Voices of the Dead by Ambrose Parry ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Canongate Books; Main edition

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

Genre: Historical Thriller

Summary:

EDINBURGH, 1853.

In a city of science, discovery can be deadly . . .

In a time of unprecedented scientific discovery, the public's appetite for wonder has seen a resurgence of interest in mesmerism, spiritualism and other unexplained phenomena.

Dr Will Raven is wary of the shadowlands that lie between progress and quackery, but Sarah Fisher can't afford to be so picky. Frustrated in her medical ambitions, she sees opportunity in a new therapeutic field not already closed off to women.

Raven has enough on his hands as it is. Body parts have been found at Surgeons' Hall, and they're not anatomy specimens. In a city still haunted by the crimes of Burke and Hare, he is tasked with heading off a scandal.

When further human remains are found, Raven is able to identify a prime suspect, and the hunt is on before he kills again. Unfortunately, the individual he seeks happens to be an accomplished actor, a man of a thousand faces and a renowned master of disguise.

With the lines between science and spectacle dangerously blurred, the stage is set for a grand and deadly illusion . . .

Review:

Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Ambrose Parry and Canongate Books for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book to review.
This book caught my attention from the moment I read the blurb, I was intrigued and I've found myself drawn to thrillers of late and a historical one was a nice change of pace. And I have to say I was hooked after one single chapter. Everything about this book just kept me reading from the brilliant writing style to the beautifully well-crafted characters, I just couldn't bare to put the book down. To begin with I found Will Raven to be the more interesting character but then part way through I got drawn into Sarah's journey into expanding her knowledge and trying to find a way into the medical field, which is brilliantly written because let's face it at that time women being in the medical profession was literally laughed away by most people. The descriptions of the places in and around Edinburgh were spot on, it was so vivid that I could easily picture every place that they visited within the book.
I genuinely loved reading this book, every time I thought I knew where it was heading and thought id figured it out a left-hand turn came out of nowhere and I was completely on the back foot and what I thought I knew went flying in the air. I loved it, I love it when I thriller keeps me guessing.
This is the first Raven and Fisher book I've read, but I now I know there are four more... well let's just say my Amazon basket is a little bit full and I'm eagerly awaiting book five in Hardback to go with my beautiful copy of Voices of the Dead.
If you love historical fiction and you're a fan of a thriller, you should definitely check this series out.

Krystina xx

Maybe you should give up by Byron Morrison~ Blog Tour

 Publisher: Morgan James Publishing

Publication Date: 27th June 2023

Genre: Self Help

Summary:

After years of being his own worst enemy, Byron Morrison knows exactly how frustrating the never-ending cycle of hard work, expectation, and minimal results can be. Maybe You Should Give Up is Morrison's answer to the question: how can anyone achieve their dreams if hard work isn't enough?It seems like every self-help book and personal development program is the same these days, preaching that if someone just does more and pushes harder, they can achieve the life of their dreams. This expectation doesn't often work with long-term results, which leaves many people to face the unfortunate reality of never reaching their goals.Why? Because despite their good intentions, they get in their own way, sabotaging themselves and becoming the biggest stumbling block in the way of their success.Tired of going 'round in circles, Byron Morrison realized he needed to do something different. He gave up--not on his goals and dreams, accepting a life of mediocrity lying on the couch--but on being controlled by fear. He gave up living in the past. He gave up comparing himself to others. He gave up on being so hard on himself. And he gave up putting off his happiness.And it worked. He was able to get out of his own way and finally take control of his life.Maybe You Should Give Up explains how to throw out the rule book, break the mold and do something different. Byron Morrison's approach helps readers identify 7 areas of their life that cause them to get in their own way and keep them stuck in a self-destructive cycle; he models how to give up on what holds a person back--to finally take control of the life they want and deserve.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Morgan James Publishing and Byron Morrison for having me on the tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
I was really intrigued by this book, from the moment the email hit my inbox to see if I wanted on this tour I was eager to read it. And I'm really glad that I have, it's brilliantly well-written and to me everything Byron Morrison says makes sense. At the beginning of the book, the author asks you to raise your hands if what he's saying is familiar and I have to admit my hand was raised ( which caused my small one to ask what mummy wanted) because I am guilty of getting in my own way when trying to succeed with goals. So I knew from the introduction that this book was defiantly for me.
Aside from being well written, it's written in such a nice easy-to-follow way, it's been broken down into steps and each step has its own chapter, nothing feels too overwhelming. And unlike most self-help books that sit and tell you how wrong you've been doing everything and berate you for not making changes sooner, I don't come away from this book feeling like I've been told off. I feel like I have someone there (admittedly in book form) to help me move through these challenges to change my way of thinking and stop self-sabotaging. 
It's a book that defiantly needs another read to take it all in properly and make changes and so I'll be keeping it on my shelf for now.

Krystina xx

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka~ Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Pan; Main Market edition 

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Genre:Romance

Summary:

Sometimes the best love stories start with The Roughest Draft....

Three years ago, Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen were the brightest literary stars on the horizon, their cowritten book topping bestseller lists. But on the heels of their greatest success, they ended their partnership on bad terms. They haven't spoken since, and never planned to, except they have one final book due on contract.

Forced to reunite they hole up in the tiny Florida town where they wrote their previous book, trying to finish a new manuscript quickly and painlessly. Working through the reasons they've hated each other for the past three years isn't easy, especially not while writing a romantic novel.

While passion and prose push them closer together in the Florida heat, Katrina and Nathan will learn that relationships, like writing, sometimes take a few rough drafts before they get it right.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka for having me on this tour and sending me the book to review.
OK so I'm a lover of romance so this book was right up my street, the blurb was a big fat yes from me! It's well written, I really enjoyed reading the banter and interactions between Katrina and Nathan. I loved how easily it flowed between them even to some degree when they were angry at each other.
I did like how it alternated chapters and the point of view, it was interesting to see the same incident from both points of view and how vastly different their interpretations of what happened were.
I absolutely hated Chris and how emotionally manipulative/ abusive he was, I couldn't understand how she could stand being in the same room as him let alone be with him and I don't know why she didn't get rid as soon as he pushed her to do something she told him explicitly she didn't want to do.
Whilst I did enjoy aspects of the book I did feel it was a little predictable, and whilst all romance follows a similar path so that's kind of expected, this was too predictable for me because I can't see myself rereading it. And as my book club know I'm someone who rereads romance for the hug-in-a-book feeling it gives me, and this didn't give me that.

Krystina xx

Game of Iniquity by Miray Kose~ Blog Tour

Publisher: Book Guild Publishing Ltd

Publication Date: 21st March 2023

Genre: Historical Thriller

Summary:

London, 1891. 

Deliveries. Opium. Regret. The only three things twenty-one-year-old Gabriel Ashmore’s life consists of until four murder victims are found in the increasingly criminal city, all marked with the same black veins. Gabriel is connected to all four. He delivered Erebus to them, a new opium variant on the market, after being forced to provide for his family following the brutal death of his mother four years ago. 

Fearing his involuntary part in the murders, he becomes embroiled in an amateur investigation led by the wealthy aspiring detective Alexander Wakefield, supported by the Leader of the Opposition, Lord Benedict Granville. 

However, when they witness the fifth death, they realise nothing is as it seems in the city of veils and shadows. Truths become twisted, secrets are revealed and it soon becomes clear they are not dealing with a single killer, but the greatest criminal plot London has ever seen.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Book Guild Publishing and Miray Kose for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.

Im gonna have to start with I loved this book. From the cover which looks brilliant and completely sets the scene to the actual written story, this was a fantastic book. I really loved our MC Gabriel, I found him so interesting and I liked seeing the occasional flashback about his life and filling in the blanks about what's happened since the death of his mother( not a spoiler it's in the blurb).
Alexander irritated me to begin with, just as he seemed to irritate Gabriel, but he really grew on me! I found myself liking him towards the end, I started to understand his quirks and I loved the interactions between him and Gabriel.
 It's a brilliantly well-written book and I think it reads like the beginning of a series. I was 22 pages in and talking about it with a fellow Book Dragon when I said that it feels like we're being set up for more than one book. I so hope I'm right and we get many more because id love to have more books featuring Gabriel and maybe occasionally Alexander.
I honestly didn't get who the Big Bad Evil was until it was revealed, I had two others I thought it might be and boy was I wrong but I love that!
This book is defiantly staying on my bookshelf, with the hopes that I'll be adding more next to it soon.

Krystina xx

The Wisdom of Flowers by Liz Marvin ~ Blog Tour

Publisher: LOM ART

Publication Date: 6th July 2023

Genre: Well-being/self-help

Summary:

Taking sixty of the world’s most amazing flowers and flowering plants, including the corpse flower from Indonesia, the bat-face cuphea and the chocolate cosmos flower from Mexico, the Pohutukawa tree from New Zealand, the lipstick tree and the giant water lily from South America, the voodoo lily from the Mediterranean, the lesser-known plum blossom and the skeleton flower from Japan, and not forgetting the beautiful jade vine from the Philippines, this book will share their unique symbolism and the characteristics and strengths that allow them to thrive, inspiring us to follow their example and make the most of every moment.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, LOM ART and Liz Marvin for having me on this blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book to review. It's a stunning book, the illustrations are unbelievably beautiful.Even if there was nothing else you liked about this book its worth having it on your shelf for the illustrations alone! But the book itself is brilliant too, i read it cover to cover but i think its much more a dip in when you feel like it kind of book. Its the kind of book where you'd grab it and randomly flick to a page to see what wisdom and stories its going to give you today. The flower facts were really interesting and i learnt about flowers i didn't know existed, whilst i do enjoy gardening my knowledge is by no means extensive so i also learnt about the flowers i was aware of.
I loved the language used in it too, it felt kind of soothing, which i know is an odd thing to say about writing but its true. Its a book that i think would be a lovely gift, especially for a gardener but i think anyone would enjoy its soothing effects.

Krystina xx

The Writer's Guide to Obscurity by John Steinberg ~Blog Tour

Publisher: 2QT Limited (Publishing)

Publication Date: 28th February 2023

Genre: humorous fiction

Summary:

Norman was born to write, but doesn't know his destiny is written in his DNA, inherited from generations of earlier Normans who yearned to put pen to paper - once those items had been invented! Yet with nothing to show for all his literary endeavours and struggling to pay the rent, he tells himself there must be easier ways of making a living. It's only when

Norman discovers his descent from a long line of wordsmiths who'd experienced many of the same setbacks as himself yet had found the resolve to keep on going, that he wants to know:

'What was their secret?'

The Writer's Guide to Obscurity is an illustrated record of Norman's research into his vast family tree, sharing with us his predecessors' trials, triumphs and absolute catastrophes through the centuries, before bringing us back to Norman today - and the twist in his own tale.

Review:

 Firstly thank you to Zoo Loos Book Tours and John Steinberg for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book to review.
It's a very short and sweet little book, we follow Norman through the ages and his ancestors to find out the history of writers in his family. It's full of quirky little illustrations that I loved, the family tree at the beginning is brilliant. It's a very cleverly written book, I did enjoy the writing style a lot. The little subheadings between paragraphs to let us know where in the Norman line we are and the little illustration of the correct norman ( personally I really enjoyed Norman Norman) were clever and didn't break the flow of writing.  It's exceptionally funny, I had a lot of moments where I laughed out loud. Like I said a short and sweet book filled with humour, which means its a very short review but a very positive one.

Krystina xx

Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C Wilson ~ Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Neem Tree Press

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

The House of Atreus is spiralling into self-destruction - a woman must find a way to break the family curse.

Queen Clytemnestra's world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself. Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.

From one of Greek mythology's most reviled characters - a woman who challenged the absolute power of men - comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother's burning love.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Neem Tree Press and Susan C Wilson for having me on this book tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.

Now I love a mythology retelling, I've read a lot of them in the past few years and to some degree, they always follow a similar path. Not so with this one, I mean I have all the characters I'm expecting to see but they're not all in the usual places. I even have ones I've not heard of before! And I've loved the different way of seeing everyone, I mean I still hate Agamemnon, he's an absolutely awful human being and he's well-written to be even more hateful than normal. But for the first time, I feel so much sympathy for Clytemnestra, the opening few chapters have her having her child ripped from her breast and killed in front of her and my heart felt for her in that moment far more than in retellings when Iphigenia is sacrificed, because then I normally feel anger on her behalf.
This book is so beautifully well written, the language used is almost poetic at times, and it flows so well and makes it hard to put down. I've devoured it in a matter of hours ( who needs sleep right?)  and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I run a book club full of fans of Greek Mythology retellings so you know fine well I'll be telling them all about this one at Monday's meeting!

Krystina xx

Unbound: Songs of Chaos Book Two by Michael R Miller ~Blog Tour

Publisher: Portal Books

Publication Date: 27th September 2021

Genre:Fantasy

Summary:

Sometimes the world needs a little chaos.

Holt and Ash saved the kingdom of Feorlen against all odds. Now they are outcasts, alone on an impossible quest to unite the Elder Dragons. But they are children playing in a game of Dragon Lords. Trapped between the riders, servants of Sovereign, and the scourge, even their luck cannot last forever. Their only hope is to advance their bond by any means necessary.

In Feorlen, Talia faces a world unaccepting of a rider queen. Her councilors will not heed her warnings of Sovereign. Foreign powers threaten war and bloodshed. Pleas sent to rider headquarters fall on deaf ears.

All the while, Sovereign regathers his strength in an ancient fortress. Enthralled cultists swell his ranks. Disillusioned riders flock to his cause.

And his unwilling servant Osric Agravain scours the land for dragon eggs. There are new types of magic to be discovered, and Sovereign intends to control them all.

Only the mysterious half-dragon Rake has a plan to stop Sovereign. To pull it off, he’s going to need a team.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours and Michael R Miller for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
Now i have to be honest i havent quite finished the book yet, perils of a young family i dont always get chance to dive into a book that i love. And i have loved every page of the book that ive manged to read so far, i love the releationship between Holt and Ash and just how much its developed! Ive loved learning about the different dragons and how they differ, the whole forging and cleansing is so interesting. How Holt is going about finding more about Ash's type of dragon is very methodical and clever, and i love that hes adding to his family cookbook. Im looking forward to more about how Talia juggles being a queen and a rider, i really hope she manages to keep being both and not ending up being forced to choose because i do love her and Pyra's releationship. I think all the rider/dragon relationships in this series are so well done and i'm hoping we get more as the series goes on.
As i said i havent quite finished the book, but i wanted to get my initial thoughts down here and i will be updating this review as soon as i finish because believe me i will have lots to say about it!

Krystina xx

 

The Clear Method by Carolyn Creel ~Blog Tour

Publisher: The Unbound Press

Publication Date: 21st March 2023

Genre: Mind-Body Medicine

Summary:

The CLEAR Method is for everyone.

The CLEAR Method is here to shake (and vac) up the way we have lived our lives for years – so much more than a book on cleaning your house; it will help you shift stuck energy and get into Flow.

On a practical level, it declutters the chaos of life. Energetically, it helps you focus and see more clearly. Emotionally, it helps to shift outdated ways of thinking that have kept you stuck in a rut.

Author Carolyn guides you through her tried and tested methods to Clear, Let Go, Energise, Act and Receive in all areas of life – to ease-fully declutter the physical and emotional clutter of life.

Review:

 First thank you to Love Books Tours, The Unbound Press and Carolyn Creel for having me on this tour and for gifting me a copy of the book to review.

So I was looking forward to diving into this book because it and the tour came on my radar as I was really in the mood to have a right good clear out! And I've really enjoyed reading it, the clear out less so because I've ended up reading ahead of where I was in the process and got a little muddled( my fault for poor time management) but I know ill be going back to this book and the method to help declutter my home and my mind.
I liked the little quizzes, though the get in the clear zone one I didn't find very helpful purely because I didn't have one clear winning outcome so I chose to read my way through the book instead of skipping to the indicated sections but the quizzes themselves I did like.
I loved having all the meditation and guided meditations in it, giving me new ways to switch up my meditation practice, I also really enjoyed the journalling aspects of it. I'm not much of one for journalling, but I liked that we had these elements in it to encourage us to reflect on what we'd done and I really loved that we had them all collected together in a section so you don't need to flip flop around the book to search for the one you need at that moment.
It's written in a really easy straight forward to follow way, much like the author's approach to decluttering (which I really appreciated) and their cleaning tips (gotta love a cleaning tip).
The tandem nature of decluttering your mind and home is one a really can get on board with and I loved the gentle spiritual nature of it(I know the spiritual aspect may seem full on to some but I thought it softly spread throughout in an accessible way).
It's a book that won't stay on my shelf long, purely because I'll be constantly picking it up to use!

Krystina xx

Girls Dont Cry by Peter Kesterton ~ Blog Tour

Publisher: Bloodhound Books

Publication Date: 7th February 2023

Genre: Psychological thriller 

Summary:

A decade after his young daughter’s murder, a grief-stricken father’s need for justice puts his own life in danger as events spiral out of control . . .

Ever since Caitlin Grady was released from prison, Darren has been tormented by rage and injustice. He finds himself venting online, where a stranger befriends him—and encourages him to seek revenge.

But Caitlin no longer goes by that name. She has been given a new identity and is living quietly, dreading exposure as the tabloids—with help from her publicity-hungry mother—try to hunt her down. And having committed the crime at age eleven, Caitlin struggles as an adult on her own, out in the world beyond prison walls.

Will Darren manage to track Caitlin down, and if he does, will he be able to carry out his plans?

Review:

 First, thank you to Random Books Tours, Bloodhound Books and Peter Kesterton for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
This book is fantastically written, it put me through all the emotions reading it, and it was so good that I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down. You start with Darren and Kelly finding out that their daughter's killer has been released on parole and I have to say Darren's first reaction is exactly what mine would be if I were in his situation. The fact that their daughter was relatively young and of a similar age to my small ones meant that I really felt all the emotions reading this because it was written so well that I could put myself into their shoes and it was heart-wrenching (at a few points I had to go cuddle my small ones)
I really disliked Jedd from the off, he "felt" wrong and I'm glad I was right in my feeling( again goes to show how well-written the characters are!). I felt like he was using Darren and his need to find Caitlin as a way to be violent towards another person without repercussions.
I loved Caitlin's story arc, it was heartbreaking to get glimpses into her childhood and eventually finding out what happened with her and Darren's daughter. And I'm so glad that Darren and Caitlin got the endings they did, it was the right way to end their stories.
I am trying so hard to not give a single thing away but still tell you how brilliant this book is! This is another author's debut novel which has added more books to my shelves because I will be wanting to read his next book for sure!
Highly recommend this for you thriller fans!

Krystina xx

The Rose of Florence by Angela M Sims ~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Romaunce Books

Publication Date: 16th January 2023

Genre: historical romance

Summary:

1478: Gianetta and Matteo have a happy life, working in service to the wealthy Rosini family. They are used to entertaining rich and powerful members of Florentine society in Palazzo Rosini, where Lorenzo and Giuliano de Medici, and Botticelli are regular visitors. Even when the Medici brothers narrowly escape the Palazzo with their lives (an accident, surely?), Gianetta and Matteo can’t imagine that the growing unrest in the streets of Florence would ever spoil their happiness.

When a bloody conspiracy erupts in the heart of Florence, in the city’s beloved Duomo, nobody is left unaffected by the aftermath. When the family hears that Matteo is among the conspirators, Gianetta knows that her life will never be the same

Review:
First off I need to say thank you to Random Book Tours, Romaunce Books and Angela M Sims for having me on this blog tour and for gifting me a copy of this beautiful book to review.
Now as you may have noticed on this blog I am a magpie for pretty book covers and this one is no exception, I love the collection of roses framing the image of the Duomo. It beautifully fits the book.
It's a very well-written and brilliantly researched first book by Angela Sims. Her descriptions are wonderful and you really can imagine that you are there in Florence combined with her well-crafted characters that easily slip in between the historical figures really bring the era and story to life.
The love story that is woven into the dramatic situations that occurred is so sweet and lovely, you really enjoy following Gianetta and Matteo's developing love.
One of my favourite parts of the book is the recipes for a good meal that sit between each section, they make a nice marker and they do sound so lovely. I've added a few of the recipes to my to-try list, Italian food always sounds so indulgent!
If you love a good historical romance, add this one to your list.

Krystina xx

Mechaniek: King of Tartessos by J C Compton ~ Blog Tour

Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 8th July 2022

Genre: post-apocalyptic sci-fi steampunk

Summary:

Power has changed hands in Toweren: after the assassination of King Viryankar and the arrest of

Rufus Doreabris, Nex Denisov has taken the throne through a coup, and the kingdom is at war

with the island kingdom of Tartessos. He and King Byryam of Tartessos both rely on a

personality cult and militias to secure their power and are racing to create hybrids from the DNA

of giant creatures found in the ruins of ancient civilizations.

Arnau Donovan transfers to the Royal School of Mechanics from a remote region at the age of

eighteen. The son of a lumberjack but a genius mechanic, he immediately attracts the jealousy of

his classmates. As he struggles with bullying and a conservative school board trying to make the

school more religious, he finds solace in his friendships with Alistair, Miro, a relative of the

king, and his teacher Goram, whom he falls in love with. But Nex Denisov is not ready to let his

former rival have such a genius by his side...

Review:

First off thank you to Pride book tours and  J C Compton for having me on this blog tour and sending me a copy of this book to review.
So once again I judged a book by its cover (I mean let's face it this book has a beautiful cover) and decided I had to be on the book tour for this one, the blurb backed up the cover's beauty and thankfully I got onto the tour.  Beautiful cover aside I really love how the author has written this, the switching between different points of view has a nice easy flow to it. I very quickly got invested in the characters and what's going on in their lives, so much so that I really can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.
I really felt for poor Arnau in his first few weeks in the school being bullied and treated so poorly but there were also parts where I was yelling at him to not make the bad choices(Don't leave Goram!)
I did feel the marriage was quite quick but then again soldiers were known to quickly marry their sweethearts just in case they died at war so I guess from that point of view it makes sense.
I loved the representation in this book the author has done a brilliant job of creating the characters but not making them archetypal versions of transgender/gay/etc. I've just really loved reading this book, and I'm definitely going back for more from J C Compton!

Krystina xx
 

Finding your way Home by Victoria Nielsen ~ Blog Tour

 

Publisher: The Unbound Press

Publication Date: 2nd March 2023

Genre: Mind-Body Medicine

Summary:

You're more than your miscarriage, mama.

When a routine OB appointment brought tragic news in 2018, Victoria was left shocked, shaken, and cleaved in two. Instead of letting it make her feel small, she used this sacred loss as a catalyst to expand. To blossom. And to give herself the love she always deserved.

Find Your Way Home takes you through Victoria's journey of choosing joy, connecting with her intuition, and honoring her inner child after miscarriage, so you can learn to do the same.

This book of inspiring words, energy, and embodiment practices comes from Victoria's heart to help you navigate whatever part of the motherhood journey you're currently on. Allowing you to realize you are your own medicine and healer, and that you are so much more than the things that have happened to you. You can move through and come out the other side better than you ever thought possible. You can find the light again.

Review:

Thank you to Love Books Tours, Victoria Nielsen and The Unbound Press for having me on this book tour and for sending me a copy of the book to review.
I was slightly apprehensive about reading this book, myself having had miscarriages and not knowing how I would react to the book. And actually, I really connected with it and parts resonated with me. I really liked how it was written and the spiritual aspects to it, in fact, though I did like the poetry I felt there could have been fewer poems and more on Akashic Records and the journalling.
Personally, I feel a book with a journal aspect to it, using the practice that Victoria mentioned would be something that would benefit those struggling with the loss and grief of miscarriage. And I would definitely buy it, because this book brought forward things for me, and I'm grateful it did.
I have to say the cover drew me in first, it is beautiful and very much suits the book.
It's well-written, personal and beautifully spiritual, a book id defiantly recommend.


Krystina xx

The Four Horsemen by Rupert Stanbury ~ Blog Tour

 Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 17th April 2023

Genre: Humorous fiction

Summary:

ALL THE ROYALTIES RECEIVED BY THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVEN TO SUPPORT THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE

The Four Horsemen is the second book in the Gods Galore series about the Olympian Gods in the 21st Century AD.

The gods are still trying to control what we humans are up to. Unfortunately, they’re not being particularly successful. The world is experiencing both plague and famine which Zeus and the Gods’ Council never approved. What’s going on?

Athene’s determined to find out, but before she can get going the God of War initiates an attack on Poseidon’s realm. It’s now all out conflict and the gods are taking sides – one side, in particular.

Wherever there’s a fight, Hebe’s involved. She soon signs up to an army regiment which is full of soldiers even smaller than she is. But war these days involves brains and not just brawn and there’s plenty of both ready to be deployed in this fight!

Review:

First off thank you to Random Books Tours and Rupert Stanbury for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
I have to say I loved it! I wasn't sure I would because if I'm honest I wasn't keen on the cover ( and yes I prejudged on the cover and I know I shouldn't) But once I started it I devoured it. I've really enjoyed the writing style, it's so easy to just sit and read and the humour in it really reminds me of Terry Pratchetts Discworld books. 
I've enjoyed having moments of "OMG that's who that is" because the author has cleverly woven in historical figures and other literary works into it that which just meant I spent the book smiling at the references and laughing out loud( Zeus and modern technology is a constant giggle)
Now I don't normally add spoilers but I just want to highlight some of my favourite little bits in the book. I so enjoyed having Vlad in Impaler as head of torturing in the underworld, and the Renaissance painters as the painting team in the construction department, as I said it's so very cleverly written.
We start off with the brilliant notion of Death (one of the four horsemen and hard worker of the underworld) telling Hades that he'd quite like to someday have a Mrs Death and maybe retire to Bournemouth and pass the family business onto Mister Death, and it was just so absurd that it was brilliant and I can't wait for more of this series.
In fact, I've got book one in my basket awaiting payday! And I'm looking forward to the day I can share the books with my small ones because this is such a fun read.

Let me know if you've read this book and if you have tell me your favourite bits!

Krystina xx

Just Like That by Nina Kaye ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 1st June 2023

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Is fur-ever on the cards for these enemies-at-first-sight?

Jess is smashing her Edinburgh events management job right now. Her boss is talking about a promotion, her clients love her and other companies want her. But all of that comes to an abrupt halt when her brother has a sudden stroke. Jess doesn’t think twice about stepping in as his carer, but her boss is not so understanding.

Demoted to managing low-end events, Jess is less than thrilled to be assigned to a small animal park in need of raising funds. She’s even less happy when she clashes with arrogant head keeper, Nick. He's frustrated with her squeamishness; she thinks he’s a lech. Nick wants a baggage-free life; Jess has so much drama going on, even the Kardashians can’t keep up.

But maybe saving the animals of East Lothian Wildlife Park will help these op-paw-sites find some common ground…

Review:

Thank you to Love Books Tours, Canelo Co and Nina Kaye for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book to review.
No, messing about , I loved it! The cover caught my eye and drew me to read the blurb, which instantly made it on my I have to get on the tour for this list, and it didn't disappoint. 
I loved how it was written, I really got on with the writing style and the characters were so well-rounded that I fell in love with them (well most of them but no one is meant to like Craig right).
It has this fun start, which quickly throws you in a spin when Seth has his stroke, and you really feel for poor Jess. I absolutely couldn't understand her parent's attitude, cold-hearted good-for-nothing waste of space ( like I said the characters are really well written!)
The romance between Nick and Jess is fantastic, I really enjoyed their first meet-cute the whole mistaken situation was brilliant and it was a great almost slow burn to romance, helped along by Lauren whose mischievous nature is a good giggle.
I was yelling at Jess to just tell Nick at times, I was so invested in what was going on.
It was a really lovely ending, that kind of leaves it open for a second book to come and revisit them and the Park (fingers crossed) 

Krystina xx

Tails of Two Spaniels by Heather Peck ~Blog Tour

Publisher: Ormesby Publishing

Publication Date: 11th May 2023

Genre: Childrens

Summary:

Springer Spaniel Patch has four puppies on the farm where she lives with Marigold the House Cow, Gertie Goose, Sally-for-short the Sow, and lots of worried woollies. But the puppies can't stay forever and they have a lot to learn.

A story of the antics of puppies, told from the puppies' perspective and brought to life by charming illustrations. For animal lovers aged 6-9.

Review:
Thank you to Random Books Tours, Ormesby Publishing and Heather Peck for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
This is a very cute book, it has some lovely illustrations and I think any 6-9-year-olds will love diving into it. It's a sweet story of two puppies heading from the farm they were born on to their forever home all from their point of view. I think it's really good in giving children an idea of what's involved in having a pet and that it's a lot of work and commitment, and I like her adding in a bit to teach them about looking after the environment and the importance of it.
It's just a very sweet story that I think children will love.

Krystina xx

Identity Crisis by Clayton Pulsipher ~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Clayton Pulsipher

Publication Date: 19th January 2023

Genre: Science Fiction

Summary:

"Through the winds of change, we stand tall as trees."

Jag has always wondered why he’s different from the other Rixxonians. So when strange visitors show up in the jungle, he can’t help but follow.

He could’ve never predicted his search for answers would propel him off planet and into the middle of a galactic conspiracy.

Aided by the mysterious Arbiters and their advanced technology, Jag and his brother, Sixxis, travel to astounding new worlds as they assemble a team to oppose the Prospectors’ Guild and its violent operations run by the fiendish Advocate. But each success only brings more chaos. And the more things unfold, the more Jag can’t help but think it’s all connected.

Will Jag discover the truth behind his identity—or has fate already decided his path?

Review:

Thank you to Love Books Tours and Clayton Pulsipher for having me on this blog tour and sending me a copy of the book!
I really liked the cover of the book and the cover combined with the blurb is what first drew me to want to read this book. I haven't read much science fiction and this seemed like a good one to dip my toe in ( I'm a firm believer in giving any genre a try at least twice!). It had an interesting start which was promising and it was an easy-to-read book but unfortunately, the writing style just didn't resonate with me. I do think it's a good fit as a young adult science fiction reader though as it's something easy to dip in and out of and I can defiantly see a younger reader being able to read it in a few sittings.
If you're a fan of young adult fiction I think this might be a book you'd enjoy, it just wasn't for me.

Krystina xx

Marvel Heroine's Mockingbird: Strike Out by Maria Lewis ~ Blog Tour

 Publisher: Acontye

Publication Date: 20th of June 2023

Genre: Superhero Fantasy

Summary:

S.H.I.E.L.D. super-spy Bobbi Morse spreads her wings and dives into a brand-new espionage thriller from Marvel Heroines

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Bobbi Morse needs to get out of LA. Like, yesterday. With her painful divorce from Hawkeye still being hashed out, Bobbi could do with a new job to take her mind off the mind-numbing mediations. Luckily, an old friend and mentor of Bobbi’s is missing, so a jaunt to the UK might be the perfect distraction. What Bobbi isn’t anticipating is having to team up with the snarky and handsome Lance Hunter, but her options are limited if she wants to solve this mystery. Someone is trying to recreate and weaponize the original Super-Soldier Serum which could spell global disaster. To save the world, Bobbi will have to face her past, put her problems behind her, and let the Mockingbird take flight.

Review:
Thank you to Love Books Tours, Maria Lewis and Aconyte Books for having me on this blog tour and sending me a copy of the book to read. I'm a Marvel fan and was sold on wanting to read this book because I didn't know Hawkeye had an ex-wife ( I've watched the films but until now hadn't ventured into reading Marvel), so I just needed to know about her!
Chapter one is so fast-paced and full of so much stuff happening and I loved it, the first chapter cemented my absolutely loving Bobbi and actually hating Clint (he comes over as such an arsehole) which threw me because having only watched the films I really liked him in those.
It's Marvel so you'd expect plenty of action and you get it in spades, ill be honest I didn't want to stop reading this, I got so engrossed I almost missed picking my small one up from school(I didn't but it was close id got to a really good bit!).
The interactions between Bobbi and Lance were just brilliantly written and I loved every single bit of banter, Tem is just Fabulous!
I did see one the surprise twists coming a few chapters before it was revealed but I think that just because I watch too many crime dramas and the choice of wording alerted me to something being amiss. But the other one surprised me!
I have to say one of my favourite bits of the book, hands down has to be Bobbi's last interaction with Clint it was beautiful *chef's kiss*.
I've already ordered more Marvel heroines books from my library because this was so damn good. If you're even remotely a fan of Marvel you should give this a read( heck even if you are just a fan of kick-ass women you should give this a read)

Krystina xx