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.

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

Hello, Bookaholics, it's a lovely day for a book review. Well, it's always a good day for a book review and today I bring you one which is absolutely fabulous, darlings. 

If you haven't read the first two books in the series, then you really should do now, as these books need to be read in order to get the full effect of Issy and her development as a character. I mean, seriously, rush and get them as they are superb. So, what of this one.

Blurb

Now in her third year of living the rural dream, starry Instamum Issy Smugge is up against it. A single parent of four with an award-winning brand, a gin-swigging mother convalescing upstairs and a distraught relative craving a shoulder to cry on, her diary and listed Regency home are bursting at the seams!
Of course, she can count on lively support from the colourful playground mums – and then there’s always Tom, the startlingly good-looking vicar, and his angelic wife, Claire.
But as pressure begins to mount, long-buried memories surface and difficult decisions need to be made. How will our heroine cope with painful emotions? (Clue: no filter!) And when the influencer needs influencing, who will show her the way? 

Review

Yes, everyone's favourite mumfluencer is back in The Continued Times of Isabella M. Smugge, the third book in the Issy Smugge (rhymes with Brugge of course) series. She is now the parent of four, one a brand new baby, and doing it alone apart from help from a housekeeper, a part-time nursery nurse, a gardener and a manicurist. To add insult to injury her insufferable mother has had a stroke and is installed in one of the spare rooms whilst she recovers. Issy, in her own inimitable style, is nursing her, meaning she is paying for the round the clock, wall-to-wall nursing staff who are doing all the heavy lifting. Literally. And don't forget the fact Issy still has her image as a mumfluencer to maintain - her adoring fans expect, actually demand, it of her. How is one woman expected to cope. This is the question she asks herself and yet cope she does - in her own fabulous way. Issy's character grows throughout the books; she is definitely becoming more likeable and, dare I say, human. Not that she isn't in the first two books but she is definitely mellowing and growing as a person as the series proceeds.

Where the book, and all the others in the series, stands out is in characterisation. All the characters are expertly drawn and, love them or hate them, they are real. Each has their own foibles and I love finding out more about them as the books progress. On opening the pages of this book I felt I was meeting with family and friends once more. This is the sign of a well written series, one which I love. I loved this book just as much, possibly even more, than the others. Leigh has a way with words which she uses to great effect to entertain and delight. 

This is Christian fiction but the Christianity is weaved in in a way which does not overwhelm and is extremely natural. At times Issy feels like she is living in a parallel universe with the 'church speak' but this is handled well and explained. Whilst Christians would enjoy this book I believe non-Christians would enjoy it just as much.

Another triumph from the pen of Ruth Leigh and I hope there will be many more Issy books to come. 

Signed copies complete with merchandise can be ordered via Ruth's website (www.ruthleighwrites.co.uk) and from good bookshops, Eden, Waterstones and Amazon from 22nd October. In Suffolk, Issy Smugge is stocked by Woodbridge Books, Dial Lane Books in Ipswich and The Halesworth Bookshop.


I was given an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review and this is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book.

The Wanderer Scorned - Christian Fiction by Natasha Woodcraft

Good afternoon, Bookaholics, have I got a treat for you. Today, I bring you a review of The Wanderer Scorned a cracking Christian fiction novel from the pen, or keyboard, of the highly talented Natasha Woodcraft. 

Description

The Wanderer is a man shrouded in legend. Moving from place to place in the land of Nod, he is known primarily for the curse that hangs over his life. When that curse is invoked during the celebration of a murderous rampage, The Wanderer is summoned to tell his story.

Few know the truth of the tale encompassing life, death, love, hate, faith and doubt, for it has been obscured by centuries of rumour. Now, it will be told by the one who lived it—the man who became The Wanderer.

A story you know as you've never heard it before, The Wanderer Series presents the ancient tale of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, reimagined in gripping new fiction.


 Review

As it says above, The Wanderer is  a reimagining of the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis in the Bible. What a reimagining it is. Beautifully written, Woodcraft brings the story to life using every carefully crafted word to its best possible advantage. I thought I knew the story of Cain and Abel but this brings it vividly to life, highlighting the thoughts and feelings of all involved. There is real emotion in the book and it was as if I could feel every heartbeat, thought and feeling of the characters. The characters are expertly drawn and come alive in your mind. I found myself loving them and hating them at various points of the narrative. Whichever way I fell, I found myself thinking I was in the presence of real people. The setting too is beautifully written and I could imagine a land so different to my own in many ways. I have lived in the Middle East, so my mind may have drawn on that experience to fill the setting in, but I do feel the way it is written the reader feels they are there. 

The portrayal of the Old Testament God and the characters' relationships with him are brilliantly done. While this is a bible based book it does not have a biblical feel to it, so the book could be read by anyone. The main characters' faith is real and this shines through without overwhelming. Although aimed at the Christian reader I believe this could be enjoyed equally by Non-Christians. 

The book is available from bookshops or via the Amazon links below. Please note these are affiliate links and I will receive a few pence from Amazon if you buy via the link. 

  

I was given an advanced copy of the book from the publisher in return for an honest review. The review is my honest review based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review.

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

The Pilgrim by Joy Margetts

Good morning, Bookaholics. Today I bring you a review of a cracking historical fiction book - The Pilgrim by Joy Margetts. This is one you won't want to miss. 

Description

Driven by ambition and family expectation, young Henry de Brampton is determined to make his mark. Destined for a prestigious career in the Church, he readily embraces the chance to experience the world before taking his vows. But fuelled by selfish desire, he recklessly betrays those he loves, with devastating consequences.

Overwhelmed with guilt, he seeks redemption among the Cistercians of Abbey Cwmhir and finds a new identity as Brother Hywel. Yet a further thoughtless betrayal will prove he cannot escape himself, and he is forced on pilgrimage to save his vocation.

A reluctant pilgrim, can the unlikely company help him discover what it truly means to be great in God’s eyes, and will Hywel ever be willing not just to receive forgiveness but also to forgive himself?

Review

I am honoured to be opening the blog tour for Joy Margetts latest book and what an amazing book it is. It is firmly rooted in the past whilst being accessible to the modern day reader. The writing is exquisite, allowing the author to establish a real sense of time and place. The character of Hywel is extremely well drawn and I felt I was right there beside him on his pilgrimage. Each carefully chosen word drew me deeper into the story, allowing me to savour a different type of spirituality from the safety of my armchair. The spiritual pilgrimage is equally well handled and I was rooting for Hywel every step of the way. It helped me to draw closer to God through the simplicity of the spirituality during a time when things were both harder and easier. All kudos to Margetts, this book is a triumph and I can highly recommend. 

You can get the book from any Christian bookshop or from Amazon 

About the Author

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God's redemptive power. Her debut novel 'The Healing' was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, 'The Beloved' as both a companion to 'The Healing', and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle. 'The Pilgrim', her second full length novel, will be published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

People can find me via my website at www.joymargetts.com

On FB as Joy Margetts Author, on Instagram as @joymargetts, and on Twitter as @jamarge

If you would like to know more about the tour and see what other bloggers think of it, the details are below. Have a great week Bookaholics. Keep reading and writing. 

Leah: Unnoticed. Unwanted. Unloved. Should be read

 

Hello,  my Bookaholic friends. Today's blog comes from a completely different angle as I was honoured to be the editor of this book and to support Amanda while she wrote it. When Amanda approached me and said she wanted to write a book about Leah and she was hoping that I would agree to edit it, I was thrilled. Firstly, I know Amanda is a woman who has a passion for bringing out the story of the women in the Bible; women who can often be forgotten. I also know she is a faithful woman of God herself. 

Secondly, I agreed with her that Leah's story was one which needed to be told. Personally, I think she had a jolly raw deal and dealt with it beautifully, maintaining her faith in God through many heartaches and trials.  When I first saw the manuscript it was obvious that this was the vision that Amanda also had for the story. Yes, like any book, there were changes to be made, but we worked together to ensure the final product was polished and told Leah's story in the best way possible. Amanda is a confident and outstanding storyteller, yet was willing to make changes to strengthen the narrative.

This process has meant that Amanda has brought Leah's story to life. The characters leap off the page and into your heart and you will find your emotions being pulled in every direction. This is a book which will appeal to Christian women, and yet I feel non Christians will also enjoy it. Many women will find something of themselves in the pages.

Well done, Amanda, and congratulations on the release of your book. 

You can also buy it from all bookshops, including your local Christian bookshop. 

If You would like to find out more about Amanda and her books, you can do so here

I am delighted to be part of the Reading Between the Lines Blog Tour for this book.  You will be able to find out more about Amanda and the book all this week. Details are in the image below. 

That’s it for another day Bookaholics.  If you get the book, you won’t regret it. See you soon but until then keep reading and keep writing. 

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.