Love & Madness by Athina Paris Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

After a father and powerful businessman manipulates his three sons and his empire begins to crumble, three women find themselves falling in love with the brothers and find themselves fighting to find happiness and stability in the wake of these manipulations in author Athina Paris’s “Love & Madness”.

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The Synopsis

Benjamin Powell believes he has begun an empire. He has three sons and owns the most successful construction company. But it all begins to crumble when he chooses to manipulate their lives. Twenty-seven years later, the consequences of his decisions are still being felt.

Three women enter this world and fall in love with the Powell men – Sofia, Christie, and Gloria – they will suffer, fight, win, and lose. Can one or all find their way back to happiness; whether with the man she loves, or with someone else? 

The Review

This was a rich and captivating romance novel. The detailed and engaging story does an incredible job of showcasing the complexities and emotional entanglements that come with relationships. The way author explored not only the romantic side of this narrative but the familial relationships of the narrative as well, showcasing how family relationships and bonds can be tested by everything from who we date to differences in career choices and even the cultural background of those we choose to spend our lives with. 

The character development and rich setting of this narrative added to the depth of emotional development that this story dove into. Immediately readers can feel the tension between Benjamin and his children, especially his oldest Robert. The complex story of how each of the Powell children was affected by both their mother’s passing and their father’s manipulations kept me as a reader invested in the story. The way the author was able to dive into the backstory of each of these characters showcased the depth that the author’s storytelling capabilities were able to reach, including the women who came into these men’s lives.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and thought-provoking, author Athina Paris’s “Love & Madness” is a beautiful and epic romance and drama saga that readers won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns in the narrative, as well as the wellspring of emotions the narrative takes readers into, will have the reader enthralled and mesmerized at the same time, and the way the author is able to perfectly showcase the depth of humanity itself was a great storytelling device that will resonate long after the final page is turned. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Athina Paris lives in South Africa but spent her formative years in Mozambique, where she was born. Years in convents and boarding schools prompted a deep curiosity, which quickly developed into an avid interest in reading and storytelling that led to a lifelong obsession with the written word and books. By fifteen she had discovered ancient civilizations and became fascinated with various mythologies; a love she has kept to this day.

She became a spectator of human nature, but quiet and shy, she preferred recording conduct, and so built a treasure-trove of relationship observations from which she eventually drew backgrounds for the characters in her romantic novels.

She studied Interior Design then turned to Creative Writing, and followed that with Script-writing.

Set in faraway and exotic places, Athina’s epic romances take her characters on voyages of self-discovery while dealing with catastrophic love lives in an imperfect world.

A stint as a high school English teacher polished her skills but she now concentrates on her professional goals of writing, editing, and proofreading. 

http://www.authorathinaparis.com/index.html

The Sacred Mountains by Kinga Szumska Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman must leave her village and find her place in the world after discovering the power within herself in author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains”. 

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The Synopsis

We are all on a journey. Some of us see our mountain very clearly but some can see just a glimpse of it from a distance. Some of us are confident that there must be another world than the one we were born in, while others don’t question it. But far beyond the forests in a village was a girl who decided to go on a journey and learn which world she was really from. This is a story about finding the world we belong to. I am sure you’re on your quest too.

I dedicate this book to all who one day felt out of place but had the courage to cross the bridge.

The Review

This was a beautifully written and profound story of mythology and legends meets coming-of-age storytelling. The imagery and atmosphere spoke to the power of storytelling itself, exploring the power that stories have on a people’s culture and how future generations can learn from the past to grow into their futures. The themes the author explores here, from the iconic “hero’s journey” to the power of dreams and the importance of forging our own paths in life kept me invested in the story of Lola and her journey into the mountains outside of her own village.

The dynamic character development and world-building balanced out the emotional pull of the journey the narrative itself takes. The story of Lola will resonate greatly with many readers, as her heart and her passions in life lead her to an almost outsider status in her village, with her dreams separating her from the lessons taught and embedded into the majority of the villagers. The power she discovers and her otherworldly origins play well into the mythos the author builds upon and keep the reader both entertained and enthralled by the journey.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains” is a must-read folklore and mythology-driven narrative. The empowerment and encouragement Lola’s journey gives the reader and the magic of the storytelling made this a compelling and entertaining journey to go on and made this a brilliant story that showcases the amazing talent of this up-and-coming author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kinga was born in Poland and now lives in London. She writes inspirational stories on personal and professional development, work, and travel on her blog: http://www.kinga.blog. Kinga is certified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Performance Coach and talent hunter. Besides writing and creative living, Kinga is a keen traveller, speaker, painter, foodie, and social media junkie.

https://www.kinga.blog/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLT7QJ8Z/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F68754902-the-sacred-mountains&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Children of the Revolution (Westward Sagas Book Three) by David Bowles Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman works to keep her family together as she grows into a stronger role within her family and she begins to be courted by British nobility in author David Bowles’s “Children of the Revolution”, the third book in the Westward Sagas series.

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The Synopsis

Children of the Revolution is the story of the progeny of patriot Adam Mitchell, who fought during the American Revolution at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781. This pivotal battle culminated in his cornfields, which adjoined the one-acre site of the first Guilford County, North Carolina courthouse.

The hundred-year odyssey of the Westward Sagas is not about war, but about how it affected the Mitchell family. Children of the Revolution: Book 3 in the Westward Sagas Series takes up where Adam’s Daughters: Book 2 left off-in Tennessee shortly after statehood. The series continues with the next generation of the Mitchell Family. Peggy, the protagonist in Adam’s Daughters, takes on a stronger role as she matures into a confident woman courted by British nobility. Children of the Revolution uncovers the untold reason North Carolina never ratified the U.S. Constitution. Adventure, intrigue, romance and tragedy are woven into the story of the first generation of Americans. 

The Review

This was an engaging and emotional addition to this captivating historical fiction series. The author did an incredible job of showcasing the realities of war and the psychological effects that these battles had on the survivors and the innocent people caught in the crossfire as a decisive battle that would eventually turn the tide of the war effort left deep scars on the land and those who worked it. The imagery really did an incredible job of breathing life into this rich setting as it not only showcased the hardships of life on the frontier, but early life in pre-American lands ravaged by war.

The heart of this narrative came in the author’s ability to bring a dash of emotion and heart to the character’s evolution along with the historical elements that made this story feel alive and vibrant on the page. The exploration of this family saga and the evolution of Peggy’s story in particular were fascinating to behold, and the strength of her character and her choices made the impact of those choices feel that much more prevalent. 

The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author David Bowles’s “Children of the Revolution” is a fantastic continuation of the Westward Sagas and the story of the Mitchell family. The history and culture of the era kept the story flowing smoothly, and the rich character development will keep readers invested in this growing historical fiction series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David Bowles is the fifth generation of his family to be born in Austin, Texas. Both parents are from pioneer settlers. His great grandmother Elnora Van Cleve was the first child born in Austin on April 14, 1841. His stories are based on many years of historical and genealogical research. He and Becka his yellow lab travel extensively telling the stories of the Westward Sagas. A prolific writer Bowles has written hundreds of stories about history and the true-life characters he has met. The fifth book in the Westward Sagas will be released in the Spring of 2023.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GBTMRQ/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F16155075-children-of-the-revolution%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3Dpmk2RUVMjK%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Allaigna’s Song: Chorale by J.M. Landels Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman must return home and prevent a war from erupting in author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale”.

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The Synopsis

The breathtaking conclusion to the Allaigna’s Song Trilogy

In the six years since Allaigna left home, killed her betrothed, and joined the Brandishear Rangers, she has hidden her family name and her ability to sing music into magic. Confronted with the dire implications of her grandfather’s exploration into long-forbidden arcana, Allaigna must swallow her pride and summon her courage to return home with the ashes of her cousin to prevent yet another war, or worse, an arcane catastrophe to rival that of the legendary Cataclysm.

Bonus content includes the novella Allaigna’s Song: Oburakor.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating story. The author once again did a fantastic job of world-building and fleshing out the mythos greatly for this world. The powerful and lyrical nature of the author’s writing style lent itself greatly to the magic and sorcery behind the protagonist’s particular gifts with music and song, and the imagery the author used in that writing allowed the reader to feel transported into this magical realm.

The heart of this narrative was the character development and complex relationships the protagonist made. The slippery slope the character was forced upon by the dangers facing her realm and the way she was forced to choose between her only remaining family and the needs of the people themselves of her kingdom was what really helped push her into the final leg of her heroic journey, one brought with danger and loss over the course of this series. The emotional weight of this third book and the way the author explored so many different generations of the women of this family and how life impacted their shared connection made this a memorable fantasy read.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and adventurous, author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale” is a must-read sword and sorcery fantasy read. The mythos and beauty of the magical realms of this narrative blend well into the more emotional and rich character evolutions we see perform here, and the twists and turns in the final pages of this book will have readers eager to have more adventures in this magical realm come to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

For the full series of sword fighter portraits, please visit http://www.markfeenstra.com/swordplay

JM Landels divides her professional time between writing, editing, drawing, and teaching people to swordfight from horseback. She has no hobbies, since they all tend to turn into professions.

http://jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com/

Ghost Dreams by Matthew Hughes Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A thief comes into contact with the spirit of a woman who lost her child when she was wrongfully thrust into an asylum for her inheritance in the 1940s, and together with his daughter they must contend with her vengeful spirit and the men who wronged her in life in order to uncover the truth behind her child’s fate in author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams”.

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The Synopsis

Commercial burglar Stan Winkelman encounters the ghost of Jane Manchester, wrongly confined for life in a 1940s insane asylum by a powerful family. She wants to know what happened to Harmon, the baby boy that was stolen from her.

Aided by Jeannie, his ghost-obsessed autistic daughter, Stan and Jane begin a quest to find Harmon, or his descendants. But their search will run them afoul of Andrew Bigelow, reclusive heir to the fortune Jane was robbed of.

And Bigelow is in cahoots with a murderous crew who deal in guns and blood diamonds and will stop at nothing to keep their crimes hidden.

Stan uses his burglar skills to uncover the truth, but that will draw him and Jeannie into a deadly confrontation, with the vengeful spirit of Jane Manchester his only ally. 

The Review

This was a brilliant and powerful story. The blend of crime thriller, mystery, and horror that this story infuses into itself was captivating to read. The heavy atmosphere and compelling chemistry between the cast of characters made this feel like the perfect modern-day gothic ghost story, with a tone that felt like it could have easily fit into a more Victorian-era period if not for the modern-day Washington setting. 

The heart of this narrative had to be in the mystery components of the story and the character development, especially for the protagonist. The complexity of the protagonist’s background and journey, from a thief and morally questionable history to his somewhat heroic turn to find justice and answers for the spirit of this young woman and how they bond together in the face of this tragic backstory, made this a thrilling read. The shocking series of events that unearth the truth behind not only Jane’s history but the truth behind Bigelow’s life, in general, will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, chilling, and entertaining, author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams” is a must-read crime thriller and horror mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the character growth of the protagonist and the cast of characters greatly, and readers will be invested heavily as the story and mystery unravel over time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Liverpool, his family moved to Canada when he was five years old. Married since late 1960s, he has three grown sons. He is currently relocated to Britain. He is a former director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers.

A university drop-out from a working poor background, he worked in a factory that made school desks, drove a grocery delivery truck, was night janitor in a GM dealership, and did a short stint as an orderly in a private mental hospital. As a teenager, he served a year as a volunteer with the Company of Young Canadians.

He has made his living as a writer all of his adult life, first as a journalist in newspapers, then as a staff speechwriter to the Canadian Ministers of Justice and Environment, and, since 1979, as a freelance corporate and political speechwriter in British Columbia.

His short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’sAsimov’sThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science FictionPostscriptsInterzone, and a number of “Year’s Best” anthologies. Night Shade Books published his short story collection, The Gist Hunter and Other Stories, in 2005.

He has won the Arthur Ellis Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. His novels and stories regularly make the Locus Magazine annual recommended reading list. 

http://www.matthewhughes.org/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNLXQNQ7/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F63894559-ghost-dreams%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3DUfAc7G1LF2%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman who has always sought something more in life saves a man from a shipwreck, and discovers a new path that leads away from her comfortable home and into the world of immortals in author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon”.

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The Synopsis

Every once in an eon, when the Earth eclipses the moon on a winter solstice, an immortal is born under a witching moon. Anne has always had the strangest feelings—memories she couldn’t place; strangers she inexplicably yearned for. After she rescues the enigmatic Phillip from a shipwreck, her comfortable life on the island of Cusabo is shattered, and the mystery of her destiny starts to fall into place. Anne leaves behind the life she’s always known and sets out with Phillip on an arduous journey to Amaranth, where her ancient family awaits her. But the path is dark and daunting, and Anne’s powers have only just begun to manifest.

The Review

This was an incredible blend of YA Historical Fiction meets YA Sword & Sorcery Fantasy! The world-building the author goes through in this book is incredible, as the author delves both into the tail-end of the American Civil War in South Carolina and quickly delves deeper into this fantasy world of magic and power beyond imagination. The imagery and adventurous tone the author strikes keep readers on the edge of their seats as the story becomes more and more engrossing. 

The way the author was able to capture the era for which this narrative hails and balance it with fantastic character development was what really kept me invested in this story. The wonderment that protagonist Anne views this new world through after leaving behind the only place and life she’s ever known made this story so profound, and the coming-of-age tale of this young woman discovering her power was both inspiring and entertaining to read and see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and harrowing, author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction YA novel. The magical nature of the narrative blends well with the protagonist and her historical era upbringing, and the twists and turns in the character’s arc will keep readers glued to their books as the story winds down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

K. E. Bonner, author of Witching Moon,was always the first kid to sit down during a spelling bee. It wasn’t until she was an adult that she was diagnosed with dyslexia, which explained why she always had to study three times harder than her peers. Being dyslexic taught her perseverance and kindness, her two favorite attributes. She lives in Georgia with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. When not writing, she loves to read, swim, explore new places, and meet fascinating people. If you have a dog, she would love to scratch behind its ears and tell it what a good pup it is.

Learn more about K.E. Bonner on her website or follow her on Instagram @kebonnerwrites. 

You can purchase a copy of Witching Moon on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add Witching Moon to your Goodreads reading list.

Blog Tour Calendar

December 19th @ The Muffin
Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of K.E. Bonner’s blog tour of Witching Moon. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book!
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com


December 20th @ Mindy McGinnis’s blog
Stop by Mindy’s blog to read “Release the Idea of Getting Rich or Published and Focus on Your Craft.” by K.E. Bonner
https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

December 20th @ Rockin’ Book Reviews

Join us as Lu Ann reviews Witching Moon.

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com

December 21st @ All the Ups and Downs

Join Heather as she spotlights Witching Moon. Enter to win a copy of the book!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/


December 23rd @ Michelle Cornish’s blog
Visit Michelle’s blog to read her review of Witching Moon.
https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog

December 24th @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra as she features a spotlight of Witching Moon.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog
Join Lisa for an interview with K.E. Bonner.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/


December 28th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Join us today for author Anthony Avina’s review of Witching Moon.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Revisit author Anthony Avina’s blog to read “The Best Writing Advice I Received” by K.E. Bonner. 
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com


January 4th @ Bev Baird’s blog
Join us on Bev’s blog as she reviews Witching Moon.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

January 5th @ The Knotty Needle
Stop by for Judy’s review of Witching Moon.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

January 6th @ Bev Baird’s blog
Meet us back at Bev’s blog for “Ideas are Everywhere” a guest post by K.E. Bonner.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com


January 6th @ Look to the Western Sky
Join Margo as she reviews Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner.
https://margoldill.com/

January 7th @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog where she interviews author K.E. Bonner about her book Witching Moon.

https://chapterbreak.net/

January 9th @ Sue Edwards’s blog
Visit Sue’s blog to read “Magical Realism Surrounds Us” by K.E. Bonner.
https://suebe.wordpress.com/


January 10th @ Celtic Lady’s Reviews
Visit Kathleen’s blog and read her review of Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner.
https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/

January 10th @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole’s blog where K.E. Bonner is a guest for “Three Things on a Saturday Night.”
https://worldofmyimagination.com


January 12th @ Life According to Jamie
Join us as Jamie reviews Witching Moon
http://www.lifeaccordingtojamie.com


January 14th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda as she interviews author K.E. Bonner.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

January 15th @ Fiona Ingram’s author blog 

Stop by Fiona’s blog to see her spotlight feature of Witching Moon

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

January 16th @ the Freeing the Butterfly blog
Visit Freeing the Butterfly to read “Life is Short, Do What You Love” by K.E. Bonner.
https://www.freeingthebutterfly.com/blog

January 18th @ Jill Sheets’s blog 

Stop by Jill’s blog to read her interview with K.E. Bonner. 

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

The Crow Who Tampered with Time by Lloyd Ratzlaff Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Lloyd Ratzlaff shares profound and moving thoughts on life through powerful essays in his book “The Crow Who Tampered with Time”.

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The Synopsis

Lloyd Ratzlaff brings the prairie landscape to life through a capacious imagination charged with wonder and the gentle irony of an awareness tempered by time and love. A remarkable new talent in the burgeoning field of literary non-fiction, Ratzlaff connects with the challenges posed by scepticism and belief, countering both the cynicism and doctrinairism of contemporary life with a renewed praise of the profound depths of the spirit and the natural world.

The Review

This was a profound and thought-provoking read. The author did an incredible job of capturing some pretty strong themes, from faith and nature as more general themes to more intricate themes like the nature of reality itself and the need to focus on the here and now rather than the future constantly. The thoughtful atmosphere the author crafted balanced the personal nature of the author’s writing style.

The heart of this narrative was in the author’s personal and heartfelt delivery of each essay. The connection the author shares to his homeland of Saskatchewan in Canada and how the land doesn’t connect to bodies of water made for powerful imagery and a great way to input imagery into the author’s writing style. The wonderment and spiritual nature o the author’s experiences and views will resonate greatly with many readers.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, captivating, and engaging, author Lloyd Ratzlaff’s “The Crow Who Tampered with Time” is a memorable collection of essays that readers will want to identify with. The emotional weight of this author’s experiences and the personal nature of each essay will allow readers to connect to the author’s messages and themes in a great way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lloyd Ratzlaff is the author of a triptych of personal literary essays, the editor of an anthology of seniors’ writings published by READ Saskatoon, and a monthly columnist for Prairie Messenger Catholic Journal. He has served on the boards of several writing organizations and has taught writing classes for the University of Saskatchewan Certificate of Art & Design (USCAD) and the Western Development Museum. Both his creative non-fiction and professional pieces have been widely published throughout Canada and the United States. Ratzlaff lives in Saskatoon.

Dealer’s Child (A Jade & Sage Thriller Series) by Joanna Vander Vlugt Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman’s search for answers regarding her father’s death paints a target on her back as she seeks to uncover generations of drug dealers and ruthless criminals seeking vengeance in author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “Dealers Child”, the latest book in the Jade & Sage Thriller Series. 

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The Synopsis

“First I will destroy you, then I will hurt the ones you love, then you’ll beg me for mercy.”

Jade Thyme delves into her mother’s free-spirited past to prove her father was murdered and hadn’t died from a cocaine overdose.

Legislative Clerk Adam Younghusband drops on Jade’s desk damning evidence regarding the island’s once feared drug dealer Oscar Cooper. Jade and Sage are targets as they uncover generations of dealers, while hiding from an arsonist determined to destroy them. From her mother’s ghost appearing on the picnic table, to a possessed typewriter tapping a warning,1968 clashes with the present as Jade uncovers a deadly secret while staying one step ahead of a murderer hellbent on revenge.

The Review

I absolutely loved this read. The author did an incredible job of finding the right balance between a crime thriller and a hint of paranormal influence and delved into the occult. The world-building of this dynamic sister duo and the investigations into their past were terrific to see come to life on the page, while the suspenseful atmosphere the author created kept readers invested in this mystery that felt like the perfect blend of real-world crime issues such as drug use and violence with more supernatural elements.

The heart of this narrative was the character development and the small yet meaningful detail the author put into the imagery of this book’s writing style. The raw and powerful themes of this narrative touch upon real-world issues that ace so many, from the violence and desperation that comes from the drug trade and addiction to the deep-seated bond the sisters share as they delve both into the modern-day mystery of their father’s death and the mystery surrounding their late mother in the past and her relationship with a gangster, made this story shine brightly. The intricate details of the imagery really made the story pop into the reader’s mind, as if watching a film come to life.

The Verdict

Harrowing, emotional, and thrilling, author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “Dealer’s Child” is a must-read novel and a great addition to the Jade & Sage Thriller Series! The twists and turns in the narrative and the depth of the character’s journey as they evolve and grow will have readers engaged with this story immensely. The imagery and atmosphere brought the best elements of both the crime thriller and occult horror genres and found a happy medium that kept the story alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Joanna Vander Vlugt is an indie author and illustrator. She hosts a podcast called JCVArtStudio from the Dressing Room which provides authors and artists an opportunity to tell their story–a dress rehearsal before taking their book launch or art show on the road.

Her legal thriller Dealer’s Child is a 2021 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist and The Unravelling, the first novel in her paranormal thriller series, was a 2019 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist. Her previous publications include her short essay No Beatles Reunion for the Dropped Threads 3 anthology, Beyond the Small Circle; Egyptian Queen for the Dead in the Water mystery anthology and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing for the Blood on the Holly mystery anthology.

Joanna’s art can be viewed on Instagram @jcvartstudio

https://www.jcvartstudio.net/

https://www.tiktok.com/@joannavandervlugt_author

https://www.instagram.com/joannavandervlugt_author_art/

Interview with Author George Veck

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing? 

I was born in Hastings but grew up in North West Wales, mainly living rurally. I started writing when I got the urge out of nowhere to learn how to write screenplays, slowly after getting tired of struggling to get any of these made or funded – other than those that could be done on a micro budget – I decided to give it a go converting some of them into novels. One of which became my first novel One Visit‘.  

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

A lot of my own experiences of living in poverty, seeing people routinely being let down by the system, and different mental health issues I’ve both suffered and seen others suffer with. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That if you see signs of abusive parenting, even if said parents appear like respectable people through glib charm then do everything possible to help those children before their well-being becomes permanently affected. Also hopefully they’ll take away and have sympathy for the riveting affect and trauma of having your house taken over by drug dealers.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I love the raw nature of kitchen sink drama and have always found books/films that portray poverty in a relatable way fascinating. Having a way of highlighting often misunderstood stigmas around mental health and addiction while being able to hopefully contribute in some way also drew me to this genre. 

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Both Instagram and Facebook are decent. Facebook’s litany of different book sharing groups are invaluable, especially when you have a free promotion on. Reddit is especially good as well when a free promotion is on your book. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t get beaten down by your first draft and its imperfections. That was the hardest thing for me to get over before going through the process enough to be able to power through the first draft while aiming for momentum more than perfection.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I am nearly through the first draft of my second novel Spurious Scrapper, a revenge drama also set in rural north west Wales. Once that is finished, I aim to write a novel comprised of a few short stories loosely intertwined and set in North Wales, all centring around the inequality of modern-day Tory induced poverty.  

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About the Author

I grew up in rural North West Wales, where hardships and a lack of opportunities spurred my passion for tackling tough subjects, such as poverty, addiction and mental health. Currently studying a masters degree in screenwriting at the University of South Wales, I’ve written and directed three short films. One Visit was the first feature-length screenplay I ever wrote, and through the exposure of this novel, I hope to garner interest and funding to turn it into a film one day. For news regarding my future novels and films, follow @vecks_gems_productions on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/vecks_gems_productions