Soul Love by D.F. Jones - #blogtour #spotlight #bookpromo

 

I am so pleased to be shining the spotlight on this book today. The gorgeous cover alone makes me want to dive straight in. 

From USA Today bestselling author D.F. Jones comes Soul Love, a mesmerizing tale of past lives, time travel, and an unbreakable bond that transcends time itself.

The Blurb

What if a simple dinner invitation could change your life forever?

When Summer Jewel accepts a dinner invitation from her enigmatic new neighbor, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly transported to 1926 Heartsville, she uncovers shocking truths about a past life she never knew existed. This revelation ignites a journey brimming with turbulent emotions and undeniable desires, leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew.

Meanwhile, Rogan Randolph, a dedicated agent of The Order of the Invisible Effect, is tasked with subtly guiding the course of human history. His orderly world is thrown into chaos when a portal to his own past unexpectedly opens, offering him a chance to right a wrong. His mission becomes inextricably linked with Summer's, as she is the very woman he encounters in the future.

Together, Summer and Rogan must navigate the intricate complexities of love and destiny, confronting the mysteries of their intertwined past lives. Their actions ripple through time, challenging the very fabric of reality and altering the course of their journey. True love is never lost, and some connections last forever.

Escape into Soul Love, where destiny and passion weave a captivating narrative that explores the enduring power of love and the intriguing possibilities of fate.

Prepare to be swept off your feet with this spellbinding story of love, loss, and the magic of second chances.

Book Details

ISBN: 979 8332501548

Publisher:  Independently published

Formats: e-book, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  160

Buy Links

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling Author, #1 International Bestseller, #1 Amazon Bestseller, D. F. Jones began her career as a broadcast consultant at the ABC  Affiliate in Nashville, which led her to open an advertising agency. She downsized her agency to care for her parents. Writing is a source of creative expression for D.F. Jones, but it also releases stress. Writing takes her to a place where anything is possible, and fiction takes her to a place made of dreams.

Whether it’s angels and demons, time travel adventures, witches, wizards, or ghosts, her books are action-packed with supernatural and romantic elements.

She’s happily married to the love of her life and best friend. They have two beautiful sons whom she loves and adores more than life itself. She loves to laugh, and her husband keeps her in stitches! She’s a fan of the Tennessee Titans and enjoys working in her flower gardens.

You can find her at:

https://dfjonesauthor.com/

Twitter / X

Good Reads

Instagram

(all media courtesy of Pump Up Your Book)

(all opinions are my own)

Witchcraft: A Graphic History: Stories of Wise Women, Healers and Magic by Lindsay Squire - #bookreview

 

'Every witch uses her magic differently. I use mine to heal people, while others ...'

'What do the others do!? Are there many different types of witches!?'

'Oh yes! Many ...'

The Blurb

Join Lindsay, a young and curious 19th-century lass, as she meets Biddy Early, the famous 'wise woman of County Clare', and learns all about the magickal arts – from which plants can be used to make healing poultices and potions, to how people dealt with the social and political stigma of practising witchcraft.

Biddy Early, who lived from 1798–1874 in Ireland, was by no means the first-ever witch, but she was the first to appear on the historical record. Before her, fears and superstitions surrounding practitioners of 'the nameless art' were too strong. It is said that Biddy took an apprenticeship with the 'good folk', sidhe or faeries, when she was very young, and it was from them that she learnt her skill as a healer.

Never one to accept monetary payment for the help she offered, Biddy would often swap home-brewed alcohol for her services, which in turn made her ramshackle cottage in Feakle a hub for the local community. When her little corner of the county drew the attention of the Catholic Church and the local authorities, things became very difficult for this unusual woman…

Encompassing self-empowerment, feminism, dealing with stigma and eco-spirituality, as well as plant magic, traditions, and green wisdom, Witchcraft: A Graphic History is a fresh take on an endlessly fascinating subject.

***

My Review

I read a graphic novel for the first time in 2022 and surprised myself by how much I enjoyed the format. I am more of a words person and have always enjoyed reading prose. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something a little different. At the time I wanted to read more graphic novels, but I had not found anything that sufficiently caught my attention until now.

This book has much to commend it. It tells the story of Biddy Early, a well known witch in the west of Ireland who was born in County Clare in 1798. The book does a great job of chronicling her life through words and illustrations and I could hardly put it down.

Not only does it focus on Biddy's life but also explains about the origins and history of witchcraft and its connection to nature and the world around us. Through Biddy we learn about the patriarchal society in which she lived and the stigma attached to those who used plants to heal others. We read of the rituals associated with Biddy's craft along with the persecution of the wise and cunning folk.

The book has been beautifully illustrated by Lisa Sausi in a lovely base colour palette of greens and orange.

This would make a fantastic introduction to the history of witchcraft for both adults and young people who want to learn more of its history through the story of Biddy Early. I enjoyed reading this very much and highly recommend it.

If you are wondering which graphic novel it was that I was referring to reading in 2022 it was The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman. You can read my review by clicking on the title.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 0711295254

Publisher: Leaping Hare Press

Formats:  e-book and hardback

No. of Pages:  128 (hardback)

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

Quarto Publishers

Bookshop.org

Waterstones

About the Author:

Lindsay Squire is a practitioner of eclectic Witchcraft and is the Witch behind the popular Instagram account, @thewitchoftheforest. She has been walking her own spiritual path for over a decade, and is passionate about helping and empowering Witches at the beginning of their Witchcraft journeys.

She is the author of The Witch of the Forest's Guide to... series:  Natural Magick, Astrology Magick, Natural Magick, Earth Magick, Tarot Magick, and Folklore Magick;  The Witch’s Book of Spells; and two magickal decks including The Witch of the Forest’s Tarot Magick Deck.

Lindsay lives in her home county of Yorkshire, UK with her mischievous cats, Luna and Merlin.

Lindsay can also be found at TikTok: thewitchoftheforest1

The Illustrator Lisa Salsi, can be found at Instagram: Lisa Salsi

(author photo courtesy of Tik Tok)

(all other media courtesy of Quarto)

(all opinions are my own)

(bookshop.com affiliate)

Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker - #bookreview #blogtour

 

In the depths of an ancient building at the heart of New London,  a bright silver cockroach scuttled along a passageway, chased by a boy. The creature was called Roacher and it stopped halfway along the corridor as its metal antennae began to twitch...

The Blurb

Pax has made it through the trials of his first year at Scholastic Parliament, but any hopes of a quieter second year are quickly dashed when he makes a shocking discovery in the school’s basement. A new student joins the school, acting suspiciously and muscling in on Pax’s friendship with Samuel. At least being reigning champions in the Parliamentary Polls allows Pax and his friends to explore the city at weekends. But drone raids and cyber-attacks disrupt life in New London while a paranoid mayor cracks down hard on terrorism.

Unwittingly, Pax helps an innocent man get captured. Driven by guilt, he seeks out the Underground resistance movement and is given a mission to steal some codes from the mayor. In the process, Pax uncovers the shocking truth about a new factory that threatens the lives of millions of people. He is torn between stopping this latest sinister plot and focusing on schoolwork to keep alive his dream of becoming an engineer. To achieve both, he’ll need help. But who can he trust in a city full of falsehoods? What sacrifices will he need to make? Find out in the latest instalment in the London Falling series.

Book Details

ISBN: 978 1837914968

Publisher:  Tiny Tree Books

Formats:  Paperback

No. of Pages:  208 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

Waterstones

Bookshop.org

My Thoughts

Pax Forby is a wonderful character and it was lovely to be reaquainted with him. I read the first book in the series Pax and the Missing Head last year. You can read my review by clicking on the title.

This book finds Pax and his friends, Samuel and Megan, a little more grown up than the previous book. Consequently, there is a hint of romance in the air. There is also a fourth friend added to the mix as Liam joins them at school and thus changes the dynamic of the trio. It is obvious from the very beginning that Pax is suspicious of him and wonders if he has an ulterior motive.

When I first picked up the book I did wonder what on earth the titular 'Forgotten Pincher' could be. It transpires that pincher is the term that has been foisted upon pensioners. In Pax's society people who reach sixty years of age are forced to take "the long walk" away from New London and to live in obscurity. When Pax accidentally stumbles upon one of these pensioners who is in hiding he sets out to aid him.

I could detect some similarities to the Harry Potter books in that it is set in a boarding school style setting, and readers would be able to grow up alongside these characters if there are to be more books.

This is an extremely engaging story with strong themes of friendship, abandonment and looks at how we treat the elderly in this future society. It made for interesting reading and I think that it will provide middle grade/early teenage readers much food for thought from reading this novel. Even apart from it simply being a good story to read, it is thoughtprovoking and made for excellent reading.

I highly recommend this book even if you have not had an opportunity to read the previous one.

***

About the Author:

David attended the Faber Academy in 2014 and from that had three climate-fiction thrillers published (The Gold Trilogy, Bloodhound Books). He joined SCBWI in 2018 as he shifted his focus to a younger audience. His Middle Grade debut, Pax & The Missing Head publishes with Tiny Tree in late 2023. He lives in Berkshire with his wife and daughter and has a passion for stories, sport and boardgames.

Why Not Check Out Other Bloggers on the Tour

The Strawberry Post

Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library

(book and media courtesy of the publisher)

(all opinions are my own)

(I am bookshop.org affiliated)

No Honour by Awais Khan

 

It was when they snatched the baby from her that she realised how serious the situation had become. She watched her twin bother, Aslam, wrap her daughter - his niece - in a filthy rag that he might have picked up in the stables... He tossed the knitted shawl she had made for the baby onto the ground.

***

The Blurb

In sixteen-year-old Abida’s small Pakistani village, there are age-old rules to live by, and her family’s honour to protect. And, yet, her spirit is defiant and she yearns to make a home with the man she loves.

When the unthinkable happens, Abida faces the same fate as other young girls who have chosen unacceptable alliances – certain, public death. Fired by a fierce determination to resist everything she knows to be wrong about the society into which she was born, and aided by her devoted father, Jamil, who puts his own life on the line to help her, she escapes to Lahore and then disappears.

Jamil goes to Lahore in search of Abida – a city where the prejudices that dominate their village take on a new and horrifying form – and father and daughter are caught in a world from which they may never escape.

Moving from the depths of rural Pakistan, riddled with poverty and religious fervour, to the dangerous streets of over-populated Lahore, No Honour is a story of family, of the indomitable spirit of love in its many forms … a story of courage and resilience, when all seems lost, and the inextinguishable fire that lights one young woman’s battle for change.

My Review

Wow! This is a very thought provoking and powerful book.

Set in a small village in Pakistan, the book opens with a young woman and her baby being murdered by her twin brother in the name of bringing  dishonour on her family. This is probably one of the most powerful openings to a book I have read in quite some time.

This sets the tone for the whole theme of the book.  Women are totally in the hands of the patriarchal figures of both her family and society.  The novel demonstrates how these young women can be exploited and abused by men in a society that deems them as useless and superfluous. The book is filled with sadness and is heartrending but also demonstrates hope.

The author has taken an extremely difficult subject in tackling such taboo subjects. He writes unflinchingly and with an honesty that is arresting. I could not put this book down. It was utterly compelling and Mr. Khan's writing had me gripped from the first sentence to the last.

At the time of writing this, I have already begun reading another of his novels. He writes extremely well, and understands his characters completely. The book is written in alternating chapters between Abida and her father Jamil. I adored Jamil. His willingness to stand up to his village elders and face the consequences of doing so in order to protect his daughter was admirable in the extreme. His demonstration of his love for her above all else made for emotive and compelling reading.

I can hardly wait to read more work from the pen of this author, and I highly recommend this one.

Update: since writing this review I have published my review of In the Shadows of Love. You can find my review by clicking on the title.

Book Details

ISBN: 978 1913193782

Publisher:  Orenda Books

Formats: e-book, audio and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  276 (paperback)

Buy Links:

Bookshop.org

AmazonUK

WaterstonesUK

Amazon US

Orenda Books

About the Author:

Awais Khan is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Durham He has studied creative writing with Faber Academy. His debut novel, In the Company of Strangers, was published to much critical acclaim and he regularly appears on TV and Radio. The critically acclaimed No Honour was published in 2021. Awais also teaches a popular online creative writing course to aspiring writers around the world. He is currently working on his third book. When not working, he has his nose buried in a book. He lives in Lahore.

(media courtesy of the publishers website https://orendabooks.co.uk/authors/awais-khan)

(all opinions are my own)

(affiliated to bookshop.org)

Seven Perfect Days by Francesca Vespa - #bookpromo

 

It was my cousin who did it.

Well, kind of...

***

Sometimes your friends break your heart the most.

Maggie missed the most horrific moment of her life, but her eccentric best friend Alex is a constant reminder of it. High school is over, and she would give anything to clean up the mess left behind: lie… cheat… betray… kill… although… maybe not kill… That's a bit dramatic.

Things look grim, until she meets Adam Moon, a handsome foreign student and sweet, kind soul, who is just as messed up as her. Only now, he is missing, and nobody knows what happened to him. A strange offer from an old high school acquaintance to go abroad might just be what she needs. New sights and sounds may help get her mind off it, but the past has a way of catching up with her, and so does Alex.

She might get her man, but it might be at the worst possible time for both of them.

***

ISBN: 978 1923133006

Publisher:  Bronte-Arges

Formats: e-book, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages: 383 (hardback)

***

About the Author:

Francesca is based in South Australia, and she works in heavy industry. She lives away from the major centres, so gets to enjoy the great outdoors and go hiking when she has time. She has not studied creative writing but studied linguistics for a year at university. She is a bookworm, and enjoys writing books so much she wants to make it a full time job. She would also love to live somewhere where she could swim every day. She is currently working on her first proper romance called “My Stars in the Night Sky”. It’s set partly in Kosovo and she has never been more happy with one of my novels.

Jump 2: You Are Enough by J.G. Nolan - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Dear Diary

Am I actually still alive? Would you tell me if I wasn't?

I guess I am writing this, so I must be. Sort of. But you wouldn't say anything anyway, would you?

It's all one-way traffic with you. I tell you everything, but what do I get in return?

***

The Blurb

In the world of football, a blend of physical prowess and mental strength shapes champions.

Jamie Campbell is a talented young footballer whose sporting journey takes an unexpected twist when a family tragedy shatters her dreams and plunges her into a dark, lonely world from which she feels she will never escape.

In the depths of despair, Jamie finds solace and strength in her loyal friend, Robbie Blair.

Sent to the Lake District for a change of scene, Jamie embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her fears, unlock the past and unearth her true potential.

But will she find all the answers and ultimately … is she enough?

 

My Thoughts

This was such a nice book to read and will appeal to both girls and boys alike. I think readers of upper middle grade/lower teens would enjoy this.

 Much of the story revolves around sport, and football in particular. I am not a sport fan but I enjoyed reading this. It is the second book in the Jump series and not having read the first book did not hinder my appreciation of this.

The main character is Jaime, who following the death of her mother suffers some mental health issues. This had a profound impact on her ability to play football, which had previously been of huge importance to her. In fact, I learnt a lot about OCD from reading this. It also highlights the importance of speaking out and getting help when it is needed. I enjoyed following Jaime's story of self-discovery and ultimately this is a book about hope and self-acceptance.

The book was well-written and I was very engaged by Jaime's story. I admired her enormously and found her to be likable, corouageous and realistic. I enjoyed seeing the impact that her friend, Robbie had on her and the way in which he encouraged her self-acceptance.

It has also been nicely illustrated by Carina Roberts and this really elevates the book.

Also, there are a set of questions at the back of the book which makes this perfect for the classroom. This is well worth reading. There is something for everyone included in this book and I strongly recommend it.

***

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1739208424

Publisher:  Sergar Creative

Formats:  e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  196 (paperback)

About the Author:

JG NOLAN was born and raised in a sleepy village in Shropshire and loved writing stories and playing football as a child.

He has been a teacher for many years, working mainly with children who have had difficult beginnings in life. He strongly believes in positive thinking and feels most things are achievable if you put your mind to it.

When his football-mad son Robbie was much younger, he kept breaking bones and was told by the doctors that he would never play football again. It was during one of JG Nolan’s many lengthy stays visiting his son in the local children’s hospital that the idea for his first book, Jump!, drifted into his mind.

Following on from the success of Jump! JG Nolan was keen to explore the story of Robbie Blair’s footballing friend Jamie, and this led him to delve into another journey of adversity, determination and recovery.

The first two books in the Jump! series reflect JG Nolan’s deep-rooted interest in sporting prowess, mental strength and history.

When he’s not busy battering away at his old computer, conjuring up new tales, JG Nolan can either be found playing squash or strumming his guitar. For many years he tried to “make it” in his indie rock band, The Poet Dogs.

He still writes songs now. When he has the time.

Connect with JG Nolan on TikTok and Instagram @JGNolan3

Why Not Check Out Some of the Other Bloggers on the Tour:

Claire's Book Obsession

Pause the Frame

Books Happy Thoughts

(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

(buy links unaffiliated)

All Hallows Book Tag - #AHBT @QuirnusReads

 

Today I am taking part in the All Hallows Book Tag which was created by @QuirnusReads on X/Twitter. Do you like my old school response to the This or That questionaire?

There are also six questions to answer for this tag and you can find my answers below.

I am also tagging in some of the other lovely bloggers who are taking part.

My Answers to This or That

You will probably notice that I have sat squarly on the fence regarding my preference to whether I am a daylight or nightime reader. I'm both and I could not possibly choose. I read at almost every available moment. I always have a book on me. Are you the same?

All Hallows Book Tag Questions

What are your favourite spooky season genres?

I like books which have a witch involved in the story. The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer is a perfect example.

It was a spooky eerie read that is perfect for this tag. It is set in 1885 and is wonderfully atmospheric. My review of this book can be found by clicking here.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

Which titles do you recommend for Halloween reading?

This one is for the little ones and my grandson loved it. Spooky Little Halloween: A Finger Wiggle Book by Sally Symes and Nick Sharratt. 

A lovely interactive picture book. You can find my review by clicking here.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

 What are your most anticipated reads this month? 

I am really looking forward to reading The Twelve by Liz Hyder.

This looks like being a spooky read and I'm saving it for nearer Halloween.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

Have you had a paranormal experience or spooky coincidence?

I sometimes find I have a funny feeling about something and it comes to pass. Or I will be thinking of someone who I haven't heard from in ages and suddenly they get in touch. A little strange but I haven't experienced any ghostly apparitions. My best friend used to see a woman standing at the top of the stairs in her home and she used to scare me half to death about it when we were young.

What are your spooky season film and TV favourites?

I'm currently working my way through watching Charmed. There are loads of episodes and I'm still only about half way there so lots still to watch. 

They are based on a series of books written by Constance M. Burge. There are literally dozens of books in the series.

How do you celebrate Halloween?

We tend to keep it fairly low key but I do dot some witchy type items around the house. This year I have bought a singing black cat. Apparently, it comes with batteries but I like to think there is something a little magical about him.

I'm Tagging Some Other Bloggers Into This

For Books Sake

Sabrina Accalai

Sifa Elizabeth Reads

The Strawberry Post

Jo Linsdell

Twirling Book Princess

(all opinions on this post are my own)

(Amazon links unaffiliated)