Dying to Bake by Helen Golden~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Drew Bradley Press

Publication Date: 15th March 2024

Genre:crime/Thriller/cosy mystery

Summary:

Bake Off Wars is back! Get your aprons on and let the sleuthing begin!

BREAKING NEWS Vera Bolt, Queen of Bakes, dies unexpectedly aged 66

In a shocking announcement this afternoon, Vera Bolt’s agent confirmed that the Bake Off Wars judge and national treasure died yesterday. Ms Bolt was in the process of filming the next series of the hugely popular television show at Francis Court, the home of the King’s sister and her family. It’s believed that the renowned pastry chef was stabbed in the heart, and the main suspect is rumoured new royal girlfriend, Summer York.

What am I supposed to do? Lady Beatrice has promised DCI Richard Fitzwilliam that she won’t get involved in the investigation into Vera Bolt’s death. But when her brother’s new love interest, Summer York, becomes the top suspect for Vera’s murder, Fred begs Bea to find out who the real killer is. In a race against time, can Bea navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies, evade danger, and safeguard her friendship with Fitzwilliam?

The answer may determine not only Summer’s innocence but also the fate of Bea’s and Fitzwilliam’s burgeoning feelings for each other.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Drew Bradley Press and Helen Golden for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I knew I was going to love this book because I absolutely adored the last book in the series A Cocktail to Die For, so much so that the rest of the series is currently waiting to be read on my kindle! Helen Golden's writing style is brilliant and I immediately got drawn straight into Lady Bea's world and was swept away with her and Perry's discussion's, I really enjoy their friendship its one that just makes you smile as you read it. They both just come across as people you wish you actually knew because they'd be the best for having a brilliant time, no matter what the plans were they'd make them better kind of people and I think Helen Golden is just brilliant at writing characters that are so easy to connect to.
I saw the Simon twist way before it was revealed, I kind of guessed it at the first mention of someone looking for him but I didn't mind that. I liked it when it was finally revealed and I didn't guess the other twist in the book half as quickly (I think I got there at the same time as Bea) so I genuinely didn't mind that I saw Simons. The undercurrent of Rich and Bea was frustrating to read, the whole time I was yelling at them to get together, abit like Perry I was willing them to give it a go because they would clearly make each other happy.
I'm so hooked on this series now that I finished this one and went straight to find out when the next one was out, frustratingly I have to wait til December for book 10, but I know it'll be worth the wait.

Krystina xx

The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 7th March 2024

Genre:Historical Fiction

Summary:

1671 – London

The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out. But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.

Present Day

Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud, Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.

Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family in her hands.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Nicola Cornick for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.

I loved this book from the first page, it drew me into Rose's story and I just had to know more about her! I'll be honest I didn't realise Nell Gwyn had a sister so this was a brilliant book for bringing a little know about woman from history into the light. I really loved skipping back and forth between the 17th century and the modern period, I loved Jess and Rose equally and seeing the parallels between their relationships with their more famous younger siblings was an interesting way to forge that connection between them. I really liked that they had that romance element for both of them and seeing them have their happy ever after of sorts brought a smile to my face, I think they both really deserved to have it. Oh, and the theft of the crow jewels element was brilliant! I so wished the book hadn't ended where it did i wanted to know if Jess finds them!
 It was my first book by Nicola Cornick and it definitely won't be my last because I now realise that bringing little-known women from history to our knowledge is what she does, I want to read the rest of her back catalogue.

Krystina xx

 

A Wolf in Dukes Clothing by Susanna Allen~Readalong Review

 Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: 27th May 2021

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A Duke in want of a wife…

Alfred Blakesley, Duke of Lowell, has long been an enigma. No one dares to give a man of his status the cut direct, but there's simply something not quite right about him. What would the society ladies say if they learned the truth—that the Duke of Lowell is a wolf shifter and the leader of a pack facing extinction if he doesn't find his true love? So now he's on the hunt…for a wife.

Felicity Templeton has a goal of her own: to remain unwed until her twenty-fifth birthday, when she will inherit a significant fortune. But that all changes when she meets Alfred, the dashing duke who's determined to have her for his very own…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Susanna Allen for having me on this readalong and sending me a copy of the book.

Now I went into this book unsure because normally when you add the paranormal to your typical historical romance it's either going to be fantastic or absolutely dire, but I was happy to give it a go! And thankfully this was one of those fantastic ones! I loved it so much I've actually already bought book two and I'm definitely going to get book three once I've read that.
I really liked Alfred and Felicity, separately and as a couple, their interactions made me smile and kept me reading. In fact, I completely disregarded the rules of a readalong and read it in one sitting, I just didn't want to put it down. I really liked watching them get to know each other because Alfred knows she's his mate and he can't tell her so watching him try to show getting to know her and figuring out who she is besides that instinctual knowledge that she's his was really lovely. And the fact that the whole pack was trying to help her settle and let her know that she's valued by them was also really sweet to watch.
And I really enjoyed getting to know all the side characters too, every member of Alfred's Pack was brilliantly thought out and I loved seeing how they all worked together to keep the pack working and safe. I've definitely seen a couple of characters that I hope we might get books for at some point, fingers crossed for that because Susanna Allen's writing style is a joy to read. But this is definitely a series I will keep an eye on, we have three books currently and I'm hoping Susanna has plans for more!

Krystina xx

Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Kitchen Witch Press

Publication Date: 7th August 2023
Genre: Spiritual /Tarot

Summary:

Bewitching tarot meditations by bruja and award-winning writer Maria DeBlassie.

One part prose poetry, one part witchy insights, and one part study in learning the tarot, this book explores this mundane divination form for beginners and experts alike.

This cartomancy book was birthed from DeBlassie’s creative tarot studies in which she wrote 78-word prose poems for each of the 78 cards in the deck, using synchronicity, everyday magic, and her budding understanding of tarot symbolism and meanings to craft her tales.

It’s not your basic how-to-read tarot book, but more a how-to begin a conversation with this divination tool. As any tarot reader can tell you, dealing the deck is more than interpreting cards. It’s about building a relationship with this mystic tool and learning how you and the tarot can work together to discover numinous revelations.

This book is a series of proverbial spells. A series of stories. A series of synchronous messages and mystic musings. A journey into learning the tarot. Are you ready to start your adventure?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Henry Roi PR, Kitchen Witch Press and Maria DeBlassie for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I found this a really interesting book to read, i wasn't sure what to expect I think I was anticipating it being another this is what the cards mean kind of book. But it really wasn't and I liked that it was a bit different. I think the pull-out of one card a week for 78 weeks is a really different way to connect with the tarot cards and I think I might even give it a try. The author suggested that you don't need to read this from cover to cover and maybe flick through the pages and see which card you end up on to answer questions, but I was reading this as a digital book so did a variation of that. I read the first few cards she pulled and then flicked through until a card caught my attention for this read-through, I just read the ones that drew my attention.
I really loved the insights from the author, don't get me wrong the poetry/story was nice but the insights are what I kind of honed into. It's a brilliantly written book, and I thoroughly enjoyed making my way through it. And we got some fantastic recommendations in the conclusion, I've got a new podcast to tune into!
If Tarot is something that interests you, this might be a good book to dip into.

Krystina xx

Generation Hope How Inclusive Economics Can Help Us All Thrive by Arunjay Katakam~Blog Tour

Publisher: Otterpine

Publication Date: 19th February 2024

Genre: Business/ economics

Summary:

It has become clear: Our current economic system is broken. Growth at all costs is unsustainable.

It's easy to get discouraged when faced with the reality of the current climate crisis, economic instability, and the vast income inequality across the globe. It's obvious that our trajectory is aimed toward destruction. But is it possible to make adjustments to that path, and if so, who's going to lead us?

Generation Hope answers these questions, first by exploring the historical, political, economic, and cultural foundations that got us where we are today, and then delving into what it’s going to take to ensure that we are headed toward a sustainable future that benefits us all. Written in clear and compelling prose, the book addresses a wide range of today’s most pressing economic issues, from the macroeconomic challenges that humanity collectively faces, to our personal engagement with our current economic system. You will read illuminating and inspiring examples of people, organizations, companies, and governments that are already doing the work of building inclusive economic systems that serve all of humanity and this planet we call home.

The responsibility for making these changes rests upon our generation. This book shows us that by doing the following, we have the potential to create meaningful impact and contribute to a more positive and sustainable world:

• Acknowledge that change begins within ourselves.

• Understand that our collective efforts can shape a new narrative for our economic and social systems.

• Adopt a mindset of abundance.

• Raise our consciousness.

• Foster community.

• Advocate for inclusive economics.

Little by little, our consciousness is already shifting, especially among millennials and younger generations. This book illustrates how to continue moving from a mindset of scarcity and survival to one of abundance and thriving, from narrow-minded self-interest to an awareness that we are part of a much larger interconnected whole.

The world needs us. Together, we can save our planet and help humanity thrive.

Together, we are Generation Hope.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Literally PR, Otterpine and Arunjay Katakam for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So I wanted to read this book because it seemed like a really good way to understand the economic situation we currently find ourselves in, something which I often feel either goes straight over my head or leaves me feeling like I'm stupid. I've definitely come away from reading this having taken in a good chunk of the book but I think it is the kind of book that requires multiple readings to take it all in, and my second reading will be the sections that I felt I didn't quite take in for whatever reason. It is a very heavy subject and even though Arunjay has definitely made it more accessible with his writing style it is a dense subject to tackle. But I didn't feel like I needed a degree in economics to understand it, I actually for once with this subject matter I didn't come away feeling stupid. It definitely broadened my mind when it comes to this subject and I think with another read I'll come away feeling confident in it.
As I said Arunjay's writing style is so accessible and he's broken a difficult subject into easy-to-digest sections, which means you can easily pick out the parts you want to find out more about.

Krystina xx

 

30 Steps to Finding Yourself by Sally Hope~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Vie

Publication Date: 11th January 2024

Genre: Self Help

Summary:

Build your self-esteem, grow your confidence and rediscover your sense of self with this empowering and practical 30-step journal for women

"Who am I?"

The more confidently you are able to answer this question, the higher your levels of happiness, self-esteem and personal growth tend to be. However, in a world that still socializes women to build their lives around other people, many of us don't have an answer.

This 30-step journal will take you on a unique and personal journey to discover who you are and who you want to be. Within these pages you'll find:

· A structured approach to self-discovery that builds from step 1 to step 30

· Interactive and creative CBT-based activities to nurture your relationship with yourself

· Thought-provoking journalling prompts to deepen your self-awareness and allow for reflection

· Guidance on how to let go of worries, doubts and other self-limiting beliefs

· Actionable advice to help you consciously shape yourself into the person you choose to be

This journal will be your guide to understanding and empowering the most important person in your life: you.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Vie and Sally Hope for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've really loved reading this book, so much so that I'm planning to buy a physical version of it! Though I've loved reading my digital copy I so wish I could do the activities on the page I'm reading it from, which is novel for me because I never write on or annotate books but with this one that's all I want to do! It really made me think working through the book and following the steps, and I'll be honest I stopped before the end because I wanted to start from scratch with the physical copy when it arrives but its been good to stop and think about every question Sally Hope put to the reader.
I've really liked her writing style, it's quite a gentle and friendly way of approaching the subject matter because often with books like this, you can end up feeling like you're doing something wrong or you're not working on whatever things you've been asked about properly but that isn't the case with this book. Sally Hope really takes you through the 30 steps without any pressure to do it within a time frame or with a set deadline, you just work at your own pace and never feel like you're not doing it right it's a nice change of pace.
Like I said I'm now waiting on my physical copy to start back at the beginning and for once write in a book, and I can't wait to have it in my hands and follow her 30 steps again.

Krystina xx

The Horror Zine's Book of Monsters~ Blog Tour

 Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing

Publication Date: 26th January 2024

Genre: Horror

Summary:

With an Introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this outstanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, plus some of the best emerging horror writers working today.

“This anthology gives us a chilling glimpse at the dark and dangerous things prowling in the minds of some of today’s best horror writers.” – JG Faherty, author of Ragman and Songs in the Key of Death

“Throughout the pages are creepy tales by up-and-comers who you may have read, plus writers brand new to a horror reader’s discerning eye. Embark on a journey to the realm where monsters—familiar or unique—dwell. Highly recommended to horror aficionados obsessed with eldritch fiction—this one’s for you!” – Nancy Kilpatrick, author of Thrones of Blood Series and the Darker Passions series

Review:
Firstly thank you to Henry Roi PR and Hellbound Books Publishing for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've come to love an anthology, it's something I can easily dip in and out of and take my time with. Plus if I find a story that I'm not so keen on the subject matter of I can just skip it and still have got some reading in. All the writers in this anthology are new to me writers, and they're all brilliant at writing horror from what I've read. Each of the stories I've read has been fantastically written, and the descriptions have been so vivid that I can easily picture each of the monsters, so much so that I managed to creep myself out reading it! And I can't be sure that I won't have the last couple I read playing on my mind when I head to bed this evening(I best read something less creepy before then I think). If you have any phobias, best to proceed with caution when reading this because you'll probably find your phobia turned into a fantastically creepy story that will have you failing to sleep.
If you are a horror/monster lover then I think this will be a fantastic addition to your collection, and you should definitely go buy a copy!

Krystina xx

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L Miller~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Macmillan

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

Genre: Cosy Mystery

Summary:

What antique would you kill for?

Freya, it’s down to you to finish what I started . . .

Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village in which she grew up for the last 20 years. That is until news arrives that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has died . . . and the circumstances seem suspicious.

You will uncover an invitation, I implore you to attend . . .

But when a letter from Arthur is delivered, sent just days before his death, and an ordinary pine chest concealing Arthur’s journals are revealed, Freya finds herself sucked back into a life she’d sworn to leave behind.

But beware, trust no-one. Your life depends on it . . .

Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Arthur’s staunch best friend, Freya follows both clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an ‘antiques enthusiasts weekend’. But not is all as it seems; the antiques are bad reproductions and the guests all have something to hide.

Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery and unearth the killer before they strike again?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, MacMillan and C.L Miller for having me on this book tour and sending me a copy of the book.
This was just the book I needed to read to start off the week, I love a cosy mystery they always seem to make me smile and they always come in series which is a win for me!
When we meet Freya she's definitely lacking in confidence thanks to her horrible ex-husband and you just want to give her a hug and tell her to pull herself together because she is way better than she currently believes. The more you hear about and from her ex-husband the more you dislike him, I'd go as far as to say hate him, because he's a real piece of work!
I loved the relationship with Freya and Carole, they just work so well together as personalities and at clue-solving! I definitely enjoyed getting chapters from both of their points of view, in fact, I loved that we had multiple points of view in general. It was nice to occasionally move from Freya's POV, though I really enjoyed her as our Main narrator.
I loved that we had a quote from Arthur at the beginning of each chapter, his little sayings etc made me smile so much. His opening chapter was brilliant and the fact that he wanted to go out in style!
The writing style was brilliant and the pacing felt right for a cosy mystery, I enjoyed all of it and I really hope we get more from Freya, I've got my fingers crossed that this becomes a series!

Krystina xx

Chasing a Highland Dream by Lisa Hobman~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 28th February 2024

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.

She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and to top it off she’s still single, despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands.

Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her bestfriend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.

Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Lisa Hobman for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I instantly loved this book. I got drawn straight into the story and I have to say I absolutely loved Bella, she's the kind of MC that you can connect with easily and that's exactly what I found myself doing. And Granny Isla is fabulous, she's the kind of Granny I think I'd like to be when I'm older, never too serious and always there with love and fun for her grandchildren. I really loved the relationship she and Bella have, it kind of made me miss my Grandma if I'm honest, I think I had a smile on my face during any scene where those two were together.
Now onto the romance, I have to admit, to begin with, much like Bella, I didn't really like Harris but I think I also didn't like him because Granny Isla was trying to push him and Bella together and I was annoyed on Bella's behalf so I was rooting for her and Aiden to begin with. Aiden seemed like the better choice, until words came out of his mouth, once he started talking more to Bella I started to dislike him so much! But I loved the slow-burn friends-to-lovers path that Bella and Harris took and it made me do a giddy little dance when they finally got together.
I think Lisa Hobman is a brilliant writer because I so easily connected with her characters and became so invested in the story that I couldn't put the book down until I knew the ending. I'm definitely going to go read book one in the series and I can't wait for book three in October!

Krystina xx

Escape to Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 22nd February 2024

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Can fake dating turn into something more with a baby on the way?

High-flying exec Lauren Kirkham is having a bad week. Unexpectedly pregnant, out of work and – when dumped by her boyfriend – with nowhere to live.

Polkerran’s local handyman Daniel Tremayne is busy building his own ‘grand design’ on one of the cove’s cliffs. When TV crews turn up to film, expecting a happily paired-up couple, he urgently needs a fake live-in girlfriend.

Can Lauren and Daniel solve their mutual dilemmas by joining forces, and if so, will their hearts emerge unscathed?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Canelo and Cass Grafton for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've really loved this book, I really enjoyed watching how Lauren started the book feeling like everything had gone wrong and she was at a massive crossroads with her job and what her dreams for the future were and then she ended it having everything she wanted and needed.
Lauren and Daniels's first encounter made me chuckle, I loved how Lauren came in straight off the bat and called him an idiot and he kinda just took and then just threw some banter back at her. And I so enjoyed how their friendship grew and turned into more and it wasn't just a sudden let's be in a relationship. It felt like a really organic build-up to them being together with added-in fake dating just to help those feelings grow. I'll be honest though one of my favourite parts of the book was watching Lauren grow into her pregnancy, she really wasn't sure to begin with and questioned if this was the right time to be having the baby and about how this was affecting her career etc but her whole outlook changed at around the halfway part of the book, it was a slow change and again i really loved that.
I think Cass Grafton has written this so well and I absolutely loved her writing style, i definitely need to go back and read book one in this series and I'm really hoping we get another book in this series too!

Krystina xx

Exodus by Steve Catto~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Steve Catto Books

Publication Date: 12th February 2024

Genre:Dystopian/ Science Ficiton 

Summary:

“You can’t live on a dream, but you can die without one.” - Alakzander Balagoun The Balagoun brothers’ ten-year plan for taking the citizens of New London to a new life on Mars following the apocalypse is about to become a reality with the approaching launch of the first test flight, but equipment, supplies and energy are going missing, conspiracy theories are rife, and it seems as if not everyone wants to leave the Earth anyway. To take their places as leaders of the new civilisation, their granddaughters Freya and Reihna must put aside their divided loyalties to the family and keep a restless city supporting a questionable dream. If the information that the local news reporter Hanna Finnegan discovers proves to be true, that dream might just turn out to be a nightmare…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours and Steve Catto for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I've only just started to get into Science fiction books after finally finding my gateway into the genre (I had a lot of bad luck before) so this one really caught my eye because it was mixing Dystopian future with science fiction and I really liked the idea of that. The blurb drew me and I was really excited to get stuck into this beginning of a series.
I found Steve Catto's writing style really easy to read and quite immersive, i flew through the first 98 pages completely in that setting that he'd brilliantly set up for us. But at about page 99, the book took a right-hand turn that I completely wasn't expecting and whilst that was an interesting turn to take it completely threw me out of immersion. After that, I couldn't get that immersion back, and I felt like the story went in a different direction than what the blurb promised. I almost felt like this second half of the book could have been a completely different book because it felt like two different ideas for a series( both of which I'd have happily read separately). And there were a few characters in the book that sort of felt like they hadn't been fleshed out properly, and almost like they were thrown in as an afterthought because they were needed to move the story along a little.
All in all whilst the back end of this book wasn't really my cup of tea I very much enjoyed how it began and I think I'd like to see what Steve Catto publishes after this series.

Krystina xx