Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates #Reviews – #Fantasy A.J. Alexander, #Family Judith Barrow, #Romance Ritu Bhathal

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the first of the Cafe update for the week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves..

The first author with a recent review is A.J.Alexander with Sundance: 2nd book of ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series

About the book

Sundance is a promising young Warrior Angel, the first in centuries to join the Divine Army. With the help of one of the most powerful Archangels, her skill and talent develop, allowing her to master some of the most difficult tasks that face her kind.Sundance, under the supervision of the ‘Council of Twelve’ seeks to prove that she deserves her unusual gifts in the eternal fight between good and evil. Follow her adventures as she discovers love, fights the good fight, and finds herself in the heat of battle trying to keep her wings from being singed.

One of the reviews for the book

JannyC Renews your love of fantasy

Sundance (The Council of Twelve Series Book 2) has renewed my love of fantasy/paranormal romance. I can honestly say no book has ever done that. In book 2 we encounter 7-year-old Cara. Her parents tell her she is literally a gift from God…on a loan so to speak. You see her parents prayed for a child and God granted their wish, but she has to be returned after 7 years. When Cara suddenly falls ill with a mysterious illness, she awakens to find herself in heaven? Well sort of. She actually is told she is in sort of an angel army school to make sure if she is the right fit for the angelic army of God. Cara passes with flying colors and gains the new name of Sundance as she officially becomes a warrior angel in training. She excels at her position showcasing skills that have not been seen in an angel in a long time. This captures the attention of the Council of Twelve. Under their supervision, Sundance is exposed to her maximum potential with extraordinary powers. When evil strikes will Sundance be powerful enough to win against them? Or has her growing closeness and love with a human warrior she has fought beside hinder her? Got to read to find out!

A. J. Alexander has created a wonderful world here. Her writing is soft and poetic fantasy personified. Sundance herself is written with wit, innocence and kickass skills. Alexander’s craft of writing action scenes is skilled. Alexander will have your attention on every page turn!
While this is book two in the series you really don’t have to of had to read book 1. Though it is recommended for there are cameo appearances from two of the leading characters from book 1. A delighted joy for me from having read book 1. You will be dying to know how this all connects and pans out in the series. Alexander has you hooked.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Also by A. J. Alexander

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And on: Amazon UK

Connect to A.J. Alexander via her website: Aurora Jean Alexander

The next author is Judith Barrow with a review for her recently released compelling family drama The Memory.

About the book

Mother and daughter tied together by shame and secrecy, love and hate.

I wait by the bed. I move into her line of vision and it’s as though we’re watching one another, my mother and me; two women – trapped.

Today has been a long time coming. Irene sits at her mother’s side waiting for the right moment, for the point at which she will know she is doing the right thing by Rose.

Rose was Irene’s little sister, an unwanted embarrassment to their mother Lilian but a treasure to Irene. Rose died thirty years ago, when she was eight, and nobody has talked about the circumstances of her death since. But Irene knows what she saw. Over the course of 24 hours their moving and tragic story is revealed – a story of love and duty, betrayal and loss – as Irene rediscovers the past and finds hope for the future.

“…A book that is both powerful and moving, exquisitely penetrating. I am drawn in, empathising so intensely with Irene that I feel every twinge of her frustration, resentment, utter weariness and abiding love.” Thorne Moore

“Judith Barrow’s greatest strength is her understanding of her characters and the times in which they live; The Memory is a poignant tale of love and hate in which you will feel every emotion experienced by Irene.” Terry Tyler

The new novel from the bestselling author of the Howarth family saga

One of the recent reviews

MacTrish Gripping. Moving. Powerful.

I read Judith Barrow’s Howarth saga and loved it. When I heard that she’d written something else, something different, I was afraid I might be disappointed. I needn’t have worried. The Memory is a powerful book that holds you in its grip until the final, perfect page.
It has two timelines. The current one exposes the physical and emotional exhaustion that often accompanies the care of a family member. Irene and her mother are locked in a claustrophobic battle that is vivid, real and frighteningly credible. The other timeline follows Irene’s life from just before the birth of her sister Rose who has Down’s Syndrome. The portrayal of Rose is beautiful and moving. Irene’s selfless care for her sister underpins so much of the novel.

There are hardships, hatred and poverty running parallel with selfless love and sacrifice. I loved Sam for his strength and support of Irene and there were times when I loathed her mother. These aren’t two-dimensional characters, though, and the author brings them to life with an understanding of what drives the decisions that they make.

The writing is what I’ve come to expect from Judith Barrow. The effortless prose brings a fresh quality to the mundane and familiar.

There’s also a building menace to the book and a sense of foreboding that drives you on right to the surprising end. This is a remarkable book and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Read the reviews and buy the book : Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

Also by Judith Barrow

Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

and: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Judith: Goodreads

Connect to Judith via her blog: Judith Barrow

And the final author today is Ritu Bhathal for her recently released romance Marriage Unarranged.

About the book

It all ~~started~~ ended with that box…

Aashi’s life was all set. Or so she thought.

Like in the Bollywood films, Ravi would woo her, charm her family and they’d get married and live happily ever after.

But then Aashi found the empty condom box…

Putting her ex-fiancé and her innocence behind her, Aashi embarks upon an enlightening journey, to another country, where vibrant memories are created, and unforgettable friendships forged.

Old images erased, new beginnings to explore.

And how can she forget the handsome stranger she meets? A stranger who’s hiding something…

One of the recent reviews

Deb Love, friendship and honour

This is the first book I’ve read by Ritu Bhathal and I have to say I really loved it! I learned some amazing facts about a different culture I knew nothing about.

The story begins with Aashi and Ravi looking forward to wedding plans. Not everything goes to plan and Aashi joins her brothers and best friend Kiran on a trip to India. Sunny (brother) has business to discuss in India. While they’re away Ravi has a lot to think about and Aashi’s good name is dirtied.

I love Aashi’s best friend Kiran and her love of chocolate and feistiness. I loved meeting Milan with all his love and grandeur. Arjun is also a delight, great sense of humour and kind.
I never knew how much food was loved in their culture and my days it sounded delicious. Their travels are so colourful and I felt almost there, also the different beliefs and customs, such as the ‘Evil eye.’

Un- arranged Marriage is a beautiful story about family, love and friendship. Beliefs and honour.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

Also by Ritu Bhathal