Review For Gifted By Annalise Hulse

Review For Gifted
By Annalise Hulse

What really happens when we die?
It wasn't a question that seventeen year old Evangeline Devine - Evie to her friends - had ever thought about much. There was no reason why she should - her life on the small island of Jersey with her family and best friend Seth was untouched by tragedy, idyllic even.
Until the day that Evie nearly dies herself. When Seth pulls her from the watery depths that nearly claim her life, Evie is no longer the carefree girl she was. For now she is the recipient of an unwelcome supernatural gift. Now the dead are all around and impossible to ignore.
But when someone close to her dies mysteriously, Evie is forced to embrace her new power, for she may be the only one that can prove that it was no accident. Someone is getting away with murder.
With only the spirit world for guidance, Evie sets out to uncover the truth and find the vital evidence she needs to get the case re-opened.Soon she finds herself torn between her feelings for best friend Seth, who she's begun to see in a whole new light since he saved her life, and the powerfully charismatic Piers Du Pont, who she finds herself inexplicably drawn to, even though he might just be the killer that she seeks.
As events unfold, dark secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested to their limits and Evie discovers that the path that Fate has chosen for her is more terrifying than she ever could have imagined.
Life, should she survive, will never be the same again..........

"Gifted" is the first installment in The Evangeline Devine Series, a supernatural suspense quadrilogy suitable for ages 12 and upwards

My Thoughts

Wow, where do I begin. I feel like I have been on such an emotional roller-coaster. Evie was such a well written character and I liked her instantly and felt connected to her, every emotion she went through I was right there along side her I felt her fear and happiness as if it was my own.

Just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out and I thought I had guessed who was behind the murder the author throws a curve ball that leaves you reeling. I though I had figured it out twice before the truth was finally revealed and wow, what a moment that was. 

I loved Evie she was a well adjusted teenager and I felt the author did such a ggod job at giving Evie a teenage voice. Evie's gift may have been unexpected but she soon accepts it when she realises that she could be the only one who could find out the truth of the murders so putting her own fears aside she sets out to uncover the truth. which is what Evie does, she always puts others before herself and I loved her for it

Seth may well be my new boy book crush, and I really liked that we got to see some of the story from his Pov 

My other favourite character was Esther, her story had my heartbreaking and she was such a lovely character I really enjoyed finding out about her and hearing about her life

This book in my opinion as it all, ghosts a supernatural element, romance, hot guys (What more could a girl ask for)and strong characters. 

I will definitely be adding the next instalment to my to read list. A brilliant read. I loved it. 

Review for The Flight Of The Griffin By C M Gray

Review for The Flight Of The Griffin
By C M Gray

Living in their old boat ‘The Griffin’ five young characters become the unlikely heroes at the end of time when a burglary sets them on the path to finish the ‘Last great Spell’ - a spell to stop the balance of the World tipping into Chaos...

They become the Magician, Thief, Priest and Fighter when a magical book guides them upon a quest that pits them against magic, demons and ‘The Hawk,’ an evil hunter of men.

Join a race against time to find three crystal skulls that must be brought together, while all the forces of Chaos try everything to stop them! 

My Thoughts
What I loved about this book is despite the fact I am in my Thirties *shhhh* and I am a mummy, I thourghly enjoyed this book, it appealed to the child in me and I fully immersed myself in the quest that the four boys along with Mahra set out on to retrieve the crystal skulls and keep the world in order and prevent the demon king from tipping the world into chaos. I felt like I faced the dangers along with the five children

each character had individual powers, gifts and individual personalities, I think Mahra was my favourite she often made me laugh when she acted like a cat even in her human form.

these brave children battle bravely and selflessly and there loyalty to one another was wonderful.

the story moves along at a quick pace and the descriptions are very well "shown" I liked how the perspective was shifted on occasion from the heroes perspective to the bad guys perspective showing us the readers how much danger the heroes were in before they knew themselves

A great story for MG-YA readers but one that even adults can fully enjoy and appreciate. 

Cover Reveal: Shift, By Raine Thomas

I am so excited to be part of the the cover reveal for Raine Thomas new book Shift! The second book in the Firstborn Trilogy.
Raine is one of my favorite Indie authors and I am honored too be able to share the cover with you.

Blurb for SHIFT by Raine Thomas
Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.
A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.
Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.
The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.

Wow the cover is stunningly beautiful, How gorgeous is Sophia. I want to be her.

Shift is out Friday 24 August, watch this space for my review

Busy busy busy

I have been really busy lately reading books authors have sent me for book reviews and also working on my own story Forest Falls. My sister in law as offered to go through my MS for me to check for the many grammar and punctuation mistakes that I know they will be, its handy having an English teacher as a sister in law but I have to get a move on so she can go through it before the new term starts in September that only gives me a few weeks to finish the second draft and re edit it so I can send it to her. once I hve it back from her I will then be having it beta read *gulp* and then will look in to the big bad world of publishing *even bigger gulp*
I have read some great books lately so check out my recent reviews. I an really excited about the book I am currently reading for review but as it is an advance copy I cant go into detail but watch this space. It is by my favourite Indie Author of all time and feel honoured to be able to read and review.
and I am doing all this while doing my day job and looking after my little man
Anyway that is what I have been up to recently, its been a while since I gave an update on my writing so consider it done.

Review For The Nightmare Stone By Finian Black

Review For The Nightmare Stone
By Finian Black

The ultimate lucky break gives John Harris and his family the opportunity to fulfill their wildest dreams. But all dreams have a darker side, and John's past is never far away, ready to reach through to cast its shadow.
One hundred years ago, their new home was the scene for strange events that cannot easily be explained.
As John feels his past draw ever nearer, he knows that he must face up to his deepest fears if he is to prevent history repeating itself.
And as the past and present collide, a force beyond his control or comprehension is looking for one, final battle.


My Thoughts

I loved this book so much and I know I will be reading it again something that I don't often do I have very few books on my To read over and over again shelf but this will be one of them. not only that it is the first ghost/horror story to be put there

I loved how the author put a new twist on the beloved children's character peter pan, it worked so well with this story I am not sure I will ever be able to read peter pan to my son in the same way again. haha. 

I really felt a real connection and empathy with the characters and the descriptions of the house and surroundings were well written and whether the story was told in the present day or the past it flowed seamlessly the author as clearly done his research. 

the twists and turns kept me guessing through out I never once figured it out before I was told despite my best efforts. I went through many different emotions while reading I would advise tissues for anyone who reads it.

A brilliant well thought out chilling read that will make me question every shadow I see from now on and I look forward to reading more from this author

Goodbye Chris

I am going to take a break on my usual posts to express how gutted I am that Chris Moyles as announced he will be wrapping up the breakfast show, and yes I know to many of you, you will be thinking its just a radio show but for me its so much more, every morning I drag my sulky behind out of bed ready for another day at work, I sulk all the way to work until 6.30 when I can put my earphone in and I hear the open bars of the cheesy song and then I am transformed the banter and the naturalness between the whole time is unique and makes you feel like ytou are listening in on someones convesation. for 3 and 1/3 hours everyday Chris and the team entertain us and occasionlly play some music.
I have often attracted strange looks fom my colleges when I bust into fits of laughter. Today howeve they saw me turn into an emotional wreck as Chris announced that in a couple of months he will be leaving the show.
I know they will be many who don't agree with my feeling on the Chris Moyles and the team, his out outspokenness and honesty can be quiet controversial but I like that, in a world where lies and deceit are part of everyday Chris Moyles is a breath of fresh air I wish Chris and the team, Dave Vitty (Comedy Dave) Aled Jones, Dominic Byrne Tina Daheley Freya Last and Pippa all the best in the future.
This wont be the last we see of Chris and I will watch out for his future work but I will miss hearing him every morning. so with that I would Like to say thank you to the all who work on the Chris Moyles show its been a great 8 and 1/2 years and I will miss you all.

Thank you for baring with me on this post it as been an emotional day for me hearing this news and I needed an outlet, an outlet for me is to write about it hence this post.I Cant count the amount of times Chris as said something that as trigged a story idea I hope Nick Grimshaw will leave up to the task when he takes over.

Review For The Pram
By Betty Woodcock

When Carrie buys a secondhand pram for her eagerly awaited grandchild, she doesn't realise it is a trap, or expect to be terrorized by her own aborted baby seeking vengeance . . . 
And so her nightmare begins . . .

She struggles to hide her revulsion of her scary grandchild, and her fear increases tenfold when it talks to her in her head. Then she begins to see ghosts and is convinced she is losing her mind, and tells no one of her escalating bizarre experiences. When the vindictive blasts of pain in her head coincide with her long-ago lover unexpectedly coming back into her life, she can't resist asking his advice on how to deal with the weird baby; unfortunately this adds further complications to her problems. 

She has to keep him and the malevolent baby apart, because neither know that he is the father

My Thoughts

I received this book from the Author in exchange for a review, and I am pleased to say I was enthralled from the moment I picked it up. The blurb got my attention straight away and the story didn't let me down, it as many twists and turns that keeps you guessing the outcome Betty did a great job at keeping me hooked on the story as Carrie's dilemma unfolded. It was a new take on a ghost story. the characters where engaging and believable, and I loved the inner workings of Carrie's mind, her daughter annoyed me as she took advantage so much and I wanted her to stop been so selfish. However she was a new mother and if I didn't already know what Carrie was going through I would have completely understood.

I will be taking extra care when I need to purchase my next pram.

A great riveting read and very cleverly written. I look forward to read more of Betty Woodcocks books

Muse To My Ears

While sitting at my computer last night I was eager to get writing. The house was quite and this never happens, My other half was out and my son was tucked up in bed. I finally had the peace and quite I complain I never get and I couldn't wait to get writing... Except my mind went blank, and I couldn't think of a thing to write. This isn't what I expected to happen, surely my fingers should be tapping away at the keyboard as the words flowed out. how ever all I got was nothing. Nada. Zilch, what was wrong with me. Then it hit me, I need noise, I need the constant noise of my three year old running round the house laughing , playing, shouting, the thing normal three year old get up to and yes even Mickey mouse on the TV works as a muse.
Even the noise at work helps although I don't have my laptop there but I have my notebook with me at all times.

So here I am again while my son insists on using me as a trampoline or a climbing frame while I type away at the computer and I have already managed to get twice as many words down as I did last night. so from now on I will stop complaining about not having peace and quite and embrace the noise.

Obviously I need no better muse than my son and the constant natter.who am I to try and change things.

Got me wondering though when it comes to muses where do other writers get there inspiration from? Do others prefer the quite to write or like me do they prefer the hustle and bustle of daily life?

Review for The Not So Secret Emails Of Coco Pinchard by Robert Bryndza

Coco Pinchard is a successful writer. Her husband Daniel is a self-absorbed musician. Her teenage son Rosencrantz is a wannabe actor and her mother-in-law Ethel is her worst enemy. Thank god she has friends Chris, an ageing trust fund kid and Marika a no-nonsense schoolteacher. 

Over Christmas, Coco realises her marriage is on the rocks and that Daniel is losing interest. He breaks with his tradition of buying her jewellery and instead gets her an iPhone. He also announces he has accepted a job in America without telling her. A few weeks later Coco finds him in bed with a younger woman, she throws him out and gets very drunk. Waking up the next morning on the bathroom floor she realises she is booked to do a radio interview to promote her novel.

Coco still drunk, makes an on-air joke about the head of an influential Television book club. Her novel is withdrawn and pulped. Ethel is evicted from her nursing home and comes to stay and Rosencrantz is held on a drugs charge whilst visiting Daniel in America. Coco reaches rock bottom when The Daily Mail newspaper runs an article about her dysfunctional family.

However, her life is transformed when Angie a fearsome Literary Agent signs her. She also acquires a local allotment, not to grow plants but to get close to Adam, the dashing hunk with the firm produce...

Read the emails, which tell the hilarious heart warming tale of Coco picking up the pieces.

My Thoughts

First off although asked to read and review this book by the author as soon as I read the blurb I new instantly that this would be just the sort of book I would love and I wasn't wrong. It would be far too easy to compare it to Bridget Jones Diary but this is the first time since then I have laughed so hard at a book.
Again it would be too easy to compare the two and in my opinion this was so much better

If this was my life I would probably crawl up into a ball somewhere and cry but Coco doesn't give you chance to feel sorry for her, she just about manages to dust herself off and she throws herself back into life with hysterical consequences. thank god for her long suffering friends Chris and Marika to be around to help pick up the pieces.

It certainly made me what to check my emails to make sure there was nothing on there I wouldn't want others to read. 

A fantastic Hysterical read. I loved every email Coco sent out to her friends and correspondents 

The author does a great job of following Coco's up and down life through her Emails and I look forward to reading more from Robert Bryndza

Well deserved 5 stars *****