Destiny Revealed begins with the thirteenth birthdays of Jack and Maddie. They aren’t your average teenagers though. They have no idea just how special they are. Their lives are turned upside down when their parents are kidnapped and taken to a different realm, and they discover it is their responsibility to rescue them as well as save all the realms!
I don’t read a lot of Fantasy or a lot of YA fiction, but I enjoyed this story. It was like a breath of fresh air with it being so different to what I generally read. A great start to a series. One I think will appeal to many readers, young or old!
** I purchased the kindle edition of this book on 19th April 2020 **
THE MAGIC BEGINS… On the day of their thirteenth birthdays, twins Jack and Maddie Austin receive a special gift from their wizard relative Uncle Benny: two necklaces, along with a note shrouded in secrecy. The celebration is interrupted by three intruders, led by the evil being Tardon, who kidnaps the twin’s parents. Uncle Benny manages to escape with the twins and later, reveals the truth behind both their gifts and identities: that Jack and Maddie are powerful wizards from the magical realm. Now, faced with the decision of a lifetime, they must return to that realm, rescue their parents and save all the realms from imminent doom. Praise for Destiny Revealed: “Great fantasy fiction for young adults!” “A High Fantasy Quest not to be missed!”
Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, book one of this series, Blood Feud, I was very much looking forward to catching up with Kerry Casey and the gang again in Fight Back. They’re an interesting bunch and live lives so far removed from my own it makes it the perfect book to lose yourself in. I don’t think I’d ever sleep if I was involved in the sort of things these characters get up to, but I know very well these sorts of things go on in this world. Scary stuff! Kerry Casey is one tough lady though and she won’t be intimidated by anyone. However powerful they are, or think they are. Kerry is still determined to turn the “family business” into a legitimate one, but other people are determined to make this as difficult as possible for her. Of course, this makes for a more interesting story. One I very much enjoyed. I’m looking forward to reading book 3, hopefully soon.
** I purchased the paperback edition of Fight Back on the 14th of August 2024 **
Gangster Kerry Casey has fought her way to the top of the Glasgow crime scene. But can she stay there?
Kerry Casey is now a fully-fledged gangland boss. With her business partner Sharon and her wily lawyer Marty at her side, she is busy ridding her organisation of the drug-dealing, people-trafficking scum her dead brother Mickey got them involved with. But her great dream is still to take the Caseys straight.
Her plan to turn her organisation around hinges on building a property empire in Spain. But Kerry has some deadly rivals – in Glasgow, on the Costa del Sol, and even further afield. They will never believe she has what it takes to defend her turf, and they won’t rest until the Caseys are destroyed.
Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The Last Line I was excited to receive an invite to read and review The Berlin Agent. (Apologies to the author and publisher for the delay.)
John Cook is a brilliant character. I think I said in my previous review that he is a bloke I would want on my side in any kind of crisis. I imagine he’s quite easy on the eye too!
During this book, Cook and Lady Margaret are tasked with fighting the Nazi’s as they land on British soil. Risking their own lives in the hope of protecting the country, and the people, they love. A risky mission, but one which Cook accepts without question for his own safety.
This book is full of action and suspense. It even has a bit of romance, which I love!
A brilliantly written historical fiction novel. An excellent series so far. I look forward to book three!
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **
A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night… ‘A gripping World War Two thriller that masterfully blends historical accuracy with intense action… Every shadow hides a potential threat, and the tension never lets up. A must read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders – to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil.
Their worst fears are realised when a parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.
But at night, Cook and Margaret hear German voices in the darkness. Reports come in of others hearing similar things, and there are whispers of an agent from Berlin…
With enemies already hiding among them, how far will Cook and Margaret go to protect the country and the people they love?
An absolutely gripping WWII historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Robert Harris, Kate Quinn and Rory Clements.
Everyone is gripped by the John Cook novels:
‘Thrilling WWII set thriller that has heart-pounding action, but more importantly, a lot of heart… Completely gripping… A narrative that is as taut as piano wire!.. .Not to be missed if you enjoy action-packed historical thrillers’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My God, this was great. It left me with a book hangover. I felt like I was there in 1940s England… I learned so much from this book… The writing is really 3D. You really feel like you’re there. It’s very immersive, and I love the witty humour. John Cook is a wonderful character’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940’s Britain‘ Damien Lewis
‘A compelling read and felt as if I was actually back in 1939. A delicious group of main characters… Great read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A brilliant noir thriller set in the darkest days of the Second World War‘ Stephen Leather
This book is right up my street and an excellent start to a series. I soon found myself immersed in the criminal world that Kerry Casey soon finds herself the head of.
So much goes on in this first instalment I could barely keep up! There are lots of interesting characters, some not as likeable as others which is to be expected given the lives they lead and the ‘work’ they partake in.
Kerry is a feisty but likeable character. She didn’t like the way her brother ran things and is keen to get the family business back to operating within the law, as per her father’s wishes, but this can’t happen overnight and there are some dangerous people in her way….
A story of family, friendship, crime, and revenge. I loved it and I’ve already started book two in the series, Fight Back.
They came for her family. Now she’s coming for them. This nail-biting thriller introduces Glasgow’s newest gangland mistress, Kerry Casey.
Kerry Casey thought she’d made a life away from the dirty dealings of her gangster family. Her father wanted to make them legit – her brother Mickey had other ideas, and now it’s got him killed. When Mickey’s funeral turns into a bloodbath at the hands of a group of anonymous shooters and Kerry’s mother is killed in the crossfire, Kerry finds herself at the head of the Casey family, and desperate for revenge.
Running a crime empire is not a job she ever asked for, and not one she wants, but Kerry is determined to fulfil her father’s wishes and make the Caseys go straight. First, though, she will find the men who murdered her mother, and she will take them down, no matter what it costs.
Fatal Infatuation is an extremely enjoyable read. It reminds me of The Vampire Diaries television series, which I love!
Felicity is a likeable character who is finding her feet at college. (I love that she gets a part time job at the bookstore.) Ben is a lovely character, and he takes a shine to Felicity, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t quite have the same charisma as Cain. Cain is an elder vampire on a mission to protect the town’s residents, hoping to teach new vampires how to live in peace with humans or face the consequences. Hostile vampires are led by Sindy though, and Sindy finds it more fun using humans as treats and trying to see how far she can push Cain. Felicity soon becomes enticing prey.
Felicity doesn’t realise Cain is a vampire the first few times they meet. When she discovers the truth she finds she’s less intimidated than she perhaps should be. Cain is captivated by her and Ben is keen to protect her from him.
An excellent start to a series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to continue with the rest of the series soon.
** Many thanks to Melanie Nowak for my epub review copy **
Shy Felicity never expected to attract the attention of a handsome young man… or a vampire, but if she can keep them both from killing each other she’ll need all the help she can get to navigate discoveries of desire; perils of zombies and vampires; and struggles with friendship, morality and…college.
Cain is an elder vampire who displays quiet confidence even as he struggles to overcome sins of his past. Surprisingly, he found that in losing his life he gained his faith and a purpose. His mission: find the hostile vampires that inhabit this small college town, and educate them to live in peace with humans. Their leader, Sindy, is a wicked temptress who has set her sights on Felicity’s new friend Ben. She will be difficult to control, but after meeting Felicity, Cain’s most difficult task lies in controlling himself.
Fake Fling with the Billionaire is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Rachael Stewart. I don’t think I’ve disliked any of her main characters yet.
Cassie is extremely likable, and Hugo is just divine. We meet them both in Paris, the perfect place for romance!
Of course, not all is plain sailing. They both have a past they are battling to move on from and they are both in the public eye. They decide pretending to be in love might give the paparazzi something new to report. Take the heat off Cassie for a while….
It’s only temporary, and not real of course! Or B….
I absolutely loved this story!
I loved the setting and the characters (I really liked Hugo’s mother, and his father grew on me eventually). I loved being swept along as Hugo shows Cassie Paris at its finest. He’s exceptionally romantic and thoughtful. No wonder Cassie falls for him!
This book made me smile, a lot!
The epilogue brought a tear to my eye.
Beautiful!
** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy **
I finished this book late last night and I still don’t really know how I feel about it.
I mean, it’s definitely not the best read for anyone with a serious phobia of dying or someone we love dying (not that I imagine anyone being thrilled with the idea!). I think most of us worry about dying young and hope that we will go in our sleep at a grand old age. Imagine someone literally pointing to you and predicting the cause and age of your death. That would most definitely freak me out!
Imagine being the woman who did this and having no recollection of it. Equally terrifying. There is no doubt she is a fascinating character.
There are lots of fascinating characters throughout this story, many of them affected by this lady’s predications.
It was interesting to see how they are all connected and how their lives pan out despite having differing reactions to this woman’s actions.
I can’t say there is any one wow moment though and I think that’s what I was waiting for.
There are many significant moments throughout the story though, some happy, some sad, some funny. All add up to a good psychological thriller that many people will love. Many people already have judging by the early reviews. I imagine it will be one that I will often think about. There just seemed to be something missing for me, but I can’t put my finger on what.
I guess the point is, do you believe in fate, or do you believe you could challenge fate by changing your life to swerve danger if you knew exactly what the risks were!?
A thought provoking read undoubtedly.
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **
We’re all so busy, caught up in life’s moments, big and small . . .
The flight attendant working a shift on her birthday. The mother struggling alone with two young children. The newlyweds setting off on their tropical honeymoon . The overworked father missing his kid’s big show. The young man returning from his best friend’s funeral. The ER nurse wondering what retirement will bring.
All strangers. All unsuspecting. Each with a life heading in a particular direction – or so they imagine. Because an elderly woman is about to step into each of their paths. In just a few words, she will make a prediction, tying herself to all of them. And, in being bound to her, these disparate strangers will all face similar existential dilemmas. . .
Who is this woman? Is she a genuine clairvoyant? A charlatan? The answer to prayers, or a harbinger of nightmares?
What she will prove to be is an agent of chaos, fraying relationships, putting entire futures into doubt and causing the most ordered of lives to unravel in the most unexpected of ways . . .
Firstly, I love that the main character in this book is called Bella 😊
Secondly, I love that Bella is such a likeable character. I warmed to her instantly. She’s a braver woman than me. There is no way I could gate-crash a wedding pretending to be someone else, although I understand her desire to help people and I’m sure Jack being quite easy on the eye helped. I do believe we just click immediately with some people. The whole situation is amusing and heart-warming. I’m surprised she left when she did.
I certainly don’t blame her for wanting to move to a cosy cottage in the countryside. Life is too short to be miserable.
Claire Huston’s description of village life sounds exactly as I would imagine it to be. Everyone knowing everyone and everything about each other. I imagine it would be comforting and somewhat annoying sometimes at the same time. I do love the sense of community though which I think has been lost in most of today’s society, unfortunately.
There are some fabulous characters throughout this book. There’s a fair to be organised, a crime to be solved which adds a bit of suspense to the story, issues with colleagues, family dynamics, festive cheer and the stress that often comes with it, and of course romance. What’s not to love!?
This book made me smile a lot and sometimes laugh out loud. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
** Many thanks to Claire Huston for my review copy **
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
Beautiful and Terrible Things is extremely relevant to the world we live in today. It’s about a diverse group of friends, each with their own struggles, principles, and wishes for a better world for all.
Charley is new to the group. I love that she manages a bookstore and lives above it. How cool is that! Her anxieties are understandable given her difficult past. Xander introduces her to his friendship group and, at first, she starts to relax in their company. They are mostly a good bunch, although I wouldn’t necessarily condone some of Xander’s behaviour. I love that they take her under their wing though. My heart goes out to her when she realises her life might be about to be turned upside down. I was rooting for her the whole time and hoping for a positive outcome.
I do have to mention that this is the first book I’ve read with a gender-neutral character. Sunny is a very easy to like character and I have absolutely no problem with anyone living their life however they wish to, but when I read they/them I automatically imagine more than one person (as per definition). I did have to keep reminding myself that it was just Sunny, and I can’t pretend that it didn’t interrupt the flow of the story for me a little bit at times. I imagine it’s something I will get used to though as I’m sure it will become more commonplace in books.
I think younger readers especially will relate to these characters. They have an important story to tell, not least about the importance and power of friendship.
** Many thanks to S.M. Stevens for my ARC in exchange for my honest review **
Charley Byrne isn’t really living. At age 29, she hunkers down in her apartment above the bookstore she manages, afraid of a 7-year curse. Then quirky activist Xander Wallace lures her out of social exile with the prospect of friendship and romance. Charley joins Xander’s circle of friends diverse in their heritage, race, gender and sexual orientation. She thrives, even leaving her comfort zone to join protests in a city struggling with social justice ills.
But the new friendships bring back-to-back betrayals that threaten the bookstore—Charley’s haven—and propel her into a dangerous depression. Can her friends save the store? And Charley?
Beautiful and Terrible Things offers a compelling portrait of modern American life in a major city with its vibrant culture and rampant social issues. At once enlightening and entertaining, it reminds us that friendship has the power to validate, destroy, transform, and save lives.
Wow! What can I say about The Island Love Song which would do it the justice it deserves!?
I could talk about it for hours to be honest with you, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
First, as I’ve said before, I’ve never been to Greece, but I honestly felt like I was in Greece whilst reading this novel. I felt the same when reading Emma Cowell’s previous novels. I would really, really love to go to Greece now and experience the beauty of the country Emma portrays so enticingly. The food sounds amazing also! I love that food plays its part throughout the story. I think I actually drooled at times. lol!
Anyway, this story is about sisters Ella and Georgia. They lost their Mum and are returning to Hydra to scatter her ashes in the sea. They have a rich history of happy memories with their mother there. As if that isn’t heart-wrenching enough, there has also been heartbreak for Ella and guilt for Georgia over secrets she’s carried for years.
The sisters are like chalk and cheese. Ella is very much a free spirit. Tied to nothing and no-one following an extremely traumatic experience. Georgia is the organised, dependable one, who’s life she has dedicated to her husband and bringing up their daughter, Phoenix. Neither of them is particularly happy though, nor have they had a close relationship, so coming together for two weeks on the Island of Hydra was never going to be straight forward.
I couldn’t wait to find out where their story would take me, and I was completely invested in the emotional journey I was taken on.
I liked Ella immediately and my heart broke for her as I learned what she had been through.
Georgia isn’t as easy to like, but I came to understand her more as the story progressed, and I did really feel for her in the end.
Phoenix is a beautiful character. Oh, to be so young and self-assured!
Harrison is a fascinating character and one I warmed to quickly despite his history with Ella.
There are other beautiful characters in this book too, all who add their own little something special.
This is a compelling tale about grieving sisters, the devastation secrets and lies can cause, the power of true love, and the true meaning of family.
I absolutely LOVED it! It’s just beautiful!
** A big thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy of The Island Love Song via NetGalley **
Escape to the beautiful Greek Island of Hydra with this moving novel, filled with family secrets and romance
Emma Cowell, author of THE HOUSE IN THE OLIVE GROVE, returns with her brand new, emotional and romantic novel set on an idyllic Greek Island.
Hydra, the picturesque Greek island, is a paradise for most, yet for sisters Ella and Georgia, it is a place where their darkest secrets dwell. And now the time has come for them to confront their past as they return to Greece to scatter their mother’s ashes.
Ella is haunted by a love song that was written for her by the man who broke her heart years earlier and she longs to find peace so she can move on with her life.
Georgia pretends everything in her life is perfect, but she is plagued with guilt. If what she’s kept hidden for decades was revealed, their family would never be the same again.
The island is urging the sisters to confront the truth, but can they build a future on the ruins of their past?
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