Thursday 19 November 2020

Fallen Angel (Detective Gaby Darin #3) by Jenny O'Brien (2020)

 


She looked like she’d drifted off to sleep, curled up in her white dress, blonde hair floating in the breeze. They called it the Angel Murder.

Eighteen-year-old Angelica Brock is found dead at a local beauty spot, dressed in a pure white nightgown, her white-blonde hair arranged around her. For years her death is a mystery, her killer the one who got away for a whole generation of police.

For DS Gaby Darin, it’s not just any cold case – the victim is intimately linked to someone close to her, and emotions are high. But just as the team finds a breakthrough clue on Angelica’s nightdress, another case crashes into the station. Could they be linked? After all this time, can Gaby finally discover what really happened to Angelica?

An excellent cold case mystery that had me stumped. There is a lot of old fashioned detective work happening for most of the story along with another investigation occurring at the same time. There were plenty of twists and turns. I didn't see that ending coming! There was a bit of information dump at the end tying events and individuals together but the journey to that point was nerve-wracking and I really found it difficult to put the book down.
I enjoyed the insight into the personal lives of Gaby's team, including her own friendship with Rusty who can be such an arse at times. There was never a dull moment! An excellent read. Can't wait for the next book.

Fallen Angel is out now Amazon

Thanks to HQ Digital for the review copy.

Wednesday 11 November 2020

Linda Weaver Clarke, Guest Author. Tales of Willow Valley.

With the Christmas season around the corner, it's the perfect time to curl up with some Christmas themed books.


Céad míle fáilte to author Linda Weaver Clarke as we showcase her newly published collection of Christmas stories.

Linda's stories are family-friendly and bring a bit of cheer and old-world charm to brighten up the times we are living.

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Southern Idaho and now lives in the red desert hills of southern Utah. She is the author of 30 books: Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery, Swashbuckling Romance, Historical Mystery Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda works at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage.



Short Stories to Lift Your Spirits.

Tales of Willow Valley and Holidays in Willow Valley are full-length books filled with short stories that have been released for the holidays. Historical Romance is about the adventure of living in a different time period. The romance draws the reader into a world of wonder, but the mystery keeps you turning the pages.

What was romance like in the 19th century? Suko’s Notebook wrote, “Is it just me, or are love stories set in the past more romantic than those set in the present day?” Set in the 1800s, each of the Willow Valley stories has humor, adventure, romance, and mystery.

After reading Tales of Willow Valley, Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “Ms. Clarke brings us five love stories based on the lives of real people and true events. The heroines are brave, spunky women who attract their suitors with their independence and ability to cope with the perils of the day as well as their beauty. Getting lost in the historical detail and excellent characterization, I felt I was with the characters in yesteryear times. The struggles of the heroines and the chivalry of the heroes who won their hearts touched mine and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I highly recommend these stories for those who enjoy history, people facing and overcoming difficulties and
romantic scenes.”

These short stories were inspired by the experience of Clarke’s ancestors. Linda Weaver Clarke said, “What if I gave my great grandparent’s experience to a fictional character, how would it turn out? As I did this, each story blossomed before my eyes and I was delighted with the outcome.”

In Tales of Willow Valley, you will read five short stories.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel: When Thomas finds out that the proprietor of Hannah’s Hot Chocolate Shop is struggling, he comes up with a brilliant idea. Will she agree to such an unconventional plan?

Leave or Perish: When Jonathan watches Serenity chase off thieves with a sword in her hand, he becomes intrigued with her. How will he win her heart?

A Broom in her Hand: When Laura reports that a thief snuck into her home, William finds out that she chased the intruder off with a broom, but he soon learns the man’s invasion is much bigger than he realizes.

Deception: When Peter accepted the job of writing letters to a young lady on behalf of his employer, he soon realizes he is falling in love with Pauline.

A Cry for Help: When Joshua is sent with a message for Mary, the note says that she must go on a dangerous quest and he is determined to accompany her.

When Sunnie Reviews read Tales of Willow Valley, she wrote: “The stories are refreshing tales of good people working through life as do we today. The title of one of the stories gives me hope for the struggles we are going through now: 
The Light at the End of the Tunnel.  God is always watching out for us and there are good things yet to come. I found these happy stories just what I needed in
these trying days.”


Happy Holidays!


It’s time to enjoy some holiday stories. Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. The inspiration for these stories was based on true experiences. You will read six short stories: The Valentine Bandit, St. Paddy’s Day, April Fools Pranks, The Daring Escape, All Hallows Eve, An Unforgettable Christmas. These stories have humor with a surprise ending. This book was just
released by Audible Audiobooks.

What were the holidays like in the 1840s? How will Emmeline and Felicity celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do Sam and Josie believe in leprechauns and the pot of gold when St. Patrick’s Day comes around? 
Is it common to play jokes on one another on April Fools Day? Nicholas and Lucas find out first hand. Angelica’seyes are opened when she is challenged on Independence Day. 
When the Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them.
How about Christmas? Will Willow Valley accept these traditions? Find out as you share their experiences.

Sunny Reviews wrote: “This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The book carries Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories and I hope you
will take the time to read them!”

Book TrailerVimeo

Author Links:




Sunday 8 November 2020

Incandescence (Shadowlight Book 1) by Elena Leman (2020)

 


In thousands of years of my astral travels, I’d never needed a companion. But he found a way to ingrain himself in my every brain cell, my every goosebump, my every trembling breath… His darkness is the answer to my light."

Orobella is a cosmic wanderer, living borrowed lives in borrowed bodies. Her mission on planet Instaar is the same as always—collecting Crystals of Emotions while having as much fun as her new physical form allows, no strings attached. But once she meets the hypnotically mysterious Sambor, both her body and soul yearn for more. She makes him an offer he can't refuse.

In the world where creatures of death and darkness drive men mad, emotional detachment has been Sambor's greatest life achievement. As the future leader of the Lasota tribe and a spiritual tattoo artist, he can't afford the luxury of mental weakness. Yet his meticulously constructed equilibrium is shaken up when an alluring nymph promises to save his baby sister, in exchange for a sacred Lasota tattoo. He can't say no. Even if that means his demons will get the best of him.

Steeped in mysticism, elemental magic, and sensual vibrations, this romantic fantasy is more than a love story. It’s a journey through a soul.

SERIES: Shadowlight, #1

GENRE: Fantasy Romance/Metaphysical Fantasy

AGE CATEGORY: Adult

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains graphic violence, sexual situations, physical abuse, and adult language.


I don't read a lot of fantasy or sci-fi so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It is fast-paced, has plenty of drama, suspense and romance.
The magical world of Instaar is one of the things I loved most about this book. It is a world where anything could happen and not all of it good. So, I was on tenterhooks for much of the story, especially in relation to Child and whether or not she was going to be given a name at the naming ceremony or be cast aside. I loved how Orobella took her under her wing and taught her to sing.
 Orobella was very fun and flirty at the beginning of the novel and I laughed at her witty interactions with some of the men on Instaar. I liked her spirit guide, Smoku, as he was quite adorable and a font of knowledge. 
Sambor was a great character. He had some darkness in him which made him more interesting. His magical tattoos were genius. I loved that his came alive to help in fights when needed. 
Orobella and Sambor were a good match for each other and I was nervous about how things were going to end up with them as Orobella was adamant that her stay on Instaar was temporary. 
The action and suspense kicked up a notch towards the end of the book and I couldn't put it down.
I'm looking forward to following the rest of this series!

Incandescence will be published on the 9th of November.