Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Cornish Witch by Judy Leigh, writing under Elena Collins.

Here’s the blurb.

Now: When Megan’s father gets a letter containing a secret from the past, he asks her to go to the Cornish village of St Mawgen Cove to get to the bottom of the mystery. Megan is happy to take a holiday after a challenging year but as soon as she checks into The Ship Inn something feels amiss. There are noises in the room above, the locals tell tales of smugglers and shipwrecks and she can’t escape the story of the witch who waits and watches, weeping on the top of the cliff.

1625: Susanna and her daughter Katel live a contented life, but without the protection of a husband and father, Susanna fears for Katel’s future as she blossoms into womanhood. The fishing community of St Mawgen Cove is close knit but when misfortune arrives in the cove, it’s not long before villagers are looking for someone to blame. And when talk turns to witches, Susanna knows she and Katel are no longer safe.

Can Megan bring peace to St Mawgen and to two women who have been broken-hearted for centuries?

Review

So this is my second foray into the works of Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins. I had high hopes after reading The Witch’s Tree.

The story is a dual timeline historical mystery and starts off strong with a very gripping opening scene….A spirit who preys on lone men offering only the kiss of death.

Soon we meet Megan.. Ah Megan.. and what a setup. The author gave me exactly what I was hoping for… it’s the depth and build up. Megan hasn’t had it easy.. she’s had her heart broken and has been kind of floating since.. she focuses on others rather than herself and this theme continues when her dad receives a letter that will rock the family.. a hidden secret. As any good daughter would do she sets out to help her dad get through this and this means travelling to St Mawgen Cove to meet this person from her dads past.

She chooses The Ship Inn for her stay.. the alarm bells don’t go off at first but there’s signs something isn’t quite right.

Moving to the second timeline we are back in 1625 and meet Katel. Katel is a young girl who is perhaps a little naive.. her mother is not so and can see the danger her daughter could be in.

Katel is quite independent and is now looking to her future.. but will her choice of company put her in danger?

The story manage to blend a mix of history, mystery and intrigue and is a masterclass in the art of the build up. Don’t get me wrong.. the pace is perfect but the author has a way of telling a story without the need for words at times.. it’s the character development.. the unwritten words and the how it makes you feel as a reader.

The author manages to work the dual timelines perfectly, neither overshadows or is given more time than needed but the style just added more depth to the plot, the suspense.. the fear of the unknown.. even from 2 chapters in I was worried for both Katel and Megan and the fates that may befall them. For me the future setting was more enthralling as we see Megan investigate this eerie village .. I felt the character needed this.. needed something for herself and the character develops well throughout.

Looking at the past and Katel tale is certainly more moving and emotional, you feel for the girl…and her mother.

Add in a healthy dose of the unknown, witches, ghosts, fear and injustice wow.. what a story.

The supernatural side of the tale really worked well..I won’t spoil it but the ghost of a woman who weeps at night for her heart broken and the drenched man, who will never rest because he was drowned at sea..I mean this alone had my interested peaked and hooked me in.

The setting has to be mentioned too. I’m not familiar with Cornwall myself having never been but the author paints vivid images and makes you want to visit yourself.. although maybe avoid anywhere called or similar too The Ship Inn ha.

The story is well rounded..plot, setting, characters all develop nicely and you can just tell there’s been a lot of time and energy put into the story from the author which has certainly paid off! A thrilling and emotional 5* read.

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour in exchange for my honest review. I may have received a copy of the book to aid my review but I bought a copy too.. it’s worth it.

Interested yet? Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/TheCornishWitch

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Leigh writes dual timeline stories under the name of Elena Collins: the name is a tribute to her grandmother who was a teller of stories and fortunes, and she had healing hands.

These novels combine three of her passions: delving into rich historical tales, exploring stunning locations, and evoking the supernatural. They weave together stories of people’s lives both past and present, with some spine-tingling moments along the way. She loves writing these novels and hopes readers enjoy them as much as she does. The characters and settings are particularly close to her heart.

Writing under the name of Judy Leigh, she is also the author of uplifting novels that explore the lives of older women and the possibilities of second chances, change, and happiness. Under this name, she writes the Morwenna Mutton/Seal Bay cozy crime series, set in Cornwall, featuring a sixty-something sleuth who enjoys solving crimes and getting into mischief.

Outside of writing, Leigh enjoys traveling, reading, music, and theatre. She holds an MA in Professional Writing. When she’s not at her desk or spending time with her two black cats, she’s often researching her next novel in some of the country’s most beautiful locations and beyond.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @judyleighuk

Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter

Instagram: @judyrleigh

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

Bookbub profile:@elenacollins

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Enemies of the Crown by Peter Gibbons.

Here’s the blurb.

A weakened crown. A country besieged by Vikings, suffering under the oppression of a powerful church.

994AD

King Aethelred the Unready’s rule falters. Policies recommended by the controlling bishops invite more attacks upon his Saxon kingdom as Sweyn Forkbeard, Viking battle-king of the Danes, grows in power; bloodthirsty for conquest.

Beornoth, Viking-killer and kings thegn believed his days in the shield wall to be over until summoned by the king to enforce a policy of retribution against his enemies.

In a time of shifting loyalties, alongside a savage warband of cruel Norman warriors, Beornoth embarks upon a brutal quest to rid England of King Aethelred’s so-called Viking enemies.

However, when this murderous campaign leads to the door of an old friend, Beornoth must choose sides, as his loyalty to king, country, and his brothers of the sword are put to the test.

Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this shield splintering battle for the future of England itself?

Review

Are we really up to book 5 in the series? Really.. it doesn’t feel like it.. there’s been so much that’s happened but everything feels so fresh and new still.. so much it’s hard to believe how far the series has come.. wow.

The battle of Maldon is over but King Aethelred reign is not secured…there’s increased raids from the Vikings.. some see this as what it is.. opportunistic aa=nd it can only get worse.. but many see this as the King losing Gods favour..

If anything the policies play a part in inviting some blood-thirsty foes to his very door.. Sweyn Forkbeard and Thorkell the Tall. These two are fascinating characters.. and not to spoil but they arent going to be easy to kill..

Beornoth thought his days with sword and shield in hand were behind him but the King needs his hand once more!

Beornoth sets out to crush the Viking threat.. the issue is he’s not alone..the king has decided in his wisdom to employ a band of ruthless Norman mercenaries! This can’t end well.

It’s not at simple as that either.. there’s more going on than Beornoth can see at first..which leads to the ultimate test… I really don’t want to spoil it but there’s so much depth behind the tests Beornoth faces.. you can’t really see a way for him to get out of this mess,

Peter Gibbons is a fantastic author, not only are the battles bloody and gory like any fan would want but there’s depth and emotion added.. you feel the need to pick up sword through the page.. it’s so vivid and emotive in it’s descriptiveness.

The Saxon Warrior series is a masterclass in storytelling and I was so glad to see there’s more to come. Each story has it’s own clear part to play in the series.. no messing around padding things out.. there’s direction and growth throughout each tale. I never know where Gibbon’s will take me when I pick up his one of his books but I always know it’s going to be good and Enemies of the Crown is the jewel of the series so far cementing Beornoth as someone I’ll never forget!

Shield smashing 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Peter is the winner of the 2022 Kindle Storyteller Literary Award, and an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing! Peter was born in Warrington in the UK and studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University, before taking up a career in Financial Services and is now a full time author. Peter currently lives in Kildare Ireland, and is married with three children. Peter is an avid reader of both Historical Fiction and Fantasy novels, particularly those of Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, David Gemmell, and Brandon Sanderson. His books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga, the Saxon Warrior series, and the Chronicles of Arthur.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @PeterGibbonsAuthor

Twitter: @AuthorGibbons

Instagram: @PeterMGibbons

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

Bookbub profile:@petermgibbons1

Today is publication day for You Know The Drill: The Private Musings of a Dentist by Dr Bill! What better way to celebrate than to share a review!

Here’s the blurb

Welcome to my life.  The life of a reluctant dentist.  This book charts the course of a nervous student dealing with people from all walks of life, from exploding angry abscesses to exploding angry people, both in and out of the chair.

When I was a wet-behind-the-ears school sixth former, it seemed like a really good idea to go to university and study the teeth, gums and mouth.  I’m still trying to work out why I thought that was a good idea.

The definition of a dentist mentions competencies in biomedical knowledge, surgical dexterity, and critical thinking. What it fails to include is being an unpaid therapist, getting splattered in pus, coaxing nutters out from under the dental chair, having the police storm your surgery, and dealing with patients who think a crown is something you put on your head, then try and sue you when you say otherwise.

Written as a form of therapy – to offload on paper – this book gives a frank account of life both in and out of the surgery.  So, take a seat in the waiting room and I’ll see you shortly in Chapter One…

Review

Over the last few years I’ve really enjoyed this type of book, where professionals share with us readers an insight into their professions.. I did wonder what could You Know The Drill could offer to make it stand out from the crowd..

Well, the answer is Dr Bill! It’s the witty humour .. the honesty.. it felt like this could be one of those chats you have with a close friend down the local pub where you end up reminiscing for hours but have so much fun!

I felt the tone of the book was perfect, it’s raw and honest.. doesn’t sugarcoat anything but at the same type it can be light-hearted and extremely funny.

You can tell Dr Bill has worked with many patients over the years and it amazed me how easily those individuals were brought to life.. dealing with complaints for example.. Dr Bill made those moments pop! You felt the emotion. Felt nervous and scared for Dr Bill… and you hated those bloody patients too ha.

Also what stands out is the time given to talk about working during the Covid-19 pandemic. It feels like so long ago now and I think we all just forget how it affected other people as we concentrated on self-preservation.

The book is well balanced and there’s a dry wit/charm throughout which just made it a fun read from the first page to the last. There’s highs and lows, ups and downs but you feel the positivity that pours through from Dr Bill.

I really found it refreshing, the honestly used when discussing finances and the pressures dentists are under..these services are things we just take for granted but maybe you’ll see things a little differently now after reading the book? I know I never thought the journey to be a dentist could be so..so.. colourful..

You Know The Drill is a great addition to the genre.

5/5 stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the publication day push!

Tempted? – Here the link to purchase a copy!

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0DTQYKQ4V

Author Bio:

Dr Bill is a reluctant dentist who lives with his kind partner and a neurotic cat.  This is his first book.  There may be another.  This depends on whether Dr Bill’s patients are gracious sweethearts who give him nothing to write about, or cantankerous bastards who provide the fodder for written revenge!

Today I’m reviewing Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl by Rebecca Quin.

Here’s the blurb.

By age seven, Rebecca Quin, now known in the ring as Becky Lynch, was already defying what the world expected of her.

Raised in Dublin, Ireland in a devoutly Catholic family, Rebecca constantly invented new ways to make her mother worry – roughhousing with the neighbourhood kids, getting older and hosting secret parties while her parents were away, enrolling in a warehouse wrestling school, nearly breaking her neck and almost kneecapping a WWE star before her own wrestling career even began – and she was always in search of a thrilling escape from the ordinary.

Rebecca’s deep love of wrestling as a child set her on an unlikely path. With few female athletes to look to for guidance, Rebecca pursued a wrestling career hoping to change the culture and move away from the antiquated disrespect so often shown directed at the elite female athletes that grace the ring. Even as a teenager, she knew that she would stop at nothing to earn a space among the greatest wrestlers of our time, and to pave a new path for female fighters.

Culled from decades of journal entries and containing treasured family photos, Rebecca’s memoir offers a raw, personal, and honest depiction of the complex woman behind the character Rebecca Quin plays on TV, and a fascinating insight into the world of professional wrestling.

Review

Yes I’m a bit of a wrestling fan I must admit, call it fake all you want but I know my body couldn’t do what those guys do and boy do they sell it well! Ha

Once in a while a character will come along that immediately you like.. or sometimes dislike.. those that stay with you no matter what they do or how time passes.. Stone Cold for example will always be my ultimate.. then there’s Becky Lynch!

I grew up in the Diva days when wrestling for the women was more about how they looked rather than what they could do in the ring.. they didn’t get a real push or the screen time.. if I’m honest it felt like they were objects not people, but you could sense a change coming and it’s people like Rebecca Quin who helped change the way we look at women’s wresting.

I love real stories.. I love the relatable moods and emotions,  and The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl hits all the right notes.

There’s some massive high moments.. main eventing..pushing boundaries..love.but there’s also the horrendous lows.. dealing with life’s stresses, eating disorders and failure… it’s the realness we don’t see on screen.. we see the image they want us to see but there’s that doesn’t even scratch the surface.

I know Becky is just a character but what I always loved about seeing her on screen is it instantly felt real and it’s a talent to put realness into the performance and what The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl shows us it that Rebecca Quin put the same energy into her own life, facing every challenge put in her way.

I really enjoyed learning the errors Rebecca made along the way too.. like we all do.. it’s part of growing up.. the realness just helps you become more invested in the tale.. more invested in the character.

The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl is a wild ride of highs and lows, it’s raw and real and mirrors the feelings we all have in life.. although in rather different circumstance.

We know Becky made her way to the top of WWE but you that didn’t stop you rooting for Rebecca Quin from the first page to the last.

Interesting and insightful read!

5*

To find out more head for Goodreads or Amazon.

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair.

Here’s the blub.

His past is coming back with a vengeance…

Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he’d prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minko – son to one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers – Gregor was a scared 6-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn’t the mission.

Twenty years on Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help in finding Gregor – now going by the name of Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of ‘crimes against the Russian state’, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.

Fuelled by old demons and painful memories of his own brutal actions in the past, Ryker finds himself once again in the thick of a complicated race against time and who knows how many of the world’s secret services, to find Gregor and get some answers.

As answers turn into more questions, they lead Ryker closer to home… and he can’t shake the feeling that he may be to blame.

Review

We are back with James Ryker…. for his 13^th adventure! 13 is unlucky for some but not Rob Sinclair!

The Enemy Within jumps from past to present and allows the reader the chance to get to know Gregor Rebrov.

Gregor hasn’t had a great upbringing, and he’s again got himself in trouble.

Ryker is approached one day and informed of Gregor’s plight…Ryker has history with Gregor and his parents from a past mission so sets out to find him.

Of course it’s not going to be as simple as that in Ryker’s world. Firstly who were these two who informed Ryker.. and how do they know so much about him? Something doesn’t smell right.

Looking at the past we learn not only of the fate of Gregor and his family but also Ryker himself. We see how the job has changed him and also a little bit more about Ryker’s history with those who pull his strings, Mackie and Winter.

Back in the present we now understand why Ryker wants to help Gregor.. he owes him.. owes his mother.. Ryker isn’t the same man he was.. still as deadly but the toll of the job has really changed him. Is this Ryker’s chance at a little redemption?

What Rob Sinclair has done wonderfully is weave a fresh story for Ryker but at the same time added character development.. you’d think by now we would know what makes Ryker tick, but he never ceases to amaze me. Ryker has his flaws, but it’s these flaws that have made him the man he is.

Events have also changed Gregor and Ryker has to try and figure out if any of the boy he knew still remains.. it’s as he gets to know him that we finally understand Gregor’s own motivations.. the devastation that has brought him to where they are now..it’s a horrific and brutal punch that even rocks Ryker.

The setting was very poignant too as the author explores the war between Ukraine and Russia, it just makes those poignant moments all the more real.

The Enemy Within is packed full of action, political intrigue, betrayal and blood with a healthy dose of character development. For me it was all about the motivations…the depth and emotion.. Simply wow!

5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Most recently published by Bloodhound, Boldwood will publish his latest action thriller, Rogue Hero, in June 2024 and will be republishing all the James Ryker series over the coming months.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @robsinclairauthor

Twitter: @rsinclairauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @RobSinclair

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Raven (Enemy of the Empire Book 1) by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

Review.

If you’re a fan of the author or follow my blog this book might sound familiar.. that’s because it is. The author has been snapped up by Boldwood Books.. which in my opinion is a match made in heaven!

Alaric is a mercenary for hire and he’s damn good at what he does… he turns the tide in favour of whoever pays the most and there’s not many he wouldn’t stab in the back for the right price.

We find Alaric and his band of 500 battle hardened men, the Ravensworn, in search of their next commission.. the only problem is something doesn’t smell right.

Alaric soon learns a powerful enemy wants him dead.. but why now.. he’s been in game a long time.. it just doesn’t make sense to him. I loved this part of the plot, the pace of the development was spot on revealing just enough to keep you hooked but never enough to give the game away too soon.

One really interesting thing about the book is the backstory of Alaric.. we learn of how he became to be the man he is.. and as much as I didn’t want to I found myself liking the character more and more even though he’s a bringer of death and destruction.

I really enjoyed the development throughout the tale as Alaric fights his way to the truth behind the plot to have him killed.. not only that but the characters themselves were captivating and when the action hit the story was utterly invigorating.. I was on the edge of my seat..especially during the last battle!

There’re so many good characters to pick from but for me Ketill and Birgir shine through simply through, not only as interesting characters but also because of the connections they have to Alaric.

I was fully immersed in the vivid battle scenes which had the adrenaline pumping overtime! This is what i wanted.. dark and dirty..life and death.. when push comes to shove niceties go out the window.

Easy 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical thrillers. His brand new series for Boldwood, ‘Enemies of Rome’, will focus on the boundaries at the edge of the Roman Empire. The first book Raven, will be published in February 2025.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse