The Book Magnet: July 2023

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BLOG TOUR: Was It Good For You? - Kathryn Freeman

If you’re not a ten on Sophie’s spreadsheet, you’re never getting her between the bedsheets…

No aspect of Sophie’s life goes unrecorded in her Excel spreadsheets, so when she accidentally sends it to her entire contact list instead of just her best friend, Sophie has a lot of uncomfortable explaining to do.

First on the list? Dr Michael Adams. After a disastrous first date, Michael scored a ‘3’ on Sophie’s ‘love life’ tab, but when she shows up to apologise for sharing his result with the world, he issues an unexpected challenge: ten dates to prove that love can’t be calculated by an equation or contained by boxes on a spreadsheet.

Sophie isn’t someone who’s used to thinking outside the digital box, but there’s something about Michael that makes her want to take a chance…

What did I think?

Reading Kathryn Freeman books always put a smile on my face and Was It Good For You? is no exception. It's a sweet, funny and heartwarming romcom that has you rooting for the underdog, who in this case is a man who is perfect for Sophie if only she would look at him instead of at her spreadsheet.

I love spreadsheets! Possibly not as much as Sophie though. Sophie keeps track of her whole life on Excel and even scores her dates so she doesn't waste any time on the wrong man. It seems very clinical and emotionless to score a person based on a first date, although I can see the benefit of it as time is so precious.

Sophie thought her spreadsheet could never be wrong until she met Michael, who accidentally finds out his score and wants to show Sophie that there are more things to consider than the parameters she had scored him against. Although first impressions do count for a lot, it's actually quite sobering to see what happens when you scratch beneath the surface and find out more about a person.

It's so sweet watching Sophie and Michael's relationship grow and I raced through the chapters as I couldn't wait to see what their next date would be and what would happen after the ten dates. I loved the characters (both human and canine) and I loved the storyline - I loved everything about this fabulous romcom.

Fun, heartwarming and sweet, Was It Good For You? is a delightful novel. I'm always in my happy place when there's a Kathryn Freeman book on my kindle and I loved this one.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

A former pharmacist, I now write romantic comedies; books that bring a smile to the face, but also a lump to the throat. Mr Right Across the Street won the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022.

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), the romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links –

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.freeman_author/

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Friday 28 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: Killer Bodies - Heleen Kist

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

In a prestigious Edinburgh apartment building, gym receptionist Evie whiles away long hours doodling the deaths of residents who’ve annoyed her.

On her birthday of all days, a man slumps off the exercise bike — dead. She tries to get help, but someone has locked the doors and the phones are out of reach.

When another resident collapses inexplicably, Evie realises the deaths resemble those she drew … and her sketchbook is missing.

Was she framed...

... or is she next?

What did I think?

After reading Killer Bodies, I can say for certain that I won't be setting foot inside a gym...not that I would want to go anyway. Exercise is bad for you and it's certainly lethal for some of the characters in Heleen Kist's new novel.

There are a lot of entitled and dislikeable characters in the book but I absolutely loved Evie, the gym receptionist. Evie was supposed to be off work for her birthday but she is called in to work at the last minute and she finds herself locked in the gym with a bunch of residents whose deaths she has imagined and drawn in her sketchbook. Then the residents start dying exactly how Evie imagined...

Yikes! This is a pretty dark novel but it has a sprinkling of humour and some really funny drawings that had me laughing out loud. I think I suspected every single character at one point or another as it really could have been any of them. It's very cleverly done and impossible to work out as there are so many different (and dare I say, amusing) ways that people are killed.

Entertaining, imaginative and suspenseful, Killer Bodies is a brilliant locked room murder mystery that had my eyes glued to the page from start to finish. It's so good that I want to read it again! Very highly recommended.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

About the author:

Heleen Kist is a Dutch, formerly globetrotting career woman who fell in love with a Scotsman and his country, and now writes about its (sometimes scary) people from her garden office in Glasgow. 'Killer Bodies' is her fourth novel, inspired by her hatred of exercise.

She was chosen as an up-and-coming new author at Bloody Scotland 2018. Her novels have been finalists in a variety of awards, both in the UK and USA, and she years to some day 'be the bride'.

Heleen hopes you enjoy her writing, and would love to hear from you on twitter (@hkist), Facebook (@heleenkistauthor) or Goodreads. You can also sign up to her newsletter on www.heleenkist.com

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Tuesday 25 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: Eye for An Eye - M.J. Arlidge

OUR MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS HAVE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.

UNTIL NOW...

'Emily' is a devoted single mother.

'Jack' starts a new job in a new town.

'Russell' may be falling in love.

They all share the same secret:

none of them are who they say they are.

They are among only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity, for their own safety, because of their terrible crimes.

But what if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims, who are desperate for revenge?

Probation officer Olivia Campbell is caught in the crossfire of this unprecedented crisis - and as the hunt for the mole behind it all intensifies, so too does the search for the vigilante killers let loose by the leaks...

Everyone is a suspect. Anyone could be a killer.

Who deserves justice? And who gets to decide?

#EyeForAnEye

What did I think?

I love the DI Helen Grace series so I couldn't wait to dive into Eye for An Eye, the new standalone novel from M.J. Arlidge, and what an absolute cracker it is. It is one of THE most thought-provoking books I have ever read and it didn't just leave me talking about it at the end, I was talking about it ALL the way through.

Everyone deserves a second chance...don't they? It's easy enough to say that when you're not the one whose life has been destroyed by the most heinous crime. I could totally empathise with the anger and pain of the families who have lost loved ones, only to see the perpetrator given a new identity after serving an insufficient prison sentence. Why should they have the freedom to live when they took a life?

What an absolutely stunning thriller this is! It had me questioning my own morals and wondering what I would have done if I were in the shoes of every single character. Someone is out to get justice for the families by leaking the new identities of convicted killers, but vigilante justice doesn't make them any better than the killers they are condemning to die.

Scarily realistic and simmering with tension, Eye for An Eye provokes a relentless debate and it is without doubt a book that everyone will be talking about for a very long time. Very highly recommended - do not miss it!

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Friday 21 July 2023

Chaos & Flame (Chaos and Flame Book 1) - Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

An assassin, a soldier, a prince . . . and a deadly game of power, where no one knows the rules. Prepare to enter the world of Chaos and Flame - perfect for fans of Iron Widow and Legendborn.

When Darling Seabreak's family were murdered by the ruthless House Dragon, she swore she'd get revenge. And as a deadly assassin, there's no one she'd rather take out than their bloodthirsty war general, Talon Goldhoard.

Talon Goldhoard has no problem defending his lands from threats - even ones he hates, like the whispers of madness that surround his brother, the High Prince. So when he battles a ferocious girl who looks exactly like the one Caspian has painted obsessively, repeatedly, for years, Talon knows he must capture her alive - and find out exactly what kind of a threat she really is.

What Talon is unprepared for is the thrilling chaos that Darling will bring into his life. With the world they both know appearing to catch fire all around them, these unlikely allies must navigate a game of power, betrayal, destiny - and love - that neither of them could ever have expected.

What did I think?

Chaos & Flame is a great start to a new YA fantasy series and I really enjoyed it.

The book is a collaboration between fantasy author Tessa Gratton and author of graphic novels Justina Ireland. It’s beautifully written and there’s no noticeable change of writing style at any point to make it obvious that there was more than one author.

With houses at war, it’s very reminiscent of Game of Thrones but with added magic in the form of gifts that are particular to each person, ranging from prophecy to invisibility. Caspian, the Prince Regent of House Dragon, has been compelled to paint images of an eyeless girl since he was a young boy. Now Caspian is about to meet Darling in real life, as she has been captured by his brother Talon, but Darling is on a mission to destroy House Dragon.

With chapters written from the point of view of the three main characters, Chaos & Flame is absolutely riveting and completely unpredictable; I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the page. The story ends quite neatly and satisfyingly whilst at the same time leading nicely on to book two, which I am most eager to read.

My rating:

Thursday 13 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: Death at the Caravan Park - Susan Willis

Clive Thompson heads for Whitley Bay caravan park to finish writing his novel. He’s never had a caravan holiday before and is warmly greeted by the manager, Liz Mathews, who lives on the park. She is single and cares for her ninety year old mother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Clive meets the people in neighbouring caravans and has an amazing view from his veranda over the sea to St. Mary’s Lighthouse. However, Audrey goes missing during the night and Liz is beside herself with worry. The police are out looking for her, but disillusioned by their efforts, Clive begins his own investigations.

What did I think?

I love books set in the North East and Whitley Bay is such an idyllic setting for a holiday...and a suspected murder. Susan Willis paints a vivid picture of the area with her carefully crafted words and I think even if you've never been to Whitley Bay, you could quite easily imagine St. Mary's Lighthouse and causeway.

Clive is writing a book set in neighbouring Durham and he thinks that a holiday on his own will help him finish his book. He ends up investigating a death in real life when one of the owners of the caravan park is found dead on the causeway. This might make him sound like a bit of a busybody but I actually think he is just really helpful and kind.

The caravan park setting creates a wonderful mini-community and there are some colourful characters among Clive's temporary neighbours. I loved delving into their backstories and I felt like I was peeking through their caravan windows. One of the neighbours is hiding a huge secret but if anyone can get to the bottom of it, Clive can.

Death at the Caravan Park is a very entertaining cosy mystery in a fabulous setting. It's like a soap opera in a book with lots of secrets, a mysterious death and a bucketful of drama. A very enjoyable read and one to recommend to fans of cosy mysteries and North East based fiction.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

About the author:

Susan is a published author of eight novels and six novellas with short stories published in Women’s Weekly magazines. She is now retired from Food Technology and scribbles away in County Durham. Writing psychological suspense and cosy-crime novels with strong, lovable North East characters, is her passion. Last year, she brought us, Clive’s Christmas Crusades, set in York. Following the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, Susan wrote six Curious Casefiles which is now published by Northodox Press. She has incorporated up-to-date issues: poor mental health in a kidnap scene, the perils of social media, and an intruder on Skype.

Follow Susan Willis: www.susanwillis.co.uk

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Tuesday 11 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: The Prodigal Son (The Shadow of the Raven Book 5) - Chris Bishop

THERE IS REJOICING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS

WESSEX 893. As the kingdom is once more plagued by Viking attacks, Wareham is obliged to strengthen its defences against the threat posed by huge fleet of Viking longships which are rampaging along the south coast and could strike there at any time.

Meanwhile, having recognised Edward’s true lineage, King Alfred fears that the boy may fall victim to every fraudster in the realm seeking to get their hands on the vast fortune he’s set to inherit. Worse still, given his newly established bloodline, he could well be used by those wishing to usurp Alfred as King.

The most immediate threat to the boy comes from his treacherous uncle, Edmund, who has already tried once to kill him and failed. He is believed to have fled to join a band of desperate thieves in Wareham Forest from where he could strike again at any time.

What did I think?

The Prodigal Son is book five in the Shadow of the Raven series, which is one of my favourite historical fiction series. Although it can be read as a standalone, it is an absolutely brilliant instalment when read as part of the series.

I was completely invested in Edward's life and the threats on his life from his evil Uncle Edmund had my heart racing and my blood boiling. Edmund wants what he thinks is rightfully his and only his nephew Edward stands in his way. I loved how Edmund ends up living with a bunch of outlaws in the forest, but there really is no honour among thieves and they all have their eyes on the loot.

The writing is exceptional as Chris Bishop brings Anglo Saxon England to life and I felt fully immersed in this dark and dangerous historical period. The threat from the Vikings once again hangs over Wessex but for Edward, the danger is much closer to home and he can't trust anyone.

Impeccably researched with facts and fiction intertwining to create a highly entertaining story, The Prodigal Son is an outstanding conclusion to a phenomenal series. I really cannot recommend the whole Shadow of the Raven series highly enough and if you just happen to have picked up and enjoyed The Prodigal Son, then you will love the rest of the series.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Sunday 9 July 2023

Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding

Seven women stand in shock in a seedy hotel room; a man's severed head sits in the centre of the floor. Each of the women - the wife, the teenager, the ex, the journalist, the colleague, the friend, and the woman who raised him - has a very good reason to have done it, yet each swears she didn't. In order to protect each other, they must figure out who did.

Against the ticking clock of a murder investigation, each woman's secret is brought to light as the connections between them converge to reveal a killer.

An addictive feminist thriller about love, loyalty, and manipulation, Speak of the Devil explores the roles in which women are cast in the lives of terrible men . . . and the fallout when they refuse to stay silent for one moment longer.

What did I think?

I didn't realise Speak of the Devil was set in Newcastle until I started reading, so I was delighted with the local setting of Rose Wilding's fabulous debut novel. I love books set in my native North East and this one is an absolute cracker!

The story begins on New Year's Eve 1999 but there's one man who won't see in the new millennium. Jamie Spellman's severed head greets seven women when they gather in a hotel room but nobody is shedding any tears over his death. They all had very good reasons to kill him as I think he is the most vile man ever to have been created in a fictional novel.

The story is told from each woman's perspective, as well as from the point of view of the detective who is investigating his murder. It's a book that has you constantly questioning 'whodunnit?' whilst getting more and more furious at the way Jamie has treated all of the women in his life. It really could have been any of them and as each one's story is revealed, I really couldn't blame them either.

I absolutely love the way that Rose Wilding incorporates the Geordie accent into speech within the book; it's done brilliantly and really brings the book and the characters to life. It really is a fantastic debut novel (I had to double check it actually was a debut as the writing is so accomplished).

Dark, twisty and fury-inducing, Speak of the Devil is a powerful feminist thriller from a magnificent debut author who is heading straight onto my watch list. A highly recommended read and one that would be brilliant to discuss at book groups. #WeWillSpeakOfTheDevil

I received a paperback copy to read for the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Friday 7 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: The Ghost Ship (The Joubert Family Chronicles book 3) - Kate Mosse

The Barbary Coast, 1621. A mysterious vessel floats silently on the water. It is known only as the Ghost Ship. For months, its captain - Louise Reydon-Joubert - and her courageous crew has hunted pirates to liberate those enslaved during the course of their merciless raids.

But now the Ghost Ship is under attack – its hull splintered, its sails tattered and burnt, and the crew at risk of capture. But the bravest among them are not who they seem. Louise is fleeing a miscarriage of justice; her lover, Gilles Barenton, is at risk of being exposed - she is forced to masquerade as her brother. The stakes could not be higher: if arrested, they will be hanged for their crimes. Can they survive the journey and escape their fate?

A sweeping and epic queer love story, ranging from France in 1610 to Amsterdam and the Canary Islands in the 1620s, The Ghost Ship is a thrilling novel of adventure and buccaneering, love and revenge, stolen fortunes and hidden secrets on the High Seas. Most of all, it is a tale of defiant women in a man's world.

What did I think?

I have been adding Kate Mosse novels to my book collection for a number of years but shockingly, The Ghost Ship is the first of her novels that I have read. The Ghost Ship is the third book in The Joubert Family Chronicles and it can totally be read as a standalone as I absolutely loved it and didn't feel at all disadvantaged that I hadn't read the earlier books in the series.

I love historical fiction and particularly enjoy seeing a cast of characters and maps in a book. The Ghost Ship has both...and more; there's not just one map, there are three and that's without counting the maps on the beautiful endpapers. The maps add an extra dimension to the fully immersive experience already created by Kate Mosse's vivid and evocative writing.

Set in the early 17th century, Louise Reydon-Joubert is breaking down the barriers that hold women in their place. Louise doesn't just own a ship, she's the captain of it and she is respected and loved by her crew. Of course, there are some that would see Louise put back in her place and there's some delightful skulduggery afoot.

I was completely riveted by the whole story and the blossoming romance between Louise and Gilles is beautifully portrayed. I am even more eager to read the earlier books in the series now and I will be returning to The Ghost Ship when I read the whole series.

Filled with adventure, passion and danger, The Ghost Ship is an outstanding historical fiction novel with a feminist slant. It's an instant classic and very highly recommended.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Thursday 6 July 2023

PUBLICATION DAY PROMO: Queuing for the Queen - Swéta Rana

I am delighted to help share the paperback publication day love for Swéta Rana's novel Queuing for the Queen. This book sounds absolutely delightful and I will be adding to my wish list. Scroll down to find out more.

One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.

A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.

A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.

An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.

And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.

Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

Kobo – the ebook is currently only 99p!!!

About the author:

Swéta Rana was born into a Gujarati family in Birmingham, and now lives in south London. She studied Philosophy and Theology at Oxford before doing a Master’s in Publishing at UCL. After working briefly in editorial at Orion, she moved into designing and managing commercial websites.

Swéta has enjoyed writing ever since she was a child, always taking any opportunity she can to write fiction pieces, film reviews, or articles on Indian culture. Queuing for the Queen is her first novel.

In her spare time, Swéta takes Hindi language classes, sings soprano in a chamber choir, and volunteers for a mental health charity.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @s_rana_

Website: https://swetarana.com/

Tuesday 4 July 2023

BLOG TOUR: The Wedding Dress Repair Shop - Trisha Ashley

Can her heart be mended too?

Garland Fairford has her dream job as a historical Costumier in London and is engaged to a handsome and successful playwright, Marco.

Whilst working on an exhibition of dresses owned by a Victorian actress, Garland meets a long-lost relative - Honey Fairford. Having no family, Garland is delighted, and intrigued to discover Honey is planning to open a wedding dress museum in Lancashire.

When Garland loses her fiancée and her job in the same week, she is excited to accept Honey's offer to work at the museum. Escaping London, and her old life, Garland is then shocked to be confronted with a ghost from her past - Thom.

As Garland starts to repair the beautiful vintage wedding dresses for the museum, as well as her relationship with Thom, could this finally be the chance for her own happy-ever-after?

What did I think?

I am absolutely astonished that The Wedding Dress Repair Shop appears to be the first Trisha Ashley book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's incredibly heartwarming and very intriguing with a family mystery to uncover as well as the story of each wedding dress that has been donated to the museum.

Everything is going right for Garland Fairford and she must feel very lucky to have both a job and a fiancé that she loves, but it quickly becomes clear that not everything in Garland's garden is rosy. Garland's fiancé Marco is a self-centred swearword of a man and I absolutely detested him and his treatment of Garland.

Luckily for Garland, a distant relative (Honey Fairford) provides her with the perfect escape when her life in London goes pear-shaped. You might expect from the book title that Garland opens a wedding dress repair shop but she doesn't, she ends up repairing wedding dresses for Honey's new museum. Garland doesn't have a shop open to the general public so I have to say that I was a little perplexed about the choice of book title, however, it is a wonderful story and the Wedding Dress museum sounds amazing.

I loved the excerpts from Honey and Garland's ancestor's journal that are sprinkled throughout the book. Rosa-May's story is set in 1815 as her new husband prepares to fight in the Battle of Waterloo and it ties in nicely with the wedding dress museum storyline. The stories about each wedding dress are so poignant and one particular wedding dress story brought a tear to my eye, I feel emotional now just thinking about it.

Beautifully written and a joy to read, The Wedding Dress Repair Shop is a heartwarming and alluring novel that delighted me from start to finish (even the bits with nasty Marco in). It may be my first Trisha Ashley book, but it certainly won't be my last - I loved it.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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