PONDERINGS - 2020 positive stuffs

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Firstly, season's greetings to you. 

Whatever you're celebrating, may you find some merriment and brightness.

So, 2020, eh? 

It's been one hell of a year. Nobody expected the weirdness that descended upon the whole world. 

But I don't want to spend this post moaning - we've all had battles and struggles. 

I wanted to take a minute to remind myself of the goodness that still exists. 

Globally;

• In the UK, we celebrated Captain Tom and his charity walk - there was an outpouring of love and support for this elderly veteran. 
• We clapped each Thursday to show our appreciation of the NHS - our doctors and nurses are amazing. All the staff worked extra hard in extenuating circumstances. As did many others. 
• Dolphins were seen swimming around Venice. 
• We had a unique opportunity to sit in silence and do a lot of inner work if we so chose, some real soul-searching.
• People of the world began to feel a joining of spirit - we were all in the same boat, for once. There was a sense of unity. 
• And neighbours helped neighbours - so many communities stood up and helped those in need. 

Personally;

• I spent a few extra weeks with Hubby until his work threw him back into the foray. 
• Pusskin survived a very rough patch, including three seizures (fortunately, it seems to have stopped at three).
• I achieved 'best-seller' in several categories in several countries on Amazon - yay! 
• Love Gaia was released in June and A Haverton Christmas came out in November. 
• New friendships were forged online. 

I am so very thankful for my friends and family - even if we can't be together physically, we are still there for one another. 

I'm grateful for the roof over my head, the hot & cold running water in my taps and the food in my cupboards. 

I'm blessed to have readers who enjoy my books. 

LOVE STILL EXISTS!

So, always with love and light,

TL 

REVIEW - A Toot Hansell Christmas Cracker - a cracking good read

Date read: 22nd December 2020

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Dragony Adventures

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Kim Watt 

Back in August, I read Baking Bad - one of my few 5* reads of this year. 

I was overjoyed to see a Christmas book also set in Toot Hansell. 

This book is a collection of 12 short stories, each filled with pesky magickal beings, the WI and calamity. They all tie up together nicely. AND you get handy Christmassy recipes included - bonus! 

Well, what can I say? 

Utter chaos unfolds on the run-up to Christmas in Toot Hansell. 

The WI seek assistance from their dragon friends who are, as usual, a bit clueless themselves. 

Not only do you get Beaufort and Mortimer; the charming dragons with a baked goods obsession, but many other beings (not all good!). 

There is such a wonderful quaint English village charm in these books - just adorable. 

And the stories are all fun and sure to get you in the festive mood. 

I'm definitely never getting an elf-on-the-shelf; never did trust that smug little git ;-) 

There's danger, excitement, humour and plenty of cake!

I love this Toot Hansell world! There, I said it. 

Give it a read. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Spine of Winter - a chilling tale

Date read: 18th December 2020

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Dystopian

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Angeline Trevena

Well, this is a harrowing story! We don't know what's happened, but devastation and snow are all around. All that Hannah has left is a slightly dodgy brother - turns out that his criminal knowledge can now be put to good use in this fractured world. 

If you think your Christmas is bad, read this - it's a fab reminder that things can always be worse! It makes you feel grateful for what we do have.

*SPOILER ALERT* 

It has a happy ending - Just thought you should know in these dark times that there's hope in this tale. Christmas is a time for miracles, after all.

Well-written with developed characters. 

Hannah is lost, dependant on her brother as they struggle to survive. And she discovers a strength she didn't realise was within her.

Loss and heartache leap off the pages. I was brought to tears by this short story. All the feels!

Definitely worth a read.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Jarl's Challenge - grr, baby!

Date read: 16th December 2020

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Winter Viking Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Thyra Dane 

This a fab short story! 

Borghild is a shield maiden who carries resentment for her broken nose and the trouble it's caused her.

Eivind is the lad who caused the damaged and is now jarl. When he demands her hand in marriage, a holmgang is set. 

It was wonderful to read a historical romance about Vikings - one which was very well researched. 

The plot is fun and full of snow which sets the scene well. 

There are plenty of little details which make you feel like you're there (brr!). 

And the characters are well formed. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Last Kiss Under The Mistletoe - full of passion

Date read: 9th December 2020

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Romantic Suspense

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Melanie A Smith

Well, that was rather fun! I'm a complete foodie, so a chef hero is a winner from the get-go. Add in a pre-cog heroine and the book was in my basket instantly! But that's not all, the hero's life is in danger. Will CJ's foresight be a blessing or a curse? 

Packed with heat - the full-on, sizzling kind! Bit of Christmas magic. And a whole heap of action. 

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. And they're surrounded by intriguing characters. A well-written story with 'real' characters.

A very different kind of Christmas story, in all the best ways. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A Grim Affair - the not-so-grim reaper

Date read: 9th November 2020

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Suspenseful paranormal chicklit

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Rachel Stanley

Wow, the Grim Reaper, sorry, The Keeper of Souls is kinda hot! 

But aww, he's had a lonely existence thus far. His only companion has been the oversized, also incorporeal, wolf-like being, Seith. 

Blake aka The Keeper of Souls has never been seen by any humans who aren't at death's door. So what makes Emma so different?

Explore the answers in this wonderful romance. It's about their budding relationship as opposed to hot "mature content scenes".

Blake is almost 1,000 years old yet has never truly lived. His experiences of learning about corporeal life are endearing, and sometimes reminded me of Meet Joe Black (any thoughts of Brad Pitt are always welcome). 

I really enjoyed being part of Emma's world. She's a brilliant 'girl next door'. There's nothing extraordinary about her, which is lovely in this context. And her best friend is awesome. 

All the characters are well-developed and interesting. 

And the stalker adds an intriguing element of "who is it?".

There's kitties included (Emma is a vet's nurse) and has two adorable cats herself.

And the story is set in northern England which was another fab difference. 

This is certainly a unique take on the grim reaper, and one I very much enjoyed. A great debut!

I've often said Death is only doing his job! A much under-appreciated being, imho.

The ending wraps up nicely yet also invites a sequel, which I'll definitely be reading if/when it comes out. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Fanged Love - Bite me, baby!

Date read: 28th October 2020

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Vampire Romcom

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the authors: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff and Kylie Gilmore

Mimi has been a one-click author of mine for a while now - I just love her wit mixed with hotness! 

Her books always take over my life and this was no exception. Teaming up with Kylie Gilmore seems a match made in...well, maybe we shouldn't go there, but it works well.

Coming up to Halloween, I just had to read this one. Also, I knew Mimi would help cheer me up. 

A vineyard, an ancient vampire who just woke up from a 500 year nap - what could go wrong?

Ah, wine and vampires! 

Boz, as you'd expect of someone of his age and standing, is an arrogant a*hole. It's not his fault he's a rich, sexy, well-endowed, powerful vampire, after all. But scratch the surface and you'll find his heart's in the right place. Hm, or at least his honour is. A vampire and a gentleman! 

Poor Neli, his major dodo, dorko...no, domo... has her work cut out for her, trying to modernise this egomaniac!

Stella, the girl next door is sweet, sassy, savvy and... smitten! Fine. It's not quite love at first sight, but that first sight did include a view of his upstanding member, so there's that ;-) 

I was chuckling my way through the whole book - puns, confusion (*sniggers* technologenie), cheesy jokes; it's all fun. I love the vampire masters names btw - nice touch! 

But hugging this funny bone is a good dollop of slow-build steam. 

A great sexy, funny, vampire romcom! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Boy in the Burgundy Hood - spooky goings on

 

Date read: 22nd October 2020

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: Ghost Story

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Steve Griffin 

This is an original ghost story - a breath of fresh air. I love how the protagonist isn't scared of ghosts. And I really like that there's at least one modern ghost despite the beautiful, historical setting of a medieval manor house. 

As someone who enjoys snooping around National Trust properties, I adored being taken around Bramley Manor. The place has a lot of history - some of which has come back to bite it in the bum! 

Alice lands the job of her dreams - helping ready a property so it can be opened to the public. But what secrets do the ghosts hold? What are they trying to tell her? And how does an ancient Roman sect fit into all this? 

This is a gentle ghost story which also manages to build tension, especially near the end. 

Not scary but creepy and gripping.

A fab read! 

Always in love and light,

TL

BOOK NEWS - My Vow of Ink

 ☆*´*☆ MY VOW OF INK ☆*´*☆

What better way of celebrating books than with ink, right?

Especially considering Rabbie (the little fella on the cover of my book, Love Gaia) was designed for me by TattooTribes.com

*So, here's my official pledge...*

When 'Love Gaia - The Diary Directive' has sold 5,000 copies I will get an actual tattoo of Rabbie.

It will be my first ever tattoo

(photo is a mockup of what it may well look like)

Book link: https://books2read.com/LoveGaia

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

First the bees died out. Then the fighting started.

In a far off future, Aroha lives a simple, tranquil life in New Zealand. Yet how her village came to exist is anything but peaceful.

Approaching adulthood, Aroha and her classmates undergo a rite of passage.
To safeguard their future, they must learn lessons from their past. Studying the diary left behind by their founder, Dr. Rachel Rose, uncomfortable truths are revealed.

A diary written as the world descended into nuclear war fuelled by famine.

The life Dr. Rachel loved was annihilated in 2069. She was a successful oncologist from Liverpool with a thriving family. She did not choose her fate.

Thrown into a life controlled by a faceless authoritarian regime, all hope got driven away… until one guard showed a glimmer of compassion in his eyes.
Things sure can get steamy underground!

Can love win over hate? Maybe ‘Honesty, Respect, Fortitude’ will build a better future.

Grab your copy now of this uniquely captivating cli-fi romance which tells of both a dystopia and utopia.


NB Mature content
The events in this book are supposed to be fictional

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REVIEWS

“One action-packed landslide!” 5

“A story that is both heart-breaking and heart-warming” 5

“This story was full of action, romance, mystery and emotion. A must read.” 5

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The cost of the ebook is just $3.99 or £2.99 - the price of a cup of coffee.

It is available FREE in Kindle Unlimited - but if you get it this way please read it as it doesn't show in my sales data until you do, so can't count towards my vow until then.

https://books2read.com/LoveGaia

Also available in paperback from:

- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../love.../1137008209...

- Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/.../tl-clark/9780995611757

To reach my target I will need your help.

**Please share this post far and wide**

There's a Facebook and Instagram post you can share.

Thank you

BOOK NEWS - A new TL Clark Release - A Haverton Christmas

A quick note...

I have a new book releasing 5th November 2020 - remember remember 💂

A Haverton Christmas - A Regency Love Short Story

It was previously published as part of a charity anthology, but now that's reached it's end, it's time for Lady Caroline to shine alone. 

It's available to purchase on Amazon (ebook only as it's a short story) - FREE in Kindle Unlimited or just $1.99/£1.50

Description:

Not all who enter the marriage mart are successful…

Lady Caroline attended the Season full of hope but has come home in disgrace.
Her parents, who spent a fortune on her come out, are seriously displeased that she did not secure a husband. Her papa, the Marquess of Haverton, is particularly icy.

The looming winter looks bleak indeed for this poor innocent. The very notion of spinsterhood sends chills through her veins.

Gossip and intrigue are rife amongst The Ton. Try as she might, her brother’s rash marriage seems to follow her like a shadow. Who would associate with the likes of her?

Lady Caroline primes herself as well as the house for Christmas festivities. Perhaps there is yet a chance of love amongst her own circle.

Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer fans will love the authenticity of this Regency Christmas sweet romance.
Previously published as part of the multi-author anthology, Kissing and Other Scandalous Pastimes.
A short story inspired by international best-selling Regency Love. This stand-alone book is suitable for gently bred young ladies.

The drawing room doors are opening for you.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Masters of the Elements - a whirlwind of adventure

 

Date read: 13th October 2020

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: Time Travel NA Romance Adventure

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: CCSullivan_writer 

This is one of those books that leaves me feeling more cultured just for having read it. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo both appear as Lena explores the past and present in a surprising new way. 

Lena is not alone. A survivor of a damaged past, she starts off afraid to share details with even those closest to her. But through the passing of time, she opens up and blooms. 

The host of characters are all well-written; I felt like I knew each of them and kept wanting to discover more. OMG Dante & Damian! 

Secrets are slowly revealed, and the group must learn to adapt. 

Florence is a beautiful backdrop to the dramatic events. I felt like I was there, walking through the streets. 

Action, adventure, time travel and intrigue in Florence - an easy recommend to a friend. 

I can't wait for the next book!! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A Haunting at Havenwood - a sweet spectral romance

Date read: 28th September 2020

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: Sweet Regency Romance + a ghosty or two

Buy link: Amazon 

This is a very sweet Regency romance. Even the ghosts are kindly relatives.

Louisa is cast upon a great-aunt after the death of her father, and she finds herself going from riches to, well, not quite rags. But life is definitely different in tranquil Northumberland, compared to her lively Scarborough home. 

The plot moves along at a steady, sedate pace. And the characters are brought to life with wonderful writing. 

One of the ghosts wears a kilt and brings a lovely Scottish flair to this story which is set close to the border. Not scary at all.

Erasmus, the haunted great-grandson, has a stammer which he has been ridiculed for all his life. He has tried his best to overcome it, but there's still traces which has left him reluctant to socialise enough to pursue a wife. 

This is my first Sally Britton book and I suspect it won't be my last.

A thoroughly enjoyable Regency tale with a treasure hunt! 

* I received an ARC of this book but am voluntarily leaving a fair, honest review.

There is no sex, violence or swearing - a gently bred young lady

Always in love and light,

TL