book review – Page 7

I’m sharing my review for Jane Dunn’s new Regency romance The Accidental Debutante #blogtour #histfic #romance

Here’s the blurb

A daring young lady and dashing lord

At Prebbles Flying Circus, the daring Eliza Gray captivates audiences with her breathtaking feats on horseback. Yet beyond the applause, she harbours a longing to find the family she lost as a child and discover who she truly is.

Fate, however, takes an unexpected turn when Eliza is unceremoniously knocked down by a curricle driven recklessly by Raven, Earl Purfoy. Dazed but intrigued, she cannot help but notice Purfoy’s commanding presence.

For his part, the dashing lord, is mortified at his carelessness and resolves to assist the spirited yet intriguing young woman. He deposits her in the care of his dearest friends, Corinna and Alick Wolfe, who encourage Miss Gray in her search for her family and sponsor her entry into London society. The glittering balls and scurrilous gossip of the ton are a far cry from the circus ring and Eliza inds herself the subject of intense speculation and unwelcome advances.

As a most accidental debutante, Eliza has to navigate the complexities of high society and her new friendships. Her quest for family and belonging becomes perilously entwined with Zadoc Flynn, an American heir in search of an English bride, and the unfathomable Lord Purfoy.

Can Eliza uncover the truth of her past and the family she longs for? And will it be Mr Flynn or Lord Purfoy, or indeed her new female friends, who help her find her place in the world?

In a tale of courage, passion, and self-discovery, this lost orphan must decide where she truly belongs.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/TheAccidentalDebutante

My Review

I’ve read all of Jane Dunn’s Regency romances to date, and they are fabulous and a real treat I look forward to whenever I hear about a new release. The Accidental Debutante is a welcome addition to the collection, and this time it has some connections to one of her previous works, although new readers need not fear. They won’t miss anything by jumping in here, other than the joy of reading the first book.

Our main character, Eliza, is a charming, feisty young woman, determined to find her way in the world away from the circus, although she feels an enormous tug to actually leave it, and her beloved horse. Corinna, by contrast, is a woman who’s experienced something similar and hopes to ease her passage into society, confident that Eliza will be discovered by her lost family. Add in to the mix a collection of horses (I always love all the horse characters), the outspoken, Taz, and of course, his moody, master, Purfoy, playing the part of uptight gentleman (there always has to be one), and not to mention their American cousin, who bucks against English sensibilities, and we’re set for another engaging stroll through Regency London (well, often a gallop), that will ensnare fans of the genre.

If you’re lucky enough not to have read any of Jane Dunn’s Regency novels, then you’re in for a real treat, and for fans who’ve been there all along, The Accidental Debutante will undoubtedly delight you, just as much as it did me.

Meet the author

Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.

Connect with the author

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

I’m excited to share the cover for Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #WarriorsOfIron #histfic

It’s happy release day to Men of Iron, the first book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #histfic

Listen to me waffle about it.

Here’s the beauty

Image shows the book cover for Warriors of Iron by hstorical fiction author MJ Porter

Preorder Link (releases 13th July)

books2read.com/WarriorsofIron

Here’s the blurb

During Britannia’s tribal age only the strongest prevail…

Britain AD541

Seeress Meddi has been restored to her rightful position of influence within the Eorlingas tribe. But a heavy cloud hangs over the tribe’s survival with the escape of the treacherous Elen who seeks to exact a bloody vengeance following Meddi’s reinstatement and her downfall.

Meddi knows Elen will return to settle the blood feud and the tribe must be ready to face this deadly threat with iron. They must toil day and night to harness the power of the lost magiks to make the weapons needed to overpower Elen.

Meanwhile, Wærmund, a warrior of Saxon descent, has escaped his enforced captivity and vows vengeance against his captors. He too hungers for the promise of sharp blades and travels West to find those who can fashion iron into blades sharp enough to kill. But when a lone woman befriends the band of warriors, promising him even more than that, he’s beguiled by her tale of deceit amongst her own tribe, so reminiscent of his own.

Unbeknown, Meddi and Wærmund share a common enemy and one who is just as belligerent as they are…

Curious about the trilogy? Check out my blog post for more details below

Blog links

The Dark Age Chronicles

https://mjporterauthor.blog/2015/03/28/a-discussion-of-early-anglo-saxon-sources/

Image shows a map of Early England showing the places mentioned in the text of the book — The Dark Age Chronicles Map

Purchase Link for Men of Iron, the first book in the trilogy

books2read.com/Men-of-Iron

Image shows the book cover for Men of Iron by historical fiction author MJ Porter

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I’m reviewing Esperance by Adam Oyebanjo #newrelease #specfic #mystery

Here’s the blurb

The history-bending speculative fiction from Adam Oyebanji, award-winning author of BRAKING DAY.

An impossible death: Detective Ethan Krol has been called to the scene of a baffling murder: a man and his son, who appear to have been drowned in sea-water. But the nearest ocean is a thousand miles away.

An improbable story: Hollie Rogers doesn’t want to ask too many questions of her new friend, Abi Eniola. Abi claims to be an ordinary woman from Nigeria, but her high-tech gadgets and extraordinary physical abilities suggest she’s not telling the whole truth.

An incredible quest: As Ethan’s investigation begins to point towards Abi, Hollie’s fears mount. For Abi is very much not who she seems. And it won’t be long before Ethan and Hollie find themselves playing a part in a story that spans cultures, continents . . . and centuries.

An extraordinary speculative thriller about the scars left by the Atlantic slave-trade, by a master of the genre.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3Sg1syZ

My Review

Esperance is an enthralling and captivating novel. It is mostly a mystery, and much of it revolves around determining who perpetrated an impossible crime. It is also a story of friendship, family, and a quest for justice.

The story begins quickly, with our impossible crime, introducing us to one of our main characters, Ethan. It is he and Abi, who we meet a little while later, who propel the story onwards, but they both have their own agendas and therefore, the reader is very much left in the dark about some elements. We quickly realise Abi is far from what she seems. We quickly realise Ethan has his own demons, but we’re swept along in the mystery of the entire thing. I adored that Abi spoke with a 1930s flavour. It really gave her character an extraordinary shine.

I loved the historical elements of the story and how they combined with the otherworldly ones. I found the whole story quite extraordinary and incredibly enjoyable, although, of course, tinged with sorrow for the real-life elements it’s built upon.

The ending, when it came, perhaps felt a little rushed. I would have loved to know more about the otherworldly elements.

That said, readers of quirky mysteries interlaced with otherworldly elements, as well as those who love a good tale of retribution, will devour this novel, just as I did.

If it’s not quite a five-star read, it so very nearly is that I feel it would be wrong not to give it. Esperance is available now, and it’s well worth checking out. I have to say, the tag line got me for this one, ‘They cried out for justice. Something heard.’ (Shudder).

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It’s happy release day to Killer at the County Show by Kate Wells, a fabulous contemporary mystery set in the Malvern Hills #mystery #newrelease #blogtour

Here’s the blurb

Foul play at the sheep show…

Tensions are high at the Three Counties Show when accusations of cheating add fuel to a longstanding feud. For Jude Gray, whose only hope was to not make a fool of herself showing her Kerry Hill sheep, farming life has never been so dramatic.

When a body is found, belonging to one of the competitors, there is no shortage of suspects. Every sheep farmer in this close-knit community has a motive and beneath their show-ready smiles, they all have something to hide.

Experience has taught Jude that when there’s a murderer at large, nobody is truly safe. And with secrets simmering beneath the surface, this may be her most challenging investigation yet. Can she unearth the truth before it’s too late?

A gripping new instalment in the Malvern Farm Mystery series, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Merryn Allingham, and Faith Martin.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/KillerCountyShow

My Review

Killer at the County Show by Kate Wells is the fifth book in the Malvern Farm Mystery series and I’ve read four of them (see my reviews below).

It’s a delight to return to Jude and her farm and family, and hasn’t she just got involved in yet another murder mystery, all while attending the County Show to exhibit her sheep.

This is another welcome addition to the series. I always enjoy the fact that I never quite manage to guess who the murderer was in every book, and the plot is twisty enough to keep me reading. I will certainly be reading book 6.

Check out my reviews for Murder on the Farm and Death in the Hills, two earlier titles in the fab series.

Meet the author

Kate Wells is the author of a number of well-reviewed books for children, and is now writing a new cosy crime series set in the Malvern hills, inspired by the farm where she grew up.

Connect with Kate

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I’m spotlighting Troubled Times for Tilly by Kay Seeley #histfic #saga #blogtour #competition

Here’s the blurb

A gripping saga of courage, resilience and fractured dreams, set in Victorian London.

Life on the river has never been easy for Tilly and Sam, but through hard work and determination, they’ve built a home filled with love. Joey, Tilly’s eldest son, has lived between two worlds—cherished as her child but granted privileges, denied to her other children, through his wealthy birth father’s family. It’s a fine balance that has always held… until an incident at a glittering Celebration Ball shatters the fragile harmony.

Tilly fears the consequences, especially when her spirited, headstrong daughter Martha is involved. Martha has ideas of her own. How will she fare when she faces Joey’s entitled friends and their easy lives?

Disaster strikes Sam’s business, shaking the family’s foundation. Tilly’s worst fears come to life when Joey’s affluent relatives start making plans to reclaim him. Tilly is torn between fighting for her son and respecting his dreams.

As old wounds reopen and new temptations arise, Tilly must summon all her strength to keep her family together. But will love and loyalty be enough, or will the promise of wealth and comfort lure her children away forever?

A Powerful follow-up to The Water Gypsy. Perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs and Dilly Court

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/TTfT

Meet the author

Kay Seeley is a talented storyteller and bestselling author. Her short stories have been published in women’s magazines and short-listed in competitions. Her novels had been finalists in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She lives in London and loves its history. Her stories are well researched and beautifully written with compelling characters where love triumphs over adversity. Kay writes stories that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. Often heart-wrenching but always satisfyingly uplifting, her books are perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Lesley Pearse and Josephine Cox.

Kay is a Member of The Alliance of Indie Authors and The Society of Women Writers and Journalists.

All her novels are available for Kindle, in paperback, audio and in Large Print

Connect with the author

Giveaway to Win 3 x paperback copies of Troubled Times for Tilly by Kay Seeley (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494614/?

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It’s a happy release day to The Monstrous Murders by Elizabeth R Andersen, the third Alewives of Colmar mystery, and I’m reviewing it on the blog #histfic #histficmystery

Here’s the blurb

As winter draws to a close, something suspicious lurks outside the walls of Colmar.

Appel, Gritta, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, are enjoying a calm month of brewing and friendship after solving the deeply unsettling riddle of the severed hands. But peace is not destined to last for long. The disappearance of two novice monks in the care of Friar Wikerus spark tales of a supernatural beast on the loose, and when a lowly street sweeper is terrorized one night, fear stalks the town like a monster.

Theories of demons and beasts run wild. Could this foretell another great mortality like the one they only recently survived? Could it be an evil spirit sent to punish the wicked citizens of Colmar? The alewives would rather not involve themselves, but everything changes when a body turns up near their canal. The threat is too close to home to ignore. Once more, Appel, Gritta, and Efi must put their sleuthing skills to good use – while ensuring they don’t also fall prey to the supernatural menace.

Book 3 in the award-winning Alewives of Colmar mystery series, The Monstrous Murders is everything readers have come to expect; witty banter, deep friendship, twisty clues, and frothy brews.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3H1CQHJ

My Review

It’s so good to be back with Efi, Appel and Gritta. And this time, they’re thrust into a most beguiling mystery, with missing shoes, missing novices, and, as usual, the men of the town are more likely to be sent running for the hills with fear than solve the mystery themselves. It’s a good job Efi, Appel, and Gritta are more curious than terrified, although they’re not without some worldly and otherworldly worries.

I’ve read all three books in The Alewives of Colmar series. They are delightful fun and a real treat for the reader. If you’ve not yet discovered Efi, Appel and Gritta and the charming town of Colmar then what are you waiting for?

Another five-star read for me. Bring on book 4 (no pressure, Elizabeth R Andersen:))

Check out my reviews for The Alewives and Sleight of Hand.

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I’m sharing my review for Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks #newrelease #histfic #blogtour

Here’s the blurb

1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle …

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle – the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Image shows the book cover for Fieldsof Glory by author Michael Jecks. The image shows 5 mounted medieval warriors, one holding a banner, hurrying towards the viewer with a battlescene image behind them

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/Fieldsof

My Review

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks is a novel about the Hundred Years’ War in all its bloody glory. Featuring an ensemble cast of characters, every person has their own story to tell, hidden behind the veneer of bloody war, and the demands of an intolerant king, who appears to preach reconciliation with the French but finds every excuse to change his mind.

I can’t say any of this ragtag collection of men is particularly endearing. Sir John cares more for his horse than his men, while King Edward and the Prince of Wales are just as thoughtless regarding the lives they’re destroying. This makes it a very realistic portrayal, if not for the faint-hearted. Indeed, if seeking some semblance of empathy between the characters, we must look to the men of the Vintaine, and not those who command them.

A blood-drenched traipse through France will bring our characters the opportunity to earn battle booty, if only they can live through it. Fields of Glory is a must-read for fans of the genre and those interested in the Hundred Years’ War.

Meet the author

Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.

He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence.

Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon.

His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 he was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

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

Bookbub profile: @michaeljecks

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It’s happy release day to Men of Iron, the first book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #histfic

Listen to me waffle about it.

Listen to me read the intro to Men of Iron

(If you’re in my Facebook group, you can ‘see me’ but on the wider web my face is hidden:)) It is slightly filled with waffle.

Curious? Check out my blog for more details below

Blog links

The Dark Age Chronicles

https://mjporterauthor.blog/2015/03/28/a-discussion-of-early-anglo-saxon-sources/

Purchase Link

books2read.com/Men-of-Iron

Follow the Men of Iron blog tour

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I’m sharing my review for The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper #blogtour #bookreview #thriller

Here’s the blurb

The Hero Virus tells the thrilling story of Chris Taylor, who is hanging on to life by a thread. Recently widowed, his only reason to carry on is his faithful Labrador, but even that doesn’t stop his willingness to gamble with death every day. When his companion suffers a violent demise, Taylor thinks he has nothing left to live for, until he discovers he has chanced upon a precious gift… when he gets very ill.

The sickness gives him powers and, fairly soon, the authorities are swooping on to the ever-increasing list of cases. The Hero Virus might be different to other illnesses, but it’s no less dangerous. The effect it has on the world, though, is wildly different to any other virus that has come before. The unique reaction of the human body to infection means that everyone wants it. And some will do anything to get it.

How do you stop a pandemic when there are people who will kill for the virus? How do you stop people getting infected when they’re willing to die for it? How do you stop the infected when they have abilities nobody has ever seen before?

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hero-Virus-Russell-Dumper-ebook/dp/B0DYKN68M1/

https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Virus-Russell-Dumper-ebook/dp/B0DYKN68M1/

My Review

The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper is an intriguing novel. Our main character is miserable and alone, aside from his faithful Labrador, but alas, our poor grief-stricken main character is soon to be bereaved again (and slight trigger warning, because the scene is not an easy read), but days later, he wakes very changed.

What follows is an action-packed tale sure to appeal to fans of the genre and with a very interesting premise. The pacing is great and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.

Meet the author

The Hero Virus is the second novel from Russell Dumper, after releasing Britannia Rises to widespread acclaim last year, winning him three categories in the 2024 Bookstagram Awards, for Debut Author, Thriller and Historical Fiction. He lives in the east of England with his family and still has many more books in the pipeline. Next, he will be concentrating on The Britannia Series, more of which will be released in the near future.

Author photo for Russell Dumper, author of The Hero Virus and Britannia Rises.

Connect with the author

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I’m delighted to welcome a returning Helen Golden to the blog with her new book, I Kill Always Love You. #bookreview #cosymystery #blogtour

Here’s the blurb

A perfect sunny getaway with no drama. Or so they’d hoped…

BREAKING NEWS Woman Taken in for Questioning in Death of Actress’ Husband

Police in Portugal this morning told reporters that a woman is being questioned in connection with the murder of the film producer Jason ‘JT’ Kenda, who was married to award-winning actress Ariella St Gerome.

Mr Kenda, who was found dead in the swimming pool of the couple’s villa, was initially thought to have died following an accident, but now police believe the American was killed intentionally. The villa is next door to where Lady Beatrice, the Countess of Rossex, is currently holidaying with family and friends at the villa of TV’s Sir Hewitt and his wife, Lady Grace.

Who can say no to Lady Grace? When the daughter of Lady Grace’s housekeeper is suspected of murder, her ladyship requests that Bea and her friends prove the maid’s innocence. But with time running out, can they navigate the tangled web of lies, betrayal, and hidden motives before an innocent woman is imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit? Because even on holiday, the sleuthing never stops!

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Right-Royal-Investigation-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D768B2VL

https://www.amazon.com/Always-Right-Royal-Investigation-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D768B2VL

My Review

I Kill Always Love You is a fun addition to Helen Golden’s Right Royal Investigation mystery series. I’ve read all the books in the series so far, including all the short stories. I adore spending time with Lady Bea and Perry, and this time, we also have help from Simon and Richard, not to mention Isla.

I’ve come to expect well-plotted stories from this series, and I Kill Always Love You doesn’t disappoint. Did I work out what had happened? Not quite all of it because there were many red herrings and interesting side stories alongside the mystery of what really happened. I certainly appreciated the careful plotting and piecemeal revelations, even if I do wish Perry would buy himself a decent pair of running shoes.

A firm addition to this charming series. New readers will not be disappointed.

Check out my reviews for the other books in this fabulous series.

Spruced Up For Murder

For Richer, For Deader

Not Mushroom For Death

A Dead Herring

A Cocktail to Die For

A Death of Fresh Air

Meet the author

Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.

I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.

It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes