REVIEW - SONGBIRD - How do I love thee

Songbird by Karen Heenan

Date read: 15th April 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: historical romance (Tudor)

Buy link: Amazon

I was absolutely blown away by this book! Yes, it's an incredibly slow burn but an intense one. 

This is a Tudor romance set in the court of Henry VIII as he's on the cusp of marrying Anne Boleyn. BUT it is NOT about the monarch - huzzah! No, it's a romance novel about a young, female singer, Bess, in the Music. She's fictional but written in a way that could have been real. 

Tom is the only person who's kind to the ten year old as she gets sold to the court as a minstrel. They become best friends as the world whirls around them. 

There are friendships, intrigues, losses, disease and very few gains. 

The unrequited love becomes excruciating in the best possible way. It broke my heart and shattered my soul.

Clearly well-researched. I felt this really could have happened. The sights and smells had me living in this book. I strolled around the 'below stairs' world of Greenwich Palace and peeked into Hampton Court.

There are well-written side characters to support the tormented MCs. And the real life tales of the king are cleverly interwoven as a backdrop to this tale of torment.

Historical romance lovers need to read this!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - PIES & PROMISES - cute as pie

Pies And Promises by Duckie Mack

Date read: 7th April 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: mm adorkable romance 

Buy link: Amazon

OMG Duckie Mack has done it again - melted my heart! I cried happy tears 'n eryfin!

Jason is a single dad - he's pancakesicle, according to his adorable son. His daughter, Emily is also super sweet btw. And Jason happens to make great pies. 

Nico works hard for his dad in Pop's Diner. 

Enter the cutest of meet-cutes. Seriously. 

There's even a mild DC vs Marvel debate. And you will grin at how Jason proves his hero status. 

Duckie always writes adorkable characters, and these guys are no exception. And I was overjoyed with the easter eggs which were included for avid readers, like me. Another thing that makes me read these books faster than any other is that I get sucked into the low-angst; there's just lovely love. 

Reading a Duckie Mack book is like being wrapped up in your favourite blankey and sipping hot chocolate. My latest one-click author.

This gorgeous story manages to be both a slow-burn AND an insta-love. 

I mean, two hot guys, pie, sizzling heat, humour, mutual respect...what's not to love?

 Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - COMING UP ROSES - Not so rosy Toot Hansell

Coming Up Roses by Kim M Watt

Date read: 14th March 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cozy Mystery (with WI & Dragons)

Buy link: Amazon 

I seem to have been a bit grumpy with my book reviews this year. But I'm happy to say, I've now awarded this one a rare 5* rating. tbh I read this because I love Kim Watt's books, particularly when dragons are involved. 

Oh, the chaos is off the charts in this one! WI, cryptozoologist reporters, admirers, dragons, dogs...everyone's running around trying to uncover the murderer. It's only natural when Rose is a prime suspect. Well, there was a dead body in her freezer!? 

Oh, this is Toot Hansell at its zany best! The perfect pick-me-up, crazy, cozy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

Book News - I've written a 'How To Write' book

 

After ten years of writing and self-publishing, I thought it was about time I shared some of the knowledge I've accrued. 

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It is a beginner's guide to researching, writing and publishing a historical book. To be fair, all newbie authors may find the writing tips and publishing sections useful. 

If you’re new to writing, this book will:

~ Show you which aspects of history to research before you ‘put pen to paper’

~ Give easy step-by-step prompts and tasks to set you on the right path for your writing journey through time

~ Guide you through your options once you’ve successfully typed “The End”

~ Provide tips on writing, formatting, publishing, and advertising

~ Supply you with an easy-to-follow checklist of self-publishing tasks.

Available in ebook and paperback from all good online retailers. Launching 01 March 2023, but available for pre-order now.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WISHING FOR COAL - Ho ho oooaah!

Wishing for Coal by Emma Jaye

Date read: 18th December 2022

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: M/M Christmas Spice

Buy link: Amazon 

Fine, I'll admit it, I like brats in my m/m romance, and this Christmas fairy is the brattiest! I wasn't surprised - I've enjoyed previous books by this author with that dynamic.

But has he met his match in his wish target; a grumpy dom?

It's not grump/sunshine, btw. e.g. Coal can't stand the saccharine-sweet elves in the North Pole. Maybe grinch/brat?

There are certainly challenges in this wish fulfilment, a sprinkling of magic, and plenty of punishments; oh my!

Oh, what fun it was to read ;-) Now, do I feel naughty or nice?? LOL 

A 4.5* rating from me. 

Looking for some holiday spice? You won't be disappointed!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WINTER SOLSTICE MURDERS - A Magickal Mystery

Winter Solstice Murders by C Farren

Date read: 10th December 2022

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Magickal Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Talking familiars and a murder mystery. I just had to read this one!

I really enjoyed the story. The magickal world in which it was set was maybe a little too similar to our own. It was more like a different realm of Earth imho. But familiars and magick are commonplace in Magpie Cove.

Death by tea; doesn't get much more cosy mystery than that, right? 

When Bea is illegally brought back to life, she's determined to discover who her murderer was before they can try again. 

tbh Bea isn't the most lovable character I've ever read. She's quite distanced from friends and family. But then that gives her several suspects to investigate, so I was intrigued to discover why. And Widdershins, her feline familiar, kept me reading. 

I wasn't really trying to solve the case as I was happy to go with the flow. But I didn't guess the culprit.

Having a middle aged heroine was refreshing. 

A fun, magickal mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WITCHES & WHISKY - A good dram

Witches & Whisky by Wendy Hewlett

Date read: 25th November 2022

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Detective with top notes of witchery and romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Like a good whisky, this tale is outspoken with plenty of character. And forgive me, but plenty of smokiness too. 

Oh, Magaidh! The trauma she's been through! I'm tellin' ya, get your tissues ready. 

Maggie Glass is a detective. But her greatest case to date is set to get personal. Her childhood is a blur thanks to repressed memories. But can she get them back to help solve her latest mystery? 

She has some great friends; some of whom are a bit wyrd. There is magick lurking. But this story revolves mainly around a murder mystery, powerful women and those who fear them. 

Edinburgh is a gorgeous backdrop for plenty of thrilling action. And there are plenty of drams to be had, courtesy of Ghlais, the local distillery. 

It is an LGBTQ+ book in that there are hints of a f/f relationship but this is not the main focus; there are no issues to be sorted through in that regard. No, there is plenty of drama thanks to the investigation which will take a courageous person to uncover to its roots.

I cried more than once, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  And I was gunning for Maggie to get the bad guys! 

A thrilling mystery interlaced with an emotional journey.

Always in love and light,

TL