Starlight Over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett

Date of Reading: 25/12/2019

Author: Sarah Bennett

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: November 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

The most magical time of the year…

Jessica Ridley’s life has just been turned upside-down – and not in a good way! So when blast-from-the-past Tristan Ludworth invites her to stay at Bluebell Castle and transform it into a winter wonderland, it’s the perfect distraction for Jess and her two young children…

Jessica is used to planning even the most elaborate events in her sleep, but she certainly didn’t expect to be working so closely with Tristan at the castle – or that she could still find him quite so handsome after all this time!

And with a little holiday magic in the air, it’s becoming harder and harder to resist his charms. Can Tristan convince Jess to give love one more chance, just in time for Christmas?

Review:

       I can't believe that one of my favourite series just got concluded and this time we get to see Tristan Ludworth, my favourite among the triplets. Ever since reading the first book, I was waiting for his story to come out and Bennet doesn't disappoint this time too. Tristan's character and good nature shines throughout like a diamond and trust the author to give him the hardest challenge.

      A second chance at love? Well, I was not expecting such a gorgeous boy to be denied by anyone. Fate had other plans it seems. Anyone else might have run away from a divorcee with two little kids, but not Tristan. Every second he spent to win over Jessica adds golden points to his basket. And Jessica is well worth the effort. From the very first page, she conquers our hearts and that fiery independent streak only burns high as the story moves on. Sincere and steadfast, she is indeed one of a kind.

      I have one complaint though and that concerns the length; considering this is the last we see of this modern Arthurian family, shouldn't there be some more pages? The conflict at the end could have been a bit more complex too, but I am double-minded on that front. To be honest, I am happy that the author didn't follow the cliched plot lines. On the whole, a fitting conclusion to the Bluebell Castle series and just like the previous ones this wonderful story makes our lives a bit more colourful.

Meet the author:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Let it Snow - Sue Moorcroft

Date of Reading: 05/12/2019

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: September 26, 2019

Source: NetGalley 

Rating: 3/5

About the book:

This Christmas, the villagers of Middledip are off on a very Swiss adventure…

Family means everything to Lily and Zinnia Cortez and, growing up in their non-conventional family unit, they and their two mums couldn’t have been closer.

So it’s a bolt out of the blue when Lily finds her father wasn’t the anonymous one-night stand she’s always believed. She is, in fact, the result of her mum's reckless affair with a married man.

Confused, but determined to discover her true roots, Lily sets out to find the the family she’s never known – an adventure that takes her from the frosted, thatched cottages of Middledip to the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, via a Christmas market or two along the way… 

Review:

      This book left me confused for a bit. The narrative sounded more like a travelogue than a novel. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed the travelling part great deal than the story wrapped around it.'Let it Snow' stroked in me the fire to travel which had been dulled for some time now. Through Moorcroft's efficient writing Scotland with all its pristine beauty and festival traditions has come alive and I was rather tempted to book a ticket right away. Well, that is part of my bucket list now.
        Now to the story. Lily and Zinnia are part of a homosexual family unit and now Lily has found out the identity of her father with whom her mother had an affair only for getting pregnant. Yes, this sounds flat even to my ears and surely her partner is not that forgiving. But they have weathered this storm somehow and now Lily wants to meet the rest of her biological family including her two brothers. She takes a job as the serving staff in the pub operated by one of her half brothers, Tubb. But even after two years, she is not confident enough to reveal who she really is. And that is taking its toll on everyone.
      Zinnia, her sister, accuses her of not being happy with their family and regretfully I agree with her. What is the need to tarnish another man's memory by bringing up this affair now? Especially when he is thought to be a besotting father. However Lily argues her case, I partly blame her for the fractures inside her first family. And that has ruined the romance for me. I am no expert in the complexities of human emotions and therefore don't want to judge Lily's motives. Still, I can't help feeling let down. Does the author intend to convey the incompleteness of homosexual families?

Meet the author:
 

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's also a bestseller in Germany. She writes women's contemporary fiction with sometimes unexpected themes.

Sue has won the Best Romantic Read Award, been nominated for a RoNA and is a Katie Fforde Bursary winner. She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copy taker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

Out with the Ex, In with the New - Sophie Ranald

Date of Reading: 29/10/2019

Author: Sophie Ranald

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: December 3, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

You know when you sleep through your alarm, trip over running for the bus, and then someone points out that your dress is stuck into your hotdog-print knickers? That’s basically my life right now.

Gemma didn’t expect her life to look like this. She’s still living with her mother, who steals her leggings and tells her off for leaving crumbs in the butter. After twenty failed interviews she thought she’d bagged her dream job as a journalist – except it turns out to be writing articles about cats that look like George Clooney. Luckily she has her wonderful boyfriend, Jack, to help her forget just how rubbish things are.

Then Jack dumps her out of the blue. With nothing but her childhood teddy bear, Stanley, and a whole heap of heartbreak, Gemma resolves to turn things around. She throws herself into her new job and soon she’s hanging out with cheeky, golden-haired hunk Charlie, eating in swanky restaurants and sipping trendy cocktails – and her old life seems like a distant memory.

But it’s not long until her shiny new world starts to lose its sparkle – and Gemma misses the days of wearing battered pink converse and eating peanut butter on toast in bed. Then Jack turns up, backpack in tow, and things start to go wrong with Charlie. ‘Out with the old, in with the new’, the saying goes. But what happens if neither one is quite right?

This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy is for anyone who’s ever cried their eyes out to love songs after a break-up or accidentally drunk-texted their ex. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk will love this unmissable read which is all about falling in love with the most important person: yourself!

Review:

      Since I loved her previous work 'Sorry not Sorry' I didn't think twice before requesting this novel. Previously published as the Truth about Gemma Grey, this tale of self-discovery opens before us the glittering world of vlogging. With unexpected success which her sudden-impulse video garnered, she gets entry to the world of vlogging celebs along with its false charm.

    More than a romance, this novel traces Gemma's path from ruin to instant fame and the prize she will have to pay in order to keep it that way. Sure, we could guess right away who she is going to select at the end but that seems irrelevant in the larger scheme of things. What I loved most is the way Ranald describes the vlogging community and the raw emotions of a vlogger. Anyone who is in the same field can identify with her desire for recognition and the comradeship she feels for the camera. This is a place to reveal your inner goddess and when nothing in life goes according to plan, the likes and comments there is the perfect balm.

     So I wouldn't term this novel as a laugh out loud romantic comedy. This is a light read for sure, but what it offers is something more profound. It is the story of a simple girl finally finding her way. . .

Meet the author:

Sophie Ranald is the youngest of five sisters. She was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa until an acute case of itchy feet brought her to London in her mid-20s.

As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she’d never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) seemed to write itself.

Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat.

Carry On - Rainbow Rowell (Review & Summary)

Date of Reading: 30/11/2019

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.

That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Carry On - The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.

Review:

      Since 'Wayward Son', the second book in the series has come out, I thought I will start with the first book. I was informed that there are no cliffhangers at the end. True, but it leaves something worse than that; a sense of doom. As expected the second book evolves on this issue and sadly it is not yet resolved (I had a peek at the end of 'Wayward Son' to be sure).

       But we are not here to talk about 'Wayward Son'. Let's just blot out its existence and think of the happily ever after on which 'Carry On' ends. If you haven't heard about this book, then let me enlighten you. This is the gay version of Harry Potter (with a mix of Twilight). The story is almost the same but shorter and with a gay love story. It is cute, magical and romantic. As you must have guessed by now, I didn't swoon at the end being highly suspicious of the 'ever after' part.

         Baz and Simon are one of the best gay couples I have encountered. Their predicament is heart throbbing and I closed the book with a heavy heart. Will love be enough for Simon? Well, let's hope the next books will answer to that. Considering the amount of time Rowell took to write the second book, I guess we are in a rather long wait.

Summary:

       Simon Snow is returning for his last year to Watford School, an institution for mages. He is an orphan and his magical abilities came to be known when he turned 11. The Mage, the headmaster of Watford and the leader of the coven traced him and brought him to the school. The Mage has been a father figure for him until then. But despite his schooling, he is not able to handle his immense power well. When he tends to use spells, it seems to do more than he intends or explodes.

        He is considered to be the Chosen One by the magical community; the one who can defeat the insidious Humdrum. Humdrum is an evil being who seems to have the power to make holes in the magical atmosphere, and the places where these magical spots appear can no longer be inhabited by their kind. It is just like the holes in the Ozone layer. Simon and his best friend Penelope is kidnapped by Humdrum the previous year and to their astonishment, they found that he looked like eleven-year-old Simon. This happened at the end of the academic year, and now he cannot imagine what the new year will bring.

      Only Penelope has arrived back at Watford. She was in America during the vacation with her boyfriend. Agatha was Simon's girlfriend but he is no longer sure about their relationship. He has seen her with Baz, his roommate and enemy, before he is kidnapped by Humdrum. He confronts Agatha, and though she doesn't confirm his suspicions, they both decide to break up.

Source: https://gramho.com/media/2118878336410416585

        Simon has hated Basilton Grimm Pitch (Baz) from the first year. He is from the prestigious family of Pitches and obviously heavily loaded. Simon believes Baz to be a vampire but he hasn't got any solid evidence to support this. He always finds some ways to bully Simon, but this year he hasn't made an appearance. Every twenty years, the veil between the living and the dead are lifted and ghosts can visit someone to convey messages. Natasha Pitch, the former Headmistress of Watford and the mother of Baz comes to their room. When she cannot find Baz, she leaves her message with Simon. Baz is to avenge her death (she was killed in a vampire attack on Watford) and to do that he needs to find Nicodemus.

       Simon is now anxious to find Baz but there is no news of him. Finally, after two months, he comes back lean and haggard. From his perspective, we come to know that he is hopelessly in love with Simon. Now with the encounter with his mother's ghost, Simon agrees for a truce and together they decide to trace Nicodemus. Penelope too joins the team but the trio fails to find any lead.

    During Christmas break, Simon stays in Watford and while talking with Ebb, the goatherd, he learns about her twin brother Nico. He became a vampire to gain immortality and thus is stricken from the book of mages. She is no longer allowed to meet him. Simon understands that this is the Nicodemus they are searching for and goes to inform Baz at his home. With the help of his aunt Fiona, they meet Nicodemus but he refuses to give them an answer. He had been approached by someone to attack Watford; he refused due to his sister's presence there and eventually someone else agreed to the deal.

Source: https://weheartit.com/entry/272447677

   Disappointed, Baz tries to kill himself with fire since he believes that his mother would never have allowed him to live as a vampire. A frantic Simon kisses him and finally both acknowledge their feelings for each other. Spending Christmas with Baz, Simon wakes up with a feeling of dryness, a sign of Humdrum. He finds Baz outside drained of his magic with Humdrum near, again in Simon's shape. He says that he is what is left when he (Simon) is done. Simon saves Baz by injecting him with his magic and Humdrum disappears. Baz asks him to run.

        In between, we get to hear the voice of Lucy,  a girl who is now a ghost. She was in love with a boy named Davy and gradually we get to know that he is The Mage. He believed in the coming of The Great Mage and wanted his son to be him. He carried out a ritual during the birth and Lucy names him Simon Snow. Davy leaves him with the Normal people until his powers are formed. But now he realises that the boy he created is a broken vessel.

       Simon runs to Penelope's home for help and Baz finds him there. He solves the riddle of Humdrum. Simon is responsible for the vacant spots as each spot appeared on the same day he used magic to go off. He absorbs too much magic and Humdrum is the echo he leaves behind. It looks like the eleven-year-old Simon because he is born on the day Simon showed his powers. Both Simon and Penelope believes that they need to inform The Mage but Baz is against it.

     Baz goes after the numpties who kidnapped him at the beginning of the school year to find the one behind it. He fails to get a direct answer from them but Nicodemus comes to help by then. The Mage is behind the vampire attack that Turned Baz and killed his mother. Now he has arrested Ebb for his devious schemes. She is one of the most powerful wizards among them though she never uses that power.

        Meanwhile, Agatha who was with Penelope decides to meet The Mage and she finds him doing a ritual with Ebb. When Ebb escapes he catches hold of Agatha and to save the girl Ebb sacrifices her life. Simon finds him this way but fails to comprehend the murder. The Mage demands Simon to transfer his power to him as he can wield it better. Then Humdrum appears and Simon decides to give up his power to fill the void named Humdrum. It disappears taking Simon's power. The Mage is angry, but by then Simon is joined by Baz and Penelope. In the ensuing fight, The Mage is killed accidentally.

      The Epilogue informs us that Agatha ran away to America leaving magic behind. Simon can no longer study in Watford and Penelope also drops out in solidarity with him. Mitali Bunce, Penelope's mother is the new headmistress. Baz completes his studies as the topper in the class and he is officially dating Simon. 

Meet the author:

Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.

When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.

She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.

More Than Just Mum - Rebecca Smith

Date of Reading: 26/10/2019

Author: Rebecca Smith

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: December 7, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Hannah Thompson loves her family beyond words… but sometimes, just sometimes, she wishes she could be recognised as more than just ‘mum’.

Eldest son Dylan is soon to be flying the nest, sixteen-year-old Scarlet keeps asking about penalties for worryingly specific crimes, they’ve forgotten world book day and Benji absolutely will not be Where’s Wally again, and it’s at least two days before she and hubby Nick can sit down for Wine Wednesdays… and even longer until Fizzy Friday.

Determined to find herself a job that she loves, earn a whole lot of money and to have her teenagers respect her as ‘Hannah’ as well as ‘mum’; it might sound like a tall order, but she’s a mum on a mission.

A laugh-out-loud read of self-discovery, family chaos and love. Perfect for fans of Gill Sims, Fiona Gibson and Nick Spalding.

Review:

       I can't remember the last time I laughed so much reading a book. From the very first page to the last this novel was absolutely hilarious and so real. And what surprised me most that I was not able to guess where this story was heading at. The book features the day to day life of Hannah Thompson who is struggling with . . . well, practically everything.
     Rebecca Smith for sure is a gifted writer finding humour even in tragic situations. If you are a mother, you are going to find yourself in here. If you are a daughter like me, then you will feel a new appreciation for your working moms. If you are a teacher (again like me), you are going to find a comrade here, exclaiming loudly "Yes, that's what it feels like" (mimicking Loki of course).
        Hannah is your everyday mother trying hard to make ends meet with her part-time teaching job. At school, she is tortured by her class nine children and back at home, she needs to finish this marathon with three children who in my opinion talk too much. Her husband is supportive and helpful, but sometimes nothing is enough. Her life, on the whole, is pitiful and at the same time, outrageously funny.
       So pick this book to lighten up your moods and if not Hannah, you definitely will like the children; Scarlet with one 't' is my favourite but it is hard to choose. Surely a must-read!

Favourite quotes:

"We are all women who have been relegated to the status of 'someone's mum' from the moment that our children started making friends with other kids" - Loc 718

"Call me names at your peril. I am a woman. My bite is infinitely worse than my bark" - Loc 1623

"This is what I really love about writing, actually. The power. The ability to create personalities and bring forth new lives with only a few taps of the keyboard. When I am sitting at my laptop, dictating actions and deciding outcomes for these characters, I feel like a mighty deity." - Loc 3264

"It's good to know your areas of weakness, apparently. This whole experience has probably been really useful and self-improving. Even if it feels more like character assassination than character building" - Loc 3909

The Sword of Kaigen - M. L. Wang (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Date of Reading: 06/10/2019

Author: M. L. Wang

Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A mother struggling to repress her violent past,

A son struggling to grasp his violent future,

A father blind to the danger that threatens them all.

When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even reach their shores?

High on a mountainside at the edge of the Kaigenese Empire live the most powerful warriors in the world, superhumans capable of raising the sea and wielding blades of ice. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire’s enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name ‘The Sword of Kaigen.’

Born into Kusanagi’s legendary Matsuda family, fourteen-year-old Mamoru has always known his purpose: to master his family’s fighting techniques and defend his homeland. But when an outsider arrives and pulls back the curtain on Kaigen’s alleged age of peace, Mamoru realizes that he might not have much time to become the fighter he was bred to be. Worse, the empire he was bred to defend may stand on a foundation of lies.

Misaki told herself that she left the passions of her youth behind when she married into the Matsuda house. Determined to be a good housewife and mother, she hid away her sword, along with everything from her days as a fighter in a faraway country. But with her growing son asking questions about the outside world, the threat of an impending invasion looming across the sea, and her frigid husband grating on her nerves, Misaki finds the fighter in her clawing its way back to the surface

Review:

       I knew this book would be good, but I didn't expect it to feel this great. M. L. Wang has produced an epic tale which even though it happens in another universe, felt utterly and impeccably real. Through a tale of war and family glory, she has managed to address some of the hot topics that haunt our lives today: women empowerment, government censorship and most of all the plus and minuses of our education system.

      Written as a prequel to her 'Theonite' series, this fantasy traces the ancestry of some of its main characters and can be read as a standalone. Each page is emotionally packed and thrilling and this massive book of  651 pages gets finished in no time. Trust me when I say this is nothing that you expect.

        For one, I didn't foresee some of the deaths and it gutted me thoroughly. And some of the characters that I wanted to die didn't. Obviously, I felt that to be a gross injustice. But the author's impulses were right. Those that are gone have completed their lives' mission and once that remain has a lot to do; for themselves and also to the community. If they have died, they would have never got an opportunity to change. Well, that brings me to the second element that completely endeared me to this book.

        None of the characters is flat. They change. Sometimes a tragedy is required to shook the system and us from our unpleasant, routined life. For Mamoru, this change came in the form of a new student; a war for Misaka and her husband to know each other. I was happy to see that Robin shares some Indian lineage or the counterpart of Indian in this fictional universe. His Hindi is hilarious. Finally, I found someone who is worse than me!!!

        I cannot end this review without any mention of the battle scenes. Brilliantly written, with minute details they are an absolute masterpiece. Nerve-wracking though it may be, we feel the ice piercing through our skin and the land being one with us when a Whispering Blade is made. 

     This book is a salute for those who strive for change especially the women. It will hurt you, console you and will make you smile as you change along with the tale. Without a doubt five sparkling five stars!

Meet the author:

M. L. Wang was born in Wisconsin in 1992, decided she wanted to be an author at the age of nine, and never grew up. She got her Bachelor of Arts in history in 2015 and currently works at a martial arts school in her home city of Madison.

When she isn’t building worlds on the page, she builds them in her aquarium full of small, smart fish that love to explore castles and don’t make noise during writing time.

Find her on: 

Website: https://mlwangbooks.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_L_Wang

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

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfect Fit - Mary Jayne Baker (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 24/10/2019

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Publisher: Mirror Books

Publication date: September 21, 2018

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

After years living in London, costume shop owner Becky Finn is trying to build a new life for herself and fiancé Cole in her old home of Egglethwaite, a sleepy village in the Yorkshire Dales.

Keen to raise funds for the struggling village hall she loved as a child, Becky soon finds herself at the head of a colourful group intent on resurrecting Egglethwaite's Christmas pantomime. But, as she quickly discovers, there is more to panto than innuendo and slapped thighs.

As the opening night grows closer, Becky starts to wonder if her embattled panto will ever make it to the stage and, with handsome co-star Marcus on the scene, if she's picked the right man for her after all.

Review:

     A small confession: I have never been to a pantomime. Oh! please don't put that horrified looks. Yes, I know this is new territory, but that didn't hinder me from enjoying it, thanks to Baker's writing skills and also to my powerful imagination.
       Becky and her fiance Cole has moved back to her native village Egglethwaite and now she is determined to save their village hall through a pantomime. So while Cole is immersed in his creative pursuits as a painter, she is fighting her own demons by making a panto from scratch with handsome Marcus. Well, we could easily guess how this story goes from the blurb itself, but I was not prepared for the way Cole is presented. He is talented and loving, in the way a genius approaches love. So I was more invested in him than Marcus and loved how Baker has ended things amicably. And I so wish, we will have a sequel continuing Cole's story.
      As with all Baker's novels, here too we find a gay couple and their adorable child named Pip who really charms everyone. We are not exempted. She is the fun resource and her words will put a smile on you as only a child can. Many of the characters from the previous book in the series ('A Bicycle Made for Two') find prominent roles here but the book can very well be read as a standalone. The panto rehearsals around which the story revolves are not only humorous but also quite refreshing. It made me so interested that I watched some pantos on youtube. Maybe one day I can watch them for real!
  On the whole, a light-hearted rom-com set in a cosy community perfect for a relaxing weekend. So forget your worries and enjoy the panto because Christmas is near . . .

Meet the author:

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.

Love Lettering - Kate Clayborn

Date of Reading: 24/11/2019

Author: Kate Clayborn

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.

Publication Date: December 31, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

In this warm and witty romance from acclaimed author Kate Clayborn, one little word puts one woman’s business—and her heart—in jeopardy . . .

Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing beautiful custom journals for New York City’s elite. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Like the time she sat across from Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée and knew their upcoming marriage was doomed to fail. Weaving a secret word into their wedding program was a little unprofessional, but she was sure no one else would spot it. She hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid . . .

A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out—before he leaves New York for good—how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline, a fractured friendship, and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other about their lives, work, and regrets, both try to ignore the fact that their unlikely connection is growing deeper. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her before it’s too late . . .

Review:

        I cannot say I am someone who won't judge the book by its cover. But if a book is selected to read, then I usually give it a chance until my kindle shows twenty percentage in reading progress. Sadly this story didn't live up to its promise at that time and I almost gave up. I said 'almost' because I changed my mind after getting recommendations from some of my fellow reviewers. Today after closing my kindle I felt glad I heed their advice. I would have missed such an amazing story otherwise.

        The warm and witty romance that we expect comes only later in the story. As the relation between Reid and Meg grows slowly and steadily, the story will gradually grow on you. The dialogues interspersed with Meg's inner thoughts, which might be irritating at first, ends up endearing as her creative block evaporates. I have never given much thought to calligraphy, partly due to my terrible handwriting. But Meg's profession, the games she plays with Reid have all opened an unchartered land for me. Trust me, you will never look notice boards in the same way hereafter.

         The plot is special as is the writing. Through the eyes of Meg, we get to see another New York, a place mysterious as well as exciting. And Reid . . . is one of the best romantic heroes. If you are in search of a modern Mr. Darcy, then look no further. This man is your typical old theatre. Fewer words, extremely polite and highly intelligent -- that pretty much summarises him. Am I hearing some swooning sounds? Yup! You wouldn't want to miss this.

      On the whole, a remarkable romance that takes you to unexpected alleys and will leave you smiling and inexorably happy.

Meet the author:

Kate Clayborn lives in Virginia, where she's lucky enough to spend her days reading and talking about all kinds of great books. At home she's either writing, thinking about writing, or—during long walks around her fabulous neighbourhood—making her handsome husband and sweet-faced dog listen to her talk about writing.

Ronaldo: The Vixen Pederson Workshop - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 20/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publisher: KDP

Publication Date: November 20, 2019

Source: ARC provided by the author

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Destination North Pole! Santa’s top reindeer, Vixen Pederson, is hosting a teamwork workshop—and Ronaldo has his flying goggles packed and ready to go!

In training for a sleigh race, the cadets must work together to win the ultimate prize—Jingle Bells! But Ronaldo’s dream turns into a nightmare when Cupid joins his side. She’s the worst flying cadet, ever! And his squabbling teammates are plotting to put her out of the race.

But Cupid isn’t who she appears to be. And when Ronaldo discovers she is the granddaughter of a world-famous flying champion, he suspects she is guarding a secret. And the only way to lead his team to victory—is to find out what it is.

Review:

     Of all the books in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series, this one is my favourite. And that could probably because this story happens in Santa's own kingdom. The new characters and the illustrations that go along with are nothing but mesmerising. 

      Here in the fourth story, we are introduced to the workshop of Vixen Pederson (our hero's idol) which happens in the North Pole. There is a ride on the North Pole Sleighways, food from Jingles Cafe which by the way, offers three hundred and sixty-five flavours of hot chocolate (Yummy!). New friends are made, jealousies are overcome and finally, there is this secret meeting with . . . Oops! Sorry, I can't reveal that one.

     On the whole an amusing and entertaining story perfect for kids as well as adults who enjoy a good Christmas tale. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Ronaldo: Rudi's Birthday Extravaganza - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 19/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publication Date: September 29, 2017

Source: Ebook provided by the author 

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party!

But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of the school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He’s injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket!

Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker, Mrs Sorensson, and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo!

Review:

      This is the third book in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series. Having read the other two I was really excited to have this copy from the author and it doesn't disappoint. You don't have to read the other books to know the premise, but I highly recommend it. These books are super cool and funny no matter your age.

       The story revolves around the events leading to Rudi's birthday party. There is a visit to the doctor (poor Rudi!), the end of term exams and a lot of delicacies to eat as we are getting acquainted with Mrs. Sorensson. There will be tons to laugh about and the pictures are beautiful. I think our dear hero is showing the signs of a potbelly. Careful there Ronaldo. We need you whole and healthy for the workshop to come in the next book.

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!