Welcome to this year’s Christmas book fair where I will be sharing the books of all the authors on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore with their most recent review in the last six months. I will be selecting authors at random so that there is something for everyone in the post.
To make it easier for you to buy I will provide the US and UK Amazon Author Pages and Goodreads Page for the author where you will find the featured book and also the others by the author.
The first author is John W. Howell with a stand alone novel – Circumstances of Childhood.. I have read all of John’s book and enjoy his style of writing and this this novel was not exception. They would make great gifts to friends and family.
About Circumstances of Childhood.
When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?
Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.
His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.
If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.
A recent review for the book.
I truly enjoyed this novel and I hope John W. Howell keeps writing for a very long time. One thing that really impresses me is the care he takes in his writing…his dialogue skills and the way he creates believable but awesome characters (in this case – Greg and Keith Petros). This book hit all the marks for what I love a great story: fast-paced, surprising twists, characters I could root for, characters to hate/despise/feel pity/willing to save, and of course an ending that had me snapping my Kindle shut and thinking – noooo way, I’d like to read more..! If you want a good book that keeps you glued to the page, read this one or better all of the books by this author!
Three last words: exceptional, suspenseful and smart! Go, grab it!
Also by John W. Howell.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US author page
and on: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow John: John Howell Goodreads
Connect to John: John W. Howell
The next author enjoying a recent review is Hugh W. Roberts for his second collection of short stories, More Glimpses. I have read and can recommend as a great gift for someone who enjoys reading some edgy short stories.. expect the unexpected.
About More Glimpses
Do you believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden? Or know the real truth about what lurks inside every mobile phone? Would you steal items from a blind person, or send your neighbours on a time travelling adventure fraught with danger and menace to save the human race from a bug? How about staying in a sleepy village where many murders have taken place or coming to the aid of royalty while out shopping?
‘More Glimpses’ gives the reader an opportunity to take a peek into the lives of normal, everyday people whose lives are all on a path full of twists, turns and unexpected endings. However, it’s not only about the humans; nothing escapes the extraordinary journeys Hugh has planned for you. If you are a lover of shows such as ‘Black Mirror’ or ‘The Twilight Zone’ then you’re in for another exciting trip in this second collection from Hugh. Come and meet the characters who had no idea their lives were about to be turned upside-down. Enjoy the ride!
One of the recent reviews for the collection
After reading Glimpses, Hugh Roberts’ first anthology of short stories, I was enthused to see his second book out for sale. More Glimpses fulfils its title by giving the reader a snapshot view into the lives of the characters colouring the pages, sharing moments of conflict, grandeur and horror before the shutter closes and the next story begins. Some dwell in the macabre; others are downright delightful in their telling. Hugh weaves his storytelling web over these bite-size stories, bringing to life the colourful characters, warts and all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was lucky enough to receive my copy from the author himself. I look forward to his next anthology as I’m sure it will be just as thrilling as Glimpses and More Glimpses.
Also by Hugh W. Roberts
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK
And on: Amazon US
Read more reviews and follow Hugh :Hugh Roberts Goodreads
Connect to Hugh via his blog: Hugh’s Views and News
A now something for those who enjoy some romance/paranormal in their reading. Linda G. Hill with the most recent review for her book The Magician’s Curse: A Paranormal Romance – The Great Dagmaru Book 1.
About the book
When Herman Anderson leaves home to make a better life for herself, she doesn’t expect to meet a tall, dark stranger with whom she’ll fall hopelessly in love.
Charming and mysterious, Stephen Dagmar is a stage magician seeking an assistant. The moment he sets eyes on Herman, he knows she’s the one. He brings her home to his Victorian mansion where they embark upon an extravagant romance. Yet a shadow hangs over their love. Will the curse on his family end Stephen and Herman’s happily ever after, before it really begins?
Amidst lace and leather, innocence and debauchery, The Magician’s Curse begins the Gothic tale of The Great Dagmaru. Magic and romance await.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Robbie Cheadle An intriguing read
Herman has a most unusual name which has been a burden to her all her school life. Why on earth would her parents saddle her with a boy’s name? As this interesting book, filled with magic and mystery progresses, Herman finds out that it is not only her name that is unusual about her, or her parents choice that is unusual about them.
Herman’s mother has been very ill for a long time and her father is never there to offer any support to his family. Herman assumed the role of mother to her younger brother, Chad, when she was very young and now she is breaking free to establish a life for herself. She plans to bring her brother to live with her once she is settled and earning an income. On the train to her new job, Herman meets a riveting young man who introduces himself as Stephen. Much to Herman’s surprise, Stephen professes to be as taken with her as she is with him, so when he asks her to work for him as his assistant she doesn’t put up much of a fight. Fortunately for Herman, Stephen, who is a magician, is genuine in his offer for her to become his assistant and she quickly discovers that there is more to his magic than meets the eye. In fact, Herman soon comes to realise that the household staff and Stephen’s entire lifestyle is fairly unorthodox.
The attraction between Herman and Stephen is incredibly strong but Herman can sense there is something not quite right with their relationship and this causes her to hold back from committing herself completely to him. What is Stephen’s secret and will Herman be able to accept it when she eventually discovers what it is? I did like the fact that the character of Stephen illustrated respect for Herman and gave her the opportunity to make her own choice about his unusual situation.
This book is for adults and, although not graphic, it does contain descriptions of sex and suggestions of sexual freedoms. The romantic aspect of this book is the overriding genre with the supernatural element playing a lessor role.
Also by Linda G. Hill
Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
And : Amazon UK
Read other reviews and follow Linda on: Goodreads
Connect to Linda via her website: Linda G. Hill
And the final book today is the poetry collection from Ritu Bhathal which has received wonderful review and would make a lovely gift for poetry lovers- Poetry Rituals
Delve into a book of verse exploring different topics and different genres, all with a RITUal twist.
A collection of poetry drawing on the experiences of the writer, ranging from matters of the heart, love for the family, situations in life and some verses written with a humorous twist.
One of the recent reviews for the collection
Read all the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US
and other reviews: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Ritu: Goodreads
Connect to Ritu:But I smile anyway
Thank you for dropping in today and there will be more Christmas Book recommendations over the weekend. Sally
What a wonderful collection of books! Thank you Sally for sharing them!
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Thank you Christa..looking forward to showcasing everyone’s books in the run up to Christmas.. time to get festive.. hugsx
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I’ll be in Switzerland over the holidays. Looking forward to the festive holiday displays and the Glühwein (mulled wine)!
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Have a wonderful time.. very familiar with Glühwein my husband used to Ski every winter and we spent some wonderful holidays in the Alps.. I would wait for him each evening and the Glühwein stand at the bottom of the run.. I was more into apres ski.. x
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Thank you, Christa
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Nice to see John here. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his books.
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Thanks Craig.. me too.. looking forward to the next…
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I think he’s getting close.
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Good to hear.. x
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Thank you, Craig
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Wow, Sally. Thank you so much for the feature along with these other very talented writers. I also want to thank Victoria Ohlsson for such a lovely review of Circumstances of Childhood.
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My pleasure John.. delighted to share.. hugsxx
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😊
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I have read all of these books, Sally, and they are all terrific. Thanks for including my review of Linda’s great book.
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Thanks Robbie… I am looking forward to showcasing everyone in the Cafe in coming weeks.. and enjoying visiting all your books again.. hugsx
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Terrific, Robbie.Thank you.
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Great features of authors and the recent reviews. Thank you, Sally.
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Thank you Miriam…I am loving checking everyone’s books out again and sharing in the run up to Christmas…hugsx
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It’s very generous of you promoting the books and help out for Christmas shopping. Thank you so much, Sally!! ❤
My book just received the 2019 Summer eBook solo Medalist Winner award for poetry. 🙂 ❤
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2019/11/10/2019-new-apple-summer-ebook-awards-solo-medalist-winner-songs-of-heartstrings
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That is wonderful Miriam and congratulations.. have added to your Cafe and Bookstore entry..xxx♥
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Thank you, Sally. I also have the book on Barns and Noble. I’ll give you the link later. 💖
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What a great selection of books to start off the Christmas book fair! Something for everyone. I hope these find their way into many stockings this year.
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Thanks Darlene… and looking forward to showcasing all of you in the Cafe…it has been a bumper year for new books that’s for certain.. ♥
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Thank you, Darlene
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Thanks for such a wonderful line up of books, Sally. These all look like fantastic reads. I’m familiar with John Howell’s books but not so much with the others. I have one of Balroop’s books on my ereader waitng for me (story of my life these days, lol). 🙂
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Thanks Harmony… and I am like that too with my reader but only so many hours in the day..hugsx
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Thank you for the visit, Harmony
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Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
I am delighted to be part of Sally Cronin’s Christmas Book recommendations feature today. She has highlighted a lovely review of Circumstances of Childhood. What is a real treat is I am among three other fine writers. A visit to Sally’s place is always an entertaining event. Thank you so much, Sally.
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Thank you John and always delighted to share your books, having enjoyed them all.. looking forward to the next. .hugsx
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The next is a wild one. As I was telling my wife the story she said, “Why can’t you just write a normal book?” “Good question I replyed.I’m sure I don’t know.”
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You got to go where the muse takes you John…xxx
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My belief as well. Hugs.
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I’ve read John’s and Hugh’s books, and both were fantastic!
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I enjoyed to Teri.. and looking forward to John’s next. hugs
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Thank you for the visit, Teri
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An intriguing selection of books and reviews, Sally!
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Thank you Jan… lots more to come as I work though all of you in the Cafe.. hugsx
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Thanks, Jan
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Thanks so much for featuring my latest book with the other books from these fabulous authors and poets. Sally. Will feature the post in an upcoming post in the next few weeks.
Have a lovely weekend.
Hugs.
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Pleasure Hugh and you too..hugsx
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Thanks for spotlighting so much talent in one post, Sally. I’m a huge fan of John Howell’s writing. By the way, I love the meme….it’s so cozy and welcoming.
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Thank you Jill.. I am thrilled to be sharing every author in the cafe before Christmas.. they are a talented group..hugs
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Big hug for you, Jill
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❤
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Fabulous reviews to celebrate! Thanks for sharing, Sally. 🙂
Bravo to John, Hugh, Linda, and Ritu!
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Thank you Natalie.. enjoying working my way through the cafe and bookstore, so much talent..hugsx
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Thank you, Natalie.
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The perfect holiday gift guide- Sally’s bookstore! These choices all look wonderful 🙂
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Great thanks Jacquie… hoping to give everyone in the Cafe a boost one way or another before Christmas..hugsxx
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Thank you, Jacquie.
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Loving the series already Sal. 4 great books today – 2 I’ve read and 2 await ❤
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Great Debby… I hope that it helps a little to get the books off the shelves before Christmas…♥♥
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Great idea Sal – as always! ❤ xx
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♥
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What a fantastic group of authors and their fabulous books! This is great, Sally! Thank you. ❤ xo
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Thank you Vashti and I think I have enough time before Christmas to include all of you in the Cafe… time is flashing by.. ♥♥
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That would be amazing, Sally! Thank you! ❤ xo
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Thank you so much for placing my book in such wonderful company, Sally! ❤
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Pleasure Linda..xx
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Thank you so much for including me in a collection of such fantastic books, Sally 🥰🥰🥰
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Pleasure Ritu.. enjoy your weekend. ♥
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You too Sally 🥰
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Ho! Ho! Ho! Let the Holiday shopping begin!! Great selection, Sally!
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Thank you Jan… enjoy ♥♥
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