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