Book Review “The Kill” by Evie Hunter

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO: 173

Revenge Gangland Thriller

Length : 264 pages

Publisher : Boldwood Books

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB & Purchase Links

Secrets can’t stay hidden forever…

After six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Sebastian Carter is out and determined to get answers about who set him up. He knows it’s someone close to him and Sebastian will make sure they pay.

Ava Harper is living a lie. Although she loves her job caring for young Lily Carter, her real reason for being in the Carter household is to get answers of her own – from none other than convicted murderer Sebastian.

Sebastian hates liars, but he’s intrigued by Ava. As he gets to know more about her, he wonders if the answers she’s looking for could solve his mystery too.

Or will getting too close to Ava risk them both getting killed…?

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3Gji2HE

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

The Kill, well what can I say except well done Evie Hunter, another scorcher of a thriller that has you page turning with speed to get to the next dastardly deed.

The dashing Seb Carter is determined to find who had the audacity to frame him for murder. Now he is out and he wants answers. Does this mean he will have to reconcile with his estranged father, Jason to get the answers he so desperately wants.

Then in comes Seb’s sister, Lily’s new carerr, Ava. She is a stunner who has made Lily finally feel safe after her brutal attack, Is Ava all she seems though. It would appear that she too needs answers and Seb’s family seem to be at the very heart of it all.

Evie hunter is fabulous at creating just that right amount of underlying threat that runs through the whole book. Everyone appears to have been involved at some level yet these characters are still highly relatable and believable. Who wouldn’t want some kind of revenge after serving six years for a crime you did not commit. The tension spills out of every page and the more I read the more I admired Seb and Ava. They made a great team and I would love to see them together in the future. An all round solid read.

Author Bio –

Evie Hunter has written a great many successful regency romances as Wendy Soliman and is now redirecting her talents to produce dark gritty thrillers for Boldwood. For the past twenty years she has lived the life of a nomad, roaming the world on interesting forms of transport, but has now settled back in the UK.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wendy.soliman.author

Twitter https://twitter.com/Wendyswriter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wendy_soliman/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/EvieHunter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evie-hunter-572c1816-05f2-47c2-9c13-6d10a229670b

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …..

Rachel Gilbey

Evie Hunter

Boldwood Books

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Audio Book Review “Love, Loss and Life in Between” by Suzanne Rogerson. Narrated by Sandie Keane

BOOK REVIEW, AUDIO (BLOGTOUR) NO: 172

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB & Purchase Links

This collection of short stories gives a glimpse into life, love, loss, and the inexplicable in between. Includes themes of grief, finding hope, second chances, facing the consequences of your actions, and getting help from the unlikeliest of places.

• As Cecilia helps the dying, she questions what happens to their spirits. But is she ready to find out?
• Can a mother’s race through the New Forest save her son?

• Will visiting a medium bring Christina the closure she needs?
• Can an intruder help an old lady with her loneliness?
• Will the start of another wet and miserable Monday morning end with Maeve’s happy ever after.

This anthology includes the prize-winning flash fiction story Spirit Song.

Purchase Links

Love, Loss and Life In Between – Audible link  

Love, Loss and Life In Between – Amazon link

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

What a great selection of short stories based around love, loss and life in between. A brilliant audio that makes for an interesting listen. Each story was brought to life superbly well by the narrator, Sandie Keane. her voice has an exceptional quality that made her very easy to listen to.

I particularly enjoyed Garden Therapy as I am a strong believer in the fact that gardening is so good for our mental health. It really is quite uplifting and shows how we can all move on from our pasts if we need to.

I found Suzanne’s writing style was wonderfully creative and really lent itself to this anthology. You really get drawn in and each story feels complete even though they are all short. She definitely gets to the heart of each one with a precision that makes you wonder how on earth she managed to create each differing story with such honesty. A great listen all round.

Author Bio –

Suzanne lives in Middlesex, England with her husband, two teenagers, a crazy cocker spaniel and an adopted cat that thinks she’s the boss.

Suzanne’s writing journey began at the age of twelve when she completed her first novel. Giving up work to raise a family gave her the impetus to take her attempts at novel writing beyond the first draft, and she is lucky enough to have a husband who supports her dream – even if he does occasionally hint that she might think about getting a proper job one day.

Now an author of four novels including the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy and her debut, Visions of Zarua, plus three short story collections, Suzanne hopes the dreaded ‘W’ word will never rear its ugly head again!

Suzanne collects books, is interested in history and enjoys wandering around castles and old ruins whilst being immersed in the past. She likes to combine her love of nature and photography on family walks, but most of all she loves to escape with a great film, binge watch TV shows, or soak in a hot bubble bath with an ice cream and a book.

With Thanks for the Advance Audio to …..

Rachel Gilbey

Suzanne Rogerson

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Book Review “Death at Castle Cove” by Mary Grand

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO : 171

Cosy Crime Mystery

Length : 344 pages

Publisher : Boldwood

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB & Purchase Links

Death at Castle Cove

Island life suits Susan, and she can’t imagine ever moving from her beloved Isle of Wight. So it gives her real pleasure to see her young lodger Colette settle in to life by the sea, especially knowing that she has such a troubled past.

Susan’s days are comfortingly routine, starting every morning by exercising her beloved Rocco on Ventnor beach with her fellow dog walkers. The group may have bonded over their fondness for their canine companions, but over time their friendships have deepened.

So, when Colette dies in suspicious circumstances at Castle Cove, Susan is devastated to realise that the dog walking group were the last to see Colette alive, and one of her friends must have been responsible for her death. 

And when Susan begins to suspect that the police are minded to put Colette’s death down to an accident, Susan decides she won’t rest until she solves the mystery and finds the murderer.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3WKX9fA

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS PLUS (5 is not enough!!)

Dogs dogs and a few more dogs, murder, more dogs, walking in the beautiful surroundings. dogs, beaches oh have I mentioned dogs?

Mary is the Master (Mistress?) of crafting a great mystery thriller with plenty of suspects to keep you wondering who on earth is the killer. I am not going to lie I actually got a pen and paper and wrote down all the clues, well the ones that I perceived to be clues so that I could join the audacious Susan on her sleuthing journey. I have been caught out by Mary and her red herrings before, so I thought “not this time Mary” I was so convinced I was on the right track, turn the page, oh great nope not my prime suspect at all. Mary certainly knows how to lull you into a false sense of sleuthy security then she switches it all up a notch and your murderer is not who you were so sure it was. I have no idea how she creates such masterful plots with characters that just draw you in right from the off.

Susan is a beautifully caring person and will not let Colette’s murder go unsolved. After all Colette utters probably some of the saddest words that I have ever read “no one cares about the likes of me. I walk out of a room and I am forgotten” Susan is not ever going to let Colette be forgotten. I must admit I did find myself shouting at Susan, telling her to stop telling the dog walking group members her suspicions, these are the very people she feels that one of, could be responsible for the death.

All the characters are created vividly and you get a real sense of the joy that they all feel living on such a beautiful Island. Worlds are about to be turned upside down. Lives will change irrevocably but will Susan solve the mystery and make sure Colette is never forgotten? There’s only one way to find out and trust me you will not be disappointed.

Author Bio –

Author Bio –

Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense novels, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormarygrand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authormaryg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marygrandwriter/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MaryGrandNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-grand

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …..

Rachel Gilbey

Mary Grand

Boldwood Books

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Book Review “The Summer House” by Keri Beevis

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO : 170

Psychological Thriller

Stand alone

Length : 359

Publisher : Boldwood Books

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB & Purchase link

The Summer House

Mead House was once our childhood home.

Despite my fears, I always knew we would have to return to face the demons of our past.

Back to the place where it happened, to where, as carefree teenagers, we lost our elder sister in the most brutal of circumstances.

As executors of our grandmother’s will, my twin brother, Ollie, and I needed to empty the house for resale.

What I didn’t expect to discover was my sister’s secret journal that contained her most private thoughts and shocking dark secrets.

Now I am questioning everything that I saw that night. Did I get it wrong, who I saw?

Did my evidence send an innocent man, my then boyfriend’s brother, to jail for the last 17 years?

I know I have no choice. If I want to find answers, I will have to go back to that fateful night my sister died. When she made her last visit to the summer house.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3QgukFa

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

Good grief The Summer House starts out full on and just doesn’t stop! Its an incredible psychological thriller with so many artful twists that you do not lose attention at all. To coin a phrase, a total page turner.

Keri is a brilliant creator of suspense. One minute you’re thinking “phew that’s over” then bam! she hits you with another little snippet of information that turns all your senses upside-down. A truly terrific read with characters that you either love or instantly hate. Lana is strong and opinionated. She is not happy to return to Mead House where her sister Camille died in an horrific manner. However when she does return things begin to go wrong for Lana, so very very long. Her twin brother Ollie comes across as a bit entitled and just wants to sell up and go back to his London life. He arrives with the rather dreadful Elise, his Fiancée.

Lana discovers facts about her dead sister that could throw the whole case on its head and prove that Sebastian is after all innocent. Lana meets with Sebs brother Xav who she dated all those years ago. He is hostile and doesn’t want to be near her. Then he witnesses a shocking incident and he comes to Lana’s rescue. The proverbial knight in shining armour. I’m saying no more, no spoilers here.

The Summer deserves 5 stars it is fascinating and creative, full of suspects, twists and turns that leave you drained of all energy after being fully immersed in this epic thriller. Just BRILLIANT!

Author Bio –

Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell, Deep Dark Secrets, Trust No One, Every Little Breath and The People Next Door. Dying To Tell reached no. 1 in the Amazon chart in Australia and was a top 25 hit in the UK. She lives in Norfolk, along with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel).

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: Keri Beevis – Author | Facebook

Twitter: Keri Beevis (@keribeevis) / Twitter

Instagram: Keri Beevis (@keri.beevis) • Instagram photos and videos

Bookbub profile: Keri Beevis Books – BookBub

With Thanks for the Advance Copy ……………

Rachel Gilbey

Keri Beevis

Boldwood Books

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Book Review “Where the Water Flows” by Romola Farr

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO : 169

Fiction

Book 3 of 4 in Hawksmead series

Length : 397

Independently Published

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Where the Water Flows

It had been a long, hot summer followed by a very wet autumn. The River Hawk, lying to the north of a former little mill town, was in full flood but nobody imagined the catastrophe that lay ahead.
Not the elderly couple who created a beautiful memorial garden that would become a lake.
Not the opera singer who found a friend who would risk all to save her life.
Not the owner of Wax Polish who would battle to rescue her first love.
Not the new parents who would be overwhelmed and torn apart.
And certainly not two drama students whose lives would change forever.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-Water-Flows-Hawksmead-Book-ebook/dp/B0BRNJM4LL

US – https://www.amazon.com/Where-Water-Flows-Hawksmead-Book-ebook/dp/B0BRNJM4LL

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~4 STARS

I had not realised that this was book 3 in a series but actually that doesn’t take away from the book at all. It works well as a stand alone. The drama and stories grab you with a big impact that holds your attention well. Where the Water Flows has a unique plot line and an immersive nature created by the writer that I really enjoyed.

Covid is brought in as another level of crisis and bonded me to the characters. We all lived through that awful time and it brings home how life just has to carry on and we keep going not matter how hard life can be for us. Of course there is a wonderful dog, Hector who is a great little character. There is a great empathy created for the characters, from fear of returning to society to how can a community deal with such a huge catastrophe. Everything is flooded and how on earth can they all come back from this? Do they all come back from this?

Where the Water Flows is unquestionably one of those books that once you’re a few chapters in you really don’t want to put it down. An author to look out for that’s for sure.

Author Bio – NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Romola Farr first trod the boards on the West End stage aged sixteen and continued to work for the next eighteen years in theatre, TV and film – and as a photographic model. A trip to Hollywood led to the sale of her first screenplay and a successful change of direction as a screenwriter and playwright. Bridge To Eternity was her debut novel, and Breaking through the Shadows and Where the Water Flows are standalone sequels. All three novels are set in the fictional town of Hawksmead.

Romola Farr is a nom de plume.

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …

Rachel Gilbey

Romola Farr

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Book Review “Maid of Steel” by kate Baker

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO : 168

Historical Romance

Standalone

Length : 271 pages

Publisher : The Book Guild

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Maid Of Steel

It’s 1911 and, against her mother’s wishes, quiet New Yorker Emma dreams of winning the right to vote. She is sent away by her parents in the hope distance will curb her desire to be involved with the growing suffrage movement and told to spend time learning about where her grandparents came from.

Across the Atlantic – Queenstown, southern Ireland – hotelier Thomas dreams of being loved, even noticed, by his actress wife, Alice. On their wedding day, Alice’s father had assured him that adoration comes with time. It’s been eight years. But Alice has plans of her own and they certainly don’t include the fight for equality or her dull husband.

Emma’s arrival in Ireland leads her to discover family secrets and become involved in the Irish Women’s Suffrage Society in Cork. However, Emma’s path to suffrage was never meant to lead to a forbidden love affair…

Purchase Links

Publisher’s link: https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/book/486/maid-of-steel-SMwd/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/191535269X/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/191535269X/ Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/maid-of-steel/kate-baker/9781915352699

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~4 STARS

As a debut novel Maid of Steel is fabulous. You are hooked from the first chapter. Emma, the main character is written with care and although this is not based on a real person you absolutely take away a new found admiration for all those involved with the Suffrage movement. Emma is so passionate that her parents would rather send her far away than have her involved in such a movement. She arrives in Ireland with trepidation but a new found level of independence and she is determined to live her life her way. She is a brave and strong woman.

I felt the story was paced just right and as a reader I was engrossed in every aspect of the story, chracters big or small all had a part to play. The descriptions are brilliant but thankfully not overly flowery. Everything is set just right. Romance, friendships, drama and historical knowledge that definitely leaves you wanting more.

Author Bio

Kate Baker wrote terrible holiday diaries as a child, which her husband regularly asks her to read out loud for their entertainment. She has since improved and has written with intent since 2018. Maid of Steel is her second novel; the first is lining drawers in the vegetable rack at their farmhouse.

With Thanks for the Advance copy to …………

Rachel Gilbey

Kate Baker

The Book Guild

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Book Review “Where We Belong” by Sarah Bennett

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO : 167

Contemporary Fiction

New series

Length : 345 pages

Publisher : Boldwood Books

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Where We Belong

On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.

Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected.

But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.

Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3jQEYqg

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

A cracking start to a new series. With delightful new characters and a fair few dramas along the way. Plenty of new friendships to get to know and love, humour, secrets, it’s got everything for that gentle read that just flows brilliantly and you really care about what happens to them all.

There is great community feel about Juniper Meadows that I am sure will keep readers of this series yearning for more. Will Hope and Cameron find a long lasting love? maybe just a fling? Will Hopes new home be everything she’s always dreamed of or will the secrets that unfold become just to much to bear?

I really enjoy Sarah Bennetts writing style. She creates characters that are realistic and believable. Her plot lines are superb. Not far fetched and ridiculous, nope she keeps everyone and everything grounded likeable and credible. The perfect read for a cold spring day full of promise, heart-warming with just the right amount of intrigue.

Author Bio –

Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: Sarah Bennett Author | Facebook

Twitter: Sarah Bennett (@Sarahlou_writes) / Twitter

Instagram: Sarah Bennett (@sarahlbennettauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews

Bookbub profile: Sarah Bennett Books – BookBub

With Thanks for Advance Copy to ……………….

Rachel Gilbey https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Sarah Bennett https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

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Book Review “The Lady of the Loch” by Elena Collins

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO: 166

Timeslip

Standalone

Length : 438 pages

Publisher : Boldwood Books

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Lady of the Loch

‘Although I believe I will die here in this castle, my spirit will never be silent.’

Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland. 1307

When the castle she works in is sacked by the army of Prince Edward of England, kitchen maid Agnes Fitzgerald manages to escape north of Inverness to throw herself at the mercy of the Lord and Lady at Ravenscraig Castle. Although safe for now, the people of Scotland are fighting hard for their independence, and the threat of the English hangs heavy over the land.  But when Agnes spies Cam Buchanan swimming in the loch, her mind turns away from war and towards love.  Agnes even dares to dream of a happy future, until she learns that Cam must go and fight alongside Robert de Brus.

Present day

Twins Leah and Zoe need a change, so caretaking at Ravenscraig Castle is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Surrounded by rugged Highland countryside, and bordered by a loch, the picturesque setting is everything they dreamed of. But the locals are reluctant to visit Ravenscraig, and there are whispers of ghosts and lost souls. The sisters quickly dismiss such superstition, but soon the overwhelming sadness they feel coming from the tower grows too hard to ignore.

Can the sisters finally right the wrongs of seven hundred years of heartbreak, seven hundred years of betrayal…

USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this heart-breaking and unforgettable timeslip novel, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3AHnaDE

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS PLUS (as 5 stars isn’t enough)

OMG, OMG and OM GEEEEEEE! what an astounding read The Lady of the Loch is. A haunting tale of love, loss and grief across two timelines that seamlessly blend together. I am not kidding Elena Collins absolutely creates exceptional characters that carry the story beautifully. I hate a cliché but she takes you on a journey. It breaks your heart into a million pieces yet builds it all back together all at the same time. Can you tell I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I used to live in Scotland and the wonderful descriptions of the mountains, weather, lochs and castles had me reminiscing about my time there. Elena is spot on with her historical revelations of the Scottish wars and battles. She does not hold back on the brutality of the war between the Scottish and the English. The death and destruction is truly shocking but brings the emotion to life completely. Agnes is just a beautiful character who not only is strong, she definitely will not let her lot in life beat her. She finds the love of her life, but they had to meet in secret. Her heart truly belongs to Cam. Will he be her downfall? will they ever truly be together? Can there be a happy ending? I hope so I really hope so (no spoilers here 😉

In the present day we meet Zoe and Leah. Zoe loves Scotland and her life currently is falling apart. She grabs the chance to become the caretaker of the beautiful renovated Ravenscraig Castle. With every description I felt like I was right there, roaming the castle feeling a presence that gets stronger. Leah feels it strongly but just isn’t sure if it’s real or just because the castle is a haunting place and bloomin’ freezing. Seriously this book has it all and I really didn’t want it to end. I raced through it with hope in my heart that Agnes will find her peace.

The lady of the Loch is devastating, uplifting, haunting, ghostly, full of love. A love like no other. The brutality Agnes witnesses is utterly heart wrenching and I found my tears flowed freely for her. An emotionally charged read that left me breathless, happy, sad and every other emotion in between. Elena is the Queen of this genre and I can not recommend her and her books highly enough.

Author Bio –  Elena Collins is the pseudonym for USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing unforgettable, heart-breaking timeslip novels. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/judyleighuk

Twitter https://twitter.com/judyleighwriter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judyrleigh/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JudyLeighNews

With thanks for the advance copy to ………………..

Rachel Gilbey

Elena Collins

Boldwood Books

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Book Review “Ascent” by Cathie Dunn

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO: 165

Historical

House of Normandy Book 1

length : 293

Publisher : Ocelot Press

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Ascent

A brutal Viking raid heralds the dawn of a new, powerful dynasty – the House of Normandy

Neustria, Kingdom of the West Franks
AD 890

Fourteen-year-old Poppa’s life changes when Northmen land near Bayeux. Count Bérengar, her father, submits to them, and she is handfasted to Hrólfr, the Northmen’s heathen leader, as part of their agreement.

To her relief, Hrólfr leaves immediately in search of further conquest, only returning to claim her years later. In the face of retaliating Franks, they flee to East Anglia, where she gives birth to their son and daughter.

When Hrólfr and Poppa return to reclaim Bayeux, his new campaign strikes at the heart of Frankish power, and King Charles of the West Franks offers him a pact he cannot refuse. In exchange for vast tracts of land in Neustria, Hrólfr must convert to Christianity and accept marriage to Gisela, the king’s illegitimate daughter.

Poppa’s world shatters. She remains in Bayeux, with her daughter, Adela. When Gisela arrives one day, demanding she hand over Adela, to be raised in Rouen, Poppa’s patience is at an end. But Gisela makes for a dangerous enemy, and only one woman will survive their confrontation high up on the cliffs.

Will Poppa live to witness the dawn of a new era?

ASCENT is the first in a new series about the early women of the House of Normandy – women whose stories have been forgotten through time.

Until now!

Readers of Viking and medieval fiction will enjoy ASCENT, a fictional account of the life of Poppa of Bayeux, handfasted wife of Rollo the Viking.

Trigger warning: Loss of a child. Some battle and fighting scenes.

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

I really love a great journey through an Historical Novel. My mind conjures up all sorts of imagery and drama and Ascent is one of those books that brings the history to life brilliantly.

This is a gripping tale of a young girl who finds herself bound to her fathers enemy and she hates it. However as time moves on she has two children and is fiercely protective of them. Her worst nightmare is about to begin when her husband becomes wed to another and Gisela wants Poppa’s daughter as her own. For Poppa the fight begins against her worst enemy. There is tension abounds throughout Ascent and the descriptive writing just draws you right in. The characters are superbly crafted and bring the Normandy era to life in such a way that you can almost hear them marauding through your living room.

An enchanting and enjoyable read that absolutely heralds a new era for Normandy and Poppa. You feel sucked right in to the adventure and I can not wait for the next instalment.

Author Bio –

Author Bio –

Cathie Dunn is an award-winning author of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her historical fiction novels is on strong women through time.

Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing online, with a focus on novel writing, which she also taught in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites. A voracious reader, primarily of historical fiction / romance, she often reviews books on her blog, Ruins & Reading.

Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Richard III Society, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

After many years in Scotland, Cathie now lives in south of France with her husband, and rescued Charlie Cat and Ellie Dog. Discover more about Cathie at http://www.cathiedunn.com!

Social Media Links –

Website: https://www.cathiedunn.com
Amazon Author Page: https://author.to/CathieDunn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathiedunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CathieDunnAuthor/
Ruins & Reading FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/722966445318513
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/cathiedunnwrites/_saved/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5066224.Cathie_Dunn

With Thanks for the Advance copy to…………………….

Rachel Gilbey https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Cathie Dunn https://www.cathiedunn.com

Ocelot Press https://ocelot-press.com/

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Book Review “The Lumberjills” by M.W.Arnold

BOOK REVIEW (BLOGTOUR) NO: 164

Saga, Romance, WW2

length; 343

New Series

Publisher : The Wild Rose Press

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Lumberjills

Berry Chambers and her co-workers have joined the Women’s Timber Corps—known as the Lumberjills—to do their bit for Britain. On their first day felling trees, they rescue an RAF pilot and become entangled in the loveless marriage of their new landlords.

Danger is never far away, be it an ill-timed axe swing or the occasional activity of the Luftwaffe overhead. Add a psychotic farm cat, a couple of young runaway evacuees, a spate of malicious packages, and the jealousy of the Land Girls next door, and life for Berry and her friends is never boring.

Can the girls find the balance between their vital war work and the natural pull of love?

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumberjills-M-W-Arnold-ebook/dp/B0BPRFB94M

US – https://www.amazon.com/Lumberjills-M-W-Arnold-ebook/dp/B0BPRFB94M

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

Well what can I say? M.W. Arnold has done it again. This is a beautifully written Saga that is full of drama, wonderfully formed friendships and strong women. One of the things I always love about Arnold’s books is that they are so historically accurate and I always feel like I am learning something new. I knew the usual things that women did during the war but I did not know about Lumberjills. Arnold is absolutely the master of creating strong female characters that you totally believe it, fall in love with and wholly invest in.

Berry is a girl from a privileged background and finds herself needing to do something for the war effort. She is emotional yet strong and brings a lot to this book. Sheila, I found an infinity with in her unhappy marriage, she tries to just carry on and deal with her grumpy husband. All the girls bring their own little piece of something that binds these girls together. The Lumberjills is a heart-warming story with a huge sense of community and trust.

The synopsis tells you all you need to know about this excellent new series so I won’t waffle on about the ins and outs of the plot. It does however hold your intention throughout and is filled with laughter, danger, (I mean you are definitely going to find danger with all that axe swinging), war time drama, love, lose and the best female friendships you’ll ever come across. I highly recommend this fabulous story to all lovers of WW2 plots, camaraderie strong relationships. It’s a cracker of a book.

Author Bio –

Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England but spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of the late HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots—and realizing how much he missed the travel. This he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.

He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian Werecats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humoring his Manchester United-supporting wife.

Finally, and most importantly, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. The Lumberjills is the lead book in this new series from the author of the Broken Wings novels.

Social media links –

https://www.facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor

Twitter – Mick859

Instagram – Mick859

YouTube Channel –tinyurl.com/cymt5zea

With Thanks for The Advance Copy to …….

Rachel Gilbey

M.W.Arnold

The Wild Rose Press