Welcome to the first of the Cafe updates this week and after one of the busiest book selling season of the year, it is great to see the reviews coming in.
The first author with a recent review is Teagan Riordain Geneviene in the second book of her series Atonement in Bloom which was released in October last year.
About Atonement in Bloom
“Atonement in Bloom” continues the urban fantasy from the point where “Atonement, Tennessee” ended.The quaint town was stranger than Ralda Lawton could have imagined. The local population included supernatural beings of the fae variety. Although only she and a few others knew about that.In a past life, Ralda ― Esmeralda had been involved in something with those supernaturals and it had carried into her present life. In Atonement, Tennessee, that almost got her killed. Now she has new problems, and new supes to complicate matters.Atonement in Bloom continues the misadventures of Ralda, her friends, and neighbors in the small (but far from peaceful) town of Atonement, Tennessee. Her old house and cemetery are still there, along with Lilith the cat, quirky townsfolk, and assorted supernaturals.Now Lilith the calico sniffs out a strange beast.Fae foolery backfires. A friend is abducted.On a cold December day, Atonement, Tennessee comes into bloom.
One of the recent reviews for the book
“Atonement in Bloom” is the second book in the Atonement series and begins where “Atonement, Tennessee” left off. Ralda Lawton is settling into her new home, has friends and found supernatural beings, too. I loved the narrative going between Ralda and Lilith her cat. I appreciated seeing Atonement through the cat’s eyes. I’d like to think my cats are as observant as this calico. With Faes, glowing pigs, and failed magic mixed with mystery, a small town, a sudden appearing house, and a kidnapping–it was a hard story to put down. The relationship between Ralda and Bethany is endearing. They retained their memories from the first book, while others didn’t. Then help came from an unexpected ally, which added a new dynamic to their relationship. I loved the Tea Romm where Ralda and her friends met. I could picture myself having a cup of tea there easily. This is an imaginative, fun read that I highly recommend, but I’d start with “Atonement, Tennessee” first if you haven’t read it, so you don’t miss anything.
Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5RRBLH
And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atonement-Bloom-Teagan-Geneviene-ebook/dp/B07J5RRBLH
Also by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
Read the reviews, buy the books : https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM
and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM
Read more reviews and follow Teagan on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13707141.Teagan_Geneviene
Connect to Teagan Geneviene via her blog: https://teagansbooks.com/
Absolutely delighted to feature While the Bombs Fell which is written by Robbie Cheadle and her mother Elsie Hancy Eaton.
About While the Bombs Fell
What was it like for children growing up in rural Suffolk during World War 2?
Elsie and her family live in a small double-storey cottage in Bungay, Suffolk. Every night she lies awake listening anxiously for the sound of the German bomber planes. Often they come and the air raid siren sounds signalling that the family must leave their beds and venture out to the air raid shelter in the garden.
Despite the war raging across the English channel, daily life continues with its highlights, such as Christmas and the traditional Boxing Day fox hunt, and its wary moments when Elsie learns the stories of Jack Frost and the ghostly and terrifying Black Shuck that haunts the coastline and countryside of East Anglia.
Includes some authentic World War 2 recipes
One of the recent reviews on Goodreads
What a lovely, poignant book! It’s the only one I’ve read that describes what life was like for very young children growing up during World War Two. There is also quite a bit of English history included, which I found quite interesting. The wartime recipes are a nice touch.
It’s told from the perspective of a girl aged 4-6 years old, and focuses mainly on the daily life of kids living through horrendous times, without truly understanding what was going on in the adult world. Many of the stories told reminded me of my Dutch father-in-law’s descriptions of growing up during WWII in the Netherlands.
It’s appropriate for young children as well as young readers. Fascinating read.
Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GZ2NZFK
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/While-Bombs-Fell-Robbie-Cheadle-ebook/dp/B07GZ2NZFK
A selection of books by Robbie Cheadle with Michael Cheadle and Kim Blades
And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ
Read more reviews and follow Robbie on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
Connect to Robbie via her blog: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
And the third author today with a glowing review is Vashti Quiroz-Vega for the latest release, Son of the Serpent (Fantasy Angels Series)
About Son of the Serpent
In Son of the Serpent, award-winning author Vashti Quiroz-Vega crafts another fascinating glimpse into the dark, compelling world of fallen angels and demons, revealing more about their untold stories.
The war in heaven might be over, but the ambitions of the fallen angel Lilith reach far across the roots of history. Will there be a being powerful enough to stop her evil influence before the destruction of mankind?
Dracúl knows he is the son of Satan, but the rest of his memory has been taken from him. Alone and frightened, he awakens in a forest, beginning a quest to piece together who he is. The world he encounters is cruel, but he yearns to belong and find companionship. With each step he takes, another missing piece of his memory falls into place, revealing a truth that is ever more troubling . . .
A truth that will turn his quest for meaning into one fueled by the hot-blooded thirst for revenge. A truth that leads him to Lilith, the most wicked and ruthless of fallen angels and one he soon will have every reason to hate. His quest will consume him, perhaps ruin his life, but somehow Dracúl is determined to find both belonging and vengeance—to be good, in spite of his evil nature and the dark secrets that haunt him every step of the way.
One of the recent reviews for the book
The second book in the Fantasy Angel Series, “Son of the Serpent” begins where the first book left off. The abandoned son of Lilith and Satan, Dracul, awakens in a forest, not far from the cave where he was left to die.
Dracul’s name gives the reader a hint as to how he must survive – by draining the blood of animals for sustenance. Being all alone, the young man craves love and attention. He sets off in search of his mother, trying to understand how she could abandon her child.
The novel, written in the first-person, fluctuates between Dracul’s viewpoint and that of his mother, Lilith. At first, I thought this perspective was limited, but on further reflection, I realized the author’s motivation.
Most Bible tales are not told in the first person. Instead, they are retellings of past events, written by someone who was not present when the incidents occurred. However, this author chose to tell her story from the perspective of Dracul and his mother. In this way, the reader has the opportunity to understand the (perceived) character’s feelings and motivations, as if they were walking alongside them. I found this attitude to be refreshing.
The reader also takes a deep dive into the psyche of a creature conceived by two demon parents. Initially, Dracul is drawn toward the light instead of the dark, setting up great tension in his quest for justice. His pain accelerates, and eventually, he becomes obsessed with vengeance.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking that this tale is all love and light. The story is dark as pitch even as it skillfully weaves in characters and events from the Bible. I thought the ending was spectacular!
Some of the characters from the first book appear in the second book, tying the storyline together. My advice: read book one first. I highly recommend both books!
MY RATING: Character Believability: 5 Flow and Pace: 5 Reader Engagement: 5 Reader Enrichment: 5 Reader Enjoyment: 5 Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HS4C3B7
and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Son-Serpent-Fantasy-Angels-Book-ebook/dp/B07HS4C3B7
Also by Vashti Quiroz-Vega
Read the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Vashti-Quiroz-Vega/e/B00GTXG5W4
and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vashti-Quiroz-Vega/e/B00GTXG5W4
Read more reviews and follow Vashti on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7122693.Vashti_Quiroz_Vega
Connect to Vashti via her website/Blog: https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/
Thank you for dropping in today and I am sure there might be a book or two that will have left with you…..thanks Sally.
Reblogged this on Campbells World.
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Thank you Patty..hugsx
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Hi Sally! Thank you for sharing Colleen’s wonderful review of Son of the Serpent. As usual I’m in great company. 💗xo
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Pleasure Vashti..hugsx
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Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
Sally Cronin has shared Jennifer S. Alderson’s wonderful review of While the Bombs Fell. I am in such lovely book company in this post too. Thank you Sally and Jennifer!
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Sorry about leaving your name off the title Robbie..not intentional.. have rectified…thanks for reblogging.. hugs xxx
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No problem, Sally. I am delighted you shared this review.
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Thank you, Sally. I was so thrilled with this review. Delighted to see Vashti and Teagan here too.
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I couldn’t be in better company, Robbie. Congrats on that lovely review. Cheers — and hugs. ☕
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Thank you, Teagan. You too. I am looking forward to reading Vashti’s book and this book of yours.
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Great reviews for some books and authors I’m familiar with (and with some of the reviewers as well). Congratulations all around!
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Thank you Olga.. hugsxx
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out what’s new on the shelves of Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore from this post on Sally Cronin’s blog.
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Thank you Don..
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on Teagan's Books and commented:
#BookReview! My heart is warm on this extremely cold day. The sensational Sally G. Cronin just shared a new review of “Atonement in Bloom.” I didn’t know about D.L. Finn’s review, and I’m thrilled!
Plus I’m overjoyed to be in such great company. Sally also shared reviews for fantastic books by Robbie Cheadle and Vashti Quiroz-Vega. Please click over and check them out.
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Dear Sally — heartfelt thanks for this. I didn’t know about DL Finn’s review until I saw this post. I’m delighted to be here with Robbie and Vashti! Hugs all around. ❤
Now more coffee — it is one bitterly cold day. ☕ Cheers ☕
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My pleasure Teagan and stay warm.. hugs♥
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Thank goodness the sun is out. This is the coldest day in a few years. Hugs back.
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Greetings from Japan, just arrived here from Hong Kong yesterday. I love to read these wonderful reviews of Teagan’s Atonement in Bloom, Robbie’s While the Bombs Fell and
Colleen’s wonderful review of Vashti’s Son of the Serpent. Thank you for sharing, Sally! ❤
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I’m glad to know you arrived safely, Miriam. I hope it is a wonderful stay. Hugs.
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Thank you, Tesgan. We’re going to Arashiyama today.
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Glad you arrived safely Miriam.. have an amazing time.. ♥
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Thank you, Sally! ❤
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Great companied books.Best for a fantastic reading weekend. Thank you, Sally! Michael
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Thanks Michael…hugs
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Thank you for always best information, and entertainment too, Sally! Michael
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What a great lineup of authors and wonderful reviews. Congrats to all three! Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs.
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Thank you Diana..hugsxx
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Fantastic reviews and books, Sally!
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Thank you Jan..hugsxx
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Three of my favorite people all in one spot. You are a miracle maker, Sally (Make it four including you)
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Thank you John… you are a sweetheart.. xx
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XX
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Another great round-up of authors, Sally. Congrats to all three of these ladies for the wonderful reviews and for their fantastic books. What a talented bunch!
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Thank you Mae.. x
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Lovely to see three familiar faces! Amazing reviews to celebrate for sure.
Thanks so much for sharing, Sally, as always. Cheers to all. 🙂
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Thanks Natalie.. ♥♥
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Thanks very much for sharing Traci..hugs
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