#418 ~ Walk of Shame

Watched on Netflix - 12/04/17

Total 5 star romcom ... highly recommended.

Local news anchor, Megan gets towed after a one night stand leading to a series of hilarious unexpected events just to get her car back and make it to the station to meet a major news channel.Te

Megan's a good Texas girl, but this movie illustrates the perceptions of others can be wrong.

Does she get any help?  Yes, from the most surprising sources.

If you haven't got Netflix, its available HERE on Amazon.

#412 ~ The Bad Mother's Diary

The Bad Mother's Diary by Suzy K. Quinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this brightened my day. It's joyfully delightful. After nearly 30 years of motherhood, and no privacy in the bathroom even now ... I am fully on her level.

The boring bits about purchase:

Part of my Kindle Unlimited package, but you can purchase it, you won't e disappointed, HERE.




View all my reviews

#506 ~ Just One Damned Thing After Another

Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #1 in the series


EDITOR'S PICK



One of the most entertaining books I've read this year, and can't wait to catch up on the whole of this series.

A long time ago it had been one of my 'Daily Picks' and at the time it would have been free, but it was just dropped into my library and I'd forgotten all about it.

At the time the cover and title had been a draw but as I'd forgotten all about that, and thus my expectations when starting to read it were quite low.

Seriously funny and well written, and as it turns out it made the grade as one of my 'Editor's picks'.

If you like sci-fi definitely try it, but if you like to read funny and entertaining literature, it will be worth your consideration.

Git it a try, I am sure you won't be disappointed.

I was luck enough to download this Kindle file as part of my Kindle Unlimited package (it's not now available through that), but you can get it HERE ... oh, and a bargin at 99p for the Kindle version at the moment.









View all my reviews

#503 ~ Dead Romantic

Dead Romantic by Ruth Saberton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Editor's Pick

Absolutely loved this one. Novel plot with well-shaped and believable characters.

Ruth Saberton has the knack of realistic and sparkling dialogue which is really funny and authentic.

Producers and Commissioners out there, this book would translate so well to a film plot or for TV and literally would be 'totes hilare'.

It wasn't until I was putting this review together that I realised Ruth Saberton is also author of the Polwenna Bay series, which I am love too.

Nice to see fabulous production quality, I only think there was one (or maybe two) tiny thing:

Location 2680:  '...a long-ago December when Dad spend all Christmas ...' - spent.


Unless stated otherwise, most of my reading these days is part of my Kindle Unlimited reading package, but there are one or two old books that aren't, or I have to purchase them to get a full set of a series!

Happy reading.



View all my reviews

#489 ~ The Towers of Tuscany

The Towers of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first time that I have read anything by this author, but I am so glad I decided to try it.

We'll leave the ending aside for now (I don't want to add any spoilers), and instead will just discuss the overall standard of penmanship - it was simply outstanding, beguiling and beautiful. I wouldn't say it can be described as a romance, but it is romantic ... in the end I classified it as a saga, as it has all the possible elements for it to be such a thing.

The ending, for me, was completely different from the picture that I had been building in my head, but thinking about it now it completely fits.

It's difficult to get a 5 Star plus rating out of me - this book has achieved it.


Purchased as part of my Kindle Unlimited Bundle, you can see it on Amazon HERE.

High quality production with no errors, which is always impressive.


View all my reviews on Good Reads

#486 ~ Ghost Gifts

Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Extraordinarily good, with really decently constructed characters.

I particularly like the modest pace and texture in the plot that kept me engaged and surprised by the plot twist.

I would certainly read Ms Spinella again.

The text only held two errors, which is a bonus, I like my books to have high production values.

Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 129:  'piss in his country-issue boots in heartbeat' - missing an 'a' there I believe.

Page 226:  'Pa said that all time'. - missing 'the'.

Purchase Details:

Another Kindle Unlimited book for me - this is such a brilliant option for somebody that reads a lot, but doesn't mind being restricted by the choices available.  At the moment I am pretty much sticking to it exclusively as I have limited recreational reading time, but will start buying more books when I have some more time University modules.

I got my copy HERE.  If you don't have the option to get a copy with Unlimited, at the time of publishing this the Kindle file was £3.98.

Happy reading.

Hugs


xoxo


Bibliography:

Spinella, L (1 March 2016), 'Ghost Gifts' published by Mortlake Romance on Amazon UK.




View all my reviews on Goodreads

#478 ~ Wife by Wednesday

Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was expecting trashy Americanised Chic Lit to get me through a bout of flu, and ended up striking gold with Catherine Bybee.

A thoroughly enjoyable read ... or listen in this instance ... as a free audio file came with the Kindle Unlimited file.

#477 ~ The Last Queen of England

The Last Queen of England by Steve Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am beginning to think that Steve Robinson's books are my guilty pleasure.

Another excellent read, I can't wait to get my hands on more of this series.

#474 ~ Circ

Circ by Simon Fairbanks et al

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An interesting collaborative writing by Giselle Thompson ('Receiver of Stolen Words') et al.

Engaging, interesting and well written. A group of this size was always a risk working in collaboration, but they pulled it off completely.

I loved it ... a triumph of good writing, humour and application of craft.

You can find it HERE.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay xoxo





View all my reviews

#473 ~ In the Blood

In the Blood by Steve Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#1 in the Jefferson  Tayte Genealogical Mystery Series




I've gone for 5 stars on book from Kindle Unlimited.

Overall whilst it was well written and kept my interest it was slightly on the predictable side as far as plot goes. However, the writing and grammar were accomplished (a refreshing change from some of the rot out there) and therefore I rounded up the 4.75 I'd allotted in my head to a 5 stars.

I have downloaded the others in the series, and will be interested to see how JT gets on finding his own family connections.


Hugs

Kay






View all my reviews

#472 - A Receiver of Stolen Words

A Receiver of Stolen Words by Giselle Thompson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars















It's really rare to get 5 stars from me these days, but Giselle has managed. Obviously, there is a link as she has studied the Creative Module that I am currently doing, but it goes beyond just that.

She has a really fluid and lovely voice that is very recognisable, and is a mistress of the short story (a skill I envy). However within each of her pieces there are subtle variations in her style that make them a joy to read.

I'm a regular reader of her blog, and enjoyed the book that she collaborated on with 9 others, 'Circ'. Even though there were so many it was easy to distinguish talents from the other talented authors.

This is highly recommended if you are studying Creative Writing, or just enjoy differently told and well researched literature.

You can purchase a copy HERE, which is an absolute snip at £1.83; she is definitely selling herself short.

Happy reading.

xoxox

#470 ~ Our Triumph and Our Glory (Book 1)

Our Triumph and Our Glory by Megane Kilpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Megane is an old head on young shoulders. This short piece is beautifully written and outstanding. Currently, it's on free download, so please pick up a copy and support her.

Hugs
Kay
xoxo

#465 - For Love of Sarah

For Love of Sarah by Hazel Statham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am without a shadow of a doubt a Hazel Statham fan. She is such an easy an entertaining read.

This book didn't, therefore, disappointing. Clean, efficient and endearing to the end. As always from Hazel, there language is period appropriate and delightfully put together.

Another lovely offering.

Happy Reading

Hugs

Kay xoxo

#464 ~ Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts

Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts by Mary Gibson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the end it was a simple choice to give this 5 stars. Not because of the amazing prose or rhetoric, but for the simplicity of the work.

A solid, down to earth, good old fashioned story of a Bermondsey girl and the enduring love she found for her family, and her Sam.

It was simply written well, with no added flourishes, that would have diminished its power. Beware it had me bawling like a little babe at the end.

I loved it, and a worthy 5 stars.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I loved it all; no mistakes that I picked up on and not a "gotten" in sight.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

xoxox 

#457 - The Soul Conductor

The Soul Conductor by Clair Susann Evans

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really interested to read a debut novel from a fellow Open University Student, who had done the Creative Writing Module, and I wasn't disappointed at all with the quality of the writing.

It was, apart from one or two teeny tiny errors in the text that I cam across (detailed below) of a really high quality. The plot was original and kept my interest right to the very end. There was a conclusion, but it wasn't an outright happy ending ... in itself that is a refreshing change, as quite a lot of authors feel the need to wrap it up with a big bow, which can detract from the work as a whole.

There are still left questions unanswered, and hopefully there will be a follow up novel to move it on. Although I feel that Clair has it in her to really ramp up the writing and add more layers of twists and turns to create a truly stunning read.

High recommended.


I did stumble across the following errors on the Kindle file:

Loc 265:  As his body convulsed with of pain from ...

Loc 943:  ... pulled him along behind one of armoured horses ...

Loc 1331:  ... but the water for him bring up.

Loc 1737:  ... stayed in such good spirits and talk about it in such a carefree ...

Loc 1839:  ... trickled back his throat and ...

Loc 4772:  His heart leaped in expectation (I'm not sure about this one, I think it should be leapt).

Loc 5260:  ... Kilora agrees me very much.


As I said, they are minor, minor things, and definitely do not detract from a superb reading experience.  It is truly heartening to find an author that does not feel the need to use 'gotten', and for this alone I would have added a further star if the quality had not, in fact, been as exceptional as it turned out - it was a full on 5 star read.


Hugs, and happy reading


Kay

#446 ~ The Reflections of Queen Snow White

The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David C. Meredith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







David Meredith, the author, very kindly sent me a copy of his book to review; he had been reading my Blog.

Firstly, I love, love, love the colour, and this is definitely worth using it to judge the cover.

I don't want to give too much away, but it's based on the Snow White fairy story, and gives us a glimpse into her life after she obtained her 'happy ever after'. Was it that though? Well, you will just have to read the book to find out.

What I will tell you is, that the writing was of a high calibre, which is not particularly surprising as David has a Masters Degree. It was an original idea, and very well educated. In short, just how a novel should be presented. I like his voice, and would eagerly read anything else he has to offer. David is certainly one to watch.


Product Details

I was sent a copy to review by David, but would have happily have paid hard earned cash for this one.  You can pick up a copy HERE.

Keep up to date with David's literary life HERE.  A bargain a £1.27 for the Kindle page, although admittedly it's not that long at about 155 pages.

Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery Magic, Fairy Tale
Indie Writer (Self-published)



The Good, the bad and the ugly (if any)

There wasn't too much to comment on here.  As mentioned above, the standard of writing was exceptionally high, with nice use of linguistic devices.  In particular the use of anaphora at Location 77.

A highlight at Location 95 was 'blithesome decorations bursting like wild spring blossoms', that was just lovely phrasing.  Alliteration was also nicely displayed, and I really liked 'disrespectfully dubious' at Location 136.

I was little disappointed though that there was a missing conjunction and  'gotten' made an appearance.  Yes, I am aware that it's common in the Americas', but it just frustrates the living heck out of my.  I had thought with David holding a Master of Arts, I would be 'gotten' free.

A bug bear, but essential only that (not an error really) was the use of 'coral' a couple of times.  Paddock would have had a much more authentic feel to it.  'Coral' just conjures up images of the wild west and cowboys.

Loc 694:  Breathing heavily, she drug the whimpering princess - she dragged.

Loc 965:  The void stretch away from her in every direction - stretched.

Loc 977:  It fell abruptly still as if cut off with a switch ... - this really bothered me as really the switch is a modern concept in this form.

Loc 1303:  ... but her heart was beating at frightful pace - at a frightful pace.

Loc 1614:  Gone were her thick socks .... - another anomaly, to my mind socks are another modern concept, and stockings would have been a better fit.

Loc 1787:  .... lungs she was drug from her chair - dragged from her chair.

Happy reading

Hugs.

Kay

#439 ~ Sour Milk and Stolen Honey

Sour Milk and Stolen Honey by Marianne Azizi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







The book is a non-fiction account one woman's life, fighting a shocking abuse of human rights and liberty in the name of love.

It was well written, and incredibly moving. I don't want to offer up any spoilers, as it is important that Marianne gets to use her own voice to tell each reader. I'm amazed that the whole sorry business didn't take much more of a price on her that it did. She is an amazing, inspirational woman, and is the living embodiment of 'that which does not kill you, will make you stronger'.

Her story unfolded at a good clip, and kept me engrossed. With the turn of each page, she managed to convey a decent story, and effect me with many, many different emotions as the twists and turns of her life unfolded.

If any part of your believes in the right of a human being to exercise their rights to liberty, choice and love where it falls and stay free of manipulation, then please, please, please read her story. Then go and encourage as many people as possible to read it too. Only a huge groundswell of public knowledge and opinion will stop this from happening, and return liberty to many.

Upon checking links for the Product Details bit of the post, I was pleased to note that Marianne is working on another book.  Good on her, she has a lovely literary voice, and I can't wait to read it.  Keep up to date with her latest project on her website and Facebook (details below).



Product Details

The author, Marianne Azizi, got in touch with me the other day with a request to do a fast-track review for her, and the above review was by honest opinion. 

You can find a copy of her book HERE.  This listed Kindle price is £4.99.

241 pages
Indie Writer (Self-published)
Non Fiction, Psychology, Self-Help, Human Rights, Romance

Author's Facebook page
Author's Website



Errors/Bug Bears:

STOP PRESS:  22/4/14: Marianne, is one of the most proactive authors around, she has already corrected the errors I pointed out below. Now that is impressive.

There were one or two, but absolutely nothing major.

Page 31:  

At the time I still felt a little awkward with Manny's strong gruff character but we would eventually form a strong friendship to this day.

It would have been better as:

At the time, I still felt a little awkward with Manny's strong gruff character, but we would eventually form a strong friendship that lasts to this day.

Page 53:

The couple in the cafe was so king - were.

Page 66: ...but trying to conve a stranger was proving to be impossibility - an impossibility.

Page 108: 

I held him in my arms as he cried and I made the promise, the promise ...

I'm not sure about the author's intention with this sentence, but it feels a bit untidy.  I would go with something like this:

I held him in my arms as he cried, and I made the promise ... the promise ... and he always knew I kept my word.

Page 123:  .. have ignored Rick's please - pleas.

Page 132: ...but half that I as I learned -  but half that as I learned.

Page 157:  He yet, I knew was literally terrified - Yet, I knew, he was literally terrified.

Page 218:  How can it could be - but I can't seem to find it.  It's probable that I got the page number wrong on my notes ... it was a pdf file so difficult to bookmark ... in which case it was between pages 211 and 256.

Page 256:  It came, very day, the worst dream in the worst situation - not sure what the author's intention was should it every?

Page 277:  ...to get to court for on time - court on time?

Page 278:  No one would allow him to be with me.  I


I hope you enjoy Marianne's book.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#434 ~ The Viscount who Loved Me

Viscount Who Loved Me: The Epilogue II by Julia Quinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







I bought an audio file copy from audible.com to get me through a borrowing bit of admin at work.

It's always a joy to read, or in this case listen to, Julia Quinn.

She has such a unique and funny writing voice, and it really shone through with the narration by Kevan Brighting.

One of the things I love about Julia is that she visits her characters again, and it was lovely to see that Anthony and Kate were no different.


Product Details

I bought myself the Audible Book copy HERE, which was £1.00 and listened on Baby (Kindle Fire HD) via the Overdrive App.

If you're interested in getting the Kindle file, then it's HERE at £3.59 or the paperback HERE for £6.79.


Errors/Bug Bears

Not applicable.


Happy reading, or listening.

Hugs

Kay

#432 ~ A Hidden Fire

A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Book #1:  Elemental Mysteries Series



Nice slow burn romance, with an unusual twist on the fantasy creature side of things.

Some nice snappy writing, and decent dialogue.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and would happily read more by Ms Hunter. She will be added to my WTR list.

This was a DSOA on my Blog in April 2014, thus it was free at the time. I would be more than happy to pay for this one though.


Product Details

A DSOA pick back in April 2013 - do not adjust your screen, I am a year behind with my reading.

It was free at the time, and is still showing at this point in time HERE as a free Kindle Download.  The paperback is listed at £6.66.

274 pages
Fiction, Magic & Mystery, Romance
Indie Writer (Self-published)



Errors/Bug Bears:

A few, but nothing major (just annoying in the main)... I'm not too sure of the page numbers with the first few, but they are before page 16 I think.

Page ?:  exactly go wander around - go and wander.

Page ?:  Unless you want to finish up early - finish early.

Page 16:  After completing her duties in back - it's just not an attractive sentence.

Page 25:  Giovanni could even feel his posture relax they walked - as they walked.

Page 31:  ...then come join us - come and join us.

Page 63:  He could stop the laughter that burst out - could not stop.

Page 95/96:  ...but she knew Carwyn could her her because he his shoulders began shaking with silent laughter.

Page 206:  Lorenzo would come visit her - [insert sigh here].

Page 208:  Maybe I would have gotten married.  Gotten a cat ... - uck.

Page 208: ... come save you - uck.

Page 210:  ...growing taller and elevating them just under edge of the cliff - just under the edge of the cliff.

Page 218: ... go wash some of this dust off - it drives me batty.

Page 228:  Go get dressed - again!

Page 234:  He stopped writing Giuliana - it's only one extra word, I am beginning to think I'm unreasonable to expect conjunctions.  If I see too many in any one piece it puts me off, and it gets marked down.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#434 ~ Short Story: From First Draft to Final Product

Short Story: From First Draft to Final Product by Michael Milton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







It started off with the bare, and potentially beautiful, bones of The Bathhouse story, which helped to win Michael Milton a place on a Masters Creative Writing Degree Programme.

It then went on to show the various line by line edits, and helpful tips from other authors with a second draft.

Then a few words of wisdom from the man himself.

BAM then we're hit with the the final draft of The Bathhouse, which is truly beautiful by the way.

For anybody looking to improve their creative writing this is a must have book, no wonder it was an Amazon Best seller.

I can see this as being an essential go to book, for a top up on the creative process, or simply to lift my spirits.



Product Details:

I purchased this recently HERE.  It's listed at £2.99 - a phenomenal value for money product.

111 pages
Indie Writer (Self-published)



Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 1555:  Ultimately, you should stick to stick to your gut feelings and ...


Happy reading.

Hugs