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

Your Twin Flame Journey by Theresa Cheung ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Godsfield Press

Publication Date: 5th Febuary 2026

Genre: New Age

Summary:

Every relationship has lessons to teach you, but none more so than the Twin Flame relationship. Meeting your Twin Flame is the most powerful soul encounter you can ever experience. Often marked with an irresistible familiarity and heart-breaking intensity, your Twin Flame serves as a mirror to both the best and the most unlikeable and unhealed parts of you. The Twin Flame relationship has an ancient, multi-cultural history behind it, and is accompanied by many immortal expressions across art and culture. But unfortunately, it is also often very misunderstood.

From debunking the myths around Twin Flames to offering practical advice for navigating these passionate connections, Your Twin Flame Journey is a comprehensive guide to intimate relationships from a psychological and spiritual perspective.

With Theresa's expert guidance, you will learn how to heal your broken heart and make empowering decisions for yourself, as Theresa knows best of all: you cannot find your Twin Flame until you spiritually awaken to the power of self-love first.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Godsfield Press and Theresa Cheung for having me on this blog tour and sending me a copy of the book.

Ok so first off i am still reading this book, and thats not because im finding it hard to read but because im taking the time to fully throw myself into the exercises and new practises (like the reconnecting with your heart) that Theresa Cheung is asking you to do. Whilst yes i am on this tour to review this book and normally i would have finished it cover to cover by now, this book doesn't feel like one that should be rushed.
Now i have always held the belief that we have can have multiple soul mates and that those connections don't have to be romantic ones, that platonic ones can be just as strong and meaningful. And this book has added to my thoughts on this and added in the whole concept of Twin Flame connections, which is not something i knew much about other than having heard the term in passing. I have to say ive loved what ive read so far and i especially like that we've started off by explaining what a Twin Flame is and how it differs from Soul Mates. I like that Theresa has gone into this expecting us to either not fully understand the term or have preconceived ideas of what it means that might not be necessarily correct and begins by giving us that firm footing of knowledge to build upon with the rest of the book.
Ive found her writing style to not only easy to read and digest but, most importantly, not to be condescending which can occasionally happen with some new age/spiritual books. She come across as very knowledgeable and happy to share that knowledge freely with everyone and not gatekeep. As i said im still finishing this book and i know im going to finish it and ill come away with having gained something from it. This book has come along at the right point in time for me because its message about the power of self love is one i defiantly have needed to hear and one i have struggled with greatly so far this year (and last year if im honest) and this book is forcing me to stop and listen to my heart.
No matter if you're searching for your Twin Flame or you perhaps just need to let in the ability to love yourself a little more, i think that its worth you picking up this book and spending the time over it.

Krystina xx

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Academic Press

Publication Date: 3rd October 2022

Genre: Academic

Summary:

Our bodies record what happens to us physically throughout our lives. This is illustrated by the simple appearance of scars from injuries sustained years, and even decades ago. Evidence such as scars also tells us how we used our joints or may have injured them as children and adults. Our bodies conform to the environment in which we live, both outside and inside. By examining and observing these key clues, a forensic investigator can reveal the unique character that tells the story of a person’s life and death.

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is an atlas that covers all aspects of facial reconstruction and anatomy of the head and neck, such as facial expression and the anatomic basis for facial development, along with the effects of muscle movement. Written by a world-renowned forensic artist with decades of experience as a scientific illustrator as well as a portraitist, anthropologist, and lecturer in anatomy and biology, the author is as much a scientist as an artist.

• Comprehensively addresses the history of facial reconstruction, facial development, muscle movements, and bone physiology used by forensic artists and forensic anthropologists
• Demonstrates techniques in mold making and sculpting to bring the body to life
• Includes images from cadaver labs and recent case studies
• Provides detailed anatomy of vessels and nerves found in the face including the eyes
• Details the muscles, ligaments and tissues down to the skull
• Describes the changing face as it ages

Review:
Firstly thank you to Partners In Crime Tours and Gloria Nusse for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ok so this is very different from most of the books ive reviewed but i have to say that ive been most excited to read this out of them. I love expanding on my knowledge and this book happens to lean into an absolute love of mine by giving me an insight how you go about reconstructing a face and more importantly to me how you would do it with ancient remains. I'm an avid Archaeology/Egyptology nerd and the ability to reconstruct and see, as close as we can, the faces of some of the occupants of the tombs that have been discovered is amazing to me. And i loved being able to learn exactly how that process can be done.
I actually loved learning everything this book had to offer from the anatomy in a finer detail than i ever learned at school all the way to those bits of techniques for brining the faces to life. I did take this book slowly though, because its a textbook i knew that the information would be coming at me thick and fast and i wanted to be able to take it all in. Honestly i did want to skip forward to the chapter on grave goods and artifacts but i contained myself and read it all in the right order! 
I found Gloria Nusse's writing style really easy to engage with and honestly so easy to read, textbooks are often hard going because they are so information dense but whilst this is information rich i didnt find it hard going at all. If your like me and love to learn then i think youll find this book as fascinating as i did and its defiantly worth the read.

Krystina xx

Guest Post on Reconstructive work on ancient remains by Gloria Nusse

Now i don't often get the chance to pick the brains of people like Gloria Nusse who do such fascinating things such as facial reconstruction so when i had the opportunity to not only read her book but ask her about her work reconstructing ancient remains i jumped at the chance. And now i get to share that with all of you! As someone who has an obsession with Ancient Egypt  i love the idea that we could look into the faces of the pharaohs and others whom we've found the tombs and mummies of and see them as close to how others would have seen them when they were alive.
Thank you again to Partners In Crime book tours and Gloria Nusse for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of this fascinating book to read.

Guest Post on reconstructing ancient remains
 

The hard part of ancient remains is the condition of the remains, such

as if they are damaged and incomplete. So choosing which remains

can be reconstructed is a large part of the process.

Then the condition of the remains dictates how the reconstruction can

be started. Meaning are the remains going to be scanned and 3-D

printed, or can a mold be made or do the remains need to only

duplicated in clay by the artist. All of these methods will affect the

reconstruction. For the Bahrain reconstructions they were scanned

and 3-d printed. The young boy was missing half o the facial bones so

those were duplicated in the scan and flipped. This changed the

natural asymmetry of the face. I had to recreate what I could using

the cranium and the mandible. For the old man we scanned and

printed each fragment of the skull and then reassembled the pieces

after. I thin the later method created a more natural asymmetry.

Then I used the oldest tissue depth data I had from the 1800’s.I also

took care with what could be learned from the teeth as this reflects

diet and lifestyle. I also researched hairstyles and clothing of 4000

years ago using painting, carvings and Egyptian cylinder seals and

hieroglyphs of that era. This gave me cultural context. I spent a lot of

time on this part.

I also checked myself using current populations of Bahrain men for

general hair texture, facial structure and facial expression. The young

boy was harder as the data was for adults so I had to regress him in

age. I made a notebook of all my research on the figures and their

lifestyle in order to get a feel for life at that time. I especially wanted

to know how they made cloth for clothing. I bought raw silk to

replicate this. I consulted with several archeologists, anthropologists

and visited the ancient history study department library at Berkeley.