The once-mighty kingdom of Mercia is in perilous danger.
Their King, Beornwulf lies dead and years of bitter in-fighting between the nobles, and cross border wars have left Mercia exposed to her enemies.
King Ecgberht of Wessex senses now is the time for his warriors to strike and exact his long-awaited bloody revenge on Mercia.
King Wiglaf, has claimed his right to rule Mercia, but can he unite a disparate Kingdom against the might of Wessex who are braying for blood and land?
Can King Wiglaf keep the dragons at bay or is Mercia doomed to disappear beneath the wings of the Wessex wyvern?
Son Of Mercia is a action packed, compelling read which provided a fascinating glimpse into Dark Age Britain.
Firstly this is the first book I’ve read in this series and this book is very different from anything else I’ve read before. I felt it was part saga, part action thriller which combined made for a fantastic read!
The author has obviously done a lot of research for this book and I found it fascinating to learn more about Dark Age Britain as it was a period I knew nothing about. I loved learning more about what everyday life was like through to the warfare practices. The author also describes the medicine and surgery practices of the day including some of the herbalism and folk lore cures which I thought interesting.
The characters are great creations all very believable and easy to get behind. I particularly liked the main character Icel who was a bit of an untraditional hero as he is by nature a peace loving guy who, although being a great fighter, doesn’t actually enjoy fighting. It was great to learn more about him and to follow him throughout the book.
The tension in the book slowly increases as the story goes on until the book becomes impossible to put down. The plot is brilliant and I soon felt wrapped up in the Character’s world. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, Android in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.
The seductive and relentless figure of Raymond Chandler’s detective, Philip Marlowe, is vividly re-imagined in present-day Los Angeles
Los Angeles – a city of scheming Malibu actresses, ruthless gang members, virulent inequality and washed-out police.
Roaming the city streets is Philip Marlowe: a quiet, lonely, remarkably capable private detective, living beneath the shadow of his father – a once-decorated LAPD homicide detective now drinking his life away.
Marlowe’s latest client is tyrannical starlet Kendra James. Kendra’s husband was fatally shot near their Malibu home, but even though that murder remains unresolved, the actress is more interested in tracking down her 17-year-old stepdaughter, who hasn’t been seen for weeks.
But things get complicated after Marlowe lands a second missing person search from British academic Ren Stewart, whose ex-husband has kidnapped their seven-year-old son.
Steeped in the richly detailed ethnic neighborhoods of modern LA, Ide’s The Goodbye Coast is a bold recreation that is viciously funny, ingeniously plotted, and surprisingly tender.
My Review:
The Goodbye Coast is an very entertaining, fast paced read that breathes life into an old classic.
Firstly I loved the main character Marlow and enjoyed following him throughout the book. He’s a very funny, likeable character who is very intelligent but also human as he makes mistakes which often lead to the funnier moments in the book. I liked how the author has managed to keep the essence of the classic detective but also make it his own. He’s the best in a mainly unlikeable bunch which made it very easy to root for him.
The plot was brilliant! I thought it was really fast paced with lots of action that ensured I couldn’t stop reading. It is a bit violent in places which might not be to everyone’s taste but I felt the story wasn’t overpowered with this as there was some lighter moments and even some funny ones which helped even it out. It’s a story full of troubled relationship which were interesting to find out more about and to see how they fitted into the story.
The last reveal was brilliant and surprising which I always love as I’m often able to guess where things are going. The story does slow down a bit in the middle but do keep reading as it soon picks up!
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to W&N for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Joe Ide grew up in South Central Los Angeles. His favourite books were the Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories. The idea that a person could face the world and vanquish his enemies with just his intelligence fascinated him. Joe went on to earn a graduate degree and had several careers before writing IQ, his debut novel, inspired by his early experiences and love of Sherlock. Joe lives in Santa Monica, California.
Cottage Two, Bracken Ridge Farm sits at the end of a pitted track, with the glorious Yorkshire moors stretching behind it.
Just a simple two up, two down, the cottage holds the promise of a new start for two very different women, but it is also full of secrets.
Fifty years ago, newly-wed Stella is relishing making the little cottage a happy home. But for all the lovingly handmade curtains, and the hot dinners ready on the table for her husband, Stella’s dreams of married life jar painfully with the truth.
Fifty years later, the cottage is a new beginning for Tamzin. Determined to get away from her previous life, she makes the move to the wild and vast Yorkshire countryside.
When Tamzin finds a sepia photo of a woman, Stella, standing in the cottage’s garden, there’s a sadness in her eyes that Tamzin recognises. As the cottage reveals more of its secrets, Tamzin is desperate to find out whether Stella got her happy ending. And as she gradually makes new friends, and starts to win over her mysterious neighbour Euan, Tamzin dares to dream about her own happy ending too…
Escape the rat race with this heart-warming, page-turning new novel from Jane Lovering. Perfect for fans of Julie Houston, Beth O’Leary and Kate Forster.
A Cottage Full Of Secrets is an absorbing read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Firstly I love the idea of running away to a desolated cottage and doing it up into something liveable so I enjoyed living precariously through Tamzin as she attempted to fix up her cottage. Her many attempts to decorate were heartwarming to read about and I loved reading about the results.
The cottage setting was beautifully described so that I felt I could see it clearly. I loved discovering all the beautiful things there especially as it brings the fantastic handy women Jill into the story. I loved exploring the garden alongside the characters and finding out more about the things they find there.
This story has a bit of everything in it I felt. It was part mystery, with the discovery of the items in the garden and Tamzin trying to discover more about Sheila. However I felt it was also a story about finding yourself which was both heartwarming and emotional at times. It was great to see Tamzin come out of her shell .
Overall i really enjoyed this book which I flew through in a couple of days. It was a very absorbing, satisfying read and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Boldwood for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.
Good evening everyone today on JoJo Recommends I’m featuring Blindside which is the new ep from Jennifer Jess.
Jennifer is a pop singer songwriter from Atlanta Georgia. Her new EP Blindside is made up of five songs each very different from each other. There’s some really nice dancy ones and some beautiful soaring ballads. The favourite in our house is I Got me which is very catchy and has got stuck into my head so that I keep singing it at random moments.
Jennifer is also a twitch streamer and although she normally streams too late for me I always enjoy her streams when I can catch them. She has the most beautiful, clear voice with a fantastic range which is wonderful to listen to. The last time I made her streams she was live learning Hotel California and absolutely killed it.
Jennifer was kind enough to answer some questions for me so if you’d like to find out more about Jennifer from the lady herself do read the interview below.
If you’d like to follow Jennifer on social media or twitch click on the links below.
Jennifer’s music is available on all major streaming platforms which I have linked below. For your convenience I have included the official music video for my family’s favourite I Got Me and one of Jennifer’s most recent covers.
I am a full time pop singer-songwriter and recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia. I also stream part time on Twitch TV.
What first got you into music?
Growing up, my love for music grew as I listened to my mom and dad’s cassette tapes and CDs. I would look around me and notice that I was a bit more “into the music” than everyone else. I would listen to a song and say “Wow! Did you hear that song, that was so good!” and those around me would nod their heads. I began to realize that my enthusiasm for music was a bit above average. At this point, I knew I wanted to become some kind of performer- then eventually I discovered singing was my ultimate passion.
Who inspired you to make music?
I’m not sure if anyone directly inspired me to be a musician, but I definitely think my mom had a play in it. She would dance around the house singing–always singing. She has an incredible voice to this day. That definitely inspired me.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I love pop music. I think I’ve always loved it since I was young. I love the energy it brings. However, I’ve been inspired by all different genres and artists and I think they are all a part of me in a small way.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process usually begins with a melody. I let the melody drive the song. If music were a painting, I think the melody decides the colors for the painting, and the colors represent the mood of the song. After the melody, I add the lyrics and sometimes they just come to me. Other times, I have to think about them a little bit more. Once I have the song ready, it’s time to record and begin production.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
If I could collaborate with anyone it would probably be Paul McCartney and if he’s not available (lol) then I think a collaboration with The Weekend would be incredible.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Honestly, I would love to open for Coldplay because I think they have some of the most amazing concerts and it would be so cool just be a part of the atmosphere.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
My message to my fans would be: You are stronger than you imagine, you are loved and you are important. Also, thanks for listening to my music!
What is the most useless talent you have?
My most useless talent is that I can fold my fingers into different shapes. They are extremely bendable.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Oddly enough, I don’t sing in the shower that much. At most, perhaps a hum. I would probably hum whatever catchy song was on my mind at that moment. My shower time is my thinking time. Occasionally I play music when I shower.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
If it wasn’t for my music career, I would probably be pursuing acting hardcore or opening up a bakery because I love to bake.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Honestly, I haven’t explored the live music scene as much as I would like. I’ve performed at Smiths Olde Bar, Eddies Attic, MadLife stage and studios and more. I think Eddies feel so cozy and comfortable, so at this moment that’s probably my favorite. I do not have any upcoming shows at the moment, but I am live virtually on Twitch TV three times a week.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I think the internet has impacted the music industry in mostly a good way. Making connections is easier than ever in my opinion and its easier to get your music out there to your fans and potential listeners. However, I think my most lasting work relationships and connections have come from meeting in person.
What is your favourite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform at the moment is a recent song I wrote called “In the Rain”. Its a super heart wrenching break up song. I have yet to record it, but I hope to soon!
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I admire so many musicians and its hard to name just a few. However, I grew up listening to Celine Dion and singing her songs for hours in my room. Sometimes I joke that she taught me how to sing, because I would try and copy her voice and eventually I learned how to belt out notes that way. I also admire the Beatles. Their songs will always be a part of me. Currently I’m really digging the music of a South Korean singer by the name of “Key”.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to “never, ever give up”. It seems like such a simple concept, but it was said to me by a high ranking military veteran. He looked me in the eye and said it with such an intensity during a conversation and I will never forget that moment. I think the statement meant more to me coming from him.
What’s next for you?
I have a brand new single coming out within the next couple months called “Imagine You”. There will also be a music video releasing with it as well. This song will be upbeat and fun with some nostalgic vibes.
Thanks for answering my questions Jennifer!
Playlist:
You can now listen to Jennifer and all previously featured artists on a special playlist I’ve created on Spotify.
JoJo Recommends is now featured on Island Vibing’s podcast on twitch. The podcast is on every Thursday 3am GMT/ 10 PM EST/ 7pm PST, but you can catch up with the sacred vod anytime!
A mother. A daughter. A secret waiting to be discovered.
For too long – since the sudden death of her mother as a teenager, since the birth of her daughter, Em, when she was just seventeen – Delphine has been unable to let go of the past, obsessed with protecting Em and clinging to a secret that could ruin everything. She’s been living life in safe shades of grey.
The day that Delphine finally stands up for herself is the day that changes everything.
Delphine begins to remember what it’s like to want more: rediscovering her singing voice, opening herself to friendship, and reviving not only her mother’s roots, but her mother’s memories. As her life begins to fill with colour, can she be brave for herself and for Em? And what would happen if she finally told the truth?
A big-hearted, hopeful novel about finding second chances – and taking them.
Em & me is an uplifting, heartwarming read about friendship, love and growth.
In this book we follow Delphine a young, single mother who is working hard to ensure her daughter has a better life then she did. Delphine is a very relatable character who I loved following throughout the book and watching her grow in confidence as she gets the opportunity to explore new things. Her relationship with Letty was particularly brilliant and it was very enjoyable to watch it develop. Letty is a fantastic character who I quickly fell in love with. I loved her attitude and some of her antics made me laugh out loud as I read.
The story is told mainly from Delphine’s point of view with flashbacks to her past so the reader is able to learn more about her. It was very interesting to learn about the secrets everyone was hiding and seeing Delphine come out of her shell a bit. As a mum myself I know it’s easy to lose a bit of your ambitions when you have kids so I found it reallyy uplifting to be able to watch Delphine realise hers.
I felt very sad to finish the book and leave all the characters behind. I’m hoping there may be a sequel as I’d love to be able to spend more time with all of them.
Huge thanks to Harper Fiction for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book!
About The Author:
Beth Morrey was inspired to write her debut novel while pushing a pram round her local park during maternity leave. Getting to know dog owners, joggers and families, she began to sow the seeds of a novel about a woman saved by her community, strangers who became friends. Previously Creative Director at RDF Television, Beth now writes full time. She was previously shortlisted for the Grazia-Orange First Chapter award. Beth lives in London with her husband, two sons and a dog named Polly.
A DEVOTED MOTHER Sam Cooper has a happy life: a good job, a blossoming relationship. Yet, there’s something he can never forget – the image seared into his mind of his mother, Laurie, dying when he was a child. His father allowed his grief to tear them apart and Sam hasn’t seen him in years.
A LOVING WIFE Until an unexpected call from Firwood hospital, asking Sam to come home, puts in motion a chain of devastating events. On his deathbed, Sam’s father makes a shocking confession.
A LIAR? Who was Laurie Cooper? It’s clear that everything Sam thought he knew about his mother was wrong. And now he’s determined to find out exactly what she did and why – whatever the cost.
What happens if you discover you’ve been lied to by your own family for twenty-five years? Sam Cooper is about to find out.
You Never Said Goodbye is available in ebook and hardback on the 17th February 2022. You can pre-order your copy using the links below.
You Never Said Goodbye is a tense, action packed thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and I thought impossible to put down.
Firstly I’m a huge fan of this author as I have enjoyed all his previous books so I was hugely excited to be invited onto the blog tour for this book. This story gripped me from the start as there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. I kept promising myself I’d read one more chapter and then look up to realise two hours had past.
The story is told in multiple timelines. One follows Sam as he tries to discover his family secrets and the others, set in present day UK and the US help give the reader some background to the story and helps the reader understand more about why Sam finds himself in his current situation. I really liked Sam who was a very determined character who I thought showed a lot of strength and bravery throughout the book. Honestly I think I’d have run away crying from alot of the situations he finds himself in but he faces them incredibly bravely which made me warm to him more.
Overall I really enjoyed this book which oozed with atmosphere and tension from the start . There was lots of twists and misdirection which took me by surprise and I found myself unable to predict which way the story was going to go.
Huge thanks to Jenny Platt from Hodder for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Luca Veste is the author of several police procedurals and standalone crime novels including The Bone Keeper and The Six. He is the host of the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast and the co-founder of the Locked In festival. He plays bass guitar in the band The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He lives in Liverpool, with his wife and two daughters.
If you had to make an impossible choice to save your long-lost daughter, you would… wouldn’t you?
It’s a warm early summer’s evening when Mia’s doorbell rings. She opens the door to see a teenage girl standing in the shadow beyond the porch light—and in an instant she knows who it is. Daisy, the daughter she gave up as a baby. Daisy steps forward, as she says tearfully “I’m sorry I didn’t call first. But something happened. And I really needed… you.”
Seventeen years before, knowing she couldn’t possibly give her beautiful little girl Daisy the future she deserved, Mia made the hardest decision of her life—to give her up. And Suzanne seemed the perfect adoptive mother: calm, stable, and full of love for the daughter she’d always dreamed of having.
The two mothers promised to keep communication open, so Daisy could have Mia’s love and support along with Suzanne’s. But as the years passed, Mia moved away, and their visits happened less. Now Daisy is almost a stranger to Mia—angry, closed and broken—nothing like the tiny girl she once couldn’t bear to say goodbye to.
But now Daisy has arrived on Mia’s doorstep, and she says she has a terrible secret. One she can never tell Suzanne. And she believes the only person who can help her is Mia. Her birth mother.
Mia, however, has secrets of her own. Ones she is afraid to let Daisy or anyone else know. And while Suzanne desperately seeks a way to bring her child home, can Mia overcome her past to help the girl they both call their daughter in her darkest hour before it’s too late?
Totally gripping emotional women’s fiction from the author guaranteed to make readers cry. Kate Hewitt’s story will grab you by the heartstrings and never let you go. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Jojo Moyes.
The Child I Never Had is available in ebook and paperback using the links below.
The Child I Never Had is a highly emotional, absorbing book that made me think about a difficult subject.
Firstly as a mum myself I found this book very emotional. I can’t imagine giving my kids away, even for the reasons Mia does, so I felt the situation keenly as I felt I could understand what she was going through. The author has taken a fascinating, sensitive subject and written about it beautifully so the reader can see it from both sides. It was interesting to learn more about adoption and to explore what being a mum can actually mean.
I thought this book was well paced as there always seemed to be something happening that kept my interest. I liked being able to follow both Mia and Suzanne throughout the book and thought it was clever how the author managed to give different voices to the two of them. Of the two I much preferred Suzanne who came across as a very sympathetic character who’s feelings for her adoptive daughter’s were beautiful to read about. Although I did understand Daisy’s need to connect with her birth mum part of me felt angry with her for leaving Suzanne too.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in future. It was one of those books that I was constantly thinking about when I wasn’t reading and one which I found myself discussing with friends to find out their views. For this reason I think it would make a great bookclub read.
Huge thanks to Sarah Hardy for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley.
About The Author:
Kate Hewitt is the bestselling author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. She particularly enjoys writing contemporary issue-driven women’s fiction, and her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers. An American ex-pat, she lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter for monthly updates and giveaways at http://www.kate-hewitt.com, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books, movies, music and cooking.
One forgotten discovery will change three women’s lives for ever…
Robin hasn’t been home for decades. After running away to London, she never expected to see her cantankerous mother, Faye, again. But when Faye has a fall, the two women are thrown together once more.
The years apart have not made their hearts grow fonder and the ground between them is unsteady. Then Robin finds an unopened scroll – the last of the treasure hunts her much-missed father used to take them on every Sunday. A hunt he believed might change everything.
Yet, not even this gift from her beloved father can smooth the way until Robin’s daughter, Amber, arrives to meet her grandmother for the first time. Amber is determined that the decades-old mystery be solved.
Can a 30-year-old treasure hunt really ‘change everything’?
My Review:
Under One Roof is a heart warming page turner that made me laugh one moment then cry the next.
One of the things that really stands out about this author is the way she can write about complex family relationships so well. I really felt that I was actually there in the house with the three of them at times and therefore felt very involved in all that happens. It was fascinating following the three women as they try to live together and try to work through everything that’s happened in the past.
The three main characters were interesting creations that I enjoyed getting to know throughout the story. It took me a while to warm to them as none of them were particularly pleasant characters but I slowly did as I began to understand what each of them had been through.
Overall i really enjoyed this book which had a good pace to it. I had lots of theories about how this book was going to unfold but was proven wrong about most of it, with some of the twists taking me completely by surprise. I loved the nostalgic climpse into the 80’s this book gives the reader and I especially enjoyed the beautiful treasure hunt the three go on which was wonderful to read about.
Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book and to Boldwood for my copy of this book via netgalley.
About The Author:
Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA’s Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.http://samanthatonge.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthorhttps://twitter.com/SamTongeWriterInstagram: @samanthatongeauthor
Good evening everyone. It’s been a while since I did a proper update sadly, life has just got hugely hectic at the moment but hoping it’s going to calm down soon with half term coming up. Today I thought I’d share what I’ve been reading and plan to read soon plus some exciting blog news that you might have missed on social media.
Just Finished:
Tapestry by Beth Duke
I’ve just finished the wonderful Tapestry by Beth Duke which I reviewed as part of the Zooloo Blog Tour. If you’re a frequent reader of my blog then you’ll know I’m a huge fan of dual timeline books and historical fiction books that teach me about a bit of history I didn’t know about before. This book has both with an intriguing dual timeline story that kept my interest and a bit of native American history which I knew nothing about. Thoroughly recommended! You can read my full review via the link below.
I’ve been really looking forward to this book as not only have I been hearing lots of good things I’m a huge fan of thrillers set in extreme conditions so this book instantly appealed. I had some rare kid free time last weekend so snuggled down to read and was immediately engrossed only look up when the kids came home and I realised my one hour reading before housework had turned into three. I’m very much looking forward to reading more in the near future.
Reading Next:
The Maid by Nita Prose
I know I’ve mentioned this book on my updates before but I’ve always started it and then had to stop for other reading commitments. This time I’m determined to finish reading this book as I’ve heard lots of great reviews and I really want to find out more about Molly the main character. Fingers crossed I manage it this time!
Blog News:
Twitch: Island Vibing Presents
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my news that my music feature #jojorecommends has been picked up as a feature on a twitch channel called Island Vibing Presents. This is hugely exciting for me as not only does it mean I can hopefully share my favourite twitch streamers with a bigger audience bit I’m also joining a fantastic, friendly team which I’m thrilled to be a part of. Island Vibing stream quite late for the UK (3 AM/ 10 PM EST/ 7 PM PST) but you can always catch their vods later if you’d like to see it. I’ve included the link to the whole feature below.
Jojosovertherainbowblog has joined Tik Tok! I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing but I’m having lots of fun trying to figure things out and being a bit creative. If you would like to follow me the link is below or if you’re on Tik Tok do let me know as I’d love to meet friends on there.
Below is a link to my latest effort, a little shaky perhaps but I’m pleased with it!
Beth Duke, Author of #1 Best Seller It All Comes Back to You, delivers an emotional and inspiring novel about family, from the roots that ground us to the branches that allow us to take flight.
“Beth Duke is a poet disguised as a Southern novelist. Tapestry made me laugh, made me think and in the end, made me cry. Tapestry delivers on ALL counts.” -Dan Brown, Author of Reunion
Twenty-one-year-old Skye Willis lives in Eufaula, Alabama, a tourist mecca of stately homes and world-class bass fishing. Her childhood friends are either stuck at dead ends or have moved on to accomplish Big Things.
Skye’s grandmother, Verna, insists on being called “Sparrow” because she suspects her ancestors were Muscogee Creek. She dresses in faux deerskin and experiments with ancient Native American recipes, offering a myth or legend to anyone who will listen.
Skye has no idea what to do with her life. She’s smart as hell, but she has no faith or knowledge there’s something out there she was “born to do.” Nor does she know much of anything about her father, who died in Afghanistan when she was a toddler. He and his family are a mystery her mother won’t discuss. But when Sparrow sets out to confirm her Creek ancestry through genetic testing, Skye joins in. The results hit like a DNA bomb, launching them both on a path filled with surprises and life-changing events. Skye learns a harder truth than she ever expected.
Alternating chapters between Skye’s Alabama life and an intertwining tale of greed, deceit, and control in Texas, this story offers proof that all life is a woven tapestry of past, present, and future.
In Beth Duke’s uplifting and soul-singing voice, TAPESTRY is Southern Fiction at its best; you will cry, you will laugh out loud, and you will wish you were a member of the beautiful, matriarchal family Duke has created for her readers.
Tapestry is a beautiful, moving story that intrigued me from the start and I thought was a fantastic read. The story is told in two parts; one following Skye’s life with her mum and grandmother, the other follows The Darlings who company are trying to build a pipeline near Native American land but is being met with fierce resistance.
I absolutely loved Skye and enjoyed following her throughout the book. It was nice to meet a younger person who didn’t have everything mapped out in life but was still trying to work out which direction they wanted to go. Sparrow was another amazing character who’s passion and determination I really admired. She was a fantastically quirky character too which made it easy to warm to her. I loved learning more about the relationships between the three generations of woman and watching as they discovered more about themselves and their past.
There was a little bit of Native American history in this book which I found utterly fascinating as I didn’t know much about it. I eagerly drank in all the little details and spent too long on Google trying to find out more. This book has definitely helped spark my interest in learning more about their history.
Overall I really enjoyed this book which seemed to have a great pace to it. The story does start off a little slow maybe but soon gets going. Unusually I loved following both timelines equally and loved the different tone the author had created for both the timelines. One seeming more relaxed and character driven, while the Darling timeline seemed more rushed and frantic. It was interesting seeing the two come together and I was very sad when the book ended and I had to say goodbye to the wonderful characters.
Huge thanks to Zoe from Zooloo’s blog tours for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
About The Author:
Beth Duke is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author and the recipient of numerous honors for her fiction on two continents.She is eyeing the other five.Her latest novel, TAPESTRY, is the Bronze Medal Winner in Southern Fiction in Publisher’s Weekly’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, an Award-Winning Finalist in the 2020 International Book Awards, and a Five Star Readers’ Favorite Award Winner.Country music superstar Randy Owen said, “Beth Duke’s works are as real as grits and gravy in The South, and her usage of her Southern English has the taste of Mama’s biscuits.”Beth lives in the mountains of her native Alabama with her husband, one real dog, and one ornamental dog. She loves to read, travel, bake, and is attempting to master chess.Her books DELANEY’S PEOPLE, DON’T SHOOT YOUR MULE, IT ALL COMES BACK TO YOU, and TAPESTRY are all love letters to her home state.
Over The Rainbow Blog 