Smorgasbord Book Reviews Round Up March 2022 – #Romance Jan Sikes, #Scifi Richard Dee, #Thriller Stevie Turner, #Africa Wilbur Smith, #Poetry Frank Prem, #Fantasy Paul Cude

Another great month of reading in March and I hope you will enjoy the reviews.

My review for Jagged Feathers March 3rd 2022

Having read book one of this series I was looking forward to this next story with much anticipation. I was delighted to catch up with some of the characters from Ghostly Interference and the author made the transition seamless.

Both Vann and Nankina who head the cast in this second book, carry the burden of past events in their lives and the story highlights the many challenges facing those who have served and also civilians who have been touched by tragedy.

The setting is tanquil, but danger and violence intrude into this peaceful backwater. The last thing a recovering soldier with PTSD needs is to be back in a war zone, but his need to protect a defenceless woman becomes a mission he cannot back down from.

This is a high octane thriller and romance, with some intriguing paranormal elements which draws the reader in, and sweeps them along with the action and developing love affair. And then there is also an adorable dog who despite his own past mistreatment gives love in abundance.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and recommend to those who enjoy action packed romances.

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

My advance review for We Are Saul March 5th 2022

Having read other books by Richard Dee I was delighted to be offered an advance copy of his latest release.

There have been elements of what might be termed science fiction in stories going back hundreds of years. However it is only in the 20th century that reality caught up with the fantasy with space exploration, and humans not only landing on the moon, but orbiting the earth on a permanent manned station.

We are now faced with incredible possibilities both for the future of space travel, and in the advancements this brings to humans in the form of their capabilities.

The concept for this novel is very clever as it builds on the achievements in a number of areas including robotics and human enhancement, taking them to a whole new level.

Humans do have free will, but when you have lost everything that you have including your control over your own body, how desperate would you be to accept a radical and experimental lifeline?

Saul is about to find out. Whilst he may be paralysed, his mind and his heart still yearn for love and connection, the question is, will all of that still be possible in his future?

This is science fiction, but the author writes with such clarity that you find yourself believing that this too, like so many of the futeristic imaginings of the past, might well be feasible at some point in the coming centuries, if not decades.

Richard Dee has created wonderful complex characters including the enigmatic and secretive Dr Tendral, the nurses who assist Saul in his recovery and progress in the experiment, and others on the sidelines who will influence the success or failure of the project. He is known for his world building both in science fiction and fantasy novels and that is evident in this book too.

As a thriller prepare for some unexpected twists, dangerous revelations and some thought provoking questions about the morality of interfering with human mortality.

I can highly recommend this intriguing and fast paced science fiction thriller which is likely to leave you wondering how soon it will become fact.

Head over to pre-order the book for June 1st: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US 

My review for Scam March 9th 2022

This is an intriguing read and apart from a great story concept and interesting characters, it also carries a very important message.

There are many temptations available online, and so easy to be taken in by the glib and bequiling charms of those who wish to part you from anything they can. Money of course but also confidence, dignity and very often the respect of loved ones.

Enticement becomes menace very quickly when they have their claws into you, and once you have let them into your lives and offered up your information, it is not only you who may suffer the consequences.

This is the case for Lauren who looks for a shortcut to moving into her own home with her husband Ben, who is determined to work hard and take the time necessary to build up their savings towards their deposit.

Bad enough to become a victim of a scam, but when the criminals are on the doorstep there may be more repercussions than from some remote hacker thousands of miles away.

This is a game of cat and mouse and it impacts not just the safety of those close to Lauren but her marriage, job and future.

A thriller that will keep you turning the pages and a stark reminder that the old saying ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.’

Recommended read for anyone who shares their life online.

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

My review for Legacy of War March 19th 2022

I was looking forward to discovering how Saffron Courtney and her husband Gerhard fared following the end of WWII and Legacy of War was as action packed and fast paced as the previous book.

There are certain aspects of Wilbur Smith’s writing that is present in all his books, and that is his love of Africa, the land and it’s people. That is just as evident in this book which is set a few years after the war, when colonialism was loosening its hold on countries such as India. Change is not supported by those within the white population who stand to lose land and wealth accumulated over the past century at the expense of the native population. The younger generation of black Africans who have received further education abroad, are coming home with a determination that there must be change, and the balance of power begins to shift. However, others see only violence as the solution to remove those they consider trespassers on their land. It is the time of the Mau Mau and the fear they instil brings about a time of terror and bloodshed, with both sides suffering great losses in the struggle.

Runnng parallel to this time of building tension, is unfinished business for Saffron and Gerhard. The war may be over, but some who committed the worst atrocities are still free and in hiding. Gerhard had suffered a great deal at the hands of his elder brother Konrad, who had served the Reich to further his family’s industrial fortunes and because it suited his nature.Having lost everything at the end of the war and forced into hiding, vengeance and retribution will shatter the peace that Gerhard and Saffron have found on their home close to the Courtney estate. They will be forced to confront the threat if they and their children are to survive.

In a thrilling and action packed climax, the Courtney family and those close to them, find themselve trapped in the path of a seemingly unstoppable army led by a man who sees only violence as a path to the future. The outcome will determine the legacy the Courtney family will leave on this land they love.

Recommended read.

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

My review for the collection 26th March 2022

Frank Prem’s poetry always has the power to move those who read it. Never lacking in emotional content, he creates verse that illuminates our world, its experiences and history.

In this collection we are introduced to speculative fantasy, still bringing relateable experiences and events in our lives into focus, but also exploring the outer edges of our consciousness and our universe.

Nature is not far from the centre of the verse with storms at sea, forests and skies blue and vast. Such as in the poem “storm and the sea (bubbles of foam)”

He invites us to wander with him through a garden where the blooms are black, to imagine orbiting the earth in space and offers a reminder of how our minds might lose touch with reality and the present in “Something” which begins we these words….

excuse me
I have lost something

I can’t tell
where
I put it

This is a collection to read at your leisure without haste and with an open mind. The poet provides plenty of opportunity to use your imagination and enjoy the experience.

Head over to pre-order the collecton for April 15th and 29th: Amazon AU – And: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

 

My review for A Threat from the Past 31st March 2022

Fantasy stories require great world building, characters that are unique and compelling, plenty of action, and a story line that engages and carries you along from first to last page. I would say that all those boxes were ticked in this first book of the White Dragon Saga.

Two worlds, one of which runs deep beneath that inhabited by humans, and is meticulously described. Accessed creatively by a number of portals enabling ancient guardians to move freely between them. There is a wonderful thread of humour throughout the book as the author shares the parallel lifestyles including food, sport and adventure holidays of the mythical creatures, which lightens the mood as the dangerous plot unfolds.

The story opens with mythical dragons and a violent attack on humans that gave rise to the legend of St.George… This chapter sets the scene for events in the present, when long buried evil elements of the dragon community seek to break the harmony created over centuries between the humans and their guardians.

The three young friends Pete, Tank and Richie all love different sports in their human forms and there are some great action sequences that take place on hockey, lacrosse and rugby pitches and on the equivalent game centres in the underworld, but on a much bigger scale. The fast paced commentary has you standing on the sidelines cheering on the players in both forms.

There is evil intent brewing; missed by those responsible for dragon security, and Peter finds himself in the middle of an escalating and frightening takeover at work and on the pitch. This builds to a dangerous climax when all could be lost for both humans and the majority of benevolent dragons. Revelations about the past and the intentions for a darker future lay the groundwork for the next book in the series which I am looking forward to.

There is magic, danger, adventure and plenty of thrills throughout the book, and it would appeal to young adults who enjoyed Harry Potter, as well as adults who enjoy well written fantasy, and are looking for an established series to follow with several books to enjoy.

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… Sally

 

 

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Meet the Authors 2021 – #Supernatural Mae Clair, #Contemporary Jessica Norrie, #Scifi Richard Dee

Over the summer I will be updating author’s details in the Cafe and Bookstore and also sharing their bios, books and recent reviews with you in this series…

Meet Mae Clair

A member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. She has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with several of her novels chosen as book club selections.

Mae writes primarily in the mystery/suspense genre, flavoring her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats.

A selection of books by Mae Clair

One of the recent reviews for End of Day

Gwendolyn Plano 5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating story and great writing!  

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2021

Author Mae Clair demonstrates rare skill in this second book of the Hode’s Hill series. Particularly noteworthy is the ease with which she travels between the late 1700s and the present. The seamless intertwining of the storylines is, at times, breathtaking.

End of Day not only grabs at the heart, it opens doors to alternative ways of seeing. Readers face questions and possibilities, at times unsettling, at times reassuring. The story is a mystery that is full of contrasts — of time, of characters, of reality itself. And interwoven throughout is the supernatural – sometimes heart-stopping, sometimes calming, but always well-captured through Clair’s able hands.

I’m left wondering about my ancestors and the secrets buried through time. I suspect other readers might feel the same. Bravo author Clair. This was an amazing journey!  

Mae Clair, Buy: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Mae on: Goodreads
Website: Mae Clair – Twitter: @MaeClair1

Meet Jessica Norrie

Jessica Norrie studied French literature at Sussex University, and trained as a teacher at Sheffield. Then she wandered into parenthood, told her now grown up children stories, and heard theirs.

A qualified translator, she worked on an eclectic mix of material, from health reports on racehorses to harrowing refugee tales. She taught adults and children, co-authored a textbook and ran teacher training. In 2008 came the idea for “The Infinity Pool”, which appeared in 2015 (and in German in 2018). Her second novel “The Magic Carpet”, inspired by teaching creatively in multicultural schools, was published in July 2019, and she is working on a third.

She divides her time between London and Malvern, blogging, singing soprano, and walking in the forest and hills.

Books by Jessica Norrie

One of the recent reviews for The Magic Carpet

Gail Aldwin  5.0 out of 5 stars Stories of a community  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 March 2021

I admire Jessica Norrie’s skill in creating a novel with so many wonderful characters and viewpoints. (I had my favourite, Mr Chan, a widower from Hong Kong.) Using a light touch, Norrie explores issues of racism, domestic violence, belonging, isolation, identity and much more. Her ability to keep the voices distinct allowed me to tune into a range of personal histories and experiences. The Magic Carpet provides the opportunity to celebrate cultural differences and at the same time it draws upon the shared experiences of families from a range of backgrounds. An entertaining, informative and worthy novel.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Website:Jessica Norrie on WordPress – Goodreads: Jessica Norrie – Twitter: @Jessica_Norrie

Meet Richard Dee

I’m Richard Dee and I’m from Brixham in Devon. I was never a writer, at least not for ages. I made up stories in my head, based on dreams and events in my life, but I never did much with them. Life, a wife, three daughters and now three grandchildren have kept me busy.

I spent forty years in shipping, firstly at sea, then in Port Control and as a Thames River Pilot, with adventures to match anything I could imagine. When I retired, I just moved them out into space, changed some of the names and wrote them down.

I write Science Fiction and Steampunk adventures, as well as chronicling the exploits of Andorra Pett, reluctant amateur detective. When I’m not writing, I bake bread and biscuits, cook delicious meals and walk the Devon coast.

My first novel Freefall was published in 2013, followed by Ribbonworld in 2015. September 2016 saw the publication of The Rocks of Aserol, a Steampunk adventure, and Flash Fiction, a collection of Short Stories. Myra, the prequel to Freefall was published in 2017, along with Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Café, a murder mystery set in space, the first of a series featuring Andorra Pett, an amateur detective.

A small selection of books by Richard Dee

A recent review for The Sensaurum and the Lexis.: A Steampunk adventure.

marjorie mallon 5.0 out of 5 stars Steampunk, Spies, Secrets and Fun!  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2021

I was curious to discover more about steampunk… and this has confirmed how interesting and different this genre is.

The Sensaurum and The Lexis is a Steampunk Spying mission story set in Norlandia with lots of fascinating details, secrets and discoveries.

You can expect… unscrupulous scientific experimentation, artificial limbs, flying machines, The Watchmen, (law of Norlandia,) a beast called the Drogan, spy accouterments, (007 for orphans!) the Rotaplane, walking exo-men, and other such imaginative wonders. Oaths to be made, secrets and lessons to be learnt, the ever-present fear of discovery, or dying on duty, as well as shameful moments to boot!

The main character Jackson Thwaite’s father and mother die in a terrible accident in a factory whilst making artificial limbs for the government. Intriguing, or what? Fellow spy Jessemine Batterlee is plucky and resourceful!

Relationships are forged and questioned – Is it a good idea to fall in love if you are a spy?

Richard Dee does a great job world building and creating wonderfully engaging characters.

Really loved this. Great story and great fun! 5 stars.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi – Goodreads: Richard Dee at Goodreads – Twitter: @RichardDockett1 – Facebook:Richard Dee Author

 

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

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Weekly News – #Reviews – #YA #Fantasy A.J. Alexander, #Scifi Richard Dee, #Paranormal Roberta Eaton Cheadle, #Thriller Gwen M. Plano

Welcome to the weekly news with recent reviews for authors on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore.

The first author today is A.J. Alexander, with a review for her latest release Bounty Hunter, Book 4 in ‘The Council of Twelve’ series

About the book

When Centriel roams the Earth in a dark mood and atypical despair, in a mountain clearing, far from humankind, he unexpectedly discovers a runner, followed by a petite hunter. The way the woman treats the giant fugitive amuses the Archangel, but he quickly learns that neither of them are what they seem to be.

Simin Arnatt is an extraordinary woman. Her occupation as a Bounty Hunter takes her all over the world, as she follows her prey to the most unusual places. She would have never expected to meet the famous Centriel while on a hunt. When he offers to help her, she feels the enormous attraction, but she knows, with the secret she holds, she could never dare to hope for love.

Neither of them could guess that with her next assignment, Hell is breaking loose…

A recent review for the book

Kindle Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars This Series Keeps Getting Better and Better…  Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021

This may be my favorite installment of this series to date. Between this one and the two previous books I’m feeling like the series is maturing as a whole. The first book “Soul Taker” did a good job of introducing us to the author’s vision of this world, while “Sundance” and “Demon Tracker” started fleshing that world and its characters out more and more. In “Bounty Hunter” we dive more deeply into this series and get a new perspective from one of the actual members of the Council of Twelve.

This time we start out seeing things from the perspective of Centriel who having seen how the world’s of his fellow Archangels have changed, and wondering if he will ever find such happiness. Then he meets Simin a Demon Hunter and soon both their worlds’ are turned upside down, and we are soon drawn deeper into the manipulations of Hell and it’s many minions.

Finally, I want to say I loved the interactions with Simin and Zei, our heroine from the last book. I also enjoy how well the author integrates characters and dangers from the previous installments series, like the fact that Sundance is still trying to deal with problems from her time as a prisoner in Hell.

In short, this latest book like it really fit nicely into the world we’ve been introduced to, while at the same time expanding it at the same time. A really great read. Can’t wait for the next volume.

Also by A.J. Alexander

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Website: Aurora Jean Alexander – Twitter: @AuroraJean_A

The next book with a recent review is Survive: The Tale of Ballantyne Alysom by Richard Dee

About the book

From the uncharted jungle to the corridors of power, it’s all about surviving.

Ballantyne Alysom is the Galaxy’s most famous explorer, a man loved by billions. Davis Jansen is the cameraman he takes to record his latest mission.

When things go wrong, they are marooned on a savage and uncharted planet.

The survivors need a leader they can rely on. Jansen watches and records it all as Alysom’s true character is revealed. He’s not the genial and fearless explorer that everyone sees.

The Far Explorer is a ship riddled with infighting and jealousy, Alysom is controlling and arrogant, nothing like the man that his reputation suggests.

Jansen’s efforts to expose the truth carry just as much risk as surviving on the planet did.

Maybe more

Find out if enough lies can ever bury the truth in Survive, the tale of Ballantyne Alysom

An extract from a recent review for the book

Mish Medhat VINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping survival story that transitions into a scary conspiracy thriller. Unmissable!  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 April 2021

Survive is a fantastic book that reaches out to the reader on many levels. Undoubtedly, given its moniker, it is a book about survival. But this survival is as much about overcoming the stark, cold, corporate power of Galactographic and their star Ballantyne Alysom (or Bal as he’s known), as it is about surmounting the flora and fauna on the strange planet the explorers are stranded on.

From the beginning, Bal is a character reflecting the traits of so many celebrities, those worshipped stars whose egos arrive in the room before they do. Wrapped up in a cocoon of fixers, agents and close protection, and encasing their entourages and workers in iron-clad contracts, forcing them to forsake any rights on intellectual property they may have. These people are well known to any reader, and this makes Bal, as the central antagonist immediately relatable. When the characters interact with Bal, you can feel it, awe at first, as they realize they’re in the presence of their idol, but once in his orbit, they’re pulled in, get too close to their star, and soon they begin to burn. Repulsion overtakes awe, and Bal sends out flares of hate in return. Incendiary and captivating, these scenes had me rivetted, unable to pull away, even when watching a film, I couldn’t stop from flicking back to my Kindle.

Mr Dee writes with a fluid capability weaving a story of intricacy, complexity and sheer drama. As the book unfolds, the reader knows from the outset, the voyage to Certus 2-12 to witness two planets merging to become one is going to be fraught with conflict and bitter personality clashes. For Davis, the cameraman and his sound editor wife Anisia, working with Bal was never going to be an easy ride…Little did they know, just how bumpy that ride was to be.

A small selection of other books by Richard Dee

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi – Goodreads: Richard Dee at Goodreads – Twitter: @RichardDockett1

The next book with a recent release is A Ghost and His Gold by Roberta Eaton Cheadle .. currently in print but soon in Kindle too.

About the book

After Tom and Michelle Cleveland move into their recently built, modern townhouse, their housewarming party is disrupted when a drunken game with an Ouija board goes wrong and summonses a sinister poltergeist, Estelle, who died in 1904. Estelle makes her presence known in a series of terrifying events, culminating in her attacking Tom in his sleep with a knife. But, Estelle isn’t alone. Who are the shadows lurking in the background – one in an old-fashioned slouch hat and the other, a soldier, carrying a rifle?

After discovering their house has been built on the site of one of the original farms in Irene, Michelle becomes convinced that the answer to her horrifying visions lie in the past. She must unravel the stories of the three phantoms’ lives, and the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths during the Second Anglo Boer War, in order to understand how they are tied together and why they are trapped in the world of ghosts between life and death. As the reasons behind Estelle’s malevolent behaviour towards Tom unfold, Michelle’s marriage comes under severe pressure and both their lives are threatened.

An extract from a recent review for the book

Annika VINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling & Intense Paranormal/Historical Novel Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2021

A Ghost and His Gold combines the paranormal with intense violent battle scenes from 1899-1902; it features three ghosts not only haunting a house and its occupants in present-day South Africa but who are themselves haunted by events in their past lives; it’s a story about seeking forgiveness and ultimately finding redemption.

Furthermore, the book explores not only the horror of war, concentration camps, scorched earth policy but also date rape, rape, violence against women. Can any ever be forgiven? Can anyone carrying out these acts ever find peace within themselves and acceptance by loved ones again?

Initially, A Ghost and his Gold appears to be a normal paranormal ghost story as Michelle and Tom, both working in the finance sector although she is also a part-time writer, move into their new home. The new townhouse is situated on the site of an old Boer homestead. Michelle immediately senses and sees a presence in the house, one that makes itself known to them and their friends during a party using an Ouija board. Tom, a hard-nosed realist, is sceptical that the man named Pieter was there or even existed.

From the close-third person narrative in 2019, the novel switches to 1900 and Pieter is in his house with the family as he is woken by banging on the door with a warning that the ‘khakis’ (British soldiers) are on the way.

It is in the midst of the Second Anglo Boer War and the events focus on Pieter, his strong-willed wife, their daughter Estelle and other children. Estelle is treated with contempt by her mother, a woman who later rejects her.

As another ghost called Robert makes itself known to Michelle, she discovers his journal written whilst he was a British soldier during the war. The first-person perspective of the journal is especially powerful, personal and direct. During the siege of Mafeking, Robert befriends a young man called Richard and he takes him under his wing.

Roberta Eaton Cheadle’s research of the period is impressive. Yet she does not fall into the trap of using all her knowledge with a flood of information, rather skilfully incorporates detail where necessary; be it of the furniture or buildings of the era, the form of travel, clothes and she is particularly adept at writing battles scenes, the weapons used, their tragic consequences. I felt as if I was in the midst of the carnage, feeling the horrors experienced by Robert, Pieter and the others. 

A small selection of other books by Robbie and Michael Cheadle and as Roberta Eaton Cheadle.

Read the reviews and Buy the books :Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – Follow Robbie : Goodreads – blog: Robbie’s Inspiration- Twitter: @bakeandwrite

The final author today with a recent review is Gwen M. Plano for The Culmination: a new beginning – this is the third book in The Contract thriller series.

About the book

The Culmination, a new beginning is the third book in The Contract thriller series. After an assassination attempt on an Air Force base in northern California, tensions mount. Heads of state meet to craft a denuclearization agreement. The meetings between these nuclear powers take a murderous turn. A nefarious conspiracy re-emerges and leads the characters into the heart of the Middle East, where they encounter the unexpected and find a reason for hope.

One of the recent reviews for the book

Karen Ingalls 5.0 out of 5 stars A GRIPPING THRILLER  – Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021

Politics, history, intrigue, war, and love are all wrapped up in this novel. At times I forgot that I was reading a book because the author skillfully described situations that COULD be happening today. The author added some romance in a gentle and believable manner removing some of the tension from the political chaos. Five stars for a well-written and researched book.

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

Other books by Gwen Plano

Read the reviews and buy the books: : Amazon UK –and : Amazon US – follow Gwen : Goodreads –website:Gwen Plano – Twitter: @gmplano

 

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

 

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – New Releases – #Scifi Richard Dee, #Fantasy Teagan Riordain Geneviene, Review – #Humour Sue Vincent

Welcome to the first edition of the Cafe and Bookstore this week with two new releases and a review for authors on the shelves.

The first author with a new release is Richard Dee with another adventure for the intrepid Andorra Pett.. takes a break.

About the book

Just when she thought it was all over, there’s another adventure for space sleuth Andorra Pett.

Yearning for peace and quiet with her partner, Derek, Andorra heads home to the space mine off Saturn. It’s been a while since she left, she wants to be among her friends again.

Despite her good intentions, she soon gets dragged into station politics, so it’s a relief when the chance of a holiday comes up.

All she has to do is give a speech on the maiden voyage of the Solar Breeze, a new type of cruise ship. A voyage around the solar system will soon be the must-have vacation.

Andorra will be one of the first to try it, along with the great and the good.

But nothing is ever simple in Andorra’s life. Things get serious when the Solar Breeze is hijacked by eco-terrorists. They want an end to the dumping of rubbish on Mars.

Or else! Andorra’s trip on the Solar Breeze might just be the voyage of a lifetime.

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

A small selection of other books by Richard Dee

One of the reviews for first book in the series Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Café:

Book Squirrel5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent sci-fi mystery!  Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020

Andorra and her best friend Cy are fabulous as the lead characters in this entertaining science fiction mystery story that takes place on a space station operating on the rings of Saturn. Dee writes with a natural and relaxed style, infused with humour and observant insight into human behaviour and responses.

The story itself is well-crafted, immersing the reader in the station’s community and keeping them guessing with well-executed twists and clever diversions woven seamlessly into the plot. The world building is original and complex, opening the reader’s imagination to the vast possibilities of life beyond our own world.

The cast of characters and their individual personalities, quirks and motivations remind the reader that people are the same wherever you go, which is why the premise and assumptions of the story work so well. This is a most enjoyable read that will appeal to lovers of sci-fi and murder mysteries alike.

The first three Andorra Pett Adventures are available in a box set: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi – Goodreads: Richard Dee at Goodreads – Twitter: @RichardDockett1

The next author with a new release is Teagan Riordain Geneviene with the first book in a fantasy serial Dead of Winter- Journey 1, Forlorn Peak

About the book

Dead of Winter takes place in a fantasy world that resembles some countries in the past of our own world. In this monthly series we travel through many lands, each with a distinct culture. The adventure begins in the Flowing Lands at Forlorn Peak.The Brethren are fanatics who gradually took over the Flowing Lands. They say all beliefs but theirs are heresy. Women are little more than property. Emlyn is only twelve, but to the Brethren she is an abomination. Why? She can see ghosts and other things. That’s a secret she can admit only to her teacher, Osabide.The stronger Emlyn’s ability gets, the harder it is for her to hide it. Now she has also gotten a supernatural warning that she knows is not about the weather, “Winter is coming!”

One of the early reviews for the book

D. W. Peach5.0 out of 5 stars First serial journey sets the stage with teasers  Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020

This story will unfold in monthly installments (Journeys), and in this first novelette, the author introduces the reader to the fantasy world, to the main protagonist, Emlyn, and to a few secondary characters who impact her life. I read this Journey in less than an hour.

Emlyn lives with her father and sister in a rural village where the culture is patriarchal and restrictive, with women bearing the brunt of the harsh control. This doesn’t bode well for Emlyn who has the ability to see ghosts. Osabide, Emlyn’s elderly teacher and a wise woman reminds her not to share knowledge of her gifts with anyone, because her strange skill could cost her everything, including her life.

The story is told from Emlyn’s point of view, and the reader gets glimpses of her encounters with ghosts as well as a mysterious white wolf. The novelette raises questions, and there are teasers galore, including an underlying sense of danger. An excellent start to an epic tale, recommended to readers who enjoy fantasies and want to try a different sort of reading experience. I’m looking forward to the next Journey.

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

A selection of other books by Teagan

 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Blog: Teagan’s Books – Goodreads:Goodreads – Twitter: @teagangeneviene

Now for a recent review for Sue Vincent and the small black dog Ani...and their Christmas themed observations, verse and anecdotes Pass the Turkey

About the book

It is almost Christmas and things are not looking good for the Small Dog. There are too many Santas, too few tennis balls and not enough snow. To make matters worse, her two-legs says there is no room for a Christmas Tree in their new home and there isn’t even a chimney!In a bid to save Christmas, the Small Dog decides to write to Santa. Every day. Join Ani as she tells Santa about her days, explores what Christmas means to her and asks him some very awkward questions…A seasonal collection of verse, humour and anecdotes from the inimitable Small Dog.

A recent review for the book

Sam Ellens 5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have holiday read!  Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020

A delightful selection of musings, memories, poems, and letters to Santa from the author’s dog, Ani. You’ve never read a holiday story quite like this one as Sue Vincent gets inside Ani’s head and cuts loose! Numerous photos add much to the book’s charm and make you wish you had a dog like Ani for yourself, minus a few naughty quirks. A feel-good, laugh out loud look at Christmas you’ll never forget. Highly recommended!

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

A small selection of other books by Sue Vincent

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – and:Amazon US – Blog: S.C. Vincent – Goodreads:Sue Vincent  – Twitter:@SCVincent

Thank you for dropping by today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates – #Reviews – #Thriller John L. DeBoer, #Scifi Richard Dee, #History Paul Edmondson

Welcome to the Friday edition of the Cafe and Bookstore author updates with recent reviews for books on the shelves.

The first author today is John L. DeBoer for his thriller Skeleton Run

About the book

Twenty years ago, four teenage boys left a baby behind in a crushed car after they caused the tragic accident that took the mother’s life. Ever since, they’ve guarded the secret that would’ve ruined their lives and destroyed their future careers. But when one of them succumbs to illness, a blackmailer makes contact, and the survivors realize that, somehow, someone else knows. Now, everything that matters to them is at stake.

Las Vegas billionaire Wendell Logan is pursuing the role of political kingmaker, and he’s selected his unsuspecting king: Alan Granger, governor of Pennsylvania. Granger confesses his closet skeleton to Logan, but the tycoon has invested too much time and money into Granger’s future presidential campaign to let him and his old friends endanger Logan’s power play.

It’s time to run.

One of the recent reviews for the book on Goodreads

Jul 12, 2020 Jan Maple rated it it was amazing

“Skeleton Run” by John L. DeBoer is a great well-paced mystery, with enough twists and turns and enough action to keep the reader hooked. The author’s medical background gives certain sections a good realistic background and the characters are nicely drawn, without too much introspection. A well-deserved 5 stars!!

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by John L. DeBoer

Read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow John: Goodreads

Connect to John via his Facebook author page: John L. DeBoer Novels

The next book with a review is Andorra Pett and The Oort Cloud Cafe by Richard Dee

 

About the book

A cozy mystery that’s out of this world.

How far is far enough? Andorra needs to get away from her ex, but is Saturn taking it a step too far?

When Andorra’s life turns upside down, she decides on a career change. Running a diner on a mining station orbiting Saturn. It seemed like a good idea at the time…

With her best friend Cy in tow, Andorra reckons it’s the best thing for them both. A chance to start again where nobody knows them.

Trouble is, there’s a secret hidden in the café. Before they have a chance to get settled, there’s a queue of dubious characters trying to find it.

While learning to bake and get used to life in space, Andorra has a murderer to catch!

Before they strike again…

“Agatha Raisin meets Miss Marple, in Space!”

“a tale that has everything – humour, suspense, a strong but struggling heroine, a fantastic sci-fi setting, and a truly universal story.”

One of the recent reviews for the book on Goodreads

Jun 26, 2020 Caryn Mahan rated it Five Stars

Andi Pett and her best friend, Cy, have run from broken relationships to a space station orbiting Saturn, a staging arena for mining operations. They end up becoming owners of a cafe with a dubious history. Mystery surrounds the disappearance of the previous owner. The author attempts to infuse suspense throughout, but I never felt the main character Andi was ever in real danger. While the writing is superb, the world-building and knowledge needed to show the reader exactly how it would work are just as excellent, the author seemed to lag in developing the critical tension making it believable Andi or Cy was ever in real danger. I liked the tale, it had humor, touched on LGBTQ, never once making Cy’s preference seem anything less than normal, but the story lacked bite. I give it a four-star rating simply because the writing was awesome. I’d have loved to have seen the author bring the tension up a few notches, make me engage with Andi. I never worried for her

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

A small selection of  other books by Richard Dee

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Richard: Goodreads

Connect to Richard via his website: Richard Dee’s Scifi

 

The next review is for  Paul Edmondson for his recent release Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya

About the book

Now in his old age, Chief Tenaya’s life and the lives in his tribe are changed forever…

In the Mariposa Indian War of 1850/51, the venerable Chief Tenaya is catapulted into leading his people into conflict against white man’s plunder of their land and culture during the California Gold Rush. His story is a tale of family love, death, tribal lore and spirituality, all of it torn apart by a lust for gold. In Chief Tenaya’s world, the pillages of war are set against the backdrop of daily rhythms of Indian life in the familiar landscape of Yosemite.

Through the interweaving of historical events with imagined and gripping storytelling, Great Spirit of Yosemite chronicles the extraordinary true struggle of the original inhabitants of Yosemite Valley, their determination to cling on to their heritage, and their ultimate sacrifices.

One of the recent reviews for the book

dannym 5.0 out of 5 stars A book you can’t put down but have to because you don’t want the story to end!  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2020

I have never been to Yosemite, but this book is certainly a must read for anyone who ever wants to visit this place. Even if you don’t plan to go it’s a story not to be missed. It tells enchanting tales wrapped in rich descriptions that bring your mind back over 100 years to the California Gold Rush and the lives of the great tribes of the Native Indians of Yosemite Valley. The book sets the scene beautifully mingling fact with fiction for an intense tale.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Amazon author pages: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Paul: Goodreads

Connect to Paul via his website: Paul Edmondson Author

 

Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the news of these reviews.. thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Meet the Authors – #Thriller Carol Balawyder, #Flashfiction Sarah Brentyn, #SciFi Richard Dee

There are over 150 authors in the Cafe and Bookstore and I wanted to keep it to key pieces of information such as buying links, recent review, website and covers. However, I know that readers also like to know more about the background of authors.

In this series during June and July I will share the bios of all the authors in the cafe in a random selection. I hope that this will introduce you to the authors in more depth and encourage you to check out their books and follow them on their blog and Twitter.

Meet Carol Balawyder

Carol was born in Quebec but now lives in Montreal. After studying Early Childhood Education and spending time amongst the mayhem that is called ‘Kindergarten’, she then went on to obtain a B.A. in Education so that she could teach in High Schools. After the often challenging task of introducing poetry to teenagers Carol moved on to teaching English as a second language.

Fast forward through a trip in her early 20s (involved working passage on a Norwegian cargo ship) to Rotterdam and then to the British Library Museum to read the heavily guarded original Lewis Carroll manuscript of Alice in Wonderland. Then on to Concordia University in Montreal to study Applied Linguistics to M.A level and the publication of ESL books Open For Business and Windows on Sci-Tech under the name of Carol Ann Foumier.

Then came the desire to pen crime novels, and aware that it is expected that these be accurate and factual, Carol obtained a M.Sc. in Criminology. However writing crime stories was put on the back burner, as Carol put her degree to good use, teaching Police Technology and Corrections for 18 years in a college in Montreal. (We all know where to go when we have a crime story line that is not panning out!)

For some people the connection between crime and dating is all too apparent particularly when getting back on the dating scene after a divorce. After a long term relationship the prospect can be daunting and fraught with pitfalls, humour if you can find it and perhaps the need to kiss a lot of frogs.

Books by Carol Balawyder

A recent review for Warning Signs

Ellie Marrandette 5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly well-written novel into the world of evil  Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020

This intelligent, well-written psychological thriller will remain in the reader’s mind long after finishing it, Carol Balawyder’s background in criminology is clearly evident in the detailed way she delves into the complex brain of the mentally insane. The author’s ability to create sympathy for a despicable protagonist reminded me of the novel, “House of Sand and Fog.” The story beautifully unfolds in such soft steps that the reader cares about all the characters involved, while rooting for ultimate justice to be done. This novel will not disappoint.

Carol Balayder buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –  Read more reviews : Goodreads – Website – Carol Balawyder – LinkedIn: Carol Balawyder

Meet Sarah Brentyn

Sarah Brentyn is an introvert who believes anything can be made better with soy sauce and wasabi.

She loves words and has been writing stories since she was nine years old. She talks to trees and apologizes to inanimate objects when she bumps into them.

When she’s not writing, you can find her strolling through cemeteries or searching for fairies.

She hopes to build a vacation home in Narnia someday. In the meantime, she lives with her family and a rainbow-colored, wooden cat who is secretly a Guardian.

A recent review for On the Edge of a Raindrop

Harmony Kent 5.0 out of 5 stars Finished in a delightful flash  Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2020

Another brilliant book of flash and micro fiction from author Sarah Brentyn. This is the second book by this writer that I’ve read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The only problem is that I finished it in a flash.

Here are a few lines that stood out for me … although so many others did too …

Her memory lane was pot holes and busted chunks of asphalt.
Lightning lit the room then plunged me into darkness. I was petrified. Not of the storm, but of the thing I’d seen next to my bed.
When the skies were beautiful watercolour paintings of our bruises.

In just a few words, the author evokes so many different emotions and moods. Brilliantly done. On the Edge of a Raindrop gets a resounding five stars from me.

Sarah Brentyn, Buy: Amazon US – And on: Amazon UK – Follow Sarah: Goodreads – Sarah: Blog – Twitter: @SarahBrentyn

Meet Richard Dee

Richard Dee is a native of Brixham in Devon, England He left Devon when he was in his teens and settled in Kent. Leaving school at 16 he briefly worked in a supermarket, then went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986.

Coming ashore to be with his growing family, he used his sea-going knowledge in several jobs, including Marine Insurance Surveyor and Dockmaster at Tilbury, before becoming a Port Control Officer in Sheerness and then at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich.

In 1994 he was head-hunted and offered a job as a Thames Estuary Pilot. In 1999 he transferred to the Thames River Pilots, where he regularly took vessels of all sizes through the Thames Barrier and upriver as far as HMS Belfast and through Tower Bridge. In all, he piloted over 3,500 vessels in a 22-year career with the Port of London Authority.

Richard is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.

His first science-fiction novel Freefall was published in 2013, followed by Ribbonworld in 2015. September 2016 saw the publication of his Steampunk adventure The Rocks of Aserol and of Flash Fiction, a collection of Short Stories. Myra, the prequel to Freefall was published in 2017, along with Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Café, a murder mystery set in space and the start of a series featuring Andorra Pett, an amateur detective. He contributed a story to the 1066 Turned Upside Down collection and is currently working on prequels, sequels, and new projects.

Please go to Amazon or Richard’s website to view all his books.

One of the recent reviews for Survive

Norats Inthecorn 5.0 out of 5 stars Sci-Fi Fans Will Love This  Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020

Imaginative futuristic story about space exploration gone wrong, interwoven with the survivors’ testimony on a television show about their harrowing ordeal after crash-landing on a strange planet rife with deadly creatures and amazing discoveries. Author Richard Dee has either done tremendous research into the technicalities of everything related to space exploration, etc., or he’s a dang genius. His writing is superb, his characterizations distinct, and his imagination – well – out of this world.

“Survive. The Tale of Ballantyne Alysom” is the first in a series. This series will appeal to fans of Science Fiction as well as those who like a good study in narcissism, for the main character, Ballantyne, is narcissism on steroids. Add to that the twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and underlying theme of corporate greed exploiting the expendable, and you’ve got a story that keeps you doing the, “just one more chapter,” thing. This is another one on my Recommendation List. Five stars.

Richard Dee, buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi – Goodreads: Richard Dee at Goodreads – Twitter: @RichardDockett1

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates – #Reviews – #Scifi Richard Dee, #Romance Ritu Bhathal, #Thriller Carol Balawyder

Welcome to the first of the Cafe and Bookstore updates this week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.

The first author with a review to share is Richard Dee for Survive: The Tale of Ballantyne Alysom

About the book

If your Captain won’t keep you safe, who will?

An interplanetary surveying expedition ends in disaster. The survivors are stranded; on a beautiful but savage planet.

Making it home will be hard enough, without having to fight each other. Can the truth survive one man’s desire to make a name for himself?

Ballantyne Alysom is the Galaxy’s most famous explorer.

Davis Jansen is the cameraman he takes to record his latest mission. Alysom is giving nothing away, except that it’s something that’s never been seen before.

When things go wrong, they are marooned on a savage and uncharted planet. The survivors need a leader they can rely on. Jansen watches and records it all as Alysom’s true
character is revealed. He’s not the genial and fearless explorer that everyone sees.

The Far Explorer is a ship riddled with infighting and jealousy, Alysom is controlling and arrogant, nothing like the man that his reputation suggests. Jansen’s efforts to expose
the truth carry just as much risk as surviving on the planet did.

One of the recent reviews for the book

Norats Inthecorn 5.0 out of 5 stars Sci-Fi Fans Will Love This  Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020

Imaginative futuristic story about space exploration gone wrong, interwoven with the survivors’ testimony on a television show about their harrowing ordeal after crash-landing on a strange planet rife with deadly creatures and amazing discoveries. Author Richard Dee has either done tremendous research into the technicalities of everything related to space exploration, etc., or he’s a dang genius. His writing is superb, his characterizations distinct, and his imagination – well – out of this world.

“Survive. The Tale of Ballantyne Alysom” is the first in a series. This series will appeal to fans of Science Fiction as well as those who like a good study in narcissism, for the main character, Ballantyne, is narcissism on steroids. Add to that the twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and underlying theme of corporate greed exploiting the expendable, and you’ve got a story that keeps you doing the, “just one more chapter,” thing. This is another one on my Recommendation List. Five stars.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

A selection of other books by Richard Dee

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Richard: Goodreads

Connect to Richard via his website: Richard Dee’s Scifi

And the next author today is Ritu Bhathal for her 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 for the book

Lora S. 5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to read during a quarantine  Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020

This is a great book to read while you are shut up at home during a quarantine. It offers a look inside the lives of a bubbly group of young people, and even gives you the chance to visit India!

Aashi is living in London, but her family is from India. At the beginning of the story, she is engaged to Ravi, also an Indian living in London. But Ravi doesn’t appear to be as committed to the relationship as Aashi. When she discovers he is seeing somebody else, she freaks out and breaks off the engagement.

Her parents are somewhat embarrassed, but they are devastated for her, knowing that she is a good girl and hasn’t done anything wrong. Eventually, they decide that, instead of canceling the trip that Aashi and her mother were planning to make to India to shop for wedding necessities, they will allow Aashi and her best friend, Kiran to make the trip instead – sending Aashi’s two brothers along to chaperone the girls.

They get to do a lot of sight-seeing and, especially, shopping while there. Aashi’s oldest brother visits the shop where they had intended to have her wedding dress made. Of course, that isn’t needed anymore, but Sunny negotiates a deal with the designer to sell his fashions in the family’s shop back in London. This also leads to some interesting outings for the group while they are in Delhi.

One special trip they make is to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the head temple of the Sikh religion, to celebrate Vaisakhi, the day they celebrate the birth of their religion.

On the plane on the way over, they meet Arjun, a cute boy about their age. He hits it off with all of them right away and travels with them for most of the time they are there. Aashi sort of likes him, but he seems to already have a girlfriend…

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

Also by Ritu Bhathal

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK

and : Amazon US

Read more reviews and follow Ritu: Goodreads

Connect to Ritu via her blog: But I smile anyway

And the final author today is Carol Balawyder  – with a review for her psychological thriller – Warning Signs: A novel about Obsession.

About the book

Eugene’s research into his criminal mind is not about the why, but how to prevent his horrific crimes. Angie, a young woman starving for passion sees Eugene as her saviour from a lonely life of caring for her heroin addicted mother. How far is she willing to go in order to save her relationship with Eugene and his promise for a future together?

Detective Van Ray is out on a vindictive mission as he attempts to solve the murders of young girls in Youth Protection.

Their lives collide in a mixture of mistrust, obsession and ignoring the warning signs. A psychological thriller about human frailty and loneliness.

A recent review for the book

Ellie Marrandette 5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly well-written novel into the world of evil  Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020

This intelligent, well-written psychological thriller will remain in the reader’s mind long after finishing it, Carol Balawyder’s background in criminology is clearly evident in the detailed way she delves into the complex brain of the mentally insane. The author’s ability to create sympathy for a despicable protagonist reminded me of the novel, “House of Sand and Fog.” The story beautifully unfolds in such soft steps that the reader cares about all the characters involved, while rooting for ultimate justice to be done. This novel will not disappoint.

Read the reviews and buy the book : Amazon US

and: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Carol Balawyder

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And on: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Carol on: Goodreads

Connect to Carol via her blog- Carol Balawyder

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books under your arm.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates – #Reviews – #Scifi Richard Dee, #Romance Ritu Bhathal, #Thriller Stevie Turner

Welcome to the first of the author updates of the week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves of the bookstore.

The first author with a recent review is Richard Dee for the SF murder mystery Ribbonworld.

About the book

‘Review a hotel for me,’ she said. ‘It’ll be easy,’ she said. I haven’t even got started and there’s a body in the bathroom.

Journalist Miles Goram has a problem. Far from home on a strange planet, all he wants to do is review the hotel and go home. Someone else has other ideas. Just out of prison, his life is hard enough. Is this to do with his past?

Welcome to Reevis, a planet without days or nights where life is only possible under a vast pressure dome. It is on this airless wasteland that Miles finds himself caught up in a mystery involving a huge interplanetary corporation, a powerful man and his ambitious PA, and a beautiful young heiress who has been missing for years.

Crossing the galaxy in search of answers, Miles begins to uncover a web of deceit that stretches further than anyone could have imagined.

Will he discover the truth and finally come to terms with his past? And, if he does, will it be enough to save his future…?

Richard Dee’s fast-paced, beautifully depicted SF murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

One of the recent reviews for the book

sjhigbee 4.0 out of 5 stars Great adventure and fabulous worldbuilding… 30 January 2020

Thoroughly entertaining space adventure with a sympathetic protagonist and a large corporation up to no good. So far, so enjoyable and very familiar – this is a dynamic that regularly plays out in space opera. What makes this one stand out from the crowd is that ribbonworld Reevis… The fabulous descriptions of the human habitation perched in the narrow strip between freezing cold and volcanically hot were riveting and added an exciting dimension that Dee uses to the full extent in the action sequences. Highly recommended for fans of space opera that enjoy excellent worldbuilding.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK

And: Amazon US

A small selection of other books by Richard Dee

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Richard: Goodreads

Connect to Richard via his website: Richard Dee’s Scifi

The next review is for the latest book by Ritu Bhathal… a novel 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…

An extract from one of the recent reviews for Marriage Unarranged on Goodreads

Jan 31, 2020 Zoé-lee O’farrell rated it Five Stars

Once you meet Aashi and her plight you won’t want to let go of the book. She is naive, bless her, when we first meet her and arranged husband Ravi, he is a bit shifty and we know before she does what he’s been doing! Douche bag alert! What then follows is such a lovely tale of not only letting go but of rediscovering yourself.

I love that this is heavily loaded with the traditionalism of Sikhs, down to the terms of endearments and phrases. We learn about arranged marriages and what happens with broken engagements and the dispersions of gossip and social cast that come with it.

Aashi trying to deal with her heartbreak still wants to go to India with her best friend Kiran and her brothers Bali and Sunny. This unit is such a fab unit to have the pleasure of being a part of for 2 weeks while we get to discover the “true” India with them. Plus the addition of Arjun who is out to discover it too all makes you feel like you are on the journey with them. We are not on the outside looking in, we are on the adventure with them, on rickshaws travelling through the streets, to the sounds of the markets with everyone vying for your business and attention. To the breathtaking celebration of Vaisakha with the temple lit up by the lights at 4 am and then the dawn as the sun broke. Everywhere you look on the tour is bright and bursting with colours and this is definitely a book that will leave you with a smile on your face.

I learned so much with Marriage Unarranged, growing up one of my best friends was a Sikh and the other was a Muslim, and they tried to teach me so much of their traditions and how everything was set out for them. I found it, still do, so fascinating as it is not the life I have lived. Having to have parents permission today date someone and to have chaperones is something I can not comprehend.

I love this journey of growth and strength for Aashi. She is someone I felt protective of, but not too sympathetic because she would hate that! She starts a timid naive girl, but when confronted at the end by the douche Ravi, and his sister Narinder. The strength Aashi has in front of them shows how much she has grown into a confident young woman!

It’s hard to talk too much about the plot but Ritu has created such a pool of wonderful characters that I want to be back with them and I told her I needed a sequel. Good news there is one on its way! For a debut, the writing is strong and eloquent and you feel like you are there experiencing India with all the characters. The smell and sounds of the markets, the lumpy beds, the stunning and bright array of colours and the fear for your life on a rickshaw! It was just such a wonderful story to lose myself in. It made me smile and it is, to me, a love story with a difference. Especially with that ending!!! I can’t wait to find out more and soon!

I loved, loved and breathed Aashi story and I can’t wait to get back with the gang. Now I need to save my money to go on a trip to India and experience what they have done! It just sounds amazing!

Buy the book: Amazon UK

And : Amazon US

Also by Ritu Bhathal

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK

and : Amazon US

Read more reviews and follow Ritu: Goodreads

Connect to Ritu:But I smile anyway

And for the last featured book today, a recent review for Stevie Turner and her thriller Examining Kitchen Cupboards

About the book

Jill Hayes discovers that not all is as it seems in her new post as a college examinations administrator. When she turns whistle-blower and tries to report her findings to the authorities, she is horrified to discover that some people will stop at nothing to ensure her silence.

For readers’ information: Although the characters and college are fictional, the actual exam question that sparked Jill’s nightmare is a genuine one from 1999.

One of the recent reviews for the book on Goodreads

Jan 04, 2020 Jacqui rated it it was amazing Five Stars

In Stevie Turner’s latest novel, Examining Kitchen Cupboards (2019), Jill Hayes takes on a new job In a college exam administration office. She had hoped it would lead to a career but quickly discovered it was much too technical for her skillset. As she struggles to learn the complicated tasks that would allow her to succeed, she stumbles upon illicit activities that she feels honor-bound to report. No one will listen–not the newspapers, the college, or even the agency responsible for the exams–until finally someone does. Things don’t work out as Jill had hoped.

This is a well-told story of a whistle blower’s efforts to fix a serious problem. It is told from various perspectives which adds to the depth of understanding about how complicated it can be to report actions when lots of people don’t want to admit there’s even a problem. It was at times difficult to read but the importance is significant–which is why it earned the 5/5.

A small selection of other books by Stevie Turner

Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Follow Stevie Turner on: Goodreads

Connect to Stevie via her blog: Stevie Turner on WordPress

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books under your arm..thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2020 – Communication Breakdown: What can you do when your characters refuse to play? by Richard Dee

Welcome to the new series of Posts from Your Archives in 2020 and if you would like to participate with two of your posts from 2019, you will find all the details in this post: New series of Posts from Your Archives 2020

This is the second post from the 2019 archives of Richard Dee and in this post Richard explores a problem that most authors suffer from along the way.

Communication Breakdown: What can you do when your characters refuse to play?

What do I mean by that?

Let me try to explain. I wanted to write a certain story this month. In the end, I found that I couldn’t. Even though I felt motivated and had a starting place, the story just wouldn’t play in my head. You might call it writer’s block; I don’t see it that way. I’m not blocked, I can still write, just not the story that I want to. My head is filled with other stories, ideas for blog posts and content for my website and social media feeds. The cast of my chosen project are doing something else; in effect, they’re ignoring me. It’s impossible for me to write what I can’t see.

I need to tell you a bit more about my writing method.

This is where it all gets a bit problematical. I’ve often found that when I tell non-writing people how I get the ideas for my novels; in effect, how I work, very often they will smile at me nervously and gaze around for an exit, or for someone they know to ‘rescue’ them from the mad writer. I suppose it’s possible that they think I’m being less than honest for some reason or amusing myself at their expense. Perhaps they consider my obvious affliction might be catching.

I don’t know how they think that I’m supposed to get my inspiration, but I do know that my method is not seen as strange among other writers. Basically, I see the story in my head, it plays out like a film. It used to happen only when I was asleep, and unlike other dreams, was easy to remember when I awoke. The act of writing it down encouraged more to appear and soon, I was seeing the story when I was awake.

The characters basically get on with their lives, have adventures, whatever. I just watch and write it all down. The great thing about this is that it requires little input from me, there’s no need to exert myself in weeks of plotting. All that’s required is the ability to type. I just sit at my computer and watch the action, recording it as it unfolds. If it’s all going a bit fast for my fingers, I can slow it down; don’t ask me how, I just “think” it. I can also rewind and repeat, to make sure that I get everything important. Sometimes, quite spontaneously, I will be shown a scene again, from a different angle, to emphasise the point.

What I can’t do, is get any clue about where the story will go. I never know what will happen next. Whether this is a deliberate thing (I’ll come to another possible reason later) or just the way my imagination works, who knows? It means that I never have any advance information about the ending, who will end up as the hero (or villain) or even who will still be standing when I type The End. Or when the end will happen.

It means that when you read one of my books, you will find out everything at exactly the same time that I did.

I have to admit that sounds weird, it felt weird when it started happening to me. Which might go some way towards explaining the reaction of my non-writing questioner.

I digress, the side effect of this is that sometimes, when I try to write to a deadline, the story isn’t there. As I said in the title, they aren’t coming put to play.

Which is what I mean when I say that my cast of characters have decided to go somewhere else and have nothing to do with me.

Like in real life, people drift in and out of your space, some you see regularly, some every now and again, some go missing for a while and then turn up. That’s how it is in my head. Fortunately (or not), I don’t just have one set of friends living in my head. I’m usually seeing several stories at once (like watching several regular programmes on T.V.), so if one set have gone missing, there’s another to tell me what they’ve been up to instead. Occasionally, two or more may fight for my attention, wanting to be the first to update me with the latest events in their lives.

As you can probably tell, it can get pretty messy in my head, it plays havoc with trying to write what people are expecting you to produce. They are expecting a sequel, or prequel or whatever you told them you would write. What they get may be something completely different. It all depends on who’s about and what they want to tell me.

All this begs the question, where does it come from?

If it’s in my head, why can’t I see it all at once?

If it’s being downloaded (for want of a better phrase), who is hosting the content; why send it to me?

Where do the characters go when they’re not bothering me?

The most radical possibility, and one that frightens me, is that it’s all real. It’s not a story, it’s reality, everything I see is actually happening in real time as I see it, in some sort of alternative universe that I can tap into.

It would explain a lot, the fact that I can see it again and again (as a sort of memory), the fact that I can’t see what happens next, because it hasn’t happened yet.

Because I keep up with developments in science and technology, I know about the latest scientific theories; the ones that deal with parallel universes and multiple timelines, how everything is connected and how all possible outcomes might well exist in their own reality. That suggests that I might be onto something. All writers might have the gift of being able to see other dimensions.

Does it make us gifted, or will people just think that we’re crazy?

I got a bit side-tracked there, the whole point of this was to tell you that I tried to complete a writing challenge this month, my cast had other ideas.

Instead, I wrote something completely different.

But that’s another story. 

©Richard Dee 2019

About Richard Dee

Richard Dee is a native of Brixham in Devon, England He left Devon when he was in his teens and settled in Kent. Leaving school at 16 he briefly worked in a supermarket, then went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986.

Coming ashore to be with his growing family, he used his sea-going knowledge in several jobs, including Marine Insurance Surveyor and Dockmaster at Tilbury, before becoming a Port Control Officer in Sheerness and then at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich.

In 1994 he was head-hunted and offered a job as a Thames Estuary Pilot. In 1999 he transferred to the Thames River Pilots, where he regularly took vessels of all sizes through the Thames Barrier and upriver as far as HMS Belfast and through Tower Bridge. In all, he piloted over 3,500 vessels in a 22-year career with the Port of London Authority.

Richard is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.

His first science-fiction novel Freefall was published in 2013, followed by Ribbonworld in 2015. September 2016 saw the publication of his Steampunk adventure The Rocks of Aserol and of Flash Fiction, a collection of Short Stories. Myra, the prequel to Freefall was published in 2017, along with Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Café, a murder mystery set in space and the start of a series featuring Andorra Pett, an amateur detective. He contributed a story to the 1066 Turned Upside Down collection and is currently working on prequels, sequels, and new projects.

A small selection of  books by Richard Dee

One of the recent reviews for Andorra and Her Sister

Nov 12, 2019 Steven rated it it was amazing

Andorra Pett – space station café owner, scooper pilot and sometimes super sleuth – returns for another adventure. Andorra finds herself on Earth to sort out her ex, Trevor’s affairs following his grisly murder at the hands of a mobster on Mars.

Intending this to only be a brief stay to finalise affairs before returning to the space station orbiting Saturn and the comfort of partner Derek. Unfortunately, as ever, trouble manages to find her in the form of her estranged sister Tia. When she is arrested for smuggling through importers and money laundering she calls the only person she can for help – younger sister Andorra.

Suspecting from the start that something is amiss, not least Tia lacking the sense to pull off such a crime, Andorra cannot help but be drawn in to solve the mystery and see that justice is served. Smugglers, corrupt police and a chance run in with Clive – an old face from her first ever mystery – make for high jinks aplenty. He is found running what he claims to be an official Oort Cloud Café tribute bar complete with sleazy Andorra lookalike waitresses and slanderous tales of fictitious romances assuming Andorra will never hear of it way back in space.

Once again Richard Dee has delivered a wonderfully funny murder mystery with a cast of characters new and old to entertain readers. The mystery becomes farcical as it twists and turns to a conclusion. Andorra sees herself in her share of trouble and tight spots all in the pursuit of clearing Tia’s name. This third instalment of the Andorra Pett series is a wonderful addition and only makes me long for book four in 2020 that much more.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Richard: Goodreads

Connect to Richard

Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi
Facebook: Richard Dee Author
Twitter: @RichardDockett1

It is good to know that I am not the only crazy one around here…thanks Richard for that reassurance.

I write all my stories in my head too and then sit down and let them out on to the page and then sort out the finer points later. How about you?

Thanks for dropping by and your feedback is always welcome… Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2020 – I’m not just a writer, #Recipe -Peanut Cookies by Richard Dee.

Welcome to the new series of Posts from Your Archives in 2020 and if you would like to participate with two of your posts from 2019, you will find all the details in this post: New series of Posts from Your Archives 2020

This is the first post from the 2019 archives of Richard Dee and he showcases his other skill… as a baker with a recipe for Peanut cookies..

 I’m not just a writer, Peanut Cookies

We writers tend to get obsessive over our craft, if we’re not careful we could talk about it all day, every day. And not everyone wants to hear all the little details of plot, characters and marketing successes and failures. Nor do they want to be bombarded with a constant and incessant ‘buy my book’, refrain.

I try and keep away from becoming too narrow in what I post or share about myself. I want people to see that I’m not just a writer. I like to spend my time doing other things, one of which is cooking. Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), I’m a sucker for an ingredient that I’ve never seen or used before, and will often buy something and then see what I can do with it afterwards.

I spotted this, I can’t remember where now, and my thought process went into overdrive, it’s pretty readily available, somehow I had never noticed it before. Now I see it everywhere, in various brands and sizes.

I’ve tried cooking with peanut butter before, it’s great mixed with Sweet Chilli sauce to make a coating for chicken or pork, however, I’d never had much success using it in anything that was sensitive to the amount of liquid in it. Like biscuits. For one thing, peanut butter is too wet and you have to modify the other ingredients and proportions to allow for that (if you can). So when I saw the powder, a whole new range of possibilities opened up.

My first idea was a peanut cookie. Now I know you can just add chopped peanuts to an ordinary cookie but I wanted to see what difference substituting some of this powder for the plain flour would make.

Ingredients,

• 175 g softened butter,
• 200 g Plain flour
• 50 g of the peanut butter powder,
• 90 g Caster sugar,
• 100 g roughly chopped salted peanuts

Method,

Cream the butter and sugar. Add everything else and work into a dough. Form the dough into a sausage and coat it with Demerara sugar. Wrap it in cling film and rest it for 30 minutes in the fridge Preheat the oven to 160°C.

Take the chilled dough and slice it into 2 cm discs, flatten them onto a baking sheet which has been dusted with more Demerara sugar. Keep them looking slightly rustic at about 1 cm thick.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, keep an eye on them, as soon as the edges start to brown, they are done. Take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

The addition of the powder made for a very short pastry and boosted the flavour. The biscuits melted in the mouth and were very hard to resist. In the end, I didn’t bother.

©Richard Dee 2019

About Richard Dee

Richard Dee is a native of Brixham in Devon, England He left Devon when he was in his teens and settled in Kent. Leaving school at 16 he briefly worked in a supermarket, then went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986.

Coming ashore to be with his growing family, he used his sea-going knowledge in several jobs, including Marine Insurance Surveyor and Dockmaster at Tilbury, before becoming a Port Control Officer in Sheerness and then at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich.

In 1994 he was head-hunted and offered a job as a Thames Estuary Pilot. In 1999 he transferred to the Thames River Pilots, where he regularly took vessels of all sizes through the Thames Barrier and upriver as far as HMS Belfast and through Tower Bridge. In all, he piloted over 3,500 vessels in a 22-year career with the Port of London Authority.

Richard is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.

His first science-fiction novel Freefall was published in 2013, followed by Ribbonworld in 2015. September 2016 saw the publication of his Steampunk adventure The Rocks of Aserol and of Flash Fiction, a collection of Short Stories. Myra, the prequel to Freefall was published in 2017, along with Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Café, a murder mystery set in space and the start of a series featuring Andorra Pett, an amateur detective. He contributed a story to the 1066 Turned Upside Down collection and is currently working on prequels, sequels, and new projects.

A small selection of  books by Richard Dee

One of the recent reviews for Andorra and Her Sister

Nov 12, 2019 Steven rated it it was amazing

Andorra Pett – space station café owner, scooper pilot and sometimes super sleuth – returns for another adventure. Andorra finds herself on Earth to sort out her ex, Trevor’s affairs following his grisly murder at the hands of a mobster on Mars.

Intending this to only be a brief stay to finalise affairs before returning to the space station orbiting Saturn and the comfort of partner Derek. Unfortunately, as ever, trouble manages to find her in the form of her estranged sister Tia. When she is arrested for smuggling through importers and money laundering she calls the only person she can for help – younger sister Andorra.

Suspecting from the start that something is amiss, not least Tia lacking the sense to pull off such a crime, Andorra cannot help but be drawn in to solve the mystery and see that justice is served. Smugglers, corrupt police and a chance run in with Clive – an old face from her first ever mystery – make for high jinks aplenty. He is found running what he claims to be an official Oort Cloud Café tribute bar complete with sleazy Andorra lookalike waitresses and slanderous tales of fictitious romances assuming Andorra will never hear of it way back in space.

Once again Richard Dee has delivered a wonderfully funny murder mystery with a cast of characters new and old to entertain readers. The mystery becomes farcical as it twists and turns to a conclusion. Andorra sees herself in her share of trouble and tight spots all in the pursuit of clearing Tia’s name. This third instalment of the Andorra Pett series is a wonderful addition and only makes me long for book four in 2020 that much more.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US

And: Amazon UK

Read more reviews and follow Richard: Goodreads

Connect to Richard

Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi
Facebook: Richard Dee Author
Twitter: @RichardDockett1

My thanks to Richard for sharing this recipe with us and they do look very irresistible…your feedback is always welcome.. thanks Sally.