then, keep on reading and keep on writing.