Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Author News and Reviews – Annette Rochelle Aben, Dan Antion, Sue Bavey

Welcome to the new series of author news and reviews, where I will share updates on the authors who have been promoted on the blog and whose books I have read and can recommend.

The first author and poet today is Annette Rochelle Aben’s with one of the recent reviews for Son of BOOKU Returns : with more Halloween haiku

One of the reviews for the collection

D.L. Finn  5.0 out of 5 stars Add a poetic sparkle to your Halloween  Reviewed in the United States

“Son of BOOKU Returns” is another great addition to the BOOKU family. I loved all the pictures from Lorraine Parent’s Halloween display included with the short poems. It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, any time of the year. Each poem left me smiling. Here are lines from some favorites: “I feel accepted/They’re not spooked by my colors…”, “Wishing on the moon/We hope that when we grow up…”, “Merry pole dancers/Nightly shows through Halloween…”, and “The trees are alive/But we’re not! Get it?….” A whimsical poetry collection to add a sparkle to the Halloween season for all who love or need the lighter side of spooky. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Annette Rochelle Aben

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Annette: Goodreads – Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben WordPress – Twitter:@YouAreTheExpert

The next book is another I can recommend and the fourth in a compelling series by Dan Antion – Secrets Held Against Evil: Book Four in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series 

One of the reviews for the book

Dweezer 5.0 out of 5 stars Reading is Believing  Reviewed in the United States

This series has more than its share of mystery, intrigue and humor. Dan has a way of making his characters as real as if they were your own father, mother, best friend, minister or teacher. The bad guys are not fantastical which makes them all the more intimidating. I recommend starting with Book One. It’s hard not to become attached to the boys with special gifts who manage to get into tricky situations, even after they’re grown. You’ll enjoy the new characters that join the cast in Book Four, a fitting way to complete this fun series. Nice job, Dan!

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon CA – And: Amazon UK

Also by Dan Antion

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US –  And:Amazon CA –  And:Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – Blog: Dan Antion – Facebook: D. Antion – Twitter: @DAntion –  Instagram: Dan Antion –  Bookbub: Dan Antion – LinkedIn: Dan Antion – Youtube: Dan Antion

The final book today, another I can highly recommend is by Sue Bavey… A biography Kookaburras, Cuppas & Kangaroos: Adventures of a Yorkshire Lass Down Under in the ’60s

One of the reviews for the book

Melissa A. Bartell 5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Travel Memoir-Once-Removed  Reviewed in the United States

This memoir-once-removed tells the story of the author’s mother, Elizabeth Isle who participated in the Assisted Passenger Program which encouraged emigration to Australia in the 1960s.

Told mainly in epistolary format, the writing of which were sustained by endless cups of tea, it’s a delightful tale of a wide-eyed young woman on her first travel adventures, from innocence to awareness personally and culturally.

I enjoyed reading about the universal experiences that Elizabeth had – driving her (affectionate) uncle’s car, searching for a job that would be fulfilling but also allow time and money for explorations, and making new friends.

I also appreciated the glimpses of what life was like in the Australia of the 1960s. As someone from a similarly “young” country, the parallels and differences between the United States and Australia have always fascinated me, and seeing the latter through Elizabeth’s eyes was particularly rewarding.

Author Sue Bavey (writing as S. Bavey) has done an admirable job capturing both the excitement and the challenges of moving half a world away from home. I liked that she kept the language period appropriate. It’s slightly more sophisticated than the way young women speak and write today, and the difference really added to the feeling of immersion in Elizabeth’s adventures.

If you, like me, love memoirs in general, and travel memoirs specifically, you will love this book.

Goes well with hot tea and ribbon sandwiches. 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK –  And: Amazon US

Also by S. Bavey

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – Website: Sue Bavey WordPress – Facebook: Sue Bavey – Twitter: @SueBavey

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Book Review Round Up – December 2023 – Robbie and Michael Cheadle, Carol Taylor, D. Wallace Peach, Dan Antion, Jan Sikes, Pamela S. Wight, Terry Tyler

Another wonderful month of terrific books and here is a recap of my reviews.

My review for the book December 2nd 2023

This is a beautifully illustrated book for children and the adults who read it with them. The illustrations are so eye catching throughout the book, and they will keep children engaged and offer opportunities to stop and talk about giraffes and their very unique form and colouring. The mother and son writing team have done an amazing job.

One of the key elements for me was the emphasis on how we all have a beauty, even if it is not recognised by those around us, or conforms to what is considered to be normal. Another is that there are others out there who empathise and accept us for who we are, and will reach out to smooth our path in life.

Reading on an interactive device means that you can stop, admire an illustration and then click through to YouTube to enjoy watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.  As a bonus there are some funny giraffe facts that will get children both learning and laughing. Who knew a giraffe’s tongue was that long?

This is a short book but is packed with visual and written delights for children and adults. I am sure it will inspire a love of nature and an acceptance of how differences in those they meet can enhance their relationship with them.  I can recommend this as a gift for any child.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for the cookbook December 4th 2023

Even though I am familiar with many recipes created by Carol Taylor on her popular food and cooking blog, I was blown away by how she elevated all the familiar festive ingredients into so many fabulous and crowd pleasing recipes.

Many of these recipes have been passed down from the author’s grandmother through the family and are based on a ‘cook from scratch’ approach using wherever possible, locally sourced fresh ingredients. This approach to preparing food underlines Carol’s philosophy of taking sustainably sourced and healthy produce and elevating them to create flavour filled dishes.

All these recipes have been tried and tested over the years on family and friends and I have adopted many of them over the years I have been following Carol… I can confirm they are delicious.

In addition to the recipes there are some useful tips on how to adapt them using other ingredients or to personal taste. Such as garlic buttered peas and spiced cabbage, and instead of buying gravy granules, you will delight those around your table with sauces made from pan drippings or perhaps Prosecco mushroom gravy.

Turkey and Ham are classic favourites and Carol shares the perfect cooking methods to maximise tenderness and flavour along with some alternative options for Christmas dinner, such as beef and pork. There are also wonderful recipes for your family or guests who prefer vegetarian or gluten free main meal or desserts over the festivities.

If you are looking to create a different Christmas menu this year, there are plenty of delicious suggestions for nibbles before the meal and less traditional side dishes. Those that sound particular tempting are the Prawn Cocktail Scotch Eggs and the Cheese Bourekas along with other recipes infused with Thai flavours.

And if you are daunted by the thought of making your own Christmas pudding, cake or mince pies then the easy to follow, step by step guide to baking these treats will make this a much easier and tastier alternative to buying them readymade. This also applies to gifts for family and friends as there are some wonderful edible presents that will delight them.

To round off the Christmas celebrations, there are some terrific recipes to turn the leftovers into delicious meals making sure nothing goes to waste.

This cookbook is intended for the international market so Carol has included very helpful conversion tables at the end. I cannot recommend this festive cookbook highly enough and look forward to preparing these dishes this year and Christmas’s to come.

I highly recommend this feast for the eyes….

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US 

My review for the book December 4th 2023

D.Wallace Peach is an author who converted me into a fantasy genre lover, and as such I was waiting for this latest book to become available. I was certainly not disappointed, although there were times I wished I had a sofa to hide behind!

As always from this author you can expect brilliantly crafted characters and a storyline that pulls you in and keeps you captivated until the last page.

This particular story moves back and forth between 1858 and 1972, both very well researched and portrayed. Both were times of change,persecution and often violent protests. Despite the move forward to equality over the century, even in the 1970s, as episodes in the story demonstrate, some things have not changed for the better.

There are many revelations as the story evolves, connections are made between past and present and unlikely friendships are formed with new understandings of how it is possible to put aside long held prejudices. Danger and sacrifice face the main characters as they try to prevent a tragedy and those considered monsters show their true selves to the world.

I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed every minute as it hurtled towards the climax. Even if you do not normally read fantasy, I can highly recommend you read this rollercoaster adventure story.

Head over read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for the book December 9th 2023

As a fan of the first three books in this series, I was interested to see where the author took the characters, and how the threads from the story so far, might be extended. I was not disappointed, as key events and characters were explored in more depth to provide answers to questions an outsider might query when faced with the perceived evidence provided to the public.

Those who have read the books are well aware of the abilities of Billy, Zach and his daughter Abbie have in relation to time, location and the future, and having been behind the scenes, are happy to accept the story had reached a satisfactory conclusion. However, if you are a keen and ambitious young reporter, with a mentor who offers you the freedom to reopen old unresolved stories, the threads left dangling, combined with goading and threatening texts, might just compel you to bring everything to light.

This makes for a great suspense novel, with intricate manoeuvres by the key characters including law enforcement, FBI and politics to keep certain aspects of the past where they needed to be. Billy who has a sense of what might be coming on the horizon and who keeps the Zach, Abbie and Zach’s brother Mike updated on what he feels their involvement is going to be, is the narrator and provides the essential linkage between the shadow play behind the scenes.

The action and the players move towards a finale that will disclose who is behind the new campaign, who has to gain from its success and who is prepared to kill to achieve their goal.

Brilliantly orchestrated again by the author and very sad to see the last of these compelling characters… or is it?  Highly recommended addition to this intriguing series.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon CA – And: Amazon UK

My review for the book December 16th 2023

I was keen to catch up with policewoman Jenny Williams with regards to both her professional and personal life. On the professional front as expected, there is another body, which reinforces her colleagues increasing conviction that she is a murder magnet. To be fair they tend to have been committed before her arrival rather than in the few short months of her time there.

This particular murder mystery has very strong family connections with cultural implications and long held secrets.  It does enable her friendship with forensic scientist Penny to thrive although it does put her in danger as she continues to dig deeper into a tangled web of gossip and circumstantial evidence.

At the same time Jenny is continuing to delve into the mystery of her missing relatives, and after keeping the details of this close to her chest since her arrival, she now has learnt to trust those around her to not judge her motives for coming to this sleepy outback town. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel… but it looks like the next book in the series will shed more of that light on the mystery.

Lovely to see her romantic relationship with the sometimes enigmtic Nick developing and that they are beginning to make some progress with their investigation into his father’s suicide and mother’s disappearance, a burden he has carried for many years.

Another brilliant episode in this series and I am looking forward to the next book.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon AU  –  And: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for the book December 21st 2023

Another wonderful installment from this series set in and around the historic Harbor Pointe Inn. Having enjoyed the previous books and having read other books by Jan Sikes, I was sure I would be in for a treat…and I was.

The author always writes heartwarming romances with great characters, and successful Brandon Miller is no exception. Handsome, wealthy and madly in love, he is still unsure of how this weekend away is going to end, as he knows the stunningly beautiful Angela is very reluctant to commit to a long term relationship following her disastrous first marriage.

He certainly pulls out all the stops to woo her over their visit, but has a job on his hands as accidents, ghostly visitations and some unsavoury characters seem determined to ruin his plans. Despite his protective and loving attention, Angela is still in great danger and the reader is spellbound as the action unfolds and the mystery deepens.

Jan Sikes maintains the tension throughout the story and does a great job of creating red herrings to keep the reader guessing. There are subtle links that connect the stories although each is a stand alone read. Those hints to the other stories in the series adds a touch of familiarity that increases the engagement of the reader. Very happy to recommend the book.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for the book December 23rd 2023

This was a delightfully fast paced action packed thriller with a romantic element that kept you turning the pages.

Meredith who at 32 years old has her life more or less organised. She has decided to settle for a quieter life after a rollercoaster ride with her ex-boyfriend Parker, whose job with the government kept him coming and going often at a moment’s notice. It looks like she will get her wish with the new man in her life Gregory… even if at times she misses some of the more spontaneous moments with her ex.

We are privy to her inner thoughts as Meredith navigates her job, its demands and her new boyfriend and there is some wonderful subtle humour as she examines the pros and cons of her romantic life. She is organised and dedicated at her job and in her personal life and that control element is going to be tested to the limit as she finds herself being tossed around, not just on the high seas but as a pawn between powerful men.

With her life in danger, a devastatingly attractive man determined to use Meredith to obtain what he wants, and the other two men in her life turning out to be full of surprises, she is going to have to take matters into her own hands.

This is not a book you will want to put down and I really enjoyed the characters involved in this fast paced story, even those on the other side of right and wrong. Highly recommended.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for the book 29th December 2023

As always a gripping and thought provoking novel from Terry Tyler that evokes an emotional response and a respect for human resilience.

Having read the previous two books in this series, I was keen to find out what would come next for the main characters who had survived the initial infection and the harrowing aftermath. It was not only the infected that these survivors had to worry about, but the increasing number of gangs of humans intent on taking what they needed at any cost.

There was also a third factor to be considered and that was the efforts of what government forces were left to eradicate the threat and bring the population into areas they could control. They offer security, food and a future but is there a heavy cost to pay for this promise?

The individuals left from the first two books share their own stories as they attempt to live safely in communities around the country. It  requires constant vigilance and also bravery to face the daily threat from the infected roaming the countryside, and at times to step outside of previous socially accepted behaviour to use violence to survive.

As the move begins to bring the various communities together in government run strongholds, another threat rears its head. That of freedom and the loss of basic human rights, given to some but not to the majority who form the new and strictly inforced ‘service industry’. This leads to some dangerous and often fatal decisions to go it alone.

Terry Tyler masterfully ties up loose ends, and during the frightening and rapid escalation to the climax of the book, many of the characters discover their limits of endurance and face the consequences of their past actions.

There is light in the darkness with friendship, love and solidarity between survivors, heroism and sacrifice and the emphasis on the strength of the human spirit. At the end of the day it is all about the people around you, who will either bring you down or lift you up. As always I am very happy to recommend a book by this author.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

 

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books… Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2024.

 

 

 

 

Smorgasbord Book Reviews – October Round Up – Kwan Kew Lai, Chris Hall, D.L. Finn, Jan Sikes, Jacqui Murray, Dan Antion

Welcome to the round up of my reviews during October and a very enjoyable reading month.

My review for The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly October 1st 2022

The author has already published two memoirs about her extraordinary global career in medicine and humanitarian work – Lest We Forget: A Doctor’s Experience with Life and Death During the Ebola Outbreak and Into Africa, Out of Academia: A Doctor’s Memoir

Kwan Kew Lai’s family asked her to write about her upbringing, family and life in Malaya just after the Japanese occupation, and the challenges she faced in obtaining an education at a time when a girl was destined to devote her life to her family, marry young and to bear many children.

Prepare to be amazed, inspired and humbled by this story.

You may have read news articles, books and even seen dramatized accounts of life in Malaya during and after the Japanese occupation, and during the events leading to the nation achieving independence.

But I doubt that you have read such a detailed account of how life really was for those enduring the occupation and the aftermath. Particularly the author’s ancestors, the Hakka and Nanyan Chinese who migrated to Malaya during the nineteenth century.

Growing up in this multicultural society the class system did not favour migrants, including the Tamil Indians in the 1950s. This extended to the education that their children received, and it was a major step forward when primary school was made mandatory and Kwan Kew Lai was enrolled by her mother known by the children as Ah Yee.

The author shares in great detail the daily challenge for Ah Yee to put even the most simple of meals on the table, often going without herself to ensure her husband and family had food. There was also the strain on both her mother and the family of the yearly addition of another baby in the hopes of more sons to continue her father’s bloodline, and the many moves as the family lost both financial support and homes. Her father, 25 years older than her mother, continued to work passed retirement with his own business to provide for his family, but it was a constant struggle to make enough to keep a roof over their heads.

The fortitude of her mother Ah Yee, with 12 children, two boys and ten girls who she devoted her life and every ounce of her being to nurture was inspiring and humbling.

There are moments when you are brought to tears such as when the newest daughter is taken from her mother’s arms without her consent and given to relatives who could not have children of their own. When the author’s father falls prey to scammers that rob the family of their only income. When each move takes the family further down the road to extreme poverty.

Kwan Kew Lai and her siblings had to fight every step of the way to obtain even the basics and yet they thrived and achieved, with an older brother and sister becoming health professionals. This certainly made a difference to the family’s income, but it also paved the way for Kew’s move into secondary school and supported her own ambitions to attend college.

This involved fighting not just the system, but also the expectations within her culture. Undeterred she faced up to both and pursued her dream working day and night to achieve the grades required to apply to colleges in the United States. The reward for these years of determination and hard work was a full scholarship to Wellesley College paving the way for her to become a doctor.

I am awed and inspired by Kwan Kew Lai’s life as I am sure those reading the memoir will be too. ‘Against all the odds’ certainly applies to this remarkable story and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads  

My review for Song of the Sea Goddess October 6th 2022

A wonderful magical tale that is a fusion of ancient myths and the modern world.

The author has created a world where both these elements can exist together embodied in the delightful characters who share their story with us. They each are on their own paths with differing ambitions and hopes for the future and some escaping the scars of the past.

Despite this sleepy fishing village appearing to be a haven for those who find themselves living there, it becomes the epicentre for an act of revenge from the depths of the sea in response to the greed and destruction of man. The environment is under attack as are those mythical beings who live in within its shadows.

Where has the golden treasure tainted by dark magic come from? As those who touch it will discover, its hold on humans and creatures who cross its path is compelling and addictive, resulting in actions that become increasingly dangerous as the story races to the explosive climax. 

The Sea Goddess is on a mission to restore the natural order of the land, and to retrieve the coins that do not belong in the earthly realm. She is also prepared to take drastic action to right the devastating impact of this assault on the land before it is too late, putting the lives of Sam, the mystical Sasha, the Professor, Jannie and Dawid at great risk as they seek to solve the mysteries unfolding around them.

There some lovely humour threading its way through the story as we meet the other inhabitants of the village. I loved the two aunties Rose and Grace with their homespun wisdom and approach to life. The colourful Albertina who captures the heart of all she enounters as she attempts to fulfil her ambitions in life. The myterious and gentle Abdu who has a secret that will astonish all who know him and the little monkey Toti who will play a pivatol role in the adventure as it unfolds.

A wonderful fantasy adventure that I can highly recommend and I am looking forward to reading Spirit of the Shell Man soon.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – 

My review for A Voice in the Silence 8th October 2022

This is a brilliantly crafted mystery thriller with intriguing paranormal and other unworldly elements that will delight and keep you on the edge of your seat.

It was great to be introduced to more mature lead actors in this fast paced story as Drea comes to terms with her loss and struggles with the detachment from both family and old friends. Isolated and unsure of the future she welcomes three stray animals in from the cold. Their origins are cloaked in mystery, and as she discovers more about their previous lives, she becomes emotionally and physically drawn into their battle for survival.

The author has created wonderful characters, both human and otherwise, as well as chilling and atmospheric scenes, as the drama plays out in the snow covered landscape. There is danger as a serial killer targets women in the area and other unseen forces seek to harm her fur family. There are heart-stopping moments as the threats move ever closer despite the best efforts of an old and trusted friend of the family and a ghostly presence who brings chilling warnings.

I really admired Brea for her determination not to buckle under the threat and to make a stand against those who wish her and those she loves harm. It was also wonderful to share in her growing and intriguing relationship with the dog, cat and rat who have sought sanctuary with her, and how even when it seems all love is lost, a romantic spark brings hope for the future.

The story races towards a live or die climax as all the elements from this world and beyond come together in the battle for survival.

Emotionally engaging and exciting this was a wonderful cross genre read that I can highly recommend.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US– And: Amazon UK 

Here is my review for Saddled Hearts 15th October 2022

Having enjoyed the other books in this series I was delighted to be asked to review an advance copy of Saddled Hearts. I knew I could expect to be swept away in to a well crafted and exciting adventure.

Central to this series is a powerful rune that is passed from the lead characters to someone else who is in need of some kind of resolution and healing of past events in their lives.

In Saddled Hearts, that resolution is much needed for Colt Layne whose mission in life to protect the legacy of his grandfather who brought him up. His life is filled with his rescue horses and music but finding the love of his life was not in his plans and he assumed it never would be. Despite his amazing upbringing by his grandfather, there is tragedy and rejection that he has never fully come to terms with until a series of events threaten all that he has in the present.

He didn’t count on meeting the force that is Sage Coventry whose gifts enable him to delve into the past and confront both the events and emotional turmoil they left in their wake. Their slowly building passion for each other, despite Sage’s reservations and the dire circumstances that brought them together, give him the strength to face both the past and the present.

With help from those who have passed away, the mystery of who is behind the violence and destruction to those around Colt begins to unravel with some surprising and shocking revelations. With a race against time, the action races towards a dangerous climax as the final pieces of the puzzle come together.

As always the author brings together wonderfully crafted and diverse characters, in an action packed, passionate love story with elements of the supernatural, that will keep you turning the pages to the end and one I can highly recommend.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My review for Natural Selection October 22nd 2022

Although this is the final book in the trilogy, the author introduces both previous events and the characters smoothly, bringing both previous and new readers up to date before beginning a new adventure. There is also a very helpful introduction section answering FAQs and explaining how the communication between evolving species of humans and other creatures might have been established.

The quest of Lucy, and those who now form a strong and united group, is to rescue previous members of her tribe, and to do that differences have to be put aside. If they are to be successful they need to learn from each other, particularly those who have evolved along a different path. This at times requires them to adapt their physicality to acquire new skills, and to accept that friendship and loyalty is possible between species, even those who have been mortal enemies.

This is an unforgiving environment and these new skills and alliances are essential if the group is to find food and shelter and to survive all they will encounter on this almost impossible expedition.

There is little time for the group, or the reader, to relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery from barren plains, lush valleys and harsh volcanic mountainsides to life giving rivers. There is danger at every turn for the unwary, and there are some heart-stopping moments as the group encounter physical and emotional challenges that threaten their lives.

The characters are suberb and diverse, both those from the previous two books and the newcomers. It is fascinating to see how they evolve as part of this eclectic group gaining new perspectives and discovering an awareness and understanding about their own lives and those they now consider family. This is also the case for the animal members of the group who have bonded with Lucy and the other humans bringing their strength and loyalty to form a formidable unit.

This is an adventure of epic proportions. As always when I read a book by this author, my respect for our early ancestors and their resilience in the face of continuous danger from both the environment, hostile tribes and dangerous creatures grows stronger.

I am sorry to say goodbye to Lucy and her extended family but I am certainly very glad that I met them and travelled this exciting and fascinating journey beside them. I can highly recommend the previous two books in the series as well.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US And: Amazon UK

My review for Knuckleheads October 29th 2022

This is not just a coming of age story set in the 60s, with teenagers coming to grips with life, tragedy and the challenges of finding their way in the future. It is an intriguing exploration of the world of those with special gifts.

Zach and Billy are destined to be outsiders. Both have a gift that sets them aside from their peers from early childhood and bring them to the attention of the ‘experts’ who are keen to label them and manipulate them into the accepted normalcy.

It is hard enough to find your place amongst your peers during these early years but even more challenging when you cannot reveal your true nature for fear of rejection and possible institutionalisation.

They do have an ally in Zach’s father who does his best to shield both of them by employing them in his bowling alley and teaching them street smarts to avoid detection. He is a good man who is open-minded and his approach to their gifts enables both the boys to develop them in reasonable safety and for the benefit of others as well as themselves.

The characters are interesting and relateable, as is the time period for those readers brought up in the 60s and 70s, even in other countries.Told from Zach’s perspective and in dialogue with his daughter following his retirement, the story takes the reader to the end of the school years and with a hint of what is to come next for the two boys.

I was engaged from the first page and connected with Zach and Billy and their fascinating abilities. I think most of us might think having lucid dreams where you could visit anywhere you wished or be able to foretell elements of the future, would be exciting and filled with opportunities, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear is not necessarily a gift but sometimes a curse.

It certainly does not make it easier for the boys as they navigate the teenage years or come to terms with loss of friends.

The author has done a great job with this debut novel and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to discover how the lives of Zach, Billy and family and friends continue to develop.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon CA – Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Thanks for dropping in and I hope you will be leaving with some books… Sally