This is another book that has been on the kindle for months since 28th June 2015, buried beneath my endless downloads. However when flicking through jThis is another book that has been on the kindle for months since 28th June 2015, buried beneath my endless downloads. However when flicking through just after Christmas I was caught by the book cover and decided to check it out.
I love this book it's a real page turner, a ghost story like no other. The ghosts cannot be seen but one can be heard 'The Dead Medium' May Elizabeth Trump.
As a living soul May did everything she could to deter others visiting and socialising with her, she is a strong independent hard working woman preferring her own company to that of others. Her death brings about the realisation that other dead people are drawn to her for she has acquired the ability to talk to the living and she helps the dead communicate with their lost living relatives.
However a darkness is coming lurking in the shadows, is it real or a story made up by an ancient ghost who loiters around his grave in the old churchyard?
At times this is rather amusing but flows well and the characters are often bright and colourful (especially for pensioners). May warms to Chloe a young woman who is left alone in the world after her mother Penny dies. May dislikes young people but Chloe helps her to see they are not all bad for Chloe is a hard worker like herself, working hard at her education to move herself up in the world. However, after her mum dies she knows she must do something to keep the family house which is falling apart having been built in 1754.
Enter May and 'The Thursday Night Club' they set up seances in Chloe's house and use May to communicate between the dead and the living hoping to make enough money to help Chloe keep her home. I really could not stop turning the pages. I enjoyed every moment. If you love ghost stories then I urge you to check this out....more
This is a wonderful & truly unique little book, and like the Quality Street sweets,‘Made for Sharing’.The cover'The Insect Hotel' by David Stringer
This is a wonderful & truly unique little book, and like the Quality Street sweets,‘Made for Sharing’.The cover is designed by Donna Harriman Murillo; it is very bright & beautiful, it is not this however, that makes this book distinctive. I say it is unique, purely because I have never come across a book like this before. The internal pages are all edged with little illustrations, but it is the actual paper that these words & images are printed upon, that makes it so different.
The paper is a strange dry, dusty, garden soil grey colour. Holding the book I could well imagine being out in the garden, in the dry summer heat. Upon turning each page, I felt like I might smudge the words across the sheet and end with little bits of gritty grey dust, upon the tips of my fingers. Of course this didn’t happen thankfully, it was just my over the top imagination, running away with itself.
This book gives you every opportunity for the imagination to run wild. It’s exciting, funny and also educational.
So to the story, it’s all about a little boy called Harry and his Dad. The idea for building an ‘Insect Hotel’ came about one day when Dad wanted to get himself and Harry out into the fresh air. Dad has a great love of nature and he wants to share it with his young son. Together the pair spends their days in the garden, with Harry learning about the insects, plants & wildlife, along with doing little chores, like watering the plants.
Then in the evenings, at bedtime, Dad makes up stories, these are created around the adventures and activities of the day. The little tales are delightful and often funny and Dad hopes they will send Harry off into Dreamland.
Characters & Hotel Guests.
Dadof course is the main character; he is everybody’s dream parent, spending quality time with his sonHarry,teaching and nurturing. This little boy, as most children are, is inquisitive with his ‘Why’s’ and ‘What’s this’? How does that work, etc? Then more often than not, his attention span has been lost. His mind has moved on to other things and he is away, off on another adventure or playing on his wonderful yellow (mountain) slide. You’ll get this when you read the book.
The story is actually split into five little chapters, each one for a different insect character and bed-time story.
Chapter 1 is aboutWoodster– a woodlouse that happens to be the insect equivalent of a ‘Handyman’, his story is mixed in with that of the ants, rushing around with their red shiny safety hats, fixing the roof of the hotel.
Stinkeris the star of chapter 2 – a shiny green shield bug, who works as a bowtie salesman. Again to find out the story of Stinker you will have to read the book, unless of course you are an insect specialist and already know about the green shield bug?
Chapter 3’s character is a thrill seeking, young and very energetic snail calledCurly Whirlyand boy is he fast.
Next chapter 4, which happens to be my favourite of the book, features two spiders –Conundrum & Nutmegweird names for these arachnids, but hey ho. Spiders have come a long way, since Incy Wincy climbed up the waterspout, for these two are no less than style guru’s who want to re-decorate the ‘Insect Hotel’.
I don’t have an ‘Insect Hotel, in my garden perhaps if I did the design duo might pay it more attention than my house. It’s like the hotel lobby on my landing, with fine silk filigree curtains strewn wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Spider Utopia. However, I would rather put up with their decorating, than lose the protection of these eight legged bodyguards who are great at getting rid of any filthy, germ breeding, low life flies.
Our final character is a little ladybird, who is always being mocked by the other insects, particularly the spiders.Gambleis his name, this he inherited after a rough game of roulette with some big frogs, who happened to be using him as a dice, on account of his spots.
Finally
At the end of the book, we get to learn how the ‘Insect Hotel’ was constructed, and why Dad & Harry took up with the project in the first place, with no costs involved.
Myself I found this a fun and engaging read. A book so exciting that it really must be shared with the whole family. Best of all, it encourages learning, and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, an activity which will always beFREE!
I sure hope there is a follow up book, the final pages hint at new projects surrounding the extension of the hotel. Now thinking along the lines of Bill Oddie the Comedian (before becoming nature man), this book is ‘Goody Goody, Yum Yum’ (Sorry I had to get this little reference in being as the Great Bill Oddie of the Goodies fame wrote the foreword for this little treasure. Words changed to prevent copyright infringement.)
I love children's stories and this is now on my list of favourites. Very exciting and well written. It is the story of three chiModern Day Enid Blyton
I love children's stories and this is now on my list of favourites. Very exciting and well written. It is the story of three children, with a secret. They hold the key to a very magical room inThe Lost BookshopOnce opened, the books within this room transport the friends on a magical adventure inside the pages.
This is a HalloweenFREEBIE(Available at other times as well)
Belinda isThe Witch with the Glitchand with a flick of her wand turns the children into monsters. A vampire, werewolf and a ghost. In order for the children to be turned back to normal they must first go off on a quest for the witch.
The story is funny and flows well, the characters are likeable and it will be a great story to share with the whole family. Even at bedtime because like the classic Blyton books the children are good and kind.
Don't just take my word for it, go try it for yourselves.
I liked this book, I was drawn in by the book cover however, I didn't love it because like people had mentioned it was very twisty and turny. TotallyI liked this book, I was drawn in by the book cover however, I didn't love it because like people had mentioned it was very twisty and turny. Totally messes with your mind.
At times I thought 'Ah yes, this is going to happen or that is going to happen' but how wrong was I.
Rather a challenging read, would I recommend it? YES, just because I think you will need to check it out for yourselves.
I read this as a kindle unlimited book and rather enjoyed it. It was full of mystery & intrigue.
The story is told mainly via lettersChilling at times
I read this as a kindle unlimited book and rather enjoyed it. It was full of mystery & intrigue.
The story is told mainly via letters exchanged between two brother's, one who is recently out of rehab. Simon Fox goes to stay with his old uni buddy. Whilst at his friends home 'Abbot's Keep' he is asked to help with a project, to search the grounds close to the old monastery in hopes of finding treasure hidden by an old Monk.
As you can well imagine he finds much more than he bargained for.
Losing contact with Simon, Clifford takes up his own search, seeking out his brother. His poor wife left at home worrying. Here again letters are exchanged as for some spooky reason there is no signal for any types of phone calls to get through.
Once the main ghost story comes into play, the storyline picks up and runs ahead, making your heart race with fear and anxiety. The story even brought me to tears at poignant place's in the book.
My mouth was also aghast at the shear horror near the end, I'm sure it can only bring me nightmares.
‘You may well shiver as you experience this stormy short.’
At eighteen years of ageLucyis following her dreams. Her first book is published‘As Dream‘You may well shiver as you experience this stormy short.’
At eighteen years of ageLucyis following her dreams. Her first book is published‘As Dreams are Made on’which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the‘Storm Creature.’Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says
‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
What a beautiful and very creative book full of wonderful fantasy snowflakes combining sea-creatures and fantasy images. A truly therapeutic book withWhat a beautiful and very creative book full of wonderful fantasy snowflakes combining sea-creatures and fantasy images. A truly therapeutic book with the images all including descriptions written below.
The author is remarkably talented and I love that they are connected to the beautiful stories from 'The Dragon Dreamer Series'
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I downloaded this wonderful trilogy as a Christmas treat for myselBook 01 of my Goodreads Challenge 2021
Unique stories of angels and demons
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I downloaded this wonderful trilogy as a Christmas treat for myself, having seen it shared by several of my book lover friends. I have only read the 1st part of the series but it hooked me in so much I had to share my feelings. (1st Jan. 2021)
I love how the author has mingled in threads of mythology into the fantasy and biblical stories of angels and the fallen ones. The main character of Book 1 isBelahe is so compassionate you cannot help but fall for him. I loved how when he heard the story of a possible mermaid sighting Bela and his friends from theFarm(a special community created as a safe haven) set out to investigate and offer assistance to the creature. (A mermaid tale always draws me in.)
A story that has lots to offer friendship, love, romance, war and a whole lot more is well worth checking out. I'm off to read the rest of the book and will report back soon. Happy Reading...more
Book 75 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019Was theAudio Book of The Shadow Rises8th August 2019 The narration brings this story to life. I am not normalBook 75 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019Was theAudio Book of The Shadow Rises8th August 2019 The narration brings this story to life. I am not normally a fan of audiobooks, as I like to imagine in my mind what each character would sound and look like. However, being a big fan of this author especially 'The Witch-Hunter Series' (of which I have the full printed collection) I could not resist giving this audiobook a go, and I can tell you now this book blew me away. The narrator does an amazing job.
Book 72 of my Goodreads Challenge
I simply had to re-read this trilogy before readingJames Witch-Hunterthe prequel and I can tell you it is as wonderful and as exciting as the first time I read it. Very Highly Recommended.
I have left the original review here too. Originally read in May 2015
#IndieRoar Challenge Day 1 The handsome hunter & the hunted.
I started reading this as a challenge for Indie Books Be Seen on Social Media. They support & promote independent authors. Being a FREE download I didn't really expect a great deal. I generally like a printed book and I am afraid for some reason the cover didn't immediately appeal. I read the blurb and was tempted inside.
Well I was hooked from the start, drawn into the night-time setting of Venice with lights sparkling across the canal. Then being introduced to the enigmatic, charming English gentleman, Hunter Astley, seventh generation Witch-Hunter. Tall dark & handsome with classic good looks, he is the dream of many a young woman, all seemingly attracted to him, but not the the tall pretty brown haired girl. Her hazel eyes had locked on Hunter for the briefest of moments. Then she turned away, obviously dissatisfied with what she saw. Her loss. Or would things turn out differently in the long run?
It's difficult to give a review and not give anything away, so I will say little else, just that I was hooked. I read the whole book in two sittings. Hunter was a character I could not help but love, he had me in a swoon that's for sure. His trusty friend & sidekick 1st generation but highly intelligent Yorkshire man James, was amusing but sometimes a little annoying with his accent. The two friends devoted to one another although this did surprise me considering all they endured. Especially in the company of Sophie new Witch-Hunter in training.
A fascinating story I simply could not put down. I thought it might be a little predictable? In some things it was and then in others I was twisted around by events, several I never saw coming. Well I'm off to start Book 2 'The Shadow Reigns'. I'll be back soon to let you know what I think of it.
In the meantime if you fancy a little witchy story, the handsome hunter & the hunted, why not pick up or download a copy? I highly recommend it, but don't just take my word for it. Go try it for yourself. Happy Reading:-)...more
This is the second reading of this wonderful book, I love the writing of this author and reading this again was justBook 33 of my Goodreads challenge
This is the second reading of this wonderful book, I love the writing of this author and reading this again was just as good as the first time, if not better.
First Review I write this with a little trail of sentimental tears, slowly drying upon my smiling face. What a wonderful little story.
I could well relate to Freya's excitement over visiting Worcester for a spot of seasonal shopping. I'm like a kid in a toy shop too at Christmas. I loved the warm wonderful descriptions of the house & the orchard and I knew exactly how Freya felt during her little accident, the same happened to me earlier this year.
The characters are very likeable,Amosthe wise drifter &Samwell what can I say about Sam? Handsome, caring, a true gentleman, I fell in love with him myself. My tired eyes spilt tears of sadness & joy I will remember this story for a long time.
I shall be looking out for more stories from Emma. Check it for yourself & Happy Reading:-)...more
A dash or two of magic & a sprinkling of passion lead to a couple of teens landing themselves in hot water.
I wasUpdate Book 24 of my Reading Challenge
A dash or two of magic & a sprinkling of passion lead to a couple of teens landing themselves in hot water.
I was very fortunate to win a copy of this book at an online Facebook Release Party and I am so pleased to have it, Thank you Tim and Valerie Hemlin. Oh and by the way I am not giving this a 5* rating just because of that I genuinely love it.
The story is based around two key characters Bobby Hawthorne & Angelina Dellapicallo (don't you just love how that name sounds so musical and rolls off the tongue). The pair seem like typical teens playing loud music and stuff but both have a love for sport, particularly running a passion they both share.
I love how the pair get together with their friends to play heavy metal music in the garage creating their own versions of old songs by Sinatra very untypically teens. Check out this quote from the book:-
PictureFly Me to the Moonwith lots of slamming on the guitar, heavy bass and pounding drums. You can’t? Yeah, neither could Mom. Mom never liked Old Blue Eyes – that’s what they called him back in the day – but after listening to one of our sessions she shook her head. “Even Sinatra doesn’t deserve this.”
It is only as the book progresses that we realise there is more to them than meets the eye particularly Bobby. He adores Angelina and lets her in to his families secret, that his mother although a chef is also a witch hence his calling her theKitchen Witch.
As is to be expected dark magic abounds and someone is out to get Bobby. Will they escape the hell hounds? How will they cope? Is Bobby's estranged family good or evil? You will just have to read the book to find out for yourself.
I would recommend this book if you enjoy stories of magic and witchcraft....more
Very enjoyable an 'on the edge of your seat' experience. I thought this book was going to be part of a trilogy bSo much darkness in such a short read.
Very enjoyable an 'on the edge of your seat' experience. I thought this book was going to be part of a trilogy but there will be a forth book next year. I was hoping for a more satisfying ending but now we have to wait....more
WOW! ‘Feral Moon’is another beautifully crafted sequel, which I have been longing to devour. It certainly doesBook 28 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019
WOW! ‘Feral Moon’is another beautifully crafted sequel, which I have been longing to devour. It certainly does not disappoint. I absolutelyLOVEthis twist in the tale, ofThe Wolf & Red Riding Hoodstory.
In this, the second book from the‘Dark Woods Series’Ms Wingler shows us a more sensitive side toGrey.Along with his very adaptable wolf, whom Grey tells us is…
‘…sneaking out of his cage while I slept and gathering information’
There are so many moving and heartfelt descriptions throughout the entirety of this story. I found it to be a wonderful balance of violence (it is about a bad ass wolf after all) and tenderness.
‘I dropped Red’s pillow… the faint scent of peaches and rain washed over me.’
The‘peaches and rain’description first appeared inBook One ‘Crimson Moon’
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and it is a description that has stayed with me throughout both books. The image is so provocative; I can almost smell the aroma floating up from the pages as I read, simply beautiful.
Several very powerful scenes had me at times close to tears. I even at one point found my allegiance swaying over to one of the bad guys. This author certainly knows how to mess with your mind. So many things I really did not see coming, this book certainly packs a punch. I really cannot say anymore, without giving away some of the story. You will just have to grab yourself a copy and read it for yourselves.
For those of you who like modern day fairytales with a bite, then this book series will not disappoint. I’m just waiting for a print version now, to sit on my book-shelf of favourites along withBook One of ‘The Dark Woods Series - Crimson Moon’
**My heartfelt thanks go to the author, for allowing me a sneak peek of this wonderful book. It was great reading it on kindle but I am really REALLY looking forward to purchasing a print copy.
These are amazing fun reads for Grown - Ups using the original images from the very early ladybird books just adapting them for Adults. This one obvioThese are amazing fun reads for Grown - Ups using the original images from the very early ladybird books just adapting them for Adults. This one obviously featuring overindulgence something we often tend to do at this time of the year.
Great little stocking fillers or fun pressies for an adult birthday. The books will rekindle old memories but with a renewed vigor.
Check them out, more being add later in the year....more
I have been dying to read this since I saw a sample of the book before it was even published. The cover simply grabbeBook 71 of my Goodreads Challenge
I have been dying to read this since I saw a sample of the book before it was even published. The cover simply grabbed me, so striking and clearly links in with the wholeWitch-Hunter Seriesof which I am a BIG FAN.
This is the story of James a young Yorkshire lad who has earned his place at Oxford University by sheer hard work and determination. I was intrigued to find out about his background after reading other books in the series and I can tell you I was not disappointed. We learn so much about this comedic character who can talk for England he hardly ever shuts up to take a breath. He is a truly likeable person who makes friends easily unless of course you are a stuck up, pompous ass, a rich kid from a privileged background like Hunter Astley his roommate. I would never have guessed James' background and I do not want to mention anything you will just have to read it for yourself.
The story is for me very believable with great characters besides James. I liked Hunter's father, not too keen on the snobby mother though. Charlotte is lovely, a young strong woman studying law who becomes a good friend to James and it appears another love interest to the womanising Hunter. I must admit to taking a bit of a dislike to Hunter at first, the way he treats James but I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt after reading'Shadow Rises'Book 1 in the Witch Hunter Series (currently FREE to download link is below). When we meet him in that story well what can I say but "Swoon" he is the handsome, enigmatic English gent and I fell instantly in love with him in that tale.
Both books are VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I am now after signed copies of the other two books in the series.
A simple warning just be very wary of exceptionally beautiful women they may turn out to be highly dangerous witches. Happy Reading.
Wow I loved this book especially as it was based in Herefordshire where I have made my home. Such a beautiful county.
I have read several books by PhilWow I loved this book especially as it was based in Herefordshire where I have made my home. Such a beautiful county.
I have read several books by Phil Rickman previously but not this one, I came to this book when I saw that it was going to be turned into a TV program. Unfortunately work has been manic and I missed the first installment on TV so I cracked on with the book. It drew me in from the first pages. Merrily is unlike any vicar I could have imagined, she drinks, smokes and swears. Then again she is only human.
After several chapters I sought out the 1st TV installment and I must say I was a bit disappointed it differed vastly from the book. So I set the programs to record and got on with reading. Much more rewarding. I would recommend the book over the program any day.
Its all the more interesting reading a book based in a location you have knowledge of and I found myself driving around and then even doing extra research about the Hereford Cathedral and St Thomas Cantilupe. I even checked out about the Boy Bishop Ceremony which is totally real. AWESOME!...more
You simply cannot beat the original text of Bram Stoker. I was worriedBook 05 of my 2020 Goodreads Challenge
Kindle Motion brings this classic to life.
You simply cannot beat the original text of Bram Stoker. I was worried when it said that there are 275 pages to this kindle edition. That seemed far too few pages to include the whole of the original text but not to worry, I read this alongside the penguin edition and the story is there in its entirety. Plus this version has the addition of some absolutely A~MAZ~ING art work byJ.H. Williams IIIseveral of the images move or swell to fill the reading screen.
This beloved classic never ceases to amaze, and draw me in once again. I adore the beautiful descriptions of the locations. The characters are wonderful, my favourite being Mina, a perfectionist with her diary entries being so precise. Van Helsing is a strong almost fatherly figure and I love how Stoker writes in his accent. I can hear his voice in my head as I read the text.
I can almost hear the counts voice too, but it kind of sounds likeJack Palancefrom the 1974 movie.
"Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!"
A brilliant read. This motion version is the best. ...more
“I did not lay a hand on her, and yet her soul floated free above her body. It hung there, a beautiful shade of shimmering rose gold; anKindle Suprise
“I did not lay a hand on her, and yet her soul floated free above her body. It hung there, a beautiful shade of shimmering rose gold; an old soul in a young body”
So say’s Asher upon meeting Izzy in the Prologue. (See Amazon for the taster ‘Look Inside’)
These words drew me in and so I downloaded the book and commenced reading immediately. It is so much more than I could ever have expected especially as it was a freebie at the time recommended by ‘Bookworm’, simply amazing.
The experiences encountered by the characters are very different from other books of this nature and I was totally drawn in. With such descriptive writing the images that were conjured filled me with awe. I thoroughly recommend reading this book it gave me such a craving for what was to follow, always wanting to know what will happen at the turn of the page and yes it is a little frustrating as it gives you a hunger. It left me always ready to devour the next chapter and at times I was even moved to tears.
This Book 1 ‘Wings of Darkness’ is only the appetiser for ‘The Immortal Sorrows’ series. I am sure it will easily fit in-between books belonging to fans of the greats such as ‘The Twilight Saga’. This series could open up whole new worlds and could lead to lots of exciting short stories too. I cannot wait for the next instalment. Don’t take my word for it, you will not know until you try it for yourself. Happy Reading:-)...more
Really loved this book with its underlying message of being tolerant of others especially those who are different. It encourages us to live in peace wReally loved this book with its underlying message of being tolerant of others especially those who are different. It encourages us to live in peace with our fellow creatures.
A truly wonderful story for young and old alike. It is unique in that it covers many topics, such as the barriers of language between species. It shows how some creatures are united in their love of art, science and technology. Truly amazing.
Arakis a dragon who does not quite fit in with the pack. He is after all a dreamer. The other dragons mock him and call him names, they never take him serious. One day whilst out on a solo flight he is caught in a dreadful storm and crash lands upon the ice, causing himself major damage. However, thanks to a curious undersea octopus calledScree(a healer who just cannot swim away from a suffering creature) an unusual alliance is formed.
The story reminded me of how the world began, how human technology and medical advancements are occurring all the time especially when people work together. It is just that in this story it is the undersea shape-shifting octopi forming lasting bonds of friendship with their much larger dragon friends.
A highly recommended read, a truly beautiful tale.
(I have now read this several times but could not resist another one.)
OK being totally honeBook 15 of my Goodreads Challenge 2018
THE STUFF OF DREAMS
(I have now read this several times but could not resist another one.)
OK being totally honest I was unsure about this little book when I first came across it. The title threw me off, not being a big Shakespeare fan I was unaware that it came from'The Tempest Act 4, scene 1, 148–158' spoken by Prospero.When you know this and discover what he is talking about then this title fits the story perfectly.
Prospero: Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits, and Are melted into air, into thin air: And like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd tow'rs, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on; and our little life Is rounded with a sleep.
Life for Matty is one long deep dream, she is caught between the love of her husband and the love of a handsome stranger. I was hooked from the start. Yes it is like a kind of 'Sleeping Beauty' story but with a few unexpected twists and turns. I never saw the end coming at all and I am not ashamed to say I cried. I cannot say more without giving away the story, you will just have to buy your own copy and find out for yourselves.
Just as wonderful and exciting as the very first time I read this.
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