#BookReview The Adventures of Austin the Cornish Miner The Morgawr and the Bad Knockers by Karen M. Hoyle

#BookReview The Adventures of Austin the Cornish Miner The Morgawr and the Bad Knockers by Karen M. Hoyle Title: The Adventures of Austin the Cornish Miner Book Two: The Morgawr and the Bad Knockers

Author: Karen M Hoyle

Published by: Clink Street Publishing on Oct.18, 2016

Genres: Children's Book

Pages: 32

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Authoright

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Spirited and adventurous children’s book series follows the adventures of a Cornish tin miner and his magical friends.
Two naughty Knockers -grubby trolls who wear miners boots and eat pasty crusts for those of you who don’t know- have been stealing from their community. With no-one else to turn to, it is up to Austin to help his friends out and bring the thieves to justice. However, things take a dangerous turn when the knockers take something explosive and Austin is forced to embark on a very different adventure which will take him underground through perilous tunnels and out into the wild sea.

With the help of new friends, in the shape of sea serpents and Bramble, a female knocker who used to be a wrestling champion, Austin finds himself in a race to save the lives of the magical underground world- but will he succeed? Enjoy the ride as the Cornish coast provides another dose of adventure and magic that children and adults alike with enjoy and remember for years to come.


Review:

Adventurous, humorous, and incredibly imaginative.

This is an amusing children’s story where magical creatures interact with the human world to solve problems, teach morals, and engage in comical escapades.

The setting is the rugged landscape of the Cornish coast, complete with miners, caves, villagers, and sea creatures. The characters are creative, unique, and intriguing. The illustrations are clear and are a good representation of both the characters and the ongoing action. And the plot builds nicely with some twists, turns, and exaggerated mishaps and hijinks that keep you thoroughly engaged.

Overall, this is a fun, easy read that will entertain children everywhere!

 

This book is due to be published on October 18, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Author Spotlight: Karen M. Hoyle:

Writing in general: When I am not writing children’s books I am normally writing in some other capacity. I believe that creativity can be used in any part of your life and writing whether it is for work, for business or for pleasure is one of those things that leaves a unique sense of achievement as well as a physical part of you that someone else can read and pick up what you are thinking. Challenge yourself to be more creative with what you write on Facebook, or your Christmas cards or even a really dramatic resignation letter!.

The Outdoors: I think I was born with a gene that requires me to be outdoors as much as I can. I love walking the dog, exploring beaches even just working outdoors on my laptop in the garden. The fresh air seems to give me freedom to think and also to get away from anything that is causing any stress. I am lucky to live in Cornwall where I have a huge variety of outdoor pursuits to enjoy. I think being Cornish means being outdoors and enjoying your surroundings maybe more than most. I have played hockey for over 30 years and my love of sport has given me friends, something to shout at when the Olympics is on, and being outdoors being competitive and staying fit.

My Dog: Eleven years ago a spaniel shaped ball of fluff arrived in my life. Bailey snuggled up to me and instantly I was a mum to the cutest thing that just wanted love (and food) and just to please me endlessly. I bought Bailey to give me reason to go outdoors more but she has given me so much more as a companion with a crazy spirit and we have certainly had a huge amount of adventures. It is when I am out walking and playing with Bailey that I get a lot of ideas for my books, her playfulness and childlike enthusiasm is what I pick up on. The simplest things seem magical to Bailey and they also are to children.

Speaking and Presenting: I have done a lot of speaking and presenting at events over the last few years and I love the interaction with the people in the room. Writing a book is a one-way experience, me to them. But delivering a session for a group of people in a room goes two ways. I enjoy exploring people’s ideas and taking them places with a few suggestions that they may not have even considered. I like the fun and interaction that people’s characters can provide. Am I picking up clues for characters for books? maybe, but I pick up human nature more than anything. The shy person who comes out of their shell when encouraged and welcomed by a group or the loud person who inevitably can be proven wrong or shown that confidence doesn’t mean being the loudest. I like educating people with the bit of knowledge that I have that they don’t, but equally I learn a lot in return.

karenmhoyleauthorKaren M Hoyle was born in Newquay, Cornwall and grew up with Cornish magical tales all around her. A writer through her career in public relations, Karen wrote her first book ‘The Adventures of Austin the Cornish Miner The Rescue of The Dweeble Stone’ in 2004. The book stayed in a moving box for eleven years before resurfacing and finally being published in 2015. Karen has also written poetry, winning a poetry competition aged 13 which is now showcased at the British Museum. Karen now sees writing as a fundamental part of her future and mixes children’s writing with writing books and blogs related to her profession. Karen continues to live in Cornwall with her writing companion Bailey the Cocker Spaniel who likes to delete items from Karen’s laptop when bored.

For more information on Karen M. Hoyle, visit her website at: theadventuresofaustin.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @Austintheminer

 

Thank you to Authoright for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

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#BookReview Away From The Dark by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig

#BookReview Away From The Dark by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig Title: Away from the Dark

Author: Aleatha Romig

Series: The Light #2

Published by: Thomas & Mercer on Oct. 18, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 363

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Nine months ago, Sara Adams awoke with no memory. The man holding her hand told her she’s a member of The Light, a tight-knit religious group led by the terrifying and charismatic Father Gabriel. As a woman in the community of The Light, her duty is to be unquestionably obedient and to submit to the will of her husband.

But as Sara’s memory starts to return and she remembers her past, she sees that everything she’s been told is a lie. The Light is an insidious and dangerous organization, and its corrupting influence reaches well beyond the confines of the remote campus where Sara is being held.

With everything at stake, Sara struggles to sort out her true memories from her indoctrination. The desire to escape consumes her, but who can she trust? And which other followers of The Light were forced into this life, brainwashed to believe they belonged? The more she remembers, the more it becomes clear that Jacob, the man who calls himself her husband, is keeping shattering secrets of his own.

But Sara cannot flee alone, leaving innocents behind. She must fight to extinguish The Light.


Review:

Intelligent, spine-chilling, and incredibly eerie!

Once again, in this second book in the series, we are taken on a journey into the dark and sinister sect, known as “The Light”, and are immersed into a world full of deviance, violence, exploitation, dominance, and manipulation. 

The prose is clear, exact and vivid. The characters are intriguing, complicated, and resilient.  And the plot is exceptionally executed with the perfect mix of twists, turns, and emotion.

This is a story that will not only captivate and ensnare you from the very first page, but will also have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

As mentioned, this is the sequel to the novel “Into the Light”, and therefore I would highly recommend you read it prior to reading this one. If you haven’t had a chance to read my review for Into the Light, you can check it out Here.

This novel is due to be published on October 18, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/IndigoBook Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

#BookReview Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst @jenniferprobst

#BookReview Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst @jenniferprobst Title: Searching for Disaster

Author: Jennifer Probst

Series: Searching For #4.6

Published by: Pocket Star on Oct. 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 208

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Pocket Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

The next highly anticipated novella in the Searching For series, a romantic spin-off of the Marriage to a Billionaire series from New York Times bestselling sensation Jennifer Probst.

When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.


Review:

Passionate, sweet, and sexy! 

This is a charming, second-chance romance filled with friendship, dependency, self discovery, compassion, and love.

The writing is spot on. The main characters are interesting, vulnerable, flawed, determined, and strong. And the plot has a satisfying amount of tension, trepidation, chemistry, and magic.

Overall, this is a short, uplifting novella that once again reaffirms the enchanting powers of the precious love-spell book.

 

This novella is due to be published on October 10, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012, and spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers.

#BookReview & #BlogTour Dark Water by Sara Bailey @baileysara

#BookReview & #BlogTour Dark Water by Sara Bailey @baileysara Title: Dark Water

Author: Sara Bailey

Published by: Nightingale Editions on Oct. 3, 2016

Genres: General Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 288

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Nightingale Editions

Book Rating: 9/10

A deeply poignant coming-of-age thriller

When Helena returns to her childhood home in Orkney to care for her father after a heart attack, she is forced to face memories that she has spent half a lifetime running from. Still haunted by the disappearance of her blood-sister, Anastasia – who vanished during a daredevil swimming incident – Helena must carefully navigate the island that made her, and the old faces that still ask: what really happened that night by the wrecks?

An intense portrait of adolescent yearning and obsession, from debut novelist Sara Bailey.


Review:

Chilling, haunting, and deeply moving!

This is a gripping novel that demonstrates the enduring mental and emotional anguish that can be caused by friendship, familial dynamics, loss, guilt, grief, jealousy, and loneliness, and emphasizes the importance of closure and forgiveness.

The prose is beautiful and clear. The characters are consumed, damaged, troubled, and real. The setting is vividly described, with the island of Orkney being a character itself with its dreariness and isolation. And the plot is meticulous, clever, mysterious, melancholic, and exceptionally riveting.

This truly is a gripping, thought-provoking, emotional novel that is incredibly captivating and intriguing from the very start. It would definitely be a wonderful addition to book clubs everywhere and I highly recommend it.

This novel is due to be published on October 3, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/IndigoBook Depository

 

 

Thank you to Nightingale Editions for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sara Bailey

Dr Sara Bailey is a writer, consultant and lecturer who has been working with authors and screenwriters for many years, in Richmond-upon-Thames, Winchester and Southampton. She has a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from Bangor University.

Her first book was published by Bloomsbury in 2013, Writing the Horror Movie, which she co-authored whilst hiding behind a cushion. Recently she has returned to her home of Orkney, the setting of her debut novel, Dark Water.

 

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#BookReview One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot 

#BookReview One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot  Title: One Christmas in Paris

Author: Mandy Baggot

Published by: Bookouture on Oct. 7, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 394

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

They say Paris is the City of Love, so bring your je nsais quoi and don’t forget the mistletoe! 

Ava and her best friend Debs arrive in Paris just as the snow starts to fall. The Eiffel Tower glitters gold and the scent of spiced wine is all around, but all Ava can think about is Leo, her no-good, cheating ex. 

Debs is on a mission to make Ava smile again, and as they tour the Christmas markets, watch lamplight glittering on the river Seine, and eat their body weight in pain-au-chocolat, Ava remembers there’s more to life than men … Until they cross paths with handsome, mysterious photographer Julien with his French accent and hazelnut eyes that seem to see right inside her. 

Ava can’t ignore the intense chemistry between them, but her fingers have been burned before and she can’t forget it, especially when her ex, Leo, starts texting again. Can Ava really trust Julien – and what exactly is his secret? 

Will Ava go home with a broken heart, or will she find true love amongst the cobbled streets of Paris? 

Join Ava and Julien in the most romantic city in the world this Christmas, as they discover the importance of being true to themselves, and learn how to follow their hearts. 


Review:

Romantic, clever, and delightfully beguiling!

This story is set in the magical City of Lights and takes us on a journey into the lives of two main characters; Ava, a young woman trying to find her true self amongst familial pressures and recent heartbreak; and Julien, a young man desperately struggling to persevere after the loss of a loved one and personal injury.

The prose is elegant and effortless. The imagery is exquisite. The main characters are genuine, multi-faceted, loyal, fun, and charming. And the plot is the perfect mix of emotion, drama and romance, as well as a wondrous love story to Paris itself, the landmarks, the art, the culture, and the scrumptious food.

I have to say that Mandy Baggot has the rare, uncanny ability to sweep you away and immerse you in majestic locales you never want to leave, and this novel is no exception. It is incredibly engaging, intriguing, and heartwarming, and would be a real shame to miss.

 

This book is due to be published on Oct. 7, 2016. 

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaIndigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mandy Baggot

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. In 2017 she was signed by Ebury Publishing (Penguin Random House).

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

#BookReview Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison @simonm1

#BookReview Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison @simonm1 Title: Bolshoi Confidential

Author: Simon Morrison

Published by: Knopf Canada on Oct. 11, 2016

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

In this enthralling, definitive new history of the Bolshoi Ballet, sensational performances onstage compete with political machinations backstage.

On January 17, 2013, a hooded assailant hurled acid into the face of the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, making international headlines. A lead soloist, enraged by institutional power struggles, later confessed to masterminding the crime. The scandal, though shocking, is not an anomaly in the turbulent and tormented yet magnificent history of the Bolshoi. Renowned music historian Simon Morrison reveals the ballet as a crucible of art and politics, beginning with the disreputable inception of the theatre in 1776 and proceeding through the era of imperial rule, the chaos of revolution, the oppressive Soviet years, and the recent $680 million renovation project. Drawing on exclusive archival research, Morrison creates a richly detailed tableau of the centuries-long war between world-class art and life-threatening politics that has defined this storied institution. As Morrison makes clear, as Russia goes, so goes the Bolshoi Ballet.


Review:

This is a remarkably researched, sophisticated story of the tumultuous history of the iconic Bolshoi.

It is a journey through its 240-year history, complete with an in-depth look into the scandals, corruption, damage, destruction, violence, and restorations that it has endured over the years, as well as an introduction to the characters that have played an important role its enduring successes and failures, including Tsars, politicians, dancers, directors, composers and choreographers.

This is, ultimately, an expository story about the creation and production of one of the most beautiful art forms the world has ever known, complete with the shady and gritty underworld that plagues its backstage.

Overall, this novel is incredibly descriptive, effortlessly fluid, and highly fascinating.

 

This book is due to be published on October 11, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaIndigoBook Depository

 

For more information on Simon Morrison, visit his website at: princeton.edu/~simonm

or follow him on Twitter at: @simonm1

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Penguin Random House Canada, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview All She Ever Wished For by Claudia Carroll @carrollclaudia

#BookReview All She Ever Wished For by Claudia Carroll @carrollclaudia Title: All She Ever Wished For

Author: Claudia Carroll

Published by: Avon on Mar. 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 496

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HarperCollins UK

Book Rating: 9/10

Tess Taylor is gearing up to her BIG day. She is on a mission to create a wedding to remember – and nothing is going to get in her way. That is, until a summons arrives completely out of the blue for jury service. With a million jobs still to do, the timing couldn’t be worse. Meanwhile Kate King, celebrity socialite, is going through a very public divorce with billionaire Damien King. As if the heartache wasn’t enough to deal with, Kate now has to face a high-profile court case as she goes head to head with her ex-husband. On the surface, the two women couldn’t be more different, but their two worlds collide as the courtroom drama unfolds. Tess realises that the fate of another person lays in her hands just as time out of her normal routine makes her question if she’s making the right decisions for her own life. Lessons in love and friendship await both of them …


Review:

Heartwarming, romantic, and laugh-out-loud funny.

This story is told from two different perspectives. One is that of Tess, an energetic young woman in the throes of planning her dream wedding to the older, slightly dull, Bernard. And the other is Kate, a beautiful celebrity who finds herself in a malicious legal battle with her estranged, billionaire ex-husband. Although these women come from completely different backgrounds and lead completely different lifestyles it isn’t long before their paths intersect and their lives become entwined.

The writing is flawless. The characterization is spot on. The two heroines are strong, determined, motivated, and likeable. The supporting characters are varied, colourful, and quirky. And Will, well Will is the perfect man, tall, dark, handsome, and caring.

This is an intriguing story brimming with humour, romance, mystery, friendship, and family. It made me laugh, it made me smile, and it made me want more!

If you are a fan of rom coms or chick-lit, this book is definitely for you.

This book is due to be published on October 6, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaIndigoBook Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially HarperCollins UK – Avon, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Claudia Carroll

Claudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’

#BookReview 93% Chance I Don’t Hate You by L. Taylor & Amy H. Lynn

#BookReview 93% Chance I Don’t Hate You by L. Taylor & Amy H. Lynn Title: 93% Chance I Don't Hate You

Published by: L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn on Sep. 27, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 138

Format: eBook

Source: L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn

Book Rating: 8/10

Ashton Lewis doesn’t have a care in the world. His only sources of stress are passing mixed media art classes and setting up a tattoo parlor one day. But when the one-night-stand-only lifestyle no longer appeals to him, Ashton decides it’s time to settle down. A drunken mistake and a poorly chosen pseudonym later, Ashton finds himself on a blind date with his classmate, Carter Redford, the stuck up rich girl whom Ashton is pretty sure hates him. 

College junior Carter Redford has been groomed to take over the family business since before she could talk. Heiress to a major entertainment journalism company, almost every aspect of her life is controlled by her overbearing parents, from the clothes she wears, to who her friends are, and eventually, the man she marries. 

While this is not ideal for Carter, she is ready to sacrifice her own happiness if it is what her family needs. That is, until one day, when her best friend Jackson convinces her to try blind dating. More specifically, to use an app called Blinder. 

Expecting someone business minded and type A, Carter is astonished to learn that her blind date is with none other than her fellow student – Ashton Lewis. Though he is gorgeous and a talented artist, Carter is hardly pleased with his “devil may care” attitude, and would rather take her chances on the man her parents have picked out for her than a laid back slacker. But when Carter’s curiosity gets the best of her, and Ashton manages to pull her into his unstructured lifestyle, Carter may not be able to resist the rushes of freedom and rebellion he encourages. 

A laugh out loud romantic drama, 93% Chance I Don’t Hate You is a novel about overcoming prejudices, standing up for oneself, and learning how to live life on one’s own terms.


Review:

Sweet, charming, and funny!

This is a coming-of-age story filled with familial pressure, friendship, self discovery, partiality, and love.

The writing flows nicely. The characters are young, interesting, complex, and steadily grow on you more-and-more as the story progresses. And the plot has a nice amount of angst, humour, and romance to keep you engaged and intrigued throughout.

Overall, I think these two young indie authors did a really good job on this novel and I look forward to reading a lot more from them in the future to come.

 

This book is due to be published on September 27, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to L. Taylor & Amy H. Lynn, the authors, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. It was a real pleasure.

#BookReview Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader @KittyMeader @Pocket_Books

#BookReview Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader @KittyMeader @Pocket_Books Title: Sparking the Fire

Author: Kate Meader

Series: Hot in Chicago #3

Published by: Pocket Books on Sep. 27, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Pocket Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Kate Meader’s blazing Hot in Chicago firefighter series has “everything you want in a romance” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick)! The flames of desire burn out of control in this sexy third novel when ex-lovers unexpectedly reunite for a sizzling affair that will have the director yelling, “Quiet on the set!”

Actor Molly Cade, America’s fallen sweetheart, finally has her shot at a Hollywood comeback with a dramatic new role as a tough-as-nails firefighter that promises to propel her back to the big time and restore her self-respect.

Wyatt Fox, resident daredevil at Engine Co. 6, needs a low-key job to keep him busy while he recovers from his latest rescue stunt. Consulting on a local movie shoot should add just enough spark to his day. Especially when in struts Molly Cade: the woman who worked his heart over good, and then left him in the Windy City dust.

Their story is straight out of a script: irrepressible, spunky heroine meets taciturn, smoldering hero. But these two refuse to be typecast, and when the embers of an old love are stoked, someone is bound to get burned…


Review:

Deliciously steamy, smoulderingly sexy, and incredibly hot!

This is a good mix of heart, family, emotion, sass, and sex.

It is an entertaining story that combines a brooding, swoon-worthy, marine turned firefighter (that’s two-for-one right there), and a beautiful, strong-willed, wary actress, in a plot filled with saucy innuendos, delicious chemistry, sizzling tension, and second-chance love.

What more can I say. It’s a well written little bit of guilty pleasure that definitely lives up to its cover.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/IndigoBook Depository

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she's there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines (and heroes) who can match their men quip for quip.

#BookReview Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton @mc_beaton

#BookReview Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton @mc_beaton Title: Pushing Up Daisies

Author: M.C. Beaton

Series: Agatha Raisin #27

Published by: Minotaur Books on Sep. 20, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 280

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 7/10

When Agatha Raisin left behind her PR business in London, she fulfilled her dream of settling in the cozy British Cotswolds where she began a successful private detective agency. Unfortunately, the village she lives in is about to get a little less cozy. Lord Bellington, a wealthy land developer, wants to turn the community garden into a housing estate. When Agatha and her friend Sir Charles Fraith attempt to convince Lord Bellington to abandon his plans he scoffs: “Do you think I give a damn about those pesky villagers?” So when Agatha finds his obituary in the newspaper two weeks later, it’s no surprise that some in town are feeling celebratory.

The villagers are relieved to learn that Bellington’s son and heir, Damian, has no interest in continuing his father’s development plans. But the police are definitely interested in him―as suspect number one. His father’s death, it seems, was no accident. But when Damian hires Agatha to find the real killer, she finds no shortage of suspects. The good news is that a handsome retired detective named Gerald has recently moved to town. Too bad he was seen kissing another newcomer. But when she is also found murdered, Gerald is eager to help Agatha with the case. Agatha, Gerald, and her team of detectives must untangle a web of contempt in order to uncover a killer’s identity. 


Review:

Humorous, charming, and suspenseful.

This is a quick, easy read full of familial dysfunction, love entanglements, secrets, lies, greed, and murder.

The plot develops nicely and is full of suspects, clues, mishaps and mayhem. The setting is the quaint villages and towns found in the English countryside, complete with local pubs and manor homes. And the usual cast of flawed, multi-layered characters are back for another round of detection and investigation.

This is the twenty-seventh book in the Agatha Raisin series, and even though it can be read as a standalone novel, you may want to read some of the earlier books in the series to fully appreciate some of the continuing storylines and character development.

 

This book is due to be published on September 20, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/IndigoBook Depository

 

For more information on M.C. Beaton, visit her website at: mcbeaton.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @mc_beaton

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.