Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Author News and Reviews – #Memoir Judith Barrow, #Fantasy C. S. Boyack, #Thriller Lisette Brodey

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 book update today is for the personally recommended memoir which is Judith Barrow’s latest release – Live and Let

My review for the book May 15th 2024

I have read all the other books by this author and knew that this short book would not only be beautifully written but filled with treasures.

Judith Barrow takes us on a poignant journey through her teen years, marriage and growing family to set the scene for the highly entertaining stories of taking paying guests.

Having lovingly restored a neglected house in Pembrokeshire and wanting to add to the family income, a flat is created on the side of their home and over a number of years an assortment of guests take up residence during the summer season.

Some are clearly remembered with fondness, but others stand out for a variety of reasons and not always in the best light. Whilst laughing at the accounts of the antics these visitors got up to, it must have been extremely stressful to have to deal with them in person. The author has a lovely way of bringing these episodes to life and I would love to have been a fly on the wall.

These temporary lettings gave way to the arrival of a beloved aunt whose declining memory made from some heartwarming and also heartbreaking moments.

To round off a very satisfactory read, there is a short story about another house, another family facing challenges which ends with a twist.

I read Live and Let in one sitting and I am sure that anyone picking up the book will do the same. Highly recommended.

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

A selection of books by Judith Barrow

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – Follow Judith: Goodreads – – blog: Judith Barrow – Twitter: @judithbarrow77

The next author is C.S. Boyack with a review for Goodbye Old Paint (The Hat Book 7). 

One of the reviews for the book

Mae Clair 5.0 out of 5 stars Break out the popcorn!  Reviewed in the United States

Boyack’s latest outing of Lizzie and the Hat takes a different turn from the type of monster-hunting the two normally engage in. This time, the federal government employs the duo to eliminate an infestation of gremlins who’ve taken up residence in their server farm. These are nasty critters, gifted with both magic and staying power. It’s not an easy case, but the two get a hand from the witches’ community. If you’re a faithful follower of the series, some familiar faces pop up (Cyrus, Dash, and Destiny among others), but if you’re brand new to these clever and imaginative books—no worries. You’ll be gob smacked by the creativity Boyack paints his cast and surroundings with.

Two of my favorites get to make an appearance—Night Bump Radio, and Noodles, Cyrus’s erm… “pet.” I also enjoyed seeing some of the running gags (the Hat is still pushing for fog machines), and, as always, the humor, is snarky and sharp (such as the Hat calling the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency everything under the sun, but the actual name).

I also liked this little exchange, with Lizzie speaking first:

“I’ve been hanging around you too long. I sound like you, and you sound like me.”

“That is kind of revolting.”

Speaking of Lizzie, she encounters a situation halfway through the story that is … highly unique, and played brilliantly for laughs, but not without sympathy tossed in. Apparently, there are more than a few downsides to monster hunting and Boyack made this one a gem. He clearly knows these characters well and flexes his writing muscles to make for an entertaining tale. There are also a few cartoon illustrations peppered throughout that add to the fun of the story. These stories just keep getting better an better! Break out the popcorn and enjoy! 

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

A selection of books by C.S. Boyack

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and :Amazon UK – Follow Craig: Goodreads – blog:Cold Hand Boyack – Twitter: @Virgilante

The final author today is Lisette Brodey – with a review for the suspense thriller Twice a Broken Breath.

One of the reviews for the book

D.L. Finn 5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced excitement!  Reviewed in the United States

Liam stops at the bank only to find out all his money is gone, and accounts are closed. In a panic, he rushes home to find his wife had left him for her first love and taken their daughter with them. There is a note explaining they are leaving the country within twenty-four hours with a powerful threat he’d never see his daughter again if he followed her or called the authorities. Knowing time is of the essence, he goes where he thinks his wife and child will be in New York. He hops on a train in this fast-paced chase that doesn’t slow down until almost the very end.

Liam is a multi-layered character who not only has forgotten the first fourteen years of his life because of an accident, but his wife has deceived him, and he now only has a limited time to find the daughter he cherishes. It’s a heavy load, but he finds help in unexpected places along the way, along with people who don’t want him looking. There were many unexpected twists, a couple I had a hunch about, but it all added to Liam’s confusion and determination.

I finally got to catch my breath close to the end as it all came together. An exciting page-turner for those who like a thriller with heart and one I can easily recommend. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Universal link: mybook.to/TwiceBroken

A small selection of other books by Lisette Brodey

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Lisette: Goodreads – Website/blog: Lisette Brodey – Twitter: @LisetteBrodey – Facebook: Brodey Author – Instagram: ca_lisette

 

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

Smorgasbord Book Reviews – November 2023 Round Up – #Historical #Paranormal Mae Clair, #Romance Stevie Turner, #Thriller Lisette Brodey, #1960s#Paranormal D.L. Finn, #Family #Parenting Gwen M Plano, #Familysaga Kathy Biggs

Welcome to the recap of my reviews for the month of November and I hope you will explore the books further and read them too.

My review for the book November 4th 2023

This is one of the most atmospheric books I have read for a long time. The author draws you in to the lives of Leviticus Sinclair and his assistant Wyatt Resnick and their complex relationship with great skill. She drip feeds hints throughout the story about the past and the mission that drives Leviticus to such extraordinary lengths as he seeks redemption which thoroughly engage the reader.

The members of the family in turmoil at the Harbor Inn and Lighthouse, have all got a back story that influences the situation they now find themselves in. Secrets and betrayal have resulted in a violent vortex that reaches a climax that has the potential to shatter their lives without the intervention of a man in search of his own release from purgatory.

The inn itself, the lighthouse and the coastal environment with its moody skies and unpredictable weather, add to the atmospheric mastery of the writing and if you enjoy mysteries, history, the paranormal and plenty of action, this is a book for you.

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

My review for the book November 6th 2023

At first glance you would assume that the subject matter of this novel would be depressing but that is far from the truth.

The author manages to infuse humour into the lives, the devastating diagnosis and the family situations from the first page to the last. At the same time, writing from experience, Stevie Turner also offers a realistic behind the scenes look at this particular cancer and its treatment.

Both Erin and Alan have baggage, a sense of ‘what now’ following failed relationships and family dramas still playing out as they come to terms with not just the diagnosis, but the uncertainty for the future. Both are surprised when seemingly fate intervenes and throws them together. Despite their wariness with regard to love, they find an unexpected connection that changes their perspective of who they are.

This is a love story and a wonderful romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It serves to remind us not to give up hope and live life to the full every chance you get. Recommended

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

My review for the book November 9th 2023

This is an action packed thriller with complex characters who enter the story and insert themselves into the carefully crafted plot over a very short but intense 24 hours.

One can only imagine how traumatic it must be to find after many years, with two children and a stable home life, that you have been living a lie and all that you know has been whipped from under you. Particularly when according to your parents the first fourteen years of your life were wiped from your mind following an accident.

The author has a great sense of timing and makes sure that despite the plot being very fast paced with some fascinating twists and turns, the reader is not left behind and is given adequate hints and clues to keep turning the pages in search of answers. Just when you think you have figured it out… another element is introduced which sets you off on another path.

Most of the cast of this action packed story are flawed and have pasts they find difficult to put behind them. This results in unexpected kindness, support and a determination to help this troubled man on his mission to find his daughter through the rain soaked night streets of New York. With time against him Liam Tallamore is about to discover secrets and relationships beyond his wildest dreams.

A gritty thriller with great characters and I can highly recommend.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Universal link: mybook.to/TwiceBroken

My review for the book November 11th 2023

They say opposites attract and that is certainly the case in this romance which is perfect for the long winter evenings. Two interesting and complex characters find themselves thrown together and have to overcome their differences which are many.

Alice has returned to the dilapidated house left to her by her grandparents and has turned her life around completely. Her past is locked away mentally and physically and she is determined to let nobody in to her comfort zone. Especially with such a small population of Blake’s Folly watching every move and taking an interest in who comes into her life and why.

She is certainly not going to be taken in by the city slick Jace Constant whose celebrity status is not something she is keen to explore. But there is not doubt he is stunning and has a way of getting under her skin.

Set in the desert on the outskirts of the historical but slightly down at heel Blake’s Folly we discover more about snakes and their often tragic encounters with humans… for the snakes. We also meet  characters with connections to other books in the Blake’s Folly series, such as the enigmatic and sexy Rose who is Alice’s confidante.

As the story evolves we find out more about why Alice has found refuge in her ancestral home and how even when it seems differences will keep romance on the back burner, love will find a way.. Highly recommended.

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

My review for the book 18th November 2023

The setting for this collaboration is an atmospheric old inn and its adjoining lighthouse, on the edge of the mercurial Pacific Ocean. It is perfect for this novella with a number of threads from the recent past and the mid-60s when two young women are on a road trip.

For one it is an adventure and also a mission to free her friend from the ties that bind her to her family and their plans for her future. As they arrive the ghost who waits patiently in the background to reunite with those she loves, senses that evil is about to enter their lives. She cannot interfere as the outcome is in the hands of fate.

The characters are all great, from the innkeepers who offer such a warm welcome and the girls whose destiny will be decided in the 24 hours from their arrival, to the other guests whose lives become entwined with them from the moment they meet. The story engages from the first page to the last and packs in a great many elements for a short read. The author certainly knows how to ramp up the paranormal atmosphere that permeates the lives all those who cross the threshold of this old inn and has created an emotional rollercoaster.

This the second of the books in this multi-author collaboration and as with the first I can happily recommend.

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

My review for the book November 22nd

All the eight books in this series are stand alone, but there are connections to the past and present in each of the stories. This particular episode in the history of this inn and lighthouse is set in the late 1950s, when shame brought to a family was often treated harshly, resulting in a young woman, isolated in a remote forest, afraid and about to give birth.

As always Gwen Plano creates wonderful characters, understands the dynamics of family and knows how to evoke emotions that connect the reader instantly to the story.

Having read two other books in this series Harbor Pointe Inn and the Lighthouse and its history were familiar, but with new back stories the connection to this atmospheric and mysterious place deepens.

I won’t reveal too many spoilers but I thought the release of this book was timely, with both Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up soon with family at the heart of the celebrations.

This is a wonderful read and I can definitely recommend.

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

My review for the book November 25th 2023

I found it hard to believe that this was a debut novel as it was superb. Characters rich with interesting pasts and both admirable and less attractive traits and personalities and a stunning Midwest American backdrop to a family saga spanning generations.

Beginning in the 1930s when times were very hard, it needed grit and determination to make something of the land and Darragh and Beattie won my heart with their recilience despite challenging years leading to their meeting.

Their love for each other needed to be strong as they struggled to accept the relentless barrage of challenges life threw at them over the following decades. The author knows how to paint a dark picture but also infuses the story with lighter moments of achievement devotion and the courage to overcome aversity.

There is a refreshing unpredictability about the story with several twists and turns over the years that keep you guessing. Just when you think you have it figured out…you realise you don’t and keep turning the pages until you find out the truth.

I can highly recommend to lovers of well writting family sagas, mid-20th century history and the unexpected.

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.