Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jamie Admans ~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date:  9th September 2026

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A Scottish castle, a fake marriage… and one very real Christmas romance?

After a window display goes disastrously viral – thanks to a malfunctioning animatronic Santa and an unfortunate encounter with Paddington Bear – Lula Haines finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas. So she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays.

There’s just one complication: her handsome new boss, Oliver Bracewell, needs a fake wife for the festive season. To secure a promotion that could save his family’s castle, Ollie has been pretending to be a married father-of-two to impress the family-focused firm where he works. Now his bosses are coming to stay at Hollybrae over Christmas… expecting to meet his non-existent wife and children.

At first, playing along is easy as Lula is swept up in the magic of turning Hollybrae into the perfect festive escape with Ollie. But as Christmas draws nearer and she and Ollie grow closer, Lula begins to wonder if Hollybrae could become more than a temporary escape… and if the man she’s only pretending to love might actually be the one she’s been waiting for all along.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Jamie Admans for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've been looking forward to reading this and starting off my festive reading. And it was such a warm hug of a book, i loved Lula from the first page i frequently have moments where a perfectly planned out thing goes horribly wrong so i had instant empathy for her. She was just a lovely FMC, so brilliantly written that I'm sure everyone could see a little of themselves in her. Then there was Oliver, such a Cinnamon roll MMC that you couldn't help but fall in love with him. I loved the way instantly hit it off and were comfortable with one another and it made the whole fake wife scenario so brilliant to watch unfold. I've never read anything by Jamie Admans before but her writing style was an instant hit for me and her character building was spot on so i have every intention of adding more of her books to be bulging tbr! Now of all the characters she wrote in this book i have to say my favourites had to be Rory and Maisie, their comic elements and timing were just so perfect in the situations and brought a smile to my face every time.
This has been the perfect book to get me into those -Ber months mood, and dare i say it a Christmas mood. The descriptions of the decorations that Lula did around the castle have already got me thinking about my decorating plans for this year, and I'm not mad about thinking about it in September. It was just what i needed to read this weekend.

Krystina xx

 

The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Swift Press

Publication Date: 10th September 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

Ireland, 1535.

The sea is no place for a girl.

Least of all Grace O’Malley, the only daughter of a powerful chieftain and the family’s best hope of securing a strong alliance through childbirth. But something wild and unexpected stirs within Grace, a yearning that neither her father nor her mother – nor even the brutal warrior she is eventually forced to marry – can suppress for long.

1586. Over the past half-century, the determined young girl has defied all expectations. Now heir to clan O’Malley’s mighty fleet and a formidable mother, Grace is prepared to kill to protect what is hers. So when Queen Elizabeth’s incursions into Ireland grow bolder she must fight to defend her land, her ships and the people she loves most.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Swift Press and Ariel Lawhon for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now i really wanted to read this because female pirates are a subject that has always interested me so the opportunity to learn a little more (even though this is a historical fiction) wasn't one i could pass up. And its one hell of a book, almost 500 pages spanning her whole life and giving us a brilliant view of just how formidable and interesting she was.
Now i have really enjoyed this, i think its beautifully written and its so easy to get lost in. I kept going "just one more chapter" and frequently loosing track of time while reading this, which i always find as a mark of a good book. There was only one problem i had with it, i found the skipping between Grace's ages a little jarring. Whilst i understand using the Maiden, Mother and Matriarch to break up the different phases in Graces life and the connecting to the Celtic Triquetra i found it a very jarring jump and it took me until a third of the way through the book to somewhat get used to it. Personally i would have preferred a linear approach because it is just one story of her life but i can understand the authors choice.
Some of my favourite parts of the book were when men were underestimating Grace, i loved just how much they really didn't anticipate the responses or action that she took and for a woman in that time it was something to make her stand out.
I defiantly enjoyed Ariel Lawhon's writing style, her way with descriptions was really lovely to read and i think id pick up her books again.

Krystina xx

Walking on Sunshine by Heidi Swain ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 23rd April 2026

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A Summer in Suffolk could be just what she needs…

When Tilly heads to the river in Willowell, Suffolk, to scatter her dad’s ashes, she’s in need of some rest and relaxation. Life has been tough lately, and she wants a new start.

Constance has lived in Fernside forever. She owns the beautiful Willowell Woods – but she can’t manage them alone, and they’re now up for sale.

Her nephew, James, has always loved Willowell Woods – and he doesn’t want anyone taking them over. So when Tilly asks to buy them, with an exciting idea for the land, sparks begin to fly… the problem is, they’re already falling in love.

Can Tilly and James find a way to turn sparks into fireworks? And will Constance finally realise that letting in the new doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the old…?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Simon and Schuster and Heidi Swain for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I adore Heidi Swains writing and i haven't read a book of hers yet that i haven't loved from the first page, Walking on Sunshine is no exception. I genuinely loved Tilly from the first page, she felt like that friend you've known for years it was that easy to just sit in on her story. And it was a beautifully written story, i enjoyed how it was paced out, nothing felt too rushed it all seemed to flow seamlessly. Oh and the characters we got to know were all gorgeous, and i don't just mean in how they were described (we had a lot of good looking people in this story) ,but in their personalities. I loved watching their different dynamics with Tilly and how those friendships grew and created a mini community within the wider community.Its one of the things i really enjoy about Heidi Swains books, her ability to create these beautiful communities of people that makes you wish you could visit that place and met those wonderful people. Whilst the romance between Tilly and James is there running through this book (and is was brilliant to cheer on) the relationship that was focused on the most, and which was beautiful to read, was the friendship between Tilly and Constance. It was a really lovely friendship that turned into family and maybe im a sucker for that but im all for celebrating friends that are more like family.
I could go heaping praise on this book but really i think you should give it a read and get lost in Willowell yourselves.

Krystina xx

A Murder of Furies by Eleanor Kuhns~book blog tour

 Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 31st January 2026

Genre: Historical

Summary:

Bronze Age Crete, 1450 B.C.E. When Tinos, the High Priestess's consort, asks Martis to searching for his missing daughter, Martis becomes involved in the dangerous politics between Crete and Egypt. A young Egyptian prince is courting Hele, the High Priestess's daughter, despite her persistent refusals. And despite the lobbying by Hele's brother, Khoranos, who seeks the Cretan throne with Egypt's help.

Then the High Priestess is found murdered. Martis discovers plans to kidnap Hele and she has to be spirited away to safety. Egyptian soldiers occupy Knossos and Khoranos installs his ally as the High Priestess.

Can Martis rescue the High Priestess's daughters and identify the murderer before Khoranos, with Egypt's help, takes the throne? Martis must embark on several dangerous quests to succeed.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Partners In Crime and Eleanor Kuhns for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I loved the last book in this series and thankfully this one has the same brilliant writing style that absolutely draws you in.
Ive loved following Martis through this book, shes a fabulous MC and she has this brilliant way of seeing the world she lives in and the people in. I enjoyed watching her unravel things and follow threads as she unwinds the mystery shes stumbled into. I also really enjoyed finding out more about the other characters that she interacts with, and building on the knowledge that ive gathered from the last book. I defiantly need to go back and read book one, not because i need any information from it but because id like to see where Martis started in this journey.
Eleanor Kuhns writing style is really beautiful to read, i found myself unable to put this book down (even to make notes on it) because i was so drawn into it and invested in what was happening next. She makes it so easy to picture the landscape of Ancient Crete with her descriptions.
If you enjoy a historical mystery then this series is one you need to pick up.

Krystina xx

Back For Good by Jay Jacobs ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Publication Date: 28th July 2025

Genre: Fiction 

Summary:

Sasha Denning doesn’t ask for anything—ever. Feeling unappreciated and stuck in a crumbling marriage with her husband, Mark, she’s suddenly given a dramatic escape: a near-death experience. Returning to life with a mission to help others, Sasha is thrust into a series of challenges that range from comical to heart-wrenching.

Zinnia, her determined but rule-bound trainee spirit guide, wants to help Sasha mend her life and marriage. But with The Spirit Guidance Rule Book restricting her every move, Zinnia faces her own struggles to prove she’s ready to qualify. When disaster looms, Zinnia must decide what matters most—her mission, her career, or Sasha and Mark’s future.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Zooloos Book Tours, The Book Guild and Jay Jacobs for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ive been very confused by this book. Its writing style is really good, it flows well and i liked the use of different fonts to differentiate between Zinnia and Sasha talking. But i got to 196 pages into the book and i still wasnt sure if i liked it, which i know sounds strange to be so far into a book and not know if i like it.I think my problem is that this book has alot going on and it almost feels like too much, we not only have Zinnia and Sasha as out main two voices but we've also had at least half a dozen others being given a chapter at least from their point of view and it feels much like Sashas life, Busy. 
Ive really enjoyed Jay Jacobs writing style though i think she has a really good way with writing people that you can connect with, anyone with children thats trying to keep a house running can easily see themselves in Sasha, even to the point of getting annoyed with their husband over not helping even though youve not asked them to. Their all very relatable characters who i have enjoyed getting to know, i just think theres a little too much happening to Sasha all at once. Its a well written book and ive found it very easy to read, if a slight bit chaotic for my mind.

Krystina xx

Kalmann and the Sleeping Mountain by Joachimb Schmidt~ Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press 

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Genre: Mystery

Summary:

Kalmann is back! But he's already in trouble; in an interrogation room at the FBI headquarters in Washington, no less. All he wanted to do was visit his American father, but the loveable sheriff of Raufarhofn got himself mixed up in the January 2021 Capitol riots. Thanks to sympathetic FBI agent Dakota Leen, he's soon on a plane home. But not before she informs him that his grandfather was on a blacklist, suspected of spying for the Russians during the Cold War. Back in Iceland, there's a murder and one heck of a mystery to unravel. And what role does a mysterious mountain play in all this? Somehow Kalmann never loses heart. There's no need to worry; he has everything under control.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Bitter Lemon Press and Joachim B. Schmidt for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
This was not what I was expecting if I'm honest. I completely went into this expecting your standard Nordic Noir and was completely thrown for six by the opening chapter. It took me in a completely different direction from the one I was anticipating going in, which meant it did take a little time to get into it but I'm not unhappy about the direction it took me.
I found our main character Kalmann quite odd and it took me a fair few chapters to get used to him, when we first meet him, from the way he was written I thought he was a 15/16-year-old boy and it wasn't til a chapter or two further along that we learn that he's actually much older and an adult. And the way that the author portrays him is very well done, i think we learn so much about him through his interactions with others and unfortunately we learn a lot about the people in his life with those interactions also. One thing i really didn't like was the use of the word retard with regards to him, he's called it a few times by people who don't necessarily know him all that well and it is said in a  insulting manner. It just didn't sit well with me. 
I did find the story itself interesting and i really did enjoy finding out the connections between characters, how they all interlinked and what the sleeping mountain was. Its a very well written book and i did enjoy Joachimb Schmidt's writing style, it took a little bit of getting used to but once your there its easy to follow and keeps you hooked.


Krystina xx

Catherine by Essie Fox ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Orenda Books

Publication Date: 12th Febuary 2026

Genre: Gothic Fiction

Summary:

With a nature as wild as the moors she loves to roam, Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff, a foundling her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool. Their fierce, untamed bond deepens as they grow – until Mr Earnshaw’s death leaves Hindley, Catherine’s brutal brother, in control and Heathcliff reduced to servitude.

Desperate to protect him, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange. She believes his wealth might free Heathcliff from cruelty – but her choice is fatally misunderstood, and their lives spiral into a storm of passion, jealousy and revenge.

Now, eighteen years later, Catherine rises from her grave to tell her story – and seek redemption.

Review:
Firstly thank you to random Things Book Tours, Orenda and Essie Fox for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ok so confession time, i have never read Wuthering Heights. I tried once and i was not in the right headspace for it and reverted back to one of my favourite comfort reads instead. But i think that reading this without the knowledge of what occurs in Wuthering Heights is a good thing, hear me out. So i was completely invested in Cathy's story, pulled along from the first pages and because i had no idea exactly how the story went just vague bits from seeing film trailers here and there i had to keep reading because i wanted to know what happened next and how we got to that opening scene. Which, without spoiling anything, is kind of the end of her story really, so my lack of prior knowledge drove me to not put the book down and keep reading. 
At times i have to say i really didnt like Cathy, some of the things she does whilst to her they are coming from a good place are quite cruel. I do understand that this is set in a  time period where her attitude isnt uncommon and in fact is the common attitude but it doesnt make her actions excusable. But it does make Essie Fox's writing very clever because it has to be hard to write without adding that modern spin to a classic story.
I really enjoyed everything about this book, the way that Essie Fox writes is lovely and i found it so easy to just keep reading. I even loved the chapter headers, the use of roman numerals and a gothic looking framing was just so perfect for this book.
Im now going to go back and read Wuthering Heights just to see how the story compares and see if the bits i enjoyed the most from this retelling are still my favourites bits in the classic.

Krystina xx