Book Synopsis:

The Long Shadow (1975), Celia Fremlin’s ninth novel, tells a Christmas story with a difference. Imogen Barnicott’s husband – a celebrated, cruel and egocentric professor of Classics – has recently died in a car accident. Now, to the pain of widowhood is added the attentions of an anonymous phone-caller who accuses Imogen of murder and alleges that he can prove it. But can Imogen be certain her husband is truly dead and gone?

The Long Shadow has been republished by Faber & Faber and is available now in ebook and hardback.  The ebook is currently only 99p buy you can purchase a copy of both here.

My Review:

The Long Shadow is a chilling novel of psychological suspense that made my hair stand on end at times.  This is definitely a Christmas book with a difference and not one to pick up if you want a jolly festive book!

The atmosphere is tense from the start with a strange phone call in the middle of the night and house guest who keep inviting themselves to stay for seemingly innocent reasons but who all have a hidden agenda.  The situation that unfolds is even more chilling as it seems very real.  I could well imagine a scenario like the one described with lots of relatives descending on the recently widowed to try and ‘help’.

The author adds some dark humour and some rather asute character observations that are rather cruel at times.  These are something she used to laugh about with her husband and things that she misses discussing with him now he’s died.  The one I most enjoyed was Imogen’s observation that there seems to be a competition among some of the relatives over who is most upset.  This did make me chuckle a few times.

The weird events that happen are very cleverly, casually described so that sometimes I didn’t think much of them and the weirdness of the event didn’t hit me until a few pages later.  This made them have a greater impact on me and made the book more gripping as I wasn’t sure when the next freaky thing would happen.

My only small gripe about this book is that it took me a while to get used to the style but once I got into the book more it wasn’t a problem.

Huge thanks to Joanna from Faber & Faber for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.  If you like classic, chilling psychological suspense novels then you’ll love this book.

About The Author:

Celia Fremlin (1914-2009) was born in Kent.  Her first published novel of suspense was The Hours Before Dawn (1958), which went on to win the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1960.  Over the next thirty five years Fremlin published a further eighteen titles.

Book Synopsis:

Perfect for the fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.

Charlotte Brookes flees her lecherous guardian, McBride, taking her younger sister with her. After a year on the road, they stumble into a Yorkshire village where the Wheelers, owners of the village shop, take them in. This new life is strange for Charlotte, but preferable to living with McBride or surviving on the roads.
Harry Belmont is an important man in the village, but he’s missing something in his life. His budding friendship with Charlotte gives him hope she will feel more for him one day, and he will marry the woman he yearns for.
When McBride discovers where Charlotte lives, his threats begin. Harry fights to keep Charlotte safe, but World War I erupts and Harry enlists.
Left to face a world of new responsibilities, and Harry’s difficult sister, Charlotte must run the gauntlet of family disputes, McBride’s constant harassment, and the possibility of the man she loves being killed.

Can Charlotte find the happiness that always seems under threat, and will Harry return home to her?

The Promise Of Tomorrow is available in ebook and paperback now, you can purchase your copy of both here.

My Review:

The Promise Of Tomorrow was absorbing, emotional and heart warming book that I loved! The story just draws you in from the start with an intriguing story and wonderful historical details that helps sets the scene of the story so I could really envision the setting.  Its the little descriptions that the author manages to include in the story about the way of life for the characters, the expectations of them and the class divides between them that makes this a truly fascinating read.

There are some fabulous characters in this book which are really well developed and who I loved reading about.  My favourite character was Charlotte though.  I really liked the strength she shows when dealing in the situations she finds herself in.  She never gives up but instead tries to find a solution to the problem which I really admired.  I enjoyed reading about her story and hoped she would get the happy ending I felt she deserved.

The love affair which develops between Harry and Charlotte was very heart warming to read about and seemed very real.  I found I enjoyed watching it develop and found myself living each moment alongside them.  When Harry goes to war I found myself tearing up and willing Harry not to go as I didn’t want anything to spoil their happiness.

This book was nearly impossible to put down as there is always something happening! The reader soon falls in love with the characters and I felt invested in their story which meant I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to them.

This is the first book by this author I have read and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.  If you like enthralling, heart of historical fiction with some fantastic characters then you’ll love this book.

About The Author:

Poignant, powerful and searingly emotional, AnneMarie Brear stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest works by some of the genre’s greatest writers such as Catherine Cookson, Audrey Howard and Rosamunde Pilcher.” Amazon reviewer.
Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
AnneMarie Brear on the web:
http://www.annemariebrear.com
http://annemariebrear.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
Twitter @annemariebrear.

Book Synopsis:

When writer, comedian and Red Dwarf actor Robert Llewellyn’s son scrawled a picture of him at Christmas and titled it ‘Some Old Bloke’, Robert was cast deep into thought about life and what it means to be a bloke – and an old one at that. In this lighthearted, revealing and occasionally philosophical autobiography, we take a meandering route through Robert’s life and career: from the sensitive young boy at odds with his ex-military father, through his stint as a hippy and his years of arrested development in the world of fringe comedy, all the way up to the full-body medicals and hard-earned insights of middle age. Whether he is waxing lyrical about fresh laundry, making an impassioned case for the importance of alternative energy or recounting a detailed history of the dogs in his life, Robert presents a refreshingly open and un-cynical look at the world at large and, of course, the joys of being a bloke.

Some Old Bloke is available in ebook and hardback now, you can purchase your copy here.

My Review:

I do like breaking away from my normal genre’s to try something new and I often find autobiographys to be a good way to do this as you always learn something new.  Some Old Bloke is no exception as Robert covers a variety of different topics that were very interesting, though some a little more than others.  I’ve got a real interest in going to visit Australia so I found the chapter relating to his time there to be very fascinating.  It’s really made me want to visit the country in the future.

Throughout the book Robert’s writing style makes the book easy to read and just draws the reader into the story.  He writes with great warmth and humour which further increased my enjoyment of the book.  There were some parts which had me laughing out loud and that I had to share with my husband as I thought they were very amusing.  He agreed and read the book straight after me! Some of the humour is quite rude, with a few graphic words used at times so if you’re easily offended you might want to avoid.

Overall I enjoyed this book and reading about Roberts experiences and take on life.  Red Dwarf isn’t mentioned much but I still thought it was an interesting book as it provided an interesting insight into Robert’s life.

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Unbound publishers for my copy of this book.

About The Author:

Robert Llewellyn is an actor, novelist, screenwriter, comedian and TV presenter, best known for Red Dwarf and Scrapheap Challenge. He lives in Gloucestershire.

Book Synopsis:

Grace has returned to London after twenty years abroad to manage her dying mother’s affairs. When she receives a blank Mother’s Day card in the post, she is confused and unsettled. Who could have sent it to her and why? She isn’t a mother.

Another Mother’s Day card arrives. Then come the silent phone calls. Haunted by disturbing flashbacks, Grace starts to unravel. Someone is out to get her. Someone who knows what she has done. Someone who will make her face the past she has run from for so long.

Emerson creates an intricate web in this intense psychological thriller whose high energy and fast-pace will have you racing towards the climactic conclusion. Perfect for fans of The Girl Before.

My Review:

She Chose Me is a creepy, emotional read about motherhood and regrets.   It’s also quite a thought provoking book which I didn’t expect as it touches on a range of important themes which I have continued to think about long after reading.

The book intrigued me from the start as I started to realise more about the characters and what was going on.  The unnamed girl who was following Grace around, believing her to be her mother was quite chilling to read about.  This is made more so when the stalking increases and she starts to talk about them doing shared activities together when actually they’d just be sitting in the same place together with Grace having no knowledge she is being followed.

The story is told in alternate chapters from the point of view of Grace and another unnamed narrator who is trying to find her mum.  Neither of the two main characters are particularly likeable but there was something about them that did make me feel sorry for them. The name of the narrator isn’t mentioned at the beginning of the chapter which is a little confusing at the start as it takes you a while to figure out whose story you’re following.  This does become easier as the story goes on and you become more used to the different styles used for each character.

There are lots of twists and turns through the book which I didn’t see coming and some reveals that had me gasping and flicking back through the book to see if I had missed something.  The ending was also completely different from what I expect which was great as I love it when I’ve not veeb able to guess correctly.

This is the author’s debut novel and I’m very excited to read more from her in the future.  If you like creepy, tense thrillers that make you think and keep you guessing you’ll love this book.

Huge thanks to Lucy from Legend Press for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.

About The Author:

Before writing fiction, Tracey worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in hospitals, focusing on adults with mental health issues. She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for the arts. She Chose Me is Tracey’s first novel.

Book Synopsis:

Married couple Jack and Ali Gardiner move to a self-sufficient commune in the English Fens, desperate for fresh start. The local village is known for the witches who once resided there and Rosalind House, where the commune has been established, is a former psychiatric home, with a disturbing history.
When Jack and Ali arrive, a chain of unexpected and unexplained events is set off, and it becomes clear that they are not all that they seem. As the residents become twitchy, and the villagers suspicious, events from the past come back to haunt them, and someone is seeking retribution…
At once an unnerving locked-room mystery, a chilling thriller and a dark and superbly wrought ghost story, The Lingering is an exceptionally plotted, terrifying and tantalisingly twisted novel by one of the most exciting authors in the genre.

The Lingering is available in ebook and paperback now, you can purchase a copy of both here.

My Review:

The Lingering is a fantastically creepy, gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It’s a fabulous read to cuddle up with and enjoy as the nights draw in, though maybe not on your own!

The story gripped me from the start with its intriguing opening and things never really let up from there with lots of creepy going on that definitely kept my interest.  The disturbing history of the house with its links to the  asylum had my interest piqued from the start as I’ve always been fascinated by the asylums of old.  That along with the weird communal living arrangement Abi & Jack find themselves in ensured that I couldn’t put this book down as I had to know what was going to happen next.

I have to admit I did find some of the bits in this book terrifying! I think it’s the way the author casually describes the events and the sometimes everyday situations that the strange events occur that most affected me as they seemed so real! I was torn between wanting to carry on reading to find out what happens and stopping as I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.

This is the first book by this author I have read and I can’t wait to read more from her.  If you like creepy, thrilling reads that you can’t put down you’ll love this book.

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Karen at Orenda Publishers for my copy of this book.

About The Author:

Book Synopsis:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and the East End Angels are working hard to keep Londoners safe.

Frankie is trying hard to keep everything together. She can count on the support of the East End Angels, even in the face of family trouble.

Winnie‘s beloved husband, Mac, is putting himself at risk every day in the bomb disposal unit and she’s finding it hard while he’s away.

Bella is growing in confidence and happiness. Her friendship with Winnie’s brother, James, is getting closer all the time.

Christmas on the Home Front is a hard time with loved ones far away – but the women of the Auxiliary Ambulance service are making do and mending.

A gorgeously uplifting saga for fans of Ellie Dean and Donna Douglas

Christmas With The East End Angels is available now in ebook and paperback, purchase your copy here.

My Review:

As I might have mentioned once or twice I really enjoy a wartime saga. I’m not sure if it’s the descriptions of the bravery shown by others or just nostalgia for a very different way of life but I always find them hugely enjoyable and addictive.

This was a slightly different read for me as unusually it didn’t focus on the blitz and the problems it caused.  Instead it focuses on the middle of the war and the relentless grind of war and how everyone is getting on with life, trying to make the best of things.  I enjoyed learning more about everyday life in London from the fear for loved ones away fighting to the constraint of rationing and finding new love this was a fantastic read!

The work that the girls do for the ambulance service was also very interesting, especially as the threat of constantly bombing had stopped.  It was nice to see how they got involved in their communities helping when they could.  The relationship between the girls was really heartwarming to read about and I found myself very glad that they had each other.

This is actually the third book in the series which I hadn’t realised but it works fine as a standalone as anything you need to know is explained.  I’m excited to go back and read the rest in the series.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the Publishers for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

About The Author:

Good evening everyone I’m on the blog tour for Living Like A Vampire by Jacky Dahlhaus today and I have a great extract to share with you.

Living Like A Vampire is available now in ebook and paperback.  The ebook is currently only 99 p but you can purchase a copy of both here.

Before I share my extract with you here is a little bit about the book.

Book Synopsis:

It’s hard to stay alive in a world full of blood-suckers

Kate is trying very hard to stay alive in a world thrown into chaos. Charlie is trying very hard in the background to get Kate to notice him. When Caleb comes to the scene, things change, but is it for the better?

Kate had just begun her new job as a high school science teacher and was looking forward to living a suburban dream life. All her hopes and dreams turn into smoke as a virus turns people into vampires who roam the world in packs, killing everybody they can get their hands on. Together with her friends, she hides at a campground. They think they are safe there. They are wrong.

When Kate has to flee again, she gets separated from her friends, accidentally bumps into a handsome sucker called Caleb, who then mysteriously disappears, and now has to pretend to be a sucker to stay alive. Having met Caleb, surviving is no longer the only thing on Kate’s mind.

Will Kate stay alive and human while pursuing this mysterious stranger?

Pick up this action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful novel and explore the depths of Kate’s emotions as she struggles to make sense of it all.

Extract:

Excerpt 2 from Living Like A Vampire

After a chase, Kate has been caught and cornered by Caleb, a handsome sucker, and he is about to bite her and infect her with the virus.

There was no connection between what was going on in my head and what came out of my mouth.
“Will it hurt?” I asked, surprising myself again.
He moved his mouth closer to my neck, nuzzling my skin. He then pulled down the zipper of my jacket and pulled the collar away to expose more flesh.
“Only a little, at first,” he said.
I was feeling anxious now, excited by his warm closeness and fearful of what was about to happen. Unable to resist, I moved my head away from him, to give him better access to my jugular vein. He moved my hair back with his hand, his fingertips lightly stroking my neck. My eyes closed as a shiver of ecstasy went through my body. His touch gave me goosebumps. When his lips touched my neck, my heart began pounding like a maniac. His lips parted, and I could feel his fangs on my skin. I could barely suppress a groan, this was so intense. Deep underneath his fangs, my carotid artery beat like a drum. Boom boom, boom boom. I wanted this moment to last forever. As he widened his jaws, he gently increased the pressure with his wet fangs. My whole body stiffened from the pain when they pierced my skin.
“Caleb,” Sasha said from not too far away.
Go away, woman!

About The Author:

Jacky Dahlhaus lived in many countries, has worked many jobs, and tried many hobbies before she realized writing gave her such pleasure.  She now loves to write paranormal fantasy stories full-time while delving into the human psyche with all its faults and mysteries.

Next to writing novels, Jacky helps indie authors by promoting them on her blog, writes an online newsletter/magazine, runs a writing club for adults and for children at the local library, and is a writer/director/producer for Aberdeenshire Film Productions.

When not busy with the above (which is rare nowadays), Jacky works on renovating her Scottish Victorian home, watches movies with her family, and tries to stop her two Jack Russells from barking for no good reason.

Jacky has written three novels, all books of the Suckers trilogy which is set in Maine, US, a novelette (the Prequel of the Suckers trilogy), and Short Shockers, a bundle of short stories. She is currently working on the first book of her next trilogy, this time set in Alaska.

You can connect with me via:

Email:

jackydahlhaus@gmail.com

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JackyDahlhaus

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jackydahlhaus/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Jacky-Dahlhaus-Author-166614624053352/

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14924554.Jacky_Dahlhaus

My Website:

https://jackydahlhaus.com

Book Synopsis:

Florence Lovelady’s career was made when she convicted coffin-maker Larry Glassbrook of a series of child murders 30 years ago. Like something from our worst nightmares the victims were buried…ALIVE.

Larry confessed to the crimes; it was an open and shut case. But now he’s dead, and events from the past start to repeat themselves.

Did she get it wrong all those years ago?

Or is there something much darker at play?

The Craftsman is available now in all formats now.  The ebook is currently only 99p.  You can purchase your copy here.

My Review:

Sharon Bolton never fails to deliver a superb story and The Craftsman is no exception.  The thing I most love about her books is her ability to create an atmosphere that really draws a reader in.  I loved the creepy, chilling atmosphere she has created in The Craftsman which gripped me from the start and made the book impossible to put down.  I think the eerie atmosphere is further enhanced by the town’s history of Witchcraft.  This helped add an unusual edge to the book  and made the reader wonder if that was the reason behind the strange events.

The story is told in two parts.  One follows Florence whilst she is investigating the original case in the 1960s while the other is set in 1999 when following Larry’s funeral strange things begin happening in the area. Unusually I enjoyed reading both parts of the story as I felt they were both well done and complimented each other perfectly.  The two stories both hold a lot of suspense and clues about what is happening that weave together nicely to a brilliant twist that I honestly didn’t see coming.  I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing the two parts come together.  It kept me guessing throughout and I felt the pace of the story never let up which made for a fantastic read!

As mentioned above the atmosphere is incredibly tense and the reader gets so absorbed in the story that outside noises can cause you to jump at times.  I jumped out of my skin when my husband tapped me know the shoulder whilst reading this as I hadn’t heard him come in.

I’ve read most of Sharon’s books and I’m pleased to say that I think they keep getting better and better.  If you haven’t read any of her books yet this is a great one to start with.

Huge thanks to Orion for my copy of this book and to Tracy for inviting me onto the blog tour.  If you like creepy thrillers that are fast paced and hard to put down you’ll love this book.

About The Author:

Sharon Bolton (previously S. J. Bolton) is the critically acclaimed author of some of the most bone-chilling crime books ever written. She has been shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the Year and the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. In 2014 she won the CWA Dagger in the Library for her whole body of work.

Sharon lives near Oxford with her husband and son.

Book Synopsis:

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

Snowflakes & Cinnamon Swirls is out TODAY in paperback and ebook.  You can purchase your copy of each here.

My Review:

I’m such a huge fan of Heidi’s books so I was very excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest book.  Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls At The Winter Wonderland is the perfect Christmas book to snuggle up and get lost in this winter.

Firstly I loved the wonderful descriptions of Wynthorpe Hall and wish I could go visit there over the Festive Season too.  The beautiful sounding decorations and all the festive activities on offer makes it a lovely place to be.  It was great to read about how the family takes Hayley under their wing and help her to mend her broken heart.

The growing relationship between Hayley and Gabe is the kind of relationship I think most women would like! I enjoyed watching it progress and the two of them become closer.  I really wanted them to have a happy ending as I felt they both deserved it and were great for each other.

I have read most of Heidi’s books and I love them for the warm, pure escapism they offer.  I always feel fully immersed in the book when reading it and almost disappointed when I stop reading and discover I’m not in the wonderful world she has created.  If you haven’t read one of her books yet then grab a blanket and a hot chocolate and cuddle up with one this winter!

Huge thanks to Harriet from Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour!

About The Author:

Book Synopsis:

‘A gorgeous, absorbing tale. The characters’ experiences of loss and their stoic sense of survival brought history to life in a way I had never seen it before… a compelling and captivating story, filled with adventure, love and regret’ Nicola Cassidy, author of December Girl  

I have a story to tell you, Diane. It is my story and your story and the story of a century that remade the world. When we reach the end, you will be the ultimate arbiter of whether it was worth your time. You will also sit in judgment on me.

In a cottage in Normandy, Lina Rose is writing to the daughter she abandoned as a baby. Now a successful if enigmatic author, she is determined to trace her family’s history through the two world wars that shaped her life. But Lina can no longer bear to carry her secrets alone, and once the truth is out, can she ever be forgiven?

Chonghaile stuns in her second book for Legend Press weaving a complex narrative covering conflict, secrets, judgement and what it takes to sever family ties.

The Reckoning is available in ebook and paperback now, you can purchase your copy of both here.

My Review:

The Reckoning is a fascinating, poignant novel about the events of one woman’s life over the course of the twentieth century.  It describes everything she experience the good, the bad, things she regrets and those she is proud of.

There were lots of great historic events in this time period and the author does a great job of visiting each one.  I enjoyed reading about these events from Lina’s point of view as everyone has different experiences, especially during the two world wars.

I didn’t really warm to the main character Lina as I found her to be quite arrogant at times.  She’s also not very apologetic about any of the things she’s done, despite some of them have far reaching consequences.  I’m not sure I’d have been very happy if I was her daughter reading these letters.

This isn’t a fast paced book but nor should it be as that would take away from the beauty of the story.  Instead the reader provides an almost intimate narrative that makes the reader understand the character and their background really well so that they almost feel like friends.  This made the book a fantastic read for me.

This is the first book by this author I have read and I’d definitely like to read more from her.

Huge thanks to Lucy from Legend Press for my copy of this book and for inviting me on the blog tour.  If you like emotional historical fiction you’ll love this book.

About The Author:

Clár Ní Chonghaile was born in London but grew up in An Spidéal, County Galway. She left Ireland aged 19 to join Reuters in London as a graduate trainee journalist. Clár has been a reporter and editor for over 20 years, living and working in Spain, France, the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Kenya. She now lives in St Albans, England, with her husband and two daughters. Her debut novel, Fractured, was published by Legend Press in 2016.