Tuesday 29 May 2018

Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea - Book Review & #Giveaway (US only)


Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea

 

About the Book

 
Don't Believe It
Mystery/Crime/Suspense 
Kensington (May 29, 2018) 
Hardcover: 304 pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1496713803 
Digital ASIN: B075CBLSDX 
Audio ASIN: B079VRWSRY 


From acclaimed author Charlie Donlea comes a twisting, impossible-to-put-down novel of suspense in which a filmmaker helps clear a woman convicted of murder—only to find she may be a puppet in a sinister game.

The Girl of Sugar Beach is the most watched documentary in television history—a riveting, true-life mystery that unfolds over twelve weeks and centers on a fascinating question: Did Grace Sebold murder her boyfriend, Julian, while on a Spring Break vacation, or is she a victim of circumstance and poor police work? Grace has spent the last ten years in a St. Lucian prison, and reaches out to filmmaker Sidney Ryan in a last, desperate attempt to prove her innocence.
As Sidney begins researching, she uncovers startling evidence, additional suspects, and timeline issues that were all overlooked during the original investigation. Before the series even finishes filming, public outcry leads officials to reopen the case. But as the show surges towards its final episodes, Sidney receives a letter saying that she got it badly, terribly wrong.
Sidney has just convinced the world that Grace is innocent. Now she wonders if she has helped to free a ruthless killer. Delving into Grace’s past, she peels away layer after layer of deception. But as Sidney edges closer to the real heart of the story, she must decide if finding the truth is worth risking her new found fame, her career . . . even her life.
"Grace Sebold had been described as a combination of a brilliant future physician and a ruthless murderer"

 Charlie Donlea's novel The Girl Who Was Taken was one of my favourite reads of 2017 so my expectations were pretty high for his latest story ....... and he didn't disappoint - I think Don't Believe It is even better and more compelling!

 From the beginning scenes where the murder of Julian is played out, though we don't know by whom, to the dramatic ending scenes, I was on the edge of my seat, totally hooked.

 Sidney Ryan has already made two documentaries re-opening old murder cases and had succeeded in releasing innocent people, that's why Grace had written to her, in the hope that she could do the same for her.  

 What follows is Sidney's investigation, as a twelve week real-time show that gradually builds to a huge ratings monster, as she uncovers surprises week by week, interspersed with the actual incompetent police investigation, and the Jury's deliberations at the trial.  I thought this was all so excellently done and it felt like I was actually in a court room watching while Sidney uncovers vital evidence that was suppessed at Grace's original trial.

 The suspense was maintained throughout and, as the final scenes are played out, I thought the story was going in one direction when it suddenly changed course with totally unexpected shocks that really played with my mind!

 Don't Believe It is a story that I won't forget in a hurry, it was totally absorbing and compelling.


About the Author

 
Credit - Carrianne Photography[/caption] USA Today bestselling author Charlie Donlea was born and raised in Chicago. He now lives in the suburbs with his wife and two young children. Readers can find him online at http://charliedonlea.com 
Author Links Website http://charliedonlea.com 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/charliedonlea/?ref=hl 
Twitter https://twitter.com/CharlieDonlea 
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13922088.Charlie_Donlea 
Purchase Links Amazon B&N Kobo Google Play BookBub 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 Tour Participants 
May 21 – Bea's Book Nook – REVIEW 
May 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
May 22 – DeeScoveries - SPOTLIGHT 
May 22 – Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews – REVIEW 
May 23 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
May 23 – Book Babble – REVIEW 
May 24 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
May 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW May 25 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW 
May 25 – Books Direct – REVIEW 
May 26 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
May 27 – T's Stuff – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
May 28 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST 
May 28 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT 
May 29 – Carole's Book Corner – REVIEW 
May 29 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 30 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 
May 31 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW, GUEST POST June 1 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW 
June 2 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW 
   
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Monday 28 May 2018

The Letter Kitty's Story by Eliza J. Scott - Cover Reveal

I have a gorgeous Cover Reveal for you today hosted by Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tours for The Letter Kitty's Story


Genre:  Contemporary Women's Fiction/Romance
Publication Date:  29 June 2018
First Book in the Life On T'Moors Series

Life is anything but peaceful in the chocolate-box pretty village of Lytell Stangdale, where life unravels, and hearts are broken. Full of heart-warming moments, this book with have you crying tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
Thirty-four-year-old Kitty Bennett is trapped in a loveless marriage to criminal barrister, Dan, who’s gradually isolated her from her family and friends. Until the day she (literally) bumps into her first love, the handsome and easy-going Ollie Cartwright – someone she’s done her best to avoid for as long as she can remember. Looking into Ollie’s eyes awakens feelings for him she thought she’d buried deep years ago, and he clearly feels the spark, too. As she walks away, Kitty can’t help but wonder what might have been…
Dan senses that his marriage is on shaky ground and knows he needs to win his wife round. He turns on the charm, skilfully using their two children, Lucas and Lily, as bargaining tools. But Kitty’s older brother, Jimby, and her childhood best-friends, Molly and Violet, have decided enough is enough. For years they’ve had to watch from afar as Kitty’s been browbeaten into an unrecognisable version of herself. They vow to make her see Dan for what he really is, but their attempts are no match for his finely-honed courtroom skills and, against her better judgement, Kitty agrees to give her husband one last chance. But, all-too-soon, a series of heart-breaking events and a shocking secret throw her life into turmoil…
Will Kitty stand by Dan, or will she be brave enough to take the leap and follow her heart to Ollie?



Meet The Author

Author Bio –   I live in a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with my husband, two daughters and two black Labradors. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found with my nose in a book/glued to my Kindle, or in my garden. I also enjoy bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off with a visit to a teashop where I can indulge in another two of my favourite things: tea and cake.
Social Media Links –
Blog: Eliza J Scott - elizajscott.com
Twitter: Eliza J Scott – @ElizaJScott1
Instagram: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscott
Facebook: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscottauthor





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Wednesday 23 May 2018

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Missing Scarab by Columbkill Noonan - Book Review & Giveaway


Barnabas Tew and The Case Of The Missing Scarab

by Columbkill Noonan

About the Book


Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Published by Crooked Cat Books
Release Date - June 3, 2017
Paperback: 274 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1546786078
Digital ASIN: B072JMJV1F


Barnabas Tew is a private detective struggling to survive in
his trade in Victorian London. Fearing that he is not as
clever as he had hoped to be, he is plagued by a lack of
confidence brought on in no small part by his failure to
prevent the untimely deaths of several of his clients.

Matters only get worse when Anubis, the Egyptian God of
the Dead, is referred to Barnabas by a former client (who
perished in a terribly unfortunate incident which was
almost certainly not Barnabas’ fault). Anubis sends for
Barnabas (in a most uncivilized manner) and tells him that
the scarab beetle in charge of rolling the sun across the
sky every day has been kidnapped, and perhaps
dismembered entirely.

The Land of the Dead is in chaos, which will soon spill over
into the Land of the Living if Barnabas – together with his
trusty assistant, Wilfred – cannot set matters to right. Pulled
from his predictable (if unremarkable) life in Marylebone,
Barnabas must match his wits against the capricious and
dangerous Egyptian gods in order to unravel the mystery
of the missing beetle and thereby save the world.
What a quirky and insane read this is!
Barnabas Tew used to dream of being the most successful
private detective in the world (like his hero Sherlock Holmes)
but, unfortunately, he has only solved a few cases, mainly
due to his self doubt.
He is such a likeable character but utterly hopeless!
His adventures in the Land of the Dead are very funny, as he
meets several gods along the way.
I enjoyed the interactions between Barnabas and his poor
assistant Wilfred, which probably should be the other way
round as Wilfred was sometimes far too clever for his own
good!
I thought the writing was simple and silly, but, once I'd got
used to it, I just enjoyed it for what it was, it doesn't take
itself too seriously, it's just a unique, funny and entertaining
read.

About the Author
Columbkill Noonan has an M.S. in Biology (she has, in turn,
been a field biologist, an environmental compliance 
inspector, and a lecturer of Anatomy and Physiology).
When she's not teaching or writing, she can usually be
found riding her rescue horse, Mittens, practicing yoga
(on the ground, in an aerial silk, on a SUP board, and
sometimes even on Mittens), or spending far too much
time at the local organic, vegan market.
Author Links




Purchase Link 






TOUR PARTICIPANTS


May 22 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
May 23 – Carole's Book Corner – REVIEW
May 24 – The Book Diva's Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST
May 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 25 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
May 26 – Mysteries with Character – SPOTLIGHT
May 27 – Lori's Reading Corner - SPOTLIGHT
May 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
May 29 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
May 30 – Queen of All She Reads - REVIEW
May 31 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 1 – T's Stuff – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 2 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW






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Tuesday 15 May 2018

The Purrfect Pet Sitter by Carol Thomas - Blog Tour Spotlight

Today the Spotlight is on The Purrfect Pet Sitter with Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tours

Genre:  Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy
Publication Date:  24 April 2018
Standalone Novel
Publisher:  Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit
Estimated Page Count:  320


Introducing Lisa Blake, the purrfect pet sitter! 
When Lisa Blake’s life in London falls apart, she returns to her hometown rebranding herself as ‘the purrfect pet sitter’ – which may or may not be false advertising as she has a rather unfortunate habit of (temporarily) losing dogs! 

But being back where she grew up, Lisa can’t escape her past. There’s her estranged best friend Flick who she bumps into in an embarrassing encounter in a local supermarket. And her first love, Nathan Baker, who, considering their history, is sure to be even more surprised by her drunken Facebook friend request than Lisa is. 

As she becomes involved in the lives of her old friends Lisa must confront the hurt she has caused, discover the truth about her mysterious leather-clad admirer, and learn how to move forward when the things she wants most are affected by the decisions of her past.



About Carol


Carol Thomas lives on the south coast of England with her husband, four children and lively young Labrador. She has been a playgroup supervisor and taught in primary schools for over fifteen years, before dedicating more of her time to writing. Carol is a regular volunteer at her local Cancer Research UK shop. She has a passion for reading, writing and people watching and can often be found loitering in local cafes working on her next book.
Social Media Links –

Check out the other Bloggers on the Tour!


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Friday 11 May 2018

The Girls' Book of Priesthood by Louise Rowland - Blog Tour & Exclusive Extract

Today is my stop on the Random Things Tour for The Girls' Book of Priesthood - I have an exclusive extract from the book below

Publication Date:  8 March 2018
Publisher:  Muswell Press


‘I mean, you know, someone says “woman priest” and you think the
whole grey-hair-bobbly-cardigan-house-full-of-cats thing, right?’

Margot Goodwin is a young curate struggling to survive her trial year in the parish, when everything and everyone seems hell-bent on stopping her.

Success would mean becoming a fully-fledged priest, something she feels profoundly called to do. Failure would not only prove her father right, but would also delight all the antis who consider women priests at best a joke, at worst, an abomination. But from the very start, Margot faces a multitude of challenges, both personal and professional, from the hostile teenage daughter of her host family, to the married parishioner she is hopelessly drawn to.

Can she convince everyone - herself included - that she’s more than a lipstick-wearing, part-timer with a PhD, and realise her long-held dream of becoming a priest.

Meticulously researched, The Girls’ Book of Priesthood is being published
to coincide with the anniversary of women’s ordination in March


EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT

The Girls’ Guide to Priesthood – extract p97-98

She’s in the porch chatting to the tenor when the baptismal family make their entrance. Jeremy’s thumbnail was spot on, she realises. Carmen, stick-thin in expensive neutrals, and a labradoodle – which she refuses to leave outside – under her arm. Slick-haired Hugo, scrolling through his BlackBerry as they run through the order of service. She wonders whether they took her for the office secretary at first, as though everyone on the clergy team wears a dog collar, just like everyone working at Sainsbury’s wears orange and purple. It takes some nimble footwork to convince then of the unique symbolism of a woman carrying out a baptism, including
referencing the Madonna and Child and the pouring on of the waters of life.
There’s also an awkward moment when she takes
them to the font and Carmen has clearly been expecting fifteenth century craftsmanship, rather than a battered silver bowl perched on a scruffy wooden table.
Nothing in her eight years of study and training have prepared her for the terror of this. The entire congregation is now watching her trying to juggle baby Oscar into a more comfortable position
without dropping him or prompting him to throw up all over her surplice. He’s far heavier than she expected: a plump putto straight out of Raphael, dressed in what looks like expensive oyster silk.
Two hundred pairs of eyes are clocking her every move, gasping every time the baby wriggles. All these cloths and jugs and balms to negotiate with a writhing eight kilos in your arms. She can’t even
wipe her hand dry on her robes. Oscar’s tiny fat fingers are clamped tight around her collar as though even he knows he’s got the rookie.
This must be how a bomb-disposal expert feels removing their first live pin. Talking of which, Roderick’s supposed to be on standby
support, but he’s stayed way over by the altar rail, arms crossed, a tight smile on his face.
At least Jeremy will be thrilled when he hears how many are here, particularly as Carmen and Hugo have not only paid for the flowers and the service sheets and the post-service canapés, but also
donated a healthy cheque for ‘sundry expenses’. The vicar loves these cheques most of all.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Louise Rowland grew up in Bournemouth and studied English at Cambridge. She went on to work as a speechwriter, journalist and copywriter - including 11 years in Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam. She has a Masters in Novel Writing from City University, where she won the course prize. She lives in London with her husband and has two grown-up daughters. The Girls' Book of Priesthood is her first novel.

Available from






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