Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Manda reviewed The 20’s Girl, The Ghost and All That Jazz by June Kearns

Reviews from the book review challenge are still coming in and today we have a review from Manda.

She chose to read The 20’s Girl, The Ghost and All That Jazz by June Kearns.

The 20’sGirl,The Ghost and All That Jazz – June Kearns

Here is Manda’a review.

THE 20’S GIRL, THE GHOST AND ALL THAT JAZZ

By June Kearns

Review by Manda Ward

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this. June’s portrayal of a quintessential English girl in the 20s is spot on, and combined with Cooper’s more than laid-back attitude the book had me laughing out loud in certain places.

For me this book ticked all my boxes, a feisty heroine who isn’t afraid of being herself, a hero who is completely the opposite of the heroine that you just want them to get together. Add a few quirky characters to the mix and in my opinion, this is a fantastic read. I particularly enjoyed the banter between them and the thoughts running through her head.

Thoroughly enjoyable and a corker in my book. Definitely a keeper and one to go back to time and time again, especially when you need cheering up.

Find a copy of The 20’s Girl, the Ghost and All That Jazz, here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 

Rosie’s Book review Challenge – Alison reviews The 20’s Girl, The Ghost and All That Jazz by June Kearns

Welcome to another review from Rosie’s Book Review Challenge. Today we hear from Alison, she blogs at http://alisonwilliamswriting.wordpress.com/

Alison chose The 20’s Girl, The Ghost and All That Jazz by June Kearns.

The 20’sGirl,The Ghost and All That Jazz – June Kearns

Here is Alison’s review.

The 20s Girl, the Ghost and All That Jazz – June Kearns

I loved this book! June Kearns has created a romantic page turner devoid of soppiness but full of heart, laughter and wonderful characters that draw you in to their well-drawn world.

Gerardina Chiledexter is struggling to fund the run-down bookshop that is all she has been left by her extravagant, glamorous aunt (except for a mountain of debts). Just when it seems she has nowhere left to turn, she receives a surprise inheritance – half a cattle ranch in Texas.

We are swept away with Gerry to the wildness and heat of Texas, where she is made less than welcome by co-owner Coop. Confused by her conflicting feelings towards him, Gerry makes some rash decisions that lead her further into debt and seem to pave the way to a life of lonely spinsterhood.

However, there are twists and turns and surprises galore, along with a helping hand from some friendly spirits hoping to guide Gerry towards a brighter future.

The author does a fantastic job of bringing two very different places to life – the contrast between the dry heat of the vast plains of Texas was contrasted beautifully with the cold wet winters of England. I could feel Gerry suffocating as she listened to the rain dripping on to the windows of Prim’s tiny cottage.

The context of the novel was really interesting. The lack of eligible men to marry after the end of WWI was a real problem for women who had few other opportunities in life. Gerry, although a bright, funny and lovely girl, is not immune to this pressure, or to the fear of spinsterhood. I hate it when writers give us feisty female heroines from history who live independent, happy lives immune to social pressures. It’s refreshing to have a realistic heroine who is more than aware of the social constraints that have a very real bearing on what she is and isn’t allowed to do. And the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter offered a real insight into the pressures put on women at the time.

I thoroughly recommend this novel and will definitely be reading more of June Kearns’ work.

Five out of five stars.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Stephanie reviews Tall Dark and Kilted by Lizzie Lamb

We have a book review challenge today from Stephanie. She blogs at  http://stephanie-hurt.com/

Stephanie chose to read and review “Tall Dark and Kilted” by Lizzie Lamb.

Tall, Dark and Kilted by Lizzie Lamb

Here is her review.

Just finished reading Tall, Dark & Kilted by Lizzie Lamb. The characters are well written and they grab your heart almost from the start. I found myself pulling for Fliss to succeed in her business as well as in love. Now Ruairi was breathtaking from the moment he appeared on the phone. The author’s descriptive ability was really good as she described the characters and surroundings. I felt as though I was there with them. I could imagine every little detail. All in all it’s a great book with such intense romance that you just can’t put it down. I was left wanting more from their story. I do hope Lizzie is planning another book so I can get more of them.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Rosie’s Book review Challenge – Tess reviewed Red Clay and Roses by S.K. Nicholls

Continuing our posts from Rosie’s Book Review Challengers, her is a review from Tess. Tess blogs at http://letscutthecrap.wordpress.com

She chose to read “Red Clay and Roses” by S.K. Nicholls

Red Clay and Roses – S.K. Nicholls

Here is Tess’s review,

Book Review: Red Clay and Roses

Publication Date: May 27, 2013

Format: Kindle and paperback

Genre: Historical / Fiction

 

Reviewed by: Tess

http://letscutthecrap.wordpress.com

 

 

A rushed visit to a small town in Georgia, family stories and times revisited, a hidden ledger and secrets abound.

Sybil, a smart woman ahead of her time, has gumption, is open-minded and knows about secrets. During the racial upheaval in the 50s to 70s, she remains open-minded and true to herself. Nobody tells her how to live unlike other women of the time. She owns a beauty salon, her husband is jailed and a coloured lover waits. She juggles her life and experiences loses she wishes she’d avoided. Who has secrets? Sybil, the good doctor, her husband, and Nathan’s family.

With probing, secrets are revealed. Are resolutions likely?

At the start, the transition from a necessary trip to Alabama to the unfolding of the fictionalized story occurred smoothly. The conclusion, however, felt disruptive in that the author inserted herself into the story and interrupted my reading enjoyment. I wish another approach had been taken to tie up the last loose end. Still, that revelation when it was exposed, satisfied.

Although this historical period is a painful reminder of the past, I enjoyed S.K. Nicholls’s novel.

 

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com or Amazon.ca (Kindle only)

 

It’s worth a mention all proceeds from this novel will be awarded to The Russell Home for Atypical Children.

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Karen reviews The Birr Elixir by Jo Sparkes.

Our review today comes from Karen. She blogs at http://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com/

Karen chose to read “The Birr Elixir” by Jo Sparkes

The Birr Elixir by Jo Sparkes

Here is her review.

The book introduces you to Marra, a young apprentice in a herb shop. Drail, a comet player, asks for an energy potion. Her instructor, Britta, is dead, and she brews a potion similar to one in Britta’s Book. Drail’s team wins, and they rescue her from her new boss. It is a story of new beginnings, moral values, and belief in one’s capabilities. I will not tell you more about the story than shown in the Goodreads plot description. This would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.

With The Birr Elixir, Jo Sparkes has created a fantasy story of unusual travel companions, a global ball sport and important contests, rivalry between two nations, and intrigue. The Birr Elixir is an entertaining, gripping, and fast-paced read, making you want to read more. I was drawn into the story right away. I felt quite close to the travel companions and their experiences. All characters were believable, still leaving room for the readers’ imagination. The Birr Elixir is a great story for fantasy and sports lovers. The Birr Elixir is the first book of The Legend of the Gamesmen series. The second book in this series, The Agben School, will certainly be one of my next reads.

This is a book to read again.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Book Review Challenge – Karen read Legends of Windemere: Beginning of A Hero by Charles E Yallowitz

Our review today comes from Book Review Challenger Karen. She blogs at http://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com/

Karen chose to read Legends of Windemere: Beginning of a Hero by Charles E Yallowitz

Beginning of A Hero – Charles E Yallowitz

Here is Karen’s review.

My Opinion

The book introduces you to Luke Callindor, a young forest tracker on his quest to become a hero. He wants to be respected for his achievements, not only for his family name. He seizes the opportunity to protect Duke Solomon’s heir from evil – a task which is not as easy as it seemed. It is a story of believing in one’s abilities, finding out who to trust and cooperate with, and to survive. I will not tell you more about the story than shown in the Goodreads plot description. This would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.

With Beginning of a Hero, Charles E. Yallowitz has created a compelling fantasy story of enduring in Windemere and its multitude of inhabitants like half-elves, gnomes, drites, ogres, zombies, snake fiends, and many more, identifying and saving an heir, and young love. Beginning of a Hero is an entertaining, gripping, and not too fast read, making you want to read more. I was drawn into the story right away. I felt quite close to Luke and everything that happened. All characters were believable with all their virtues and flaws. Beginning of a Hero is a great story not only for fantasy lovers; it is an ideal entry for readers who want to read fantasy for the first time. Beginning of a Hero is the first book of the Legends of Windemere series. [Prodigy of Rainbow Tower (#2), Allure of the Gypsies (#3), Family of the Tri-Rune (#4)]

This is a book to read again.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Georgia reviews Business As Usual by E.L. Lindley

Today’s Book Challenge review is from Georgia. She blogs at http://www.georgiarosebooks.com

Georgia chose to read and review “Business As Usual” by E.L. Lindley.

Business As Usual – E.L. Lindley

Here is her review.

I would like to thank E.L.Lindley for gifting me a copy of Business As Usual which I have greatly enjoyed reading. Very well written and fast paced we meet Georgie Connelly who is rather embarrassingly, and reluctantly, undertaking community service after a misunderstanding. She is a documentary film maker which I thought was an original and interesting angle lending itself easily to the possibility of further stories. Georgie is short tempered and difficult but I immediately liked her. Beneath the prickly exterior is a warm hearted soul willing to go the extra mile to help the people she meets. She finds many, particularly social, situations awkward which made me feel empathy for her and Lindley portrays this rather flawed character, as well as all the others, skilfully and consistently throughout the book.

Georgie is already in trouble due to a previous documentary she has made about a white supremacist and despite her friends, Eric and Callie, arranging for an old friend, James Finn, to help protect her, this threat comes swiftly to a violent conclusion.

Georgie is meanwhile setting up her next project with a Russian gangster who is the head of a seedy underworld of drugs, prostitution and people trafficking, Maxim Petrov. Wanting to be portrayed as a successful and legitimate businessman Petrov is charming and personable but as Georgie works to expose him she realises too late the dangerous position she has put herself and those around her in.

Throughout the story James Finn struggles to look after Georgie and she gives him a hard time but there is an attraction growing between them which I couldn’t help hoping would develop but I’ll stop there not wanting to give anything away. The ending was perfect. This story was satisfactorily concluded, but plenty of scope was left for further stories to follow.

I will definitely be reading more by this talented and entertaining author and I highly recommend Business As Usual to all readers who like strong characters and fast paced action thrillers.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Helen reviewed How To Promote and Market Your Book by Madi Preda

Rosie’s book review challenge was really popular, today’s review is from Helen. Find out more about Helen here www.samefacedifferentplace.co.uk

She chose to read “How To Promote and Market Your Book” by Madi Preda.

How to Promote and Market Your Book – Madi Preda

Here is Helen’s review.

My Review of  How To Promote and Market Your Book by Madi Preda

This is a great guide. The introduction is simple: “Have you ever wondered why some authors make a fortune on their writing while so many others who have written wonderful books seem to struggle?”

My advice is: read the entire book; digest it and study it again, chapter by chapter. If this had been around at the time I self-published my first book, my own story as an author might have a happy ending! Yet, I struggled through various strategies, alone, with little or no advice – and at a time when the only tips came from forums. So yes, there are strategies in this book which I have stumbled across anyway (through networking on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads) for example, some of the suggestions for getting reviews.

But for new authors, maybe not so.

This guide combines excellent PR techniques with strategic marketing: just about everything you need to know from how to write a press release to social media networking, and filled with case studies, which show real examples of the theory being put into practice. The one thing I should warn however, is that following a guide like this requires time, effort and patience. It’s maybe not something you can easily fit around a day job, as I’ve found myself doing, but a concentrated campaign akin to running a new business. So new writers take heed – if you crave success, then this guide is definitely for you!

Find a copy of this book on Smashwords or Barnes and Nobel

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Belinda reviewed Jaded by Kristy Feltenberger-Gillespi

Today we have a review from Book Challenge reader Belinda. Belinda’s website is Http://belindamiller.me

Belinda chose to read “Jaded” By Kristy Feltenberger-Gillespi

Jaded – Kristy Feltenberger – Gillespi

Here is her review.

July, 2014

 

“Jaded,” a young adult novel, by Kristy Feltenberger takes place in a commune-like enclosure, Nirvana, in rural Virginia. The town is controlled by a group of elitists that have been in control since the late 1860s and although their technology is primitive and they are unscathed by the Outside, their lives are not the paradise that the name of the town implies. The people follow a strict socio-economic class system, not unlike Orwell’s   “1984”, but instead of using animals, people are classed by the color of their eyes.

 

“Jaded,” revolves around a young girl, Jade, quickly approaching her 17th birthday, at which point she will be forced to make her life choices She has to deal with the death of her beloved grandmother and the developing feelings for her “best friend”, Ty. They embark to find out the secrets they learn after the death of Jade’s grandmother, Rose and the relationship between Nirvana and the Outside. There are just too many secrets to be left buried and Jade and Ty set out to uncover them.

 

The author, Kristy Feltenberger, begins the book with a list of characters and an explanation of eye-color. At first, I was not sure of the necessity of this list, and then I started reading. Very clever. Ms. Feltenberger embraces her main character’s personality and the many changes and decisions that she has to make. Hard enough for an adult, let alone a teenager. This all speaks to the YA Market and the decisions that they must make as they embark on adulthood. She uses language and that flows well and definitely readable for the age group. The subject matter is enjoyable and appealing. All in all, a good read.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Rosie’s Book Review Challenge – Alistair reviewed Death In A Red Canvas Chair by N. A Granger.

Today we have a review from Alistair.

He chose “Death In A Red Canvas Chair” by N.A Granger.

Here is Alistair’s review.

Review – Death in a Red Canvas Chair

 

Could be the start of an interesting series

 

I enjoyed this book. The characters were well drawn and believable. The plot moved along at a good pace most of the time. Towards the end I thought it slowed down as the main characters discussed the evidence and worked out who had done what but suddenly it was all action again.

The plot was well worked but having an ER nurse (Rhe) lead the investigation made me glad I do not live in Pequod as the police department seemed to be unaware of what was going on in their town. Without Rhe who knows what additional disasters might have befallen on the inhabitants.

For me there was a bit too much description of meals, snacks and menus. Of course we all have to eat, but I found it a bit annoying to have so much detail so often. Maybe I was just hungry!

An enjoyable first novel. I look forward to the next.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com