Category Archives: Blog Tours

BLOG TOUR – Sword of Vengeance by Peter Gibbons

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Sword of Vengeance by Peter Gibbons

Here’s the blurb

In the aftermath of the great battle of Maldon, justice is demanded and vengeance will be served!

992AD

King Aethelred’s the Unready’s army has been defeated at the historic Battle of Maldon by Viking invaders led by Olaf Tryggvason and King Sweyn Forkbeard.

The strategic turning point of the battle was when Godric, an East Saxon Thegn, fled the battlefield taking with him the Saxon army, leaving behind his brothers to be massacred in a welter of blood and Norse axe blades.

Saxon warrior Beornoth emerges from the ashes of defeat with his heart aflame with vengeance and when King Aethelred sends for Beornoth with orders to punish those traitors responsible for the crushing defeat, he heeds the king’s call.

With a small band of loyal warriors, Beornoth embarks on an unforgiving journey across the perilous landscape to seek out Godric and exact his bloody revenge. They must fight their way through a world teeming with political intrigue, shifting alliances and the ever-present threat of the Vikings.


Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this pulse pounding quest for retribution

If you enjoyed The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, you’ll love Beornoth’s Quest for Vengeance!

Review

Following the events of book 3 we pick up in the aftermath of the bloody Battle of Maldon.

Beornoth is in a bad way and Brand must do everything he can to keep him alive.

I felt this was a very poignant and pivotal start to the story as Brand must face loss, the battle was brutal and it plays heavy on the mans heart. It’s moving but also shows the characters strength as he battles on despite the hurt he will be feeling. This depth really made the beginning on the book scream out to me and I felt myself re-reading sentences just to really take in the emotion, to give it justice..just beautifully written guttural strength and determination.

Beornoth survives but it’s touch a go really.. you always hoped he would but nothing lasts forever.

God that man deserves a rest but do you think he’s going to get one? No chance.

We see the true politics of war play out.. it’s time to decide if the fight is to continue or do they sacrifice their pride and pay the enemy to leave their shores…There’s always going to be the danger that they will return even if they do leave.

We continue to see the real depth of emotion infused by the author as we see Beornoth and his wife battle their inner demons.. they have to confront the past, his wife’s pain stems from being brutally assaulted and ended with the death of those closest to them.. it’s a wound that runs deep for both of them and Beornoth can’t see any way to seal the hole the loss has created.

The latest battle really does seem to be a pivotal moment in their relationship as retribution plays on both their minds heavily… but Beornoth is honour bound..can he do what’s needed to please all?

To forge for peace or to fight.. there’s no easy choice but what the author did so well was really set the scene.. the characters.. it’s emotive and you can’t help feel for them and it really does make you see how lucky we are… but what would you do if someone murdered your children.. took the light from your wife’s eyes.. it’s a real emotional roller-coaster.

For the gore fans there’s plenty of action to keep the blood pumping for sure but it’s so much more than you’d expect and the author continues to infuse the historical detail with a gripping, gut-wrenching plot as Beornoth sets out to bring the cowards and traitors from the battle to justice. It really puts the time period into perspective and you really feel for the innocents caught up in the mess..

Pace is something I always like to talk about but this time there’s nothing I can say.. I didn’t even notice the chapter length..the details were a blur as I was so engrossed with the plot itself. A pure joy to read.

Boldwood and Peter Gibbons are a match made in heaven.

5/5 Stars.

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’m buying the book too my book shelve deserves a copy 🙂

Fancy grabbing a copy? – Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/swordofvengeancesocial

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Peter Gibbons is a financial advisor and author of the highly acclaimed Viking Blood and Blade trilogy. He comes to Boldwood with his new Saxon Warrior series, set around the 900 AD Viking invasion during the reign of King Athelred the Unready. The first title of the new series, Warrior and Protector, will be published in October 2022. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petergibbonsauthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorGibbons

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/petermgibbons/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PeterGibbonsNews

Bookbub profile: Peter Gibbons Books – BookBub

BLOG TOUR – Rise of the Immortals : The Battle for Gritheim Book 1, by Anna Allen.

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Today it’s my turn on the blog tour for Rise of the Immortals : The Battle for Gritheim Book 1, by Anna Allen.

Here’s the blub

In a world of rising magic, an unseen battle commences. The Gods of Gritheim release their instruments – for good and evil.

While many scoff at witchcraft and sorcery, Josse and Leonné have witnessed it firsthand. Thrown together by prophesy they must learn to wield their secret magic, to defend not only themselves but the kingdom of mortals. Wraiths, known as Drackarts, do the bidding of Guiscard D’Abernon and his sorceress wife, Orella, but the masters behind these puppets are the ones set on its destruction.

The Immortals of Gritheim are on the rise, seeking ultimate power and control; they care not how many thousands will be slaughtered in their path. Only the Redeemers stand in their way.

Josse and Leonné must overcome their dislike of each other, for their world is at stake.

For fans of thrilling epic fantasy that will keep you turning pages!

Review

The story starts strong as we meet young Josse. His life is currently one of torment at the hands of someone who should protect him… why does this man hate him so?

It quickly becomes clear there’s a hidden past and his protector isn’t the person we might have assumed.

Josse shows his true strength and weathers the storm around him.. determined that one day things will be different.. he must find out who he truly is..but it’s not going to be easy..or pain free.

The day for Josse to escape his torment comes sooner than he expects, and his life is changed forever as he is forced to flee…after a chance meeting with Leonné.

Fast forward some years and these two are set to cross paths again.

The blurb is really what sucked me in.. epic fantasy is something I just love, and Rise of the Immortals didn’t disappoint. It was the perfect setup for the series, introducing the characters and the backstory but at the same time leaving tit bits of info here and there as unknowns.. perfect for twists and turns as the series progresses.

Pace and flow are super important for me, and this offering was perfect. The story flows without any fluff.. the writer has the plot nailed perfectly and the direction of events is clear and easy to follow.

Character, wise I felt the development was natural and didn’t feel forced. There’s just the right amount of backstory to understand motivations and it really helps you get to know the characters well.

Focusing on the fantasy aspect I loved Guiscard D’Abernon and the Drackarts. I particularly liked how the author teased there’s more going on than we currently know, and this just made me super keen to keep reading and eager for more.

For fans of Epic Fantasy there’s plenty for you to get your teeth into. It’s super easy flow wise to follow and there’s just the right amount of teasing… there’s energy building and you just know there’s good things to come.

Rise of the Immortals lays strong foundations and I’m super excited to see where this goes. I’m keen to learn more about the world the characters live in and excited to see them develop.

4/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Today might be the last day of the tour but why not check out the other reviews on the stops?

Dawn’s Bio

Dawn Bolton writes romances and crime/romantic suspense under the name of Toni Bolton, fantasy novels under the name of Anna Allen and historical romance/ suspense novels under the name of Alexie Bolton.

Fascinated by history and law she studied both and taught law in higher education. These subjects inspire many of her books.

She lived in a boat while she studied at unviersity and now lives in a pub, she and her husband renovated near the Grand Union Canal with two fluffy Birman vandals. She loves aqua, yoga and Zumba and draws and paints in her spare time.

Her family are psychic and some of their experiences inspired some of her fantasy and paranormal novels. She’s fascinated by the occult and herbal medicine and brings these into her latest dark fantasy novels.

She loves hearing from her readers and getting feedback.


Dawn’s Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnpatriciabolton/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/dawnpbolton

Twitter : https://twitter.com/dawnbolton2

Website : https://dawnboltonauthor.wordpress.com/

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61840097-rise-of-the-immortals

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/riseofimmortals-zbt

BLOG TOUR – The Hollow Husband by Cole Baxter

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Hollow Husband by Cole Baxter

Here’s the blurb

Stella has finally met her dream man. But is David too good to be true?

Stella Greene has finally met her dream man. David is wealthy, successful, polished, and seductive. He’s got her back when an angry ex comes to call. He shares her taste in everything from wine to music. Her parents love him.

The couple are thrilled when Stella falls pregnant. David has always been attentive, but now that Stella is carrying his child, he becomes downright controlling. He claims he’s only worried about her and the baby. But Stella becomes fearful. How well does she really know her husband?

Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer loose in their small resort town, murdering young, attractive men. A fan of true crime stories, Stella takes a keen interest in the killings and soon finds herself drawn into a darker world than she ever imagined.

When men linked to Stella are the next victims, she begins to fear that someone close to her might be the killer. Could it be her beloved husband?

Her doubts only grow when she sees a sketch of the killer. He looks a lot like David.

Shocked and disbelieving, she hides her fears from David. As she goes hunting for the truth, she begins to suspect David more and more. Will Stella’s worst fears be realized? Is she married to a serial killer and carrying his child?

The Hollow Husband – the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and K L Slater.

Review

Stella has the man of her dreams on her arm.. but it’s been a whirlwind marriage.. David give her everything she could want but there’s something behind those eyes..how well does Stella really know him? Or is she just being paranoid?

When Stella falls pregnant it’s the best news ever.. until David becomes controlling and demanding..but is Stella just being a little harsh? Does David not just have her best interest at heart?

If that wasn’t enough to deal with a body soon shows up and Stella uses her connections and gets involved where she shouldn’t be.. Stella and her dad love a good crime mystery to solve so she wheedles her way in.. little does she know at the time but there’s a serial killer on the loose.. when that becomes clear she feels it’s her duty to help the police stop the killer.

Meanwhile she’s also digging into the husbands past.. there’s a hidden secret but Stella doesn’t have time to concentrate on that as the bodies keep piling up.. and these murders are gruesome.

As the plot progresses secrets and twists are abundant as we learn Stella, for one reason or another may be connected to the victims.. but who is the killer.. and what’s the motive?

Development wise I liked the plot, it was clear, well paced, and the twists kept me engaged.  I particularly enjoyed the development of David who was by far the most intriguing character. I would have loved to see a bit more from him to be honest.

Focusing on Stella.. I didn’t love her.. she’s a dog with a bone and doesn’t seem to respect the law and things are just a little convenient for her at times.. who gets that much access to a crime scene after all? But lets be fair.. I think quite a few of us would love to get the kind of access she does..

What I really enjoyed was the murders themselves, they are dark and grisly and when you match this to the development of the characters it’s clear what the author wants you to think.. but you are taken on a ride with twists, kept wondering if you are judging characters too harshly just like Stella does, so in the end I was compelled to finish the tale.. I just HAD to know who the killer was and why?

An interesting and intriguing story which shows a lot of promise for future books from the author.

4/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Why not check out all the stops on the tour?

Book Links

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201490634-the-hollow-husband

Buy Links : https://mybook.to/thehollowhusband-zbt

Cole’s Bio

Cole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!


Cole’s Links:


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColeBaxterAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colebaxterauthor/

BLOG TOUR – Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh.

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Today we kick off the blog tour for Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh.

Here’s the blurb

Civil War tore across the Union Empire, leaving countless dead in its wake. It was a war started by one man, once beloved by the Empire. His betrayal still lingers in the memory of those who lived through it.
Decades later, his son, Felix Drake, is a Warden tasked with both protecting the ruling members of the Union Empire and its Council, and bringing those powerful and influential people to justice should they break the law.
Drake protects the very Empire his father sought to destroy.
When two members of a Council family are murdered, Drake and his team investigate, only to uncover corruption, resentment, and yet more death.
As the case deepens, Drake is forced back into a life he’d left long ago, bringing with it the same disdain and anger from the very people he’s sworn to protect.
However, he’s no longer a helpless child, and the people who try to intimidate him now are about to discover that Drake is so very much his father’s son.

Review

What a cracking start to a series! The book starts strong as we are quickly introduced to the two  main characters.. it’s a typical good versus bad yeh? Oh you are so wrong.. there’s so much more depth to this tale.

Many years ago there was a civil war… a civil war that nearly tore the world apart.. fast forward and we meet Felix Drake, a Warden.. tasked with protecting those his father tried to kill during the war.. he betrayed those Felix now protects..Felix wants nothing more than to forget the past.. he knows if anyone finds out who he actually is then he life will change drastically.. no one would trust the son of a traitor after all!

He’s remained hidden for a while but it’s time to return to the place he once called home.. his friends have been murdered but why?.. as soon as he arrives all hell breaks loose..

Felix knows Sabas Gossard has something to do with this but he needs to prove it.. Sabas was put in prison by Felix so how the hell is he already free? Yeh that’s right.. corruption..

It’s no surprise to me that there’s deceit from those in power but just who the players are shocks Felix..surely not? Plus there’s someone working in the shadows.. will we find out who is orchestrating these events? And what’s the endgame?

There’s lots of different characters and roles but everything is introduced nicely for the reader to take in, and the attention given to the development really helped this stroy come alive.

I particularly like Bokk, Felix’s security synth.. Bokk once belonged to his father, and I felt Bokk played a pivotal role which I hope gets expanded upon as there’s the interesting idea of these synth developing personalities.

The plot of the book develops at a swift but nice pace and hints there’s some good things to come. As setups go Atoned has it all, great characters and so much potential clear and ready to pour out.

There’s hints of past events becoming a focus.. were the events that played out during the war exactly as they seem? Or was there more to it? And what does this mean for Drake? He’s got his own sage abilities coming out.. but he seems special..and I’m excited to find out why!

This is my first foray into the authors imagination, and I was wonderfully impressed with the flow and development.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Why not follow the tour?

Author’s Bio

Steve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction books. His novel, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel. He was born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton.


Author’s Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemc79/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/hellequinchronicles

Twitter : https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh

Website : http://stevejmchugh.wordpress.com

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197452731-atoned

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/atoned-zbt

BLOG TOUR – Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan.

Here’s the blurb.

Prince. Mercenary. Exile.

The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands.

1030 AD

Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it.

Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus.

His brother’s legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph.

He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family’s battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side.

The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy’s incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking.

Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Review

With a tag line like “Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons” I immediately took notice.. these writers are my bread and butter.. they get what their readers love and give them it in spades full.. Did I have high expectations? Yep.

Firstly what I loved about this book from the start is that it felt fresh and new.. historical fiction is a well read genre for me but to see Harald Hardrada before he became the man most of know was fascinating!

After King Olaf dies in battle, Harold and Olaf’s other men are forced into exile or face death. It’s not much of a choice but being so downcast after their defeat means it’s even harder going. These men..they have lost everything.. but Harold also has the unenviable task of learning his role with the men and has to grow fast.

The depth of Harold was without fault..you see him struggle.. and adapt with the sheer strength he has within.. determination runs in his veins. I also loved that things didn’t come easy for him. Warriors look for leaders.. but it never felt like that was Harold’s role take on things..he doesn’t just want to become a leader.. he earns it.. he’s just got the passion burning that drives him forward and it’s this that the warriors ultimately see within him.

As is typical of the genre there’s plenty of battles but what sets Warrior Prince apart is the sheer amount of little details.. you can see how much research has went into the story to depict the characters, the period and the battles.

For fans for the genre I’m in no doubt you’ll love this and if I had to some up in one word it’s “depth”. Almost everything I’ve read about Harold has been fascinating but can’t touch upon the depth and intensity that’s been added by J. C. Duncan!

I was hooked and can’t wait to see what happens next in the series, I loved the connections Harold made with the men so excited to see how this grows.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or to here

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £1.99 It’s a bargain!

Author Bio –

J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn  

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan

Why not follow the rest of the tour?

BLOG TOUR – Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook

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Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook. It’s new out today so grab a copy while it’s hot!

Here’s the blurb

A king, old and frail.

A challenger filled with vengeance. A kingdom’s fate at stake.

Sven the Boar is Jarl of Ribe once more. He and Charles try to settle into their new lives, but trouble and treachery are never too far away.

Tormented by recent events, Charles struggles to adapt to life amongst the heathens that mock his Christian God and the arrival of a priest from the south only makes things worse.

Meanwhile, Sven is burdened with the responsibilities of being Jarl again and protecting his grandson from those hunting him.

When forced into an alliance with King Horik’s nephew who is raising an army to challenge his uncle for the throne of Denmark, Sven makes an important decision.

As the threat of war becomes real, Sven rides to fight a battle that will change the destiny of Denmark.

But whilst he fights, will Charles remain safe or are other games in play that threaten him?

Review

After reading Odin’s Betrayal, book 1 in The Charlemagne’s Cross Series and quite frankly falling in love with it, you can imagine my excitement to read book 2.

I would recommend reading the fist instalment to really understand the characters but felt the author did a really good job of throwing little titbits of info in just when needed so even a new reader would understand the emotions and motivations behind the characters. For me it reminded me of those past events and credit to the authors ability it easily transported me back and I can remember those events vividly.

With Charles now under his grandfather’s care, Sven the Boar it’s going to be a rough ride. It’s been a difficult time for both, and the trouble isn’t going to go away any time soon.

Charles is still young, and a Christian living in a town of heathens. His religion is important to him and it’s an internal battle for him to understand why anyone wouldn’t believe in the one true god. As time passes you can see him start to grow, he learns religion and mans urges aren’t always linked.. just because you pray to god doesn’t make you good.. and similarly, just because you pray to another god doesn’t make you inherently evil.. there’s more to peoples motivations and sometimes you need to look deep to find the deception.

Sven has his own issues too after avenging his wife’s death by killing his brother no less! He and Charles find it tough to connect since they have been brought up in very different worlds and Sven really doesn’t know how to be there for the boy but does things the only way he knows how and has the boy start training.. Charles needs to learn to protect himself.

We quickly learn that there’s a lot of secrecy and deception afoot..but are the motivations good or bad? And what will happen to Charles? He’s already lost his father after all.

I don’t want to spoil the secrecy of the tale but I was engrossed reading as the different players show their hands in the tale, you learn so much more about Charles family history and what led to the events surrounding his fathers death.. there’s love and political motivations and at times it’s hard to see how Charles will recover if he ever learns the full extent of his origins.

While these events are playing out behind the scenes, Sven is dealing with a much closer threat. After becoming Jarl again he’s made the King look weak… and a blast from the past shows up with war on his mind.. but he wants Sven’s help… and actually Sven needs his too. Things aren’t going well for him.. the people are still angry after Sven murdered their previous Jarl so there’s an interesting chance for both of them to get what they want.

For me this instalment was all about the development. Don’t get me wrong the plot is unparalleled but the development of the characters just outshines anything I’ve read before. There’s so much depth added to the main characters but at the same time we are introduced to new ones, and again the detail added really helps you imagine their look, mannerisms, motivations.

The book is paced very well, plot is just gobsmackingly good plus detail and development added with precision to give you a captivating story.

I’m very much glad I found this author and their work and can’t fault it. 5*

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter  https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

BLOG TOUR – Bus Rhymes and Playtime by Sue Wickstead

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Bus Rhymes and Playtime by Sue Wickstead

Here’s the blurb.

Have you got your ticket ready?

Where shall we go today?

Why not jump on board the bus

– come along to sing and play.

So, take your seat as off we go.

What could happen along the way?

(Rhymes for Jay-Jay; Daisy; Sparky and Gloria too. Tickets with questions to answer as well as poems for storybooks)

Review.

Myself and my little one recently reviewed Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes from the same author so jumped at the chance to read this on too!

Bus Rhymes and Playtime follows the same fun format, it’s colourful, bright and cheerful. There’s fun little rhymes similar to the classics we all know but with new twists added to them that are easy for the children to pick up.

I felt the layout was very child friendly allowing young ones to take in bite size chunks of text and not be too overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s not easy to get your child to sit there and read page after page, but I find it much easy to get them onboard when asking for 1 or 2 rhymes.

I think the book is perfectly aimed for around the 5 – 6 age range and is super for those times you need your child to read to you. It’s also the perfect example of using your imagination and having a bit of play with words.

Bus Rhymes and Playtime ticks all the right boxes, it’s another story Georgia is hoping her school will pick up as she would love to see the littles ones at the school be given the chance to read this.

Easily a 5*

My thanks go to Sue Wickstead for providing a copy of this book for Georgia in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! 

Where can I get a copy –

https://suewickstead.co.uk/shop

amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bus-Rhymes-Playtime-Sue-Wickstead-ebook/dp/B0CBNLR7D3/

Amazon .com https://www.amazon.com/Bus-Rhymes-Playtime-Sue-Wickstead-ebook/dp/B0CBNLR7D3/

Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/bus-rhymes-and-playtime/sue-wickstead/9781916392359

Barnes and noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bus-rhymes-and-playtime-sue-wickstead/1143774242?ean=9781916392359

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Sue Wickstead lives in West Sussex, UK and writes children’s picture story books.

Sue’s stories are inspired by her adventures with a Playbus as well as her experiences as a teacher.

The Playbus was a real double-decker bus full of toys, arts and crafts, as well as a lot of fun to play on.

Sue wrote a photographic social history book about the project which led to her story telling and her writing. All of Sue’s books do have a bus included in them somewhere. Daisy Daydream was the bus that Sue painted and the start of her Playbus and writing journey.

When not writing Sue builds models with Lego (especially for her grandson), she loves spending quality time with her young grandson and enjoys creating models to share with him on his visits.

Her grandson features in the book ‘Barty Barton; the bear that was loved too much’ which was published in 2020. He also helps his Nanny Sue to sing along with a few of the rhymes sue has written.

Many of Sue’s books have been entered and shortlisted in ‘The Wishing Shelf Book Awards’, the book ‘A Spooky Tale’ was a silver medal winner in 2019. The story was written with her class in school.

Social Media Links –

Web site : www.suewickstead.co.uk

Facebook: – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091634693677

Twitter https://twitter.com/JayJayBus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayjaybusbooks/

https://www.instagram.com/sue_wickstead/

BLOG TOUR – Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter!

Here’s the blurb.

A deathbed oath leaves the lives of two infants hanging in the balance.

Tamworth AD833 After successfully rescuing her husband from the Island of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.

In the unenviable position of being oath sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is punished and banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf, Icel is once more torn between his oaths and the secret he knows.

When the two children are kidnapped, Icel, good to his word, and fearing for their safety, pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands, fearing to discover who is behind the audacious attempt on their lives: the queen, the king’s son, or even Lady Ælflæd, a friend to him in the past, but now wed to the king’s son and aunt to the two abandoned children.

Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears. Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail and lose his life in the process?

Review

Protector of Mercia is book 5 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. The 1st book in the series was published less than 2 years ago but in this time, there’s been so much growth and development I can hardly believe it’s the 5th instalment already!

If you haven’t read the previous instalments I do recommend it but the author has the knack for explaining things as they go nicely so new readers would understand some of the background.. but most definitely do read the others in the series.. they are too good not to read!

We are back with Icel, and he now knows the truth about who is father really is….and that he himself has a claim to the throne. But it’s a throne he doesn’t want.

After the death of Lady Cynehild Icel promised to protect her children.. It might have been a last ditch selfish act from Lady Cynehild but never the less she was right to fear for them. Soon after their father is exiled the boys go missing and Icel has to figure out who took them and where they have been taken….right now the why doesn’t matter…but something just isnt sitting right..if you want these children out of the way why not just kill them?

Protector of Mercia is all about the tension..a tale of a manhunt as Icel uses all his skill and knowledge to find the children.. to keep them safe.. the main issue is who can he trust??

This instalment, like the previous ones is full of action but what I loved about this one more was the pace, it’s a harrowing journey and the author effortlessly puts you in Icel’s position.. the urgency.. the feeling of desperation.. the weariness of the journey.. the pace perfectly matched so you can actually feel how tired Icel must be.

I feel like Icel at times lost sight of everything else other then would the children survive but he needs to find out why they were taken and by whom..but it’s not going to be easy and the journey is taking him further and further away from safety.

Something I really love about this series is the authors knack of transporting you back to events that happened in a previous novel with only a few words, credit to the author that at the mention of Icel’s uncle my mind is instantly flooded with memories from book 1 in the series..This certainly is a series that will stay with you.

Overall this has to be my favourite instalment so far.. its’ one mans tale.. his feelings.. his desperation and desire not to fail. I couldn’t put it down! 5/5 stars.

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

Why not follow the tour?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/protectormerciasocial

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/ 

Newsletter Sign Up:  https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

BLOG TOUR – How to Draw A Giraffe – The Alice May Way

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for How to Draw A Giraffe – The Alice May Way.. keep reading too as there’s a lovely little competition you can enter…

Here’s the blurb

There is only one rule when you draw the Alice May Way and that is to have FUN!

Follow along with Alice, step by step, and learn how to draw a giraffe.

Packed with interesting facts about giraffes, the environment and what we can do to protect our planet, this all-age book is a must-have for those who love to draw animals.

Review

How to draw a giraffe is a fun little book for kids and adults alike. Sometimes you need a little help with making pictures come to life. If you are anything like me you’d love to draw.. understand what you need to do but then your drawings turn out like mush ha ha.

This great little book makes it fun and breaks down drawing a giraffe into nice easy steps.

Along the way we also we also get fun facts, wordsearch.. some really fun activities to round off a fun book nicely.

I found the book quite relaxing and my kids enjoyed it too. Look out on my Instagram as I hope to share some of those pictures soon..just have to convince the kids to let me share them ha ha. Sushh just don’t tell them but I’ll share them anyway he he he.

Overall a nice little activity book and worth buying.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Amazon or any other good book retailor!

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought a copy too.. The girls deserved a treat.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio – Alice G May

Former GP surgery manager turned school librarian, Alice is mum to four not-so-small children and married to (probably) the most patient man on the planet. They live in what used to be a tumbledown cottage in the New Forest.

Alice is the double ‘Chill-with-a-Book’ award winning author of The House that Sat Down Trilogy and also How-to-Draw Giraffes – the Alice May Way.

A contributing writer and artist for Leisure Painter, the UK’s number one how-to-paint magazine, Alice is a huge advocate for the benefits of creative activities as part of an effective self-care toolkit.

She regularly speaks to clubs and groups about writing, painting and creative self-care.

WEBSITE

www.alicegmay.com

Social Media Links –

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicemay_author_artist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceMay_Author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliceMayAuthor/

YouTube: Alice May Artist

TikTok: AliceGMay

Giveaway to Win 6 mini Giraffe fridge magnets (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

BLOG TOUR – Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes by Sue Wickstead – REVIEW

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Today we are kicking of the Blog Tour for Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes by Sue Wickstead!

Keeping reading for a chance to  win a signed copy of  the Double-Decker Playbus Colouring Book too!

Here’s the blurb.

Some well known nursery rhymes, rewritten, with a bus twist.

Come and sing along and share a bus joke too.

A special collection for Daisy Daydream.

(Who has her own story book)

Review

My two girls are now 8 year old and big fans of Sue Wickstead having read David’s Bin Day and David’s Bathtime Adventure.

Daisy Daydreams Bus Rhymes and Jokes is a fun collection of jokes and rhymes but the twist is they are all bus related..so those rhymes you’ve known since childhood have been tweaked in a fun way to fill this book full of fun.

I sat down with my two to discuss the book and from the off Georgia said if she saw this book on a book shelf she would buy it.. the colours, the playful fun looking bus, very eye catching.

When you open the book from the first page you easily get the feel for the book, jokes and rhymes neatly mixed but the pages never too cluttered.

Myself and girls particularly liked the jokes, each displayed in their own ticket!

You can tell a lot of thought has went into not only the rhymes and jokes but also the placement within the book, each page is packed with just the right amount of words for any young one to read without feeling too overwhelmed. As a parent I think this is quite nicely aimed for those young ones learning to read out loud, it’s easy to follow and broken up in small sections which is easier on the eye.

The girls also really enjoyed the authors own rhymes, not only do we get reimagined classics but we also get some brand new ones focused on the authors work which I feel just brings the series of books together nicely.

Credit where credit is due the author has put a lovely book together with the aid of Claire Shaw for the layout and Artful Doodlers for the illustrations..each part is done perfectly, so much so Georgia wants to get a copy to give to her school for other children to read.

Overall the kids really liked this fun little read, it’s quick and manages to keep a child’s attention. 4 – 8 year olds seems about the right age range for this book and if you’ve got a little one I reckon they will enjoy this one too!

It’s a 5* read from my two girls!

To find out more check out the links below!

https://suewickstead.co.uk/shop

www.suewickstead.co.uk

amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daisy-Daydream-Bus-Rhymes-Jokes/dp/0993073794/

Amazon .com https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Daydream-Bus-Rhymes-Jokes/dp/0993073794/

Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/daisy-daydream-bus-rhymes-and-jokes/sue-wickstead/9780993073793

Barnes and noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daisy-daydream-bus-rhymes-and-jokes-sue-wickstead/1132338099?ean=9780993073793

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Sue Wickstead lives in West Sussex, UK and writes children’s picture story books.

Her stories relate to both her experiences as a teacher as well as her play-work adventures with a bus.

The Playbus was a real double-decker bus full of toys, arts and crafts, as well as a lot of fun to play on. Sue wrote a photographic social history book about the project which led to her story telling and her writing. All of Sue’s books do have a bus included in them somewhere. Daisy Daydream was the bus that Sue painted and the start of her Playbus and writing journey.

When not writing Sue builds models with Lego (especially for her grandson), she loves spending quality time with her young grandson and enjoys creating models to share with him on his visits.

Her grandson features in the book ‘Barty Barton; the bear that was loved too much’ which was published in 2020. He also helps his Nanny Sue to sing along with a few of the rhymes sue has written.

Many of Sue’s books have been entered and shortlisted in ‘The Wishing Shelf Book Awards’, the book ‘A Spooky Tale’ was a silver medal winner in 2019. The story was written with her class in school.

Social Media Links –

Web site : www.suewickstead.co.uk

Facebook

Twitter (or X as it’s known now)

Instagram – Jay Jay Bus Books

Instagram – Sue Wickstead

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of  the Double-Decker Playbus Colouring Book. (UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494563/?