Hear Me by Lynn Crandall (VNbtM, Review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Hear Me

by

Lynn Crandall

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GENRE:  Urban Fantasy

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BLURB:

 

Atlantis Aeon Ainsley Durham loves running her antique shop, Fancy This, in Old Town Auralia, but takes seriously her mission to work with her fellow Aeons to fight Darkness in her home town. But she’s changing. Her precognition is showing her darker and darker visions of what’s to come. When growing darkness forces her to reevaluate her place in the Aeons and her work, she’s not sure she belongs in either space any longer. Her terrible past urges her to withdraw, not only from her mission but from letting true love in.

 

Bounty hunter turned bonds company owner Keegan Barnes is also an Aeon. He hears things others don’t, and sometimes he wishes he could shut down his clairaudience ability. After all, he doesn’t see how he can help the cause with such a low-key ability. But when he picks up discussions among members of Dark Sides, will he discover just how much he’s been underestimating himself? He’s hiding secrets that keep him from healing his scars and getting close to anyone, most of all Ainsley.

 

Keegan and Ainsley know the efforts the Aeons have been putting in to raise the level of light energy in the city have been helping. But will it be enough to influence others to make choices for good or will Dark Sides take the city? Can they team up to save the city and find true love? Find out in this thrilling book two in the Dark Sides trilogy.

 

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EXCERPT

 

“Get inside,” Keegan hollered to Jane and Ainsley.

           

“Wait, wait,” Jane yelled, pointing to one of the cars.

 

Men in both vehicles hung out of the passenger windows, guns raised, one aimed on the women, the other on him.

 

He hurtled in front of Ainsley and Jane just in time to allow them to escape inside. Instantly, he dropped to the ground, burning pain sizzling in his shoulder and blood dripping onto the ground.

 

Swiftly, he jumped up and retreated in to the house, slamming the door closed and locking the deadbolt.

 

But he knew those measures wouldn’t stop the people outside who were determined to take them down.

 

Ainsley stopped moving. “You’re hurt.”

 

“It’s nothing. We need to get moving.”

 

“Did you see who they are? I saw Mathias. He was pointing a gun at us.” Jane’s voice quivered. “He’s one of them. I don’t understand.”

 

“We don’t have time to talk about it right now.” Ainsley looked from Jane to Keegan.

 

Keegan tried to calm Jane, whose emotions churned just under hysteria. “I don’t know how those people found us, but we’ll find out. Right now we have to hide.”

 

Jane made an effort to follow his orders. “Now can we get in to the basement?”

 

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. That would be the first place they’d look. You all go upstairs,” Ainsley ordered. “Dad, Mom, Jane, Benjamin, go!”

 

“What about you.” Her mother’s lower lip trembled and tears wetted her eyes.

 

“Don’t worry about me. Keegan and I will handle this.”

 

Keegan nodded. “We can’t waste any more time talking. Up with you all.” With that, he ran to the kitchen and lowered the kitchen shades. He grabbed knives, a rolling pin, and the one gun he’d seen in a kitchen drawer earlier.

 

He sensed Ainsley in another room, gathering potential weapons, he supposed. He nearly ran into her as she flew into the dining room at the same time, reaching for a heavy glass vase, the same one he was after. He put down his supplies and grasped her shoulders.

 

“We can do this.” He knew it in his heart. No other outcome was inside him, other than protecting the family, to protect Ainsley.

 

Her eyes pierced his, and his heart went out to her. She had so much at stake. But so did he. “I’m not about to lose you just when—”

 

She put two fingers to his lips. “I know. Same for me.”

 

Steady pounding at the back door resounded through the house. He grabbed the gun. “You send a message to the Aeons to let them know Dark Aspects are here, so be wary.”

 

“I will.”

 

She closed her eyes briefly, and he felt her focusing on her message, sending it out as fast as she could.

 

Keegan dashed to the kitchen window and snuck a peek through the blinds.

 

His heart pumping hard, he saw Diane out back and Barry Russell standing beside her.

 

“Harder,” Diane chanted to the men at the back door. “Get inside there. Hit harder.”

 

“This door must be reinforced,” Russell shouted. “Or they’d have already knocked it in.”

 

Keegan dropped the blinds, readying to shoot if the door gave way. He glanced around the room, wishing he had more time, to prepare, to protect the others. Nothing stood out to him as an effective weapon to stop the intrusion.

 

He nodded to himself, knowing what he had to do. He didn’t hesitate.

 

He laid the gun on the counter and strode across the kitchen. He stood for one nano-second in front of the door. The beating against it rattled the windows and drowned out all other sounds.

 

He saw Ainsley out of the corner of his eye, at the same moment Jane ran up to her.

 

“I’m going to help,” she said, and grabbed the rolling pin. “I’m not afraid any more.”

 

Ainsley heard her but just barely. Her feet moved numbly toward Keegan, but he was already pulling the door open. So swiftly, he was out and being wrestled to the ground.

 

Over the din, she heard him holler, “Close it and lock it!”

 

Then he was down and she felt his energy diminish. Her heart crashed to the bottom of her gut. “No!” she yelled.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

After cutting her writing teeth as a feature writer for commercial and trade magazines, a reporter for newspapers and radio, and an executive editor for a communications company, award-winning author Lynn Crandall tuned her voracious appetite for stories to writing contemporary and paranormal romance, women’s fiction, and romantic suspense. In her books, she enjoys taking readers on emotional journeys with relatable characters who refuse to back down, and face challenges and tribulations with heart and soul. She believes every love has a story, and hers is with one handsome husband and a large, beautiful circle of family, including her cat Winter.

 

 

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My review:

Magelight by Kacey Ezell (Spotlight, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Magelight

by

Kacey Ezell

Fleeing her sheltered life, a noblewoman must trust a warrior, a forester, and a thief to unlock her true power and face her destiny.






Embrace Your Power and Forge Your Destiny


All her life, Aelys of Brionne had been weak. As the noble daughter of one of the empire’s most powerful magic-wielding families, it should have been easy for her to live her dream of bonding with a warrior protector and joining the Imperial Battlemage Corps. But when her weakness robs her of her dreams, her best friend, and the man she loves, Aelys makes the only choice she can see: she takes her fate into her own hands and she runs, leaving her safe, protected world behind.


Now she must find a way to work with three dangerous strangers—a warrior, a forester, and a thief—to escape the bandits stalking her, fight through the dangers of the untamed forest, and make her way back home, where her family and her destiny await.


Only . . . her violent protectors might be the key to the power and freedom she’s always craved. Can Aelys find the strength to choose her own destiny and become the sorceress she was born to be? Or lose herself on the path to power?

Excerpt:

“I make a lot of mistakes,” Aelys said, squaring her shoulders. “Most of the time—well, often, anyway—I have no idea I’m doing it, but I make them anyway. I thought perhaps this was one of those times. Maybe I was walking too loudly, or too close to you, or—”

“I don’t think you could ever be too close to me.”

Daen hadn’t intended to say the words out loud, but he didn’t wish them back.

“Oh.” Her voice got smaller, quieter. “I see. I suppose that’s the geas as well.”

“Must it be? Cannot I just like you? Like having you near me?”

Aelys looked up at him, a flash of heat in her eyes. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Not really.” He gave her a smile. “Men do, occasionally, decide that they like pretty women, you know.”

Aelys snorted, but then her shoulders drooped and she looked down again in what he was coming to think of as her “collapsed” posture. “At least I have that going for me, for a time.”

Daen let out a snort of his own. “Many women would—and do, in some places—pay quite a few Imperials to look half as beautiful as you. Perhaps you should consider a bit of gratitude for your natural luck, Bella.”

She sighed. “I know, and I am grateful. And thank you for the compliment. It’s just that . . . as you said. Anyone can be pretty. I wanted . . . something else.”

“And what was that?”

“Power.”

Get Magelight here, or at your favorite bookseller! 

Amazon buy link

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Author bio and links;

Kacey Ezell writes emotionally charged adventure fantasy and science fiction. She is a two-time Dragon Award Finalist for Best Alternate History and won the 2018 Year’s Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction Readers’ Choice Award. She has written multiple bestselling novels published with Chris Kennedy Publishing, Baen Books, and Blackstone Publishing. Additionally, she is a retired helicopter pilot with 3000+ hours in the UH-1N Huey, Mi-171, and EC130 helicopters. She is married with two daughters. You can join her fan community and get free stories at this link.


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My review:

    

3.5 stars

Magelight by Kacey Ezell features Aelys, a young noblewoman who has never really found her niche in life, despite big dreams. Her unexpected rescue by a trio of harsh men results in an unwilling connection that forces them all to decide what their mutual goals are and how they can achieve them, despite the deadly challenges they face.

 

This fantasy romance is somewhat of a reverse harem story that is combined with a coming-of-age theme. I was frustrated by the heroine because she was so self-effacing and downtrodden at first, but she gradually evolved, thankfully. The trio of men who have faced their own crucibles of life form a harsh counterpoint to her experiences, and they also are pretty cranky and resistant, but it was satisfying to watch them all find a way to integrate with each other, even if the story is a slow-burn tale. There are multiple dangling threads that pique the reader’s interest, and I suspect some of the folks introduced at the beginning of the story will pop up again in the sequel. I look forward to seeing this quartet refine their connection and learn to utilize the powers that they have together.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

On the Threshold by M. Laszlo (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

On the Threshold

by 

M. Laszlo

 

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GENRE: Historical Science Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Obsessed with learning the origins of the cosmos, the actual meaning of life, and the true purpose of civilization, a fine Scotsman named Fingal T. Smyth dedicates himself to the study of Plato’s most extraordinary ideas. Convinced of Plato’s belief that humankind possesses any and all innate knowledge deep within the collective unconscious mind, Fingal soon conducts a series of bold, pioneering occult-science experiments by which to resolve the riddle of the universe once and for all. However, Fingal forgets how violent and perilous the animal impulses that reside in the deepest recesses of the unconscious mind. And when Fingal unleashes a mysterious avatar of his innate knowledge, the entity appears as a burning man and immediately seeks to manipulate innocent and unsuspecting people everywhere into immolating themselves. Now, with little hope of returning the fiery figure into his being, Fingal must capture his nemesis before it destroys the world.

 

 

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EXCERPT

 

Autumn, 1907: late one morning, some kind of torrid, invisible beast seemed to wrap itself all around Fingal T. Smyth’s body. Each one of his toes twitching fiercely, he exited the castle and scanned the distant, Scottish Highlands. Go back where you came from. As the entity wrapped itself tighter all about his person, Fingal blinked back his tears. I’m melting, I am. Aye, it’s the heat of fusion.

           

Gradually, the beast’s heartbeat became audible—each pulsation. At the same time, too, the illusory heat of transformation emitted an odor as of oven-roasted peppercorns dissolving in a cup of burnt coffee.

 

Over by the gatehouse, Fräulein Wunderwaffe appeared—the little German girl wearing a plain-sewn robe and square-crown bowler. In that moment, she no longer seemed to be a sickly child of seven years: her inscrutable expression resembled that of a wise, indifferent cat.

 

Perhaps even some kind of lioness. Fingal cringed, and he recalled a fragment of conversation from three weeks earlier.

 

“She suffers from a most unnatural pathology, an anguished, maniacal obsession with cats,” Doktor Hubertus Pflug had explained. “Ever since the poor girl was a baby, she has always regarded it her fate to one day metamorphose into a glorious panther, for she believes herself to be ein Gestaltwandler. Do you know this word? It means shapeshifter and refers to someone who possesses the power to take the form of anything in nature.”

 

The heat radiated up and down Fingal’s spine now, and his thoughts turned back to the present. Aye, it’s a change of phase. I’m melting into a chemical compound. Despite all, he greeted the girl and willed himself to flash a grin.

 

 

 Buy link

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

M. Laszlo is an aging recluse who lives in Bath, Ohio. Rumor holds that his pseudonym is a reference to Victor Laszlo, a character in the classic film Casablanca. On the Threshold is his first release with the acclaimed, Australian hybrid house AIA Publishing. Oddly, M. Laszlo insists that his latest work, On the Threshold, does in fact provide the correct answer to the riddle of the universe. 

 

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My review:

3 stars

 

On the Threshold by M. Laszlo is the tale of Fingal T. Smyth’s search for the meaning of life using multiple modalities and approaches. His travels and experiments may have wide-reaching effects that could change the world.

 

This book is a blend of metaphysical contemplation and science fiction/fantasy. It’s written in a stream of consciousness fashion as the main character travels the world and meets various people. I think there should be trigger warnings as there are both suicides and an uncomfortable obsession with immolation. Philosophical ponderings are intertwined with glimpses of various facets of society, from multiple countries and cultures. Sobering look at the challenges of survival even as the narrator seems to always have enough money to tinker and to move from place to place. The author seems focused on tastes, smells, cats, young girls, and obscure facts that all combine to form a background to his search for and efforts to control his inner self and attempt to solve the riddle of the universe. There are a lot of quirky characters that come and go, as well as allusions to things that only a select group will know, including things like test patterns that used to occupy the airtime of television that didn’t—gasp—have 24/7 programming.

 

This was a difficult read for me, but it is definitely thought-provoking and made me reflect on the difficulties of communicating with each other. I felt that Fingal is a bit condescending to the adult women in his life, and quite a few of the events required a significant suspension of disbelief, but I enjoyed the lyrical descriptions of the different locations visited and the reminders of things from our common pasts.

 

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

Stellar Heir by Scott Killian (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

Stellar Heir

by

Scott Killian

 

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GENRE:  Science Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

 

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.

 

That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

 

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.

 

An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.

 

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EXCERPT

Silence fell over the derelict ship.

 

An ominous drone vibrated through the ship’s hull that Jael could feel beneath his feet and then the cargo hold was violently breached. A searing streak of plasma sliced through the hull, disintegrating the sturdy alloy walls as though they were made of paper. An Archon corpse floated by Jael, their helmet and head nothing more than a smoldering clump of matter vitrified to their pressure suit.

 

The other Archons unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Emerging from the breach, Mortuum biobots slithered into the cargo hold—serpentine constructs of metal and flesh, each limb a deadly weapon, protecting their central brain encased in layers of plasticrete casing.

 

Jael took a deep breath in and steeled himself for combat.

 

“Shoot the fraxxing things!” Garlial yelled over the comms, firing wildly at the biobots. His shots were haphazard, more out of fear than strategy.

 

A biomechanical tendril whipped over Jael. Garlial dove onto the floor to avoid it, dropping his rifle in the process. Their gazes locked and Garlial sneered, scrambling to grab his weapon.

 

Jael kicked away the rifle just before Garlial got his hands on it. He pushed off the floor, turning his body as he snapped out another kick and it connected with Garlial’s helmet. Jael drew his pistol and fired.

 

Garlial rolled and the beam barely missed him. He lurched forward, grasping the pistol before Jael could fire again and eject the lens cartridge.

 

Pulling free, Jael twisted himself around, positioning himself on Garlial’s back. He brought the pistol up and slammed it into Garlial’s helmet. Jael raised it again but leaped off and rolled as a wayward arc of plasma from a biobot raced toward him.

 

“Fraxxing scav!” Garlial scrambled to his feet and tipped a crate towards Jael.

 

Jael swung his body around and hopped up, avoiding the crate entirely. Garlial drew a combat knife from a panel on his thigh and slashed at Jael. With the palm of his hand on Garlial’s wrist, Jael stopped his attack. He grasped the inside of Garlial’s armored cuff and pulled him in close.

 

Jael dropped his weight on Garlial’s arm, and he felt the limb snap.

 

 Amazon link

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.

 

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My review:

3.5 stars

Stellar Heir by Scott Killian centers around the adventures of Jael and his sidekick and best friend, Goni, whose scavenging run results in the acquisition of an artifact that plunges them into a conflict and quest that may signal the end of the universe. Enemies and allies come out of nowhere, and the past and the future are inextricably intertwined.

This young-adult science fiction tale is full of nonstop action and imaginative scenarios. The story has a comic-book feel, with plenty of violence and excitement, but I would have liked a bit more depth to the characters. The requisite quest, quirky sidekick, damsel in distress, noble hero, and multiple evil villains are all present, with even an unlikely “pet”, but some of the events strained my incredulity a bit too far. This is the first book in the series, so there are quite a few dangling threads, and the world building is a bit basic, but complexity will undoubtedly ensue as stories are added. Those who like fast-paced adventures with plenty of fight scenes should have fun with this story.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY)

 

The Legendary Mo Seto

A.Y. Chan

 

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GENRE:  Middle Grade, Martial Arts, Action/Adventure

 

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BLURB:

 

Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there's a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!

 

Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!

 

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EXCERPT

I may be small, but I am fierce. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Over and over again. Fierce.

“Charyeot,” the taekwondo tournament referee says in Korean. Attention.

I snap my arms to my sides.

“Kyeong-nae,” the ref says. Bow.

I turn to face my opponent, Dax Washington. His dark skin glistens with sweat. We dip our heads.

I look up to see Dax towering over me, his eyes stormy.

It suddenly occurs to me how much “fierce” sounds like “fears.” Not that I’m scared or anything. I’m not.

“Sijak!” The ref throws up his hand. Begin! Immediately Dax’s large fists hammer down like a hailstorm.

Well, maybe I’m a little worried.

Dax lunges. I block his front kick with my forearm. I flinch and reel back. The ref blows his whistle, but Dax doesn’t stop. I barely have time to move before—oof—another kick nails me in the elbow.

Okay, fine. I’m totally panicking.

 

Buy Links:

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

 

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About the book Links:

Website

Simon & Schuster Author Page

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My review:

4.5 stars

 

“The Legendary Mo Seto” follows the adventure of young martial arts practitioner Modesty (Mo), whose dreams of being a tae kwon do champion are constantly stymied…by her nemesis Dax, her mom’s opposition, her small stature, and…the mysterious lack of support by her biggest fan…her father. A chance at redemption comes when her movie-star idol holds auditions, but one setback after another threatens to destroy Mo’s dreams unless she finds a way to overcome all of her obstacles.

 

This fun children’s book is both informative and entertaining, and I was instantly transported to Mo’s world and invested in her success. From her quirky sidekick who may want to deepen their relationship to the mysteries surrounding Mo’s ancestors, plus the mother who seems determined to force Mo into a more traditional role, there are plenty of characters who I made a connection with. The plucky determination and out-of-the-box solutions that typify Mo’s character and the increasingly scary events that take place made this a page-turner that was fun to read and a story I highly recommend. I enjoyed the glimpse into another culture, the evolution of multiple relationships, and the depiction of love and affection displayed by multiple characters, and I hope there will be many more adventures featuring Mo and her supporting cast.

 

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

Heartstone by Clemency Crow (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Heartstone

by

Clemency Crow

 

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GENRE:  Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

 

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BLURB:

 

Jeremy isn't surprised his grandfather died. He's surprised he had one.

When the family travel to Cumbria for the funeral arrangements, he realises his grandfather had an important job to complete. Jeremy's grandfather was part of the Order of the Magi, who trapped an evil spirit away from our world, using the power contained within heartstones, and hidden in special places around the county.

But the heartstones need recharging every hundred years, so Jeremy and his strange new friend must find each stone, and complete dangerous tasks to prove they are worthy, before the power of the stones runs out and evil has control over the world.

 

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EXCERPT

 

“Good morning, sleepy!” Ben grinned as he spoke. He looked no worse for wear after his ordeal from yesterday. That is, until Jeremy saw the grey arm resting above the cover. Ben followed his gaze and his grin widened. This boy would make a funny situation out of anything, no matter how grim.

“Do you think you convinced your mum?” he asked.

Jeremy shook his head, as the conversation of last night came back to him.

Ben looked at him, his grin melting away. “What do you mean?”

“She said she knows what’s going on, and that her dad was a mage.” Jeremy screwed up his eyes as he tried to remembered the details of the conversation, but all he could concentrate on was the argument blazing downstairs. The more he listened, the more he wanted to hear. “I’m going to get done in the bathroom,” he mumbled, getting out of bed.

“Report back,” Ben said, completely unfooled by his excuse.

As Jeremy wandered along the landing, closer to the stairs, the voices became clearer.

“I’m not staying here long enough to lose my son,” Jeremy heard Dad’s voice snap. He stopped in his tracks in surprise.

“He’s my son, too, David,” Mum replied, equally harshly. “And he’s got no choice in the matter. If Dad chose him, then the damage is already done.”

“No!” Dad shouted. “I will not have him throw away what is going to be a fantastic life.”

“Right,” came the scoffing reply. “And a fantastic life by your standard is a good wage and a respected job. He will get both of these things in this job. When he’s ready to take it.”

“We… are… leaving.”

There was a pause.

“You may be, David,” Mum said, quietly so Jeremy had to concentrate to hear. “But I’m staying.”

 

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Clemency is a primary school teacher, children’s author, and illustrator, based in rural Caithness with her family and two needy spaniels. In fact, Clemency is typing this one handed, because Jess cries if she isn’t stroked for five seconds.

 

When she isn’t writing, Clemency loves designing new parts of her garden, trying to find plants that will withstand the 70mph winds that are likely to batter them. She is oftentimes to be found tearing her hair out at the prevalence of ground elder in the flower borders, while cultivated species struggle to survive.

 

Clemency’s favourite genre to write, and read, is fantasy adventure. This gives her ample opportunity to put her long suffering characters in perilous situations.

 

Book Trailer for Heartstone

 

Website (currently in process of switching to Wordpress, but I’ll keep you updated if it changes)

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My review

4 stars

 

 

Heartstone by Clemency Crow follows the adventure of young Jeremy, who accompanies his parents to Church Brough, Cumbria in England, to deal with the final affairs of a grandfather Jeremy has never heard about. An irrepressible boy named Ben and Ben’s grandfather guide Jeremy on an unexpected adventure that will change his life forever.

 

This middle-grade fantasy adventure story is inventive and exciting, with lots of fun elements. There are realistic touches, such as when Jeremy witnesses tension between his parents, and mystical aspects as he discovers powers that he never dreamed of and fights against evil. I enjoyed the whimsical nature of the quest as fantastical creatures and startling repercussions evolve, even as Jeremy discovers the importance of friendship and faces the unpleasant specter of betrayal by someone he should be able to trust. This is an entertaining story that is also thought provoking, which will be enjoyed by fantasy lovers of all ages.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet by Haley Cavanagh (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet

by

Haley Cavanagh

 

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GENRE:  Self-help

 

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BLURB:

 

Embark on a journey to adulting mastery with Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet. Unlock the secrets to a well-rounded adult life with clear, concise, and invaluable advice on budgeting, cooking, time management, building meaningful relationships, and so much more! This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to taking charge of your life, offering you the tools and wisdom you need to sculpt the life of your dreams. This book offers practical advice and user-friendly tips that will empower you to make the most of every aspect of your life, ensuring that you become the self-reliant, confident, and accomplished person you were always meant to be. Join author, Haley Cavanagh - military veteran, devoted wife and mother, and award winning author-in waving goodbye to uncertainty and hesitation and embracing the fulfilling life you've envisioned. Don't just drift through adulthood-thrive in it. The future is yours to shape, and this book is your indispensable guide on the journey to living the adult life you truly desire.

Goodreads

 

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EXCERPT

 

Don’t Overthink Everything

Don’t spend too much time analyzing or rehashing things in your head.

Overthinking can rob you of the present and create undue stress and anxiety you don’t need. If you find yourself mentally besieged by something stressing you out, go for a walk to help clear your mind.

 

It’s Okay to Fail

The average young adult goes through five or six career changes before age thirty. It’s okay if something you’ve dreamt about falls through. Perhaps you were meant to walk a different path. It doesn’t mean you’re any less unique or special. It means you’re growing and about to embark on a different journey than you fantasized about as a teen. And that’s okay. It’s a normal part of life experience.

Failure is a good teacher and a powerful motivator. James Cameron started as a truck driver, and Harrison Ford was a blue-collar carpenter. J. K. Rowling was a teacher and single mom on welfare. Adam Driver got turned down when he first auditioned for the Juilliard School; he joined the Marines, and two years later, when he reauditioned for Juilliard, he got in.

 

Learn from Your Mistakes

Inevitably, everyone messes up. Despite how together or entitled people might act, nobody knows what they’re doing when they first launch into adulthood. Everyone starts as a fish swimming in the same ocean against the same current. As the Alanis Morissette song goes, “No one’s really got it figured out just yet.” Making mistakes is essential to learning and growing, and it’s how we evolve.

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. In 2020, she won the Silver Quill award from the League of Utah Writers for Retaliation, the second novel in her Oceanstone Initiative sci-fi series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College and a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she's not writing. She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website or social media.

 

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My review:

 

4.25 stars

 

“Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet” by Haley Cavanagh is a self-help book aimed at those who are just starting to be independent. There are tips about how to set up a budget, how to save money, keeping a living space clean, etc., and templates for things like meal planning, budgeting, and other checklists.

 

This is a fun and easy-to-read compilation of various tips. I enjoyed reading through and analyzing how I would react to some of the suggestions, particularly if I was just moving out of the family home as an adult. The author’s voice varies between motherly and big-sisterly, and she reminds the reader of various important things to take note of and to establish routines for. I was entertained by some of the things that were included as standard line items in the sample budget (Netflix, cable, Sirius, and yoga classes) since I consider those non-essential, and I think there are other venues to think of when choosing eye exams and eyeglasses such as Costco and similar membership stores. I laughed at the recipe section (and definitely marked some to try out) because it starts with dessert rather than other items. The hacks are arranged in a kind of stream-of consciousness fashion, but are definitely helpful.

 

I think this is a wonderful resource that should be recommended reading for anyone who is moving out on their own for the first time, and I think it would make that scary first step much easier and less stressful.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review