A Cosy Cottage Escape by Rosie Green ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: 30th September 2023

Genre: Romance

Summary:

When the Little Duck Pond Cafe crew take a break away at Hallowe'en, they're expecting a lovely, relaxing holiday in the picturesque village of Silverbells. But both Ellie and Maddy have challenges to face, and when things start going bump in the night with alarming regularity at the haunted house next-door, it's clear they also have a perplexing mystery to solve. Can they pull together and get to the bottom of the spooky goings-on before their week is up?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Rosie Green for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I have to say this was an easy book to read, the writing style flowed really well and the story moved along quickly. But I did feel confused about the characters a lot of the way through this,its said to be part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone but having not read any of the other books I had no idea about the character's backgrounds or a full understanding of their relationship to one another. I felt that even though it is part of a series we could have had a little bit more character detail so I could step in at any point of the series and not need to have read the rest to know who everyone is. After about 60% of the book, I went to check how many books were before it because I thought about reading them to get to know the characters better but this is book 30 in the series.
I also felt that maybe we had too much going on at once, we had three of the main group having serious relationship issues at once and personally it felt too much, id have rather focused on one per book and had the others as minor background things.

Krystina xx

Solstice by Helen Steadman ~ Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Bell Jar Books

Publication Date: 18th September 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

England, 1673. Still a world of witches, witch trials and witchfinders.

When a new vicar arrives to take over the parish of Mutton Clog, the village finds itself in the grip of Puritan fever, and suspicious eyes are turned on Rose Driver.

Rose’s mother, brother and grandmother were all put to death by the fanatical witchfinder, John Sharpe.

Almost a quarter of a century after the Newcastle witch trials, Sharpe is no longer a threat. Rose should be safe in her quiet village, but is history about to repeat itself?

Find out in Solstice, the powerful conclusion to The Widdershins Trilogy, which tells the story of one woman’s struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world.

The Widdershins Trilogy was inspired by the little-known Newcastle witch trials, where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day in August 1650.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Bell Jar Books and Helen Steadman for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
Now when I signed up for this tour I didn't realise this was the last book in a trilogy, and I made the decision to not read the other two and just go into this one not knowing what had gone before.I feel parts of the book may have been a little clearer if I had read the other two books but in general, I didn't think I needed to have read them to understand the characters we encounter in Solstice but I definitely think I will go back and read the other two.
I loved how this was written and that we had alternating chapters from Rose and Patience I definitely liked the Rose chapters more but I think that's because Patience is an incredibly hateful character and that is because she brilliantly encapsulates what you'd think of when you think 17th-century puritan. I frequently got annoyed at her during her chapters about the malice that she has for Rose for no reason other than thinking she is better than everyone else because of her faith. She is a brilliantly written character, all the characters in this are fantastically written and Helen Steadman did a beautiful job stepping the reader back in time to a small northern town in the mid-17th century.
I loved following Rose's story and it's her story that makes me want to go back and read the rest of the trilogy, it also makes me want to some reading about the trial that inspired this trilogy because I have not heard of it and I have done reading about the English witch trails.
The ending really made me smile, I thought it was beautiful and I would love to read more about Rose. Helen Steadman has written characters that you can really care what happens to, and I could believe that they were part of the history books the way she crafted their lives.
I definitely recommend this to any historical fiction fans, but maybe start at the beginning rather than the end ;)

Krystina xx

The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 26th October 2023

Genre:Romance

Summary:

A secret romance was just the start of the story…

Tucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson’s Bar – an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Cracey has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey – until an epic row sent him storming out into a blizzard, with no sign of him since that fateful night.

Six years on, and Maddy’s life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her young daughter and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.

As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can’t help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she'd thought it was…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Avon and Sue Moorcroft for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've not read a book by Sue Moorcroft before but I know she's got a reputation for writing fantastic romances so I knew I was in good hands with this fab Christmas helping of romance. And I've loved it, it's got me in an early festive mood reading about Maddy and Raff and I so loved Ruthie.
It's a fantastically written book and it drew me into the story from the very first letter, and the very quick change of scene confused me until we got our first glimpse of Ruthie and then it slotted into place. Learning about Ruthie and Nigel in little snippets was brilliant, it meant they were still a big part of the story even if they weren't the main focus of the romance.
The whole bit about Maddy's Husband I saw coming, love is never easy so there had to be something to get in their way, but whilst I knew it was coming I was still sat there wanting to know what would happen next.
I've loved every page of this book, it's definitely a re-reader for me and I will be heading to the library to find more books by Sue Moorcroft now.

Krystina xx

Everyday Folklore by Liza Frank~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Murdoch Books 

Publication Date: 26th October 2023

Genre: Spiritual Mysticism

Summary:

For the curious and the adventurous! Turn to any date and you'll find something to learn or do suggested by folklore of the day, the month, or the season.

Some suggestions will take no more effort than sticking your head out the window to look at the clouds, while others might involve knee pads and scouring giant chalk horses cut into hillsides. Taking inspiration from folklore found around the world, each daily entry is a tiny snapshot of what goes on – be it animal or plant lore, love predictions, the zodiac, the supernatural, food, festivals, divination, anniversaries, the weather or luck. By following the customs and traditions of the ritual year, you'll find yourself becoming more engaged with what's happening about you and discover how every month and season creates its own identity.

Dip into this fascinating book at any time of the year and discover something new and intriguing about the world around you. Just beware of the hare...

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Murdoch Books and Liza Frank for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've really enjoyed flicking through this book, as it's very much a dip-in-and-out kind of book (at least at this time of year), i think if I had it in my home I would probably start by checking every day but then end up just doing it every so often so as to make it last longer. I have spent a good deal of the book chuckling at the author's humour, I've loved searching out the asterisks just to see her comments (for example the please don't do this one next to the flaying a corpse folklore!) and her writing style is so easy flowing that I can't see myself tiring of reading this book.
The folklore key at the beginning was really useful, it meant I could skim the key list next to each day to decide if I wanted to investigate that day's traditions, I didn't want to read them all in one go because I think I might try following the year next year because it had a few fun ones I could try with my small humans ( making your own barometer sounds fun)
The illustrations and page colours I thought were brilliant, very cute and them being all over the cover I loved. I think this is a brilliant addition to any shelf, even if you only flick through and try a couple of new bits of folklore it's worth the shelf space!

Krystina xx

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak And Magic by Breanne Randall~Blog Tour

 Publisher:  Aria

Publication Date: 12th October 2023

Genre:Romance

Summary:

Revelare witches are cursed. As long as they use their magic, they are doomed to four heartbreaks.

So far, Sadie Revelare has experienced three - the devastating departure of her mother and the loss of her brother. And the most painful heartbreak of all: Jake McNealy, her first love. Ever since, Sadie has done everything she can to protect herself from more pain.

But now Sadie's beloved grandmother is sick. And without her, Sadie isn't sure she will have the strength to keep her family and her magic together.

As Sadie's carefully structured life begins to unravel, Jake returns to town after a decade away. And in the face of a final heartbreak that could tear Sadie apart, she must decide once and for all: is love more important than magic?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Aria and Breanne Randall for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I've been looking forward to reading it because I've seen it all over Instagram and the author's description of Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls drew me in because I love both of those so it sounded right up my street! But I have to admit I struggled and am still struggling to get into it. I am three chapters in and I plan to keep going because I really loved the sound of this book so I'm hoping as I get further in I'll start to connect to the characters a little more.
One thing I do love about it already is the recipes between chapters, I'm a baker so I love it when I get new recipes to try while reading and so do my family because they get to eat the results!
It is written well so I think the difficulty in connecting with it and getting into it is a me thing and I suspect its because the last book I read was also a witchy romance book.
But I am keeping going, and I'll come back with an update when I finish, which I intend to do!

Krystina xx

A Blend of Magic by Kate Kenzie~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Wytch's Yard

Publication Date: 20th October 2023

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A witch cannot exist on potions and tea alone.

Hiding in the shadows, staunch singleton Willow Anderson is content running her successful business, The Enchanted Emporium. With Christmas days away, she’s eager to exchange selling bespoke tea blends and spells for extended bubble baths and binge-watching festive movies snuggled next to her Maine Coon, Vincent.

Nate never usually runs away from his problems, but drunk and disorientated, he finds himself in a small fisherman’s cottage in the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. After discovering his girlfriend’s affair, he is in no rush to return to the City. His wish for time alone in a Christmas-free zone comes true until an uninvited feline guest arrives.

Neither Nate nor Willow want company, especially from each other, but they have little choice when concussion means they must spend at least twenty-four hours together. Sparks fly and not just the romantic kind. When darkness from Willow’s past returns and threatens to destroy all she has worked for, pursuing a love affair is the last thing she needs.

With meddling ghosts and a teenage apprentice with her own matchmaking agenda, love and change are in the air.

But can Willow face her fears, and the past, to capture the happiness she deserves?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Wytch's Yard and Kate Kenzie for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I've been looking forward to this book all month! I adore Whitby, it's my family's go-to coastal town, so a book set there about a witch, is an instant win! And I wasn't wrong, I've loved reading this, every description of Whitby takes me right there, I can smell the sea air and feel the cobbles under my feet and it makes me wish I could visit Willows shop there.
Willow is a brilliant main character, I loved gradually learning about her, and the shop, as we went through the books. The shop itself has got to be one of the most interesting characters in the book (sorry Willow and Nate) i loved reading about the different ghosts haunting the shop and the original owner's room, it was one of my favourite parts of the book, giving me the ability to form images of them all in my mind.
Amber did irritate at times though, she acted very selfishly with regard to social media and wanting her dad and Willow to get together, I get she is a teenager but being at the age where she's going to University I'd have expected more maturity from her. And that just shows how well the character is written, i wanted to give a fictional teenager a good telling off.
I've really enjoyed reading this and I can't wait for another book from Kate Kenzie, or for my next visit to Whitby.

Krystina xx

The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 20th October 2023

Genre: Holiday Romance

Summary:

Tis the season.... for a Christmas cynic to have his frozen heart melted by festive magic.

When Christmas-hating Sam moves to Holly Cross, he thinks he's found the perfect home, until he discovers that, each year, Holly Cross transforms into the most Christmassy village in the whole country...

Blythe is just one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month, so she twists the truth to sell a home to city boy Sam, who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location. Little does he know he's just bought a cottage in the middle of the most Christmassy village in the country. And if there's one thing Sam loathes, it's Christmas.

Sam's arrival puts Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms. Meanwhile, Sam is in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights and everyone is looking to Blythe to fix things.

But as the festive season looms, maybe there's more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with...

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Aria and Bella Osbourne for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I'm getting in my Christmas reading groove now! I loved this one. I know I say that about a lot of Christmas-themed books but what can I say I love Christmas!
And this is one of my favourite tropes to read enemies to lovers, though I don't think I'd go so far as to call them enemies. I think Sam and Blythe just got off on the wrong foot, which combined with a heck of a lot of misunderstandings is how they make their way through the book gradually getting to know each other better.
I really liked Blythe, and I felt for her every time she got insecure, and felt like she had to prove herself I really cheered for her when she finally stood up for herself with her dad, I had this huge grin on my face because I was so pleased for her! I actually really loved Sam, his grinchyness reminded me a little of my husband who is not as keen on Christmas as I am, but he's not Sam's level of Grinch lol But it did just endear him to me that little bit more.
Vicky and Owen's story just popping in every so often was really nice to read, and I liked how the question of Eden's parentage was resolved, it made me like Owen more because I did find him quite annoying at times.
In short, this is definitely one of those books that would make it into my Christmas reading stack every year, it's just a warm hug in a book!

Krystina xx