Tag: Great books

@lovebooksgroup, book blogger, book review, Books, review

A Deadly Coincidence by Keith Finney

Sophie's Books Galore

My rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If historical cosy mysteries are your bag then look no further fellow book lovers, this delightful book has it all. Set during the Second World War the Norfolk villagers of Lipton St Faith are shocked to discover the death of one of their own. The inquisitive and confident Anna, daughter of the local vicar believes there is something suspicious about the death of the village postman Ted. When Anna and an American Lieutenant, Eddie have a rather unfortunate meeting, they join forces and embark on a journey to discover the truth of this grievous crime. 

You will find a lovely cast of characters to befriend and you will of course meet some dastardly enemies to instil fear into your heart. To be sure, there is engaging and gripping dialogue which will lure you in and most importantly there is a wicked plot which will keep you riveted throughout. The teasing chatter between the ever-witty Anna and Eddie provides much amusement and fun as their friendship blossoms before you upon the pages.

The interesting collection of Lipton St Faith villagers include busy bodies adept in the art curtain twitching, some who have things they wish to hide, and many who don’t trust outsiders. This book is the first in a new series so I do hope we will be hearing much more from these characters. Prepare yourself for a captivating mystery which will keep you absorbed in speculating who the murderer could be throughout.  

Sit back, relax, and escape to the utterly blissful Norfolk countryside and then devour this sensational book with abundant pleasure. 

Now pop off to your local bookshop and get yourself a copy now!

Thank you so much to Love Book Tours, Keith Finney and Lume books for this gifted copy in return of an honest review.

@lovebooksgroup, book blogger, book review, Books, review

Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street by Craig Revel Horwood Book Tour

Sophie's Books Galore

My rating – 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a scrumptious treat this foray into the lives of the wonderful people who dwell at No. 27 Diamond street is. Delve into the tales of these unique and brilliant characters, learn their desires and woes and follow their journeys as they chase their dreams. This heart-warming story will draw you in and take hold of your emotions, there will be lots of laughs and you may even shed a tear or two and I promise you at the end you will love each character with your whole being. Or at least I did! 

The story is told from different characters perspectives giving you more of an insight into their personalities and motivations. It celebrates the importance of friendship and striving to do your best and achieve your goals. Most importantly it captures the zest, excitement and love of all things theatrical which simply oozes out of every page. It is dance that brings these characters together and if they work together they could achieve anything. 

This is definitely a book you should be excited about. With a stella cast of characters, a captivating plot and most importantly oodles of fun, it is the perfect cheerful read to lift your mood. It may even inspire you don some dancing shoes and have a boogie. I have my fingers and toes crossed that there will be more from these amazing characters and this fabulous author!

I want to thank Love Books Tours for organising the tour and Michael O’Mara Books for my gifted copy to review.

Uncategorized

Book Review of Protector by Conn Iggulden

Sophie's Books Galore

My rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The second instalment Conn Iggulden’s ‘Athenian’ series was unsurprisingly just as brilliant as the first, ‘Gates of Athens’. As with all Iggulden’s work it is exceptionally well researched, enthralling and eloquently written. Where the first book dealt with the Battle of Marathon and Thermopylae this one begins with the infamous naval battle of Salamis. Athenians have fled the city which is now burning to the ground on the orders of the Persian king Xerxes. The women and children find sanctuary on the island of Salamis and the men take to the water to meet the Persians and defend their home. Strategy is paramount considering they are greatly outnumbered. Although it looks like an impossible feat, the clear-headed Themistocles comes up with a plan which may just help their plight. Following this spectacular naval battle, the Persian army return to conquer the Greeks at the battle of Plataea and what ensues is an intense and utterly thrilling battle. The Athenians are joined by the Spartans, whose ruthlessness in battle is all too well known by the Persians. 

This all consuming, action packed novel takes you to another time and place, you feel like you are living history. You stand alongside the Athenians and their allies on the battlefield, the smell of sweat and blood in the air consumed with dread at the prospect of meeting the enemy in battle. This epic tale consumes you completely and is surely unbeatable in the realms of historical fiction. 

This is so much more than an account of battles and bloodshed, here you get insightful political strategy, an understanding of cultural intricacies and an exquisite exploration of human emotion.  A must read for all historical fiction lovers and anyone with an interest in ancient history. 

I was gifted this beautiful proof edition by Penguin Michael Joseph in return for an honest review.

@lovebooksgroup, @RCahillAuthor, book blogger, book review, Books, review

The Bound and The Broken: Of Blood and Fire by @RCahillAuthor Blog Tour Organised by @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

Sophie's Books Galore

My rating 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Best enjoyed with a tankard of Mead!

Spectacular, sensational and superb… need I say more? The world of Epheria is now imprinted upon my mind thanks to the beautiful and vivid descriptions along with the tantalisingly intriguing plot. Look no further book lovers, ‘Of Blood and Fire’ is epic fantasy at its best. This truly thrilling tale full of wonder and adventure will surely entice even those readers who haven’t forayed into the literary world of fantasy before. We meet giants, elves and dwarves and a glimmer of hope in the form of a dragon which may unite them in the fight against evil.

Cahill’s characters are a joy to behold. The heroes, driven by friendship and loyalty recruit the reader to champion their cause and stand by them throughout. The callousness and sheer malice of those who wish to do harm to them makes it oh so easy to detest these dastardly villains. Though we begin in the quaint and comparatively quiet village of The Glade we soon follow our protagonists on a dangerous and exciting journey into lands unknown. Calen, Rist and Dann leave behind their home and everything they once knew as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and a quest which will change their lives irrevocably. I entreat you to indulge in this gripping tale where magic is wielded, people are drawn together and endeavour to fight the evil that plights their land. For those who love Tolkien, who wish to be completely consumed by another world, you need not look further, you are in good hands with Cahill’s brilliant “Of Blood and Fire”.

Synopsis:

Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the south squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North.

In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving—a test of courage and skill that not all survive.

But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.

There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold.

He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.

I want to thank @RCahillAuthor and @lovebooksgroup for providing me with a #gifted copy.

Get yourself a copy here!
book blogger, book review, Books, review

Book reveiw of The Deception of Harriet Fleet by Helen Scarlett

Sophie's Books Galore

My rating 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Journey back in time to 1871 to the gothic landscape of County Durham where all is not as it seems at mysterious Teesbank Hall. Fans of the Gothic Novel, rejoice, this spectacular, utterly chilling tale will put you under its spell and consume not only your mind but your entire being. I reached page 40 and decided I had figured it all out and was feeling utterly smug only to be thwarted time and time again by the devilishly clever plot. The characters were written exquisitely, the eery descriptions brought the story to life and certainly induced spine-tingling and heart fluttering moments of fear. I absolutely loved this book, I highly recommend this to any lover of mysteries, historical fiction, thrillers and of course fans of the Gothic novel. It was certainly creepy and altogether quite thrilling especially with the added ghostly elements. The dark and foreboding secrets within the tragic past of the Wainwright family intrigues the new governess Harriet who has left behind an uncertain but distressing past. So, I entreat you to go a get yourself a copy of this book, it is simply marvellous and I will surely be reading this again. 

Synopsis

1871. An age of discovery and progress. But for the Wainwright family, residents of the gloomy Teesbank Hall in County Durham the secrets of the past continue to overshadow their lives. 

Harriet would not have taken the job of governess in such a remote place unless she wanted to hide from something or someone. Her charge is Eleanor, the daughter of the house, a fiercely bright eighteen-year-old, tortured by demons and feared by relations and staff alike. But it soon becomes apparent that Harriet is not there to teach Eleanor, but rather to monitor her erratic and dangerous behaviour – to spy on her. 

Worn down by Eleanor’s unpredictable hostility, Harriet soon finds herself embroiled in Eleanor’s obsession – the Wainwright’s dark, tragic history. As family secrets are unearthed, Harriet’s own begin to haunt her and she becomes convinced that ghosts from her past are determined to reveal her shameful story.

For Harriet, like Eleanor, is plagued by deception and untruths.

I want to thank @QuercusBooks and @HelenSWriter for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this #gifted copy of #TheDeceptionOfHarrietFleet