Christmas at Tillingford Hall (Tillingford Hall book 2) - Flora Dunn

Charlotte Patcham’s dream job running the Bath Physick Garden has turned into a nightmare: the underfunded garden has become a target for vandals, and her career and her social life are succumbing to mildew.

So why does she hesitate to take the job of Head Gardener at Hampshire’s famous Tillingford Hall? Could it be because her lying, thieving, cheating ex, Sebastian Seaton-Smyth, has also returned to work there after he left Tillingford Hall in disgrace?

But when fate pushes Charlie towards Tillingford Hall can she learn to work alongside Seb so they can get everything ready for the public in time for the opening Christmas concert?

And could Steve Silver, the foxy tree surgeon, be the kind of steady man Charlie could take to spend Christmas with her parents, or might Charlie and Seb reignite their sparkle in time?

 

What did I think?

Christmas at Tillingford Hall is the second book in the Tillingford Hall series but it is the first one that I have read.  Whilst I would have benefited from reading the first book, it works perfectly well as a standalone.  I think even though events from the first book are mentioned, I would still like to read Summer at Tillingford Hall to discover Alice and Guy's story.

Charlotte is nursing a broken heart after discovering her boyfriend Seb has been cheating on her so the last thing she needs is to keep running into him every day.  Charlotte really values her friends though and she returns to Tillingford Hall to help Alice and Guy bring life back to the walled garden.  Unfortunately for Charlie, Seb has also returned to Tillingford Hall as Guy has forgiven him for what he did in the summer but Charlie can't do the same.

I loved Charlie and her enthusiasm for gardening.  I can totally understand that she wants nothing to do with Seb but as times goes on she learns more of his story and the ice around her heart starts to thaw.  I really didn't like Steve the tree surgeon though; he's the type of guy who calls his girlfriend 'Princess' because he can't remember her name.  Charlie likes the attention at first but there's a dark and dangerous side to Steve...

Although Christmas at Tillingford Hall is a Christmas story, there are some serious and powerful topics covered including abusive relationships, addiction and forgiveness.  Flora Dunn covers these issues with sensitivity and respect and it makes the characters more realistic and relatable.

Heartwarming, uplifting and entertaining, Christmas at Tillingford Hall is a fun and thought-provoking festive romcom.  Any reader would be delighted to find this under their tree.

I received a gifted paperback from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Weave Your Magic (Molland Sisters Book 1) - Caroline Hogg

Temperance Molland doesn’t want much. Just true love. Fed up with rubbish first dates, she drunkenly dreams up the perfect love story – unaware that combining moonlight, expired rum and her witchy DNA will start all kinds of trouble…

The next day Temperance wakes up to a stinking hangover and a worse premonition: something dangerous is headed to their village. When she runs into Abel Gulliver, she can’t believe her eyes: her childhood best friend, her first love, the boy who broke her heart 12 years ago. Whatever curse she's triggered has dragged Abel back home against his will and she’s going to have to keep him there until she figures it all out.

And it’s not enough to be plagued by visions of purple lightning and burning wildflowers, now property developers are after their cosy corner of the South Coast. With her sister Suse using magic to see off the fat cats, it’s up to Temperance to keep Abel safe. If only she could work out what was so terrible about their first kiss, all those years ago, that means he can’t look her in the eye. To her, it was spellbinding…

A gorgeous and spicy romantic comedy with a witchy twist, perfect for fans of Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood, The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling and the movie Practical Magic.

 

What did I think?

It was an absolute pleasure to read Weave Your Magic and, as it's the first book in the series, I am delighted that it's not the last we will hear from the Molland sisters.

Temperence and Susie run a second-hand shop in Devon and they have a magical gift that enables them to read the memories attached to clothes.  This is such a lovely idea but it also has a dark side as not all memories are happy.  Temperence knows all about that because she picked up her best friend's hoodie after their teenage kiss and experienced Abel's hurtful feelings.

Abel is definitely the one that got away for Temperence and now he's back.  The sexual chemistry between them sizzles off the page but Temperence knows how Abel really feels and his actions confirm that.   It's a brilliant will they/won't they hook and there's certainly magic (and a dangerous curse) in the air.

I really loved this book; it's funny, magical and filled with danger.  My eyes were glued to the page from start to finish and I couldn't read fast enough to find out how it would all end but I also didn't want the book to finish as I was loving it so much.  What a great dilemma to have when reading!

Weave Your Magic is a fabulous magical romcom novel from Caroline Hogg.  I can't wait to read more and will definitely be adding Find Your Magic to my TBR. 

I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Artificial Artifacts - John Fennec

A visionary debut collection exploring the rise of artificial intelligence and adapted technologies and their ethical and social impacts on the human experience.

From a small rural American town subjected to horrors brought by an elaborate deep-fake hoax, to Black Mirror-esque fables about technology dependency, age extension, and psychological invasions, Artificial Artifacts invites readers on a journey where the boundaries between human and machine blur, and the consequences of our creations become chillingly profound.

As enigmatic tech mogul Peter Byrell's story unfolds, so does the tapestry of our digital age, leaving us to ponder: in a world where truth is malleable and consciousness is encoded, what does it truly mean to be human? 

What did I think?

I don't usually read short stories but this collection of futuristic stories was just too difficult to resist and I am so pleased that I read Artificial Artifacts as it is unlike anything I have ever read before.

There are 11 stories in the book and they are all very easy to read (so don't worry if you're not up to date with technology).  Some of the stories do have a business theme but I think they are easy to follow.

I think everyone will have a favourite story in this collection and it's actually the first one that has remained with me as I particularly enjoyed the reverse timeline.  It's very clever and I was completely riveted.

Artificial Artifacts is incredibly thought-provoking and scarily realistic.  John Fennec portrays a future that is quite easy to imagine and it gave me 1984 vibes; I wonder if I'll pick it up in 10 or 20 years time to see how much has come true.  Watch this space!

I received a gifted hardback for the Love Books Tours Bookstagram Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

John Fennec is a debut author and seasoned professional investor, whose insights into technology and life sciences significantly inform his writing. His recent work in artificial intelligence revealed its vast potential as well as haunting implications, inspiring him to fulfil his lifelong dream of authorship. With support of a family of scientists and colleagues in tech, John crafts stories grounded in realism, which he terms ‘the art of the plausible’. John wants you to know that he writes the old-fashioned way, unassisted by A.I. generated content. Residing in London with his supportive wife and three children, John balances his professional pursuits with a rewarding family life.

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BLOG TOUR: Strange Eden (The Strange Eden Series Book 1) - Gina Giordano

Everything familiar to Eliza has been ripped away. Even worse, the cruel deed was done by her own hands.

Nassau, Bahamas, 1791…

Eliza Sharpe, recently wed to a mysterious and brooding soldier, departs for the West Indies with him to begin their new life. Once there, she realizes their marital arrangement is ill-fated and that she has made a disastrous choice. Charles, the man she finds herself bound to, is nothing short of a monster.

On their very first night in New Providence, her innocence is irrevocably shattered. The walls of her new home hide a dark family secret, and Eliza realizes that the freedom she sought within marriage is a worse cage than the constraints she faced before.

Eliza struggles with her new existence, her exposure to Charles’ explosive temper, the brutality of slavery, and her isolation as she tries to grow accustomed to life on distant shores. The only source of comfort she finds is swimming in the startlingly clear ocean, an activity Charles expressly forbids.

As she attempts to flee her deteriorating situation, an unexpected encounter with a beguiling stranger named Jean offers a promise of escape. Despite the dark rumors that swirl around her recent acquaintance and his mysterious past, he captures Eliza’s interest, and ultimately, her heart―with deadly consequences.

On an island where nothing is as it appears, Eliza is confronted with the harsh realities of living on the fringe of empire, of womanhood, and the overt corruption that festers in the governor’s mansion on the hill. Will she ever be able to secure her freedom―and possibly even find redemption in love?

 

What did I think?

Wow!  What a fantastic book this is!  Strange Eden in the first book in the Strange Eden series and it has more than whetted my appetite to continue the story.  No review I write will do it justice so if you only read this far make sure to click the purchase link below as you definitely won't regret it. 

I knew I was going to like Eliza from the start as she is a book lover and I am smiling just thinking of how much she values her books; I have to say that I would have done exactly the same in her position.  The character that didn't endear themselves to me was her new husband Charles.  Charles and Eliza set sail to the Caribbean to start their new married life and, without giving anything away, it's not as idyllic as she hoped.

Oh if only I could have reached into the book, I would have been arrested for literary homicide as Charles is abhorrent.  Eliza is stronger than she realises though and she has a good moral compass which is why she struggles with the slavery on the island.  The class divide is shocking and disturbing as people are treated like possessions and of course where there is power there is treachery so Eliza may be fighting a battle she can never win.

Strange Eden is a relatively chunky book at 517 pages but I could have read more (and indeed I will as I'll be reading book two very soon).  Gina Giordano's writing is vivid and evocative as her beautiful words paint a colourful picture of the island and the characters.

Atmospheric, captivating and moving, Strange Eden is an enthralling saga that swept me away to an island that is certainly not paradise.  It's an impressive debut novel and a fantastic start to what I'm sure will be a compelling series.  Unputdownable and unmissable - an easy five stars and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Zooloos Book Tours blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link:

https://mybook.to/strangeeden-zbt

About the author:

Gina Giordano always had an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for history. Born in New York City, she is a writer, artist, and a conjurer of the past. She holds a BA in history and a master’s degree in historical fiction from New York University, and has traveled to over sixty-five countries across the globe. When she is not climbing ancient ruins or exploring forgotten palaces, she enjoys swimming with sharks in remote pristine waters. Her debut novel, Strange Eden, was longlisted for the 2023 Bath Novel Award.

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The Green Feathers (Mike Kingdom Thrillers book 5) - David Jarvis

When a butterfly flaps its wings in the Caribbean, it causes storms in Europe.

The British King and Prime Minister have arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, along with the leaders of the other fifty-five countries in the Commonwealth, for its biennial meeting. Two shots ring out causing panic on the steps of the Mahaica Convention Centre.

The previous month, Tina Persad, an MI6 agent with Caribbean experience, had been sent to find out whether rumoured threats to the meeting were real or not. Then days before it was due to start, she had disappeared without trace.

Michaela 'Mike' Kingdom, a CIA analyst in London, may have been the last person to see her alive when they had a drink together in The Green Feathers. With Tina missing, Mike makes it her mission to find her friend, despite warnings not to get involved.

The butterfly may have already flapped its wings, but can Mike find Tina before the Heavens open?

 

What did I think?

The Green Feathers is book 5 in the Mike Kingdom Thrillers series but it's the first one that I have read and I am HOOKED!!!  I was a little concerned about jumping into such a well-established series at such a late point but I needn't have worried as I couldn't put it down.

The first thing that surprised me is that Mike is female (it's short for Michaela) and she is such an intriguing and fiery character; she's like a stick of dynamite and you really don't want to light her fuse!  I really want to read more of her back story so I will definitely be adding the earlier books to my TBR tower.

The prologue is an absolutely brilliant hook and the shooting is mentioned in the blurb so it's not a spoiler to say that I couldn't read fast enough to discover who had got shot.  Like a boxer on the ropes, the hooks just keep on coming when Mike's friend Tina goes missing.  What did Tina discover and why don't the security services want Mike to look for her?

I'm surprised I didn't get blisters on my fingers I was turning the pages so fast.  The Green Feathers has all the adjectives that thriller readers devour: it's intriguing, gripping, thrilling, fast-paced, compelling, tense and suspenseful to name but a few.  I'm so pleased that I wasn't put off about starting the series so late and I will definitely be reading the earlier books and looking out for future instalments.

The Green Feathers is an outstanding spy thriller that has a razor-sharp plot, a blisteringly fast pace and is exquisitely written by David Jarvis.  An easy five stars and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback from the author that I chose to read; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Hobeck Books

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: One by One - Sam Frances

Ten years since she was pushed. Now someone is back for the rest... 

With tensions between the police and public at an all-time high, a music festival during a heatwave is the last thing DS Alice Washington needs. When she learns that the headline act is infamous rock band The Dolls, appearing for the first time since the lead singer Ris was pushed to her death. 

It was an open-and-shut case: Ris's best friend was witnessed committing the crime by hundreds of people. But when The Dolls start receiving death threats, Alice is forced to reexamine the events leading up to Ris's murder. Was it really just teenage jealousy, or is there something more sinister beneath the surface? 

As the threats escalate, Alice must race to uncover the truth before someone else gets hurt. Because while Ris's killer has been behind bars for ten years, it's clear someone is still out for blood. 

 

What did I think?

One by One is the second book in the DS Alice Washington series but it can definitely be read as a standalone as it was my introduction to the series and I loved it.  Sam Frances is from my local area and there's a good helping of Geordie humour (as well as a Geordie character) throughout the book.  

I knew I was going to love this book before I even finished the first sentence of chapter one and I wasn't wrong.  Sam Frances' writing is so witty and insightful that I frequently laughed out loud and often said: "that's so true".  There's a scene with a banana (it's not what you think) that made me almost choke I was laughing so much.  I was delighted to spot a most excellent Bill & Ted reference too and I want to read it again to see what else I might have missed.  It's unusual to have so much humour in a crime novel and it really makes this book stand out in such a popular genre.

The crime part of the plot is riveting as the mystery is twofold: what really happened to the lead singer of rock band The Dolls 10 years ago and who is after the rest of the band at their reunion gig.  Needless to say, I didn't guess either answer correctly and it's one occasion where I'm more than happy to be wrong.

Gripping, unpredictable and wonderfully witty, One by One is an absolute belter of a crime novel.  I will definitely be ordering the first book in the series and I've already got my hands out like Oliver Twist pleading for more.  Unmissable and unputdownable; an easy five stars that just doesn't seem quite enough when a book is as exceptional as this.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Sam Frances is a British crime thriller author from Tyne and Wear. She writes stories that combine her love of sardonic characters with her background in policing and lives in London with her partner and their wolf pack of pets. 

When not writing (or daydreaming about writing or listening to writing podcasts), she can usually be found no more than 9-10 metres from a block of cheese, either in deep conversation with one of her cats, or playing a musical instrument poorly. 

Find Sam on IG: @samfranwriter | X: @SamFranWriter 

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The Hunger of the Dragon (The Forbidden Runes Series Book 1) - R.M. Schultz

Divine remnants are hoarded, stolen, and killed for.

These items grant powerful magics to those with the strength to wield them.

The war of the gods has passed, leaving Midgard without direction, but vengeance and the battle for control has just begun.

A berserker of the Raven must protect her magical items from those bent on stealing them while a Wolf warrior renounces her clan to pursue the impossible—harnessing the magics of the Dragon. A thief of the Wolf is led astray and will never regain what is taken from him. They protect their own, claim what they can, and rise to power in waves of glory.

But when a mysterious new clan emerges seeking to conquer all, the Ravens and Wolves must safeguard their divine remains or destroy each other.

The resulting war will determine the fate of each clan as they succumb to the hunger of the Dragon and the forbidden runes.

 

What did I think?

It took me a while to get into The Hunger of the Dragon as I'm quite new to fantasy and there are a lot of Norse names of people in various clans to remember.  There is a map at the start and a glossary of Norse words at the back that contains a cast of characters so it's well worth referring to this as you go along. 

The story is told from three different points of view: Märren (a grieving mother who is searching for a dragon scale), Caëtin (a shapeshifting raven and adopted daughter of the jarl) and Belfedrn (a wolf warrior and Märren's cousin).  I liked all characters but I really felt for Märren who lost her daughter and is understandably struggling with her mental health.

Whilst I liked the multiple points of view, I found it a little difficult to follow at times and I was just getting used to the characters in the chapter by the time it ended.  I think anyone used to reading fantasy would cope better than I did.  I loved reading about the various clans and their particular magic skills. 

Filled with Norse mythology and battling clans, The Hunger of the Dragon is like a cross between Vikings and Game of Thrones, so if you love this type of story then it's definitely worth a read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon