Book Review

Book Description: 

In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew, The Rules of Magic, The Marriage of Opposites, Practical Magic, The Red Garden, the Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, and The Dovekeepers. Her most recent novel is The World That We Knew. She lives near Boston.

Author's Website.

Review: 

I just love Practical Magic and was really excited to see another prequel to the book by Alice Hoffman. Dating back to the 17th century to the beginning of the Owen family. I read this on my phone as an ebook and I will say it was harder for me to get into it at no fault of the authors. I just don't like reading on my phone. I will be going out and getting a paperback copy soon! This is a book I need on my bookshelf.

Alice Hoffman has done an amazing job bringing us back to the beginning of the Owen family with Maria. Witchcraft, curses, Salem trials, love and history. This is an extraordinary novel by an amazing author. A definite must read for any fan of Practical Magic or Alice Hoffman!

I give this book a 5 stars!

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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Marley by Jon Clinch ~ Book Review ~ New Release

Book Description: 

From the acclaimed author of the “marvel of a novel” (Entertainment Weekly) Finn comes a masterful reimagining of Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol with this darkly entertaining and moving exploration of the twisted relationship between Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley.

“Marley was dead, to begin with,” Charles Dickens tells us at the beginning of A Christmas Carol. But in Jon Clinch’s ingenious novel, Jacob Marley, business partner to Ebenezer Scrooge, is very much alive: a rapacious and cunning boy who grows up to be a forger, a scoundrel, and the man who will be both the making and the undoing of Scrooge.

They meet as youths in the gloomy confines of Professor Drabb’s Academy for Boys, where Marley begins their twisted friendship by initiating the innocent Scrooge into the gentle art of extortion. Years later, in the dank heart of London, their shared ambition manifests itself in a fledgling shipping empire. Between Marley’s genius for deception and Scrooge’s brilliance with numbers, they amass a considerable fortune of dubious legality, all rooted in a pitiless commitment to the soon-to-be-outlawed slave trade.

As Marley toys with the affections of Scrooge’s sister, Fan, Scrooge falls under the spell of Fan’s best friend, Belle Fairchild. Now, for the first time, Scrooge and Marley find themselves at cross-purposes. With their business interests inextricably bound together and instincts for secrecy and greed bred in their very bones, the two men engage in a shadowy war of deception, false identities, forged documents, theft, and cold-blooded murder. Marley and Scrooge are destined to clash in an unforgettable reckoning that will echo into the future and set the stage for Marley’s ghostly return.

Meticulously crafted and beguilingly told, Marley revisits and illuminates one of Charles Dickens’s most cherished works to spellbinding effect.

Pick up a copy of this new release on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Jon Clinch’s first novel, Finn—the secret history of Huckleberry Finn’s father—was named an American Library Association Notable Book and was chosen as one of the year’s best books by The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Chicago Tribune. His second novel, Kings of the Earth, was named a Best Book of the Year by The Washington Post and led the 2010 Summer Reading List at O, The Oprah Magazine. A native of upstate New York, Jon lives with his wife in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Follow: Website | Goodreads | 

Review: 

I have always enjoyed Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol so when I spotted this title I was pretty excited to read it and learn more about Jacob Marley and Scrooge. When I first started reading it I found the start didn't draw me right in. I am not a huge historical fiction fan. I pushed on through and got hooked into the story of Jacob Marley a few chapters in. The author starts off with Scrooge meeting Marley in a boarding school for boys where we see that Jacob is already into lying and deceiving people. I would have enjoyed a bit more back story on Jacob's childhood and what may have happened before heading to the boarding school.

Following the boys after boarding school we learn about the business of Marley & Scrooge, the fraud, lies, slave trade, fictional characters that the imagination of Jacob Marley brings to life to earn his fortune in any way he can. Marley is a deceitful man who enjoys knocking-shops and staying one ball ahead of the law by taking on different characters wherever he goes. I think that if Scrooge had a different partner for his business things in his life might have turned out a lot differently.   

Jon Clinch does a great job at keeping with the historical nature of the story, giving us a good idea what & who Jacob Marley was but still keeping so many things a mystery as that is the life Marley lived. This is definitely not a feel good story, it is indeed a sad story of lost hope & love, cruel men, lies and murder. I give this a 4 out of 5 stars and think this would be a great read for any Charles Dickens fans. 

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in advance in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*~

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Grace in Mombasa by T N Traynor - Book Review

Book Description:

Inspired by true events. Betrayal and loss, romance and heartbreak, and one woman’s journey in faith.

From the day she was born, Grace Clifton has navigated a life of loss and heartbreak, without a mother to guide her and through the ravages of two World Wars. With England in the midst of a Second World War, Grace experiences the excitement of love and romance, but all too soon, it turns to heartbreak. Through it all, Grace is sustained by her unwavering faith in God, but when all she holds dear is ripped away from her, Grace is left devastated and doubting everything she’s ever believed in.

As the world slowly recovers from war, Grace too begins the process of healing from the deep wounds inflicted by life. However, her steadfastness to God is lost and she determines never to pray again. When an unexpected opportunity comes up in Kenya, Grace seizes the chance to escape the memories, hoping to find a purpose and build a new life for herself. In the city of Mombasa, Grace soon begins to realise she can’t ever distance herself from life’s complications, but if she’s prepared to open her heart, maybe her fragmented faith will blossom once more bringing her the hope, love and the healing that she desperately needs.

Grace in Mombasa is a story about a woman whose amazing faith is shattered when her life falls apart, but will God simply let her go? If you like heartfelt dialogue, stories seeped in fact and history, and memorable characters, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s moving and inspirational novel.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:
USA: USA Link
Australia: Australia Link
Brazil: Brazil Link
Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
Italy: Italy Link
India: India Link
Japan: Japan Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link
Author Website: Author Website Link

Author Bio:

I have read lots of fantasy books, and many have been fab, but many more have been hard to read, making that escapism a bit too hard.  My story, therefore, is not full of complicated plots, and names you can’t pronounce, nor is it worded for the highly intelligent.  One of my favorite comments to date, from Rhianne Statom who has read my book, is that “Oracle’s Quest is like Lord of the Rings but for those of us who don’t have degrees in Middle Earth”!!
My dream is for people to be able to pick up my book and to get lost in the story.  I escaped my circumstances so many times by being lost in a good story and this is my driving wish for others, that they may get caught up in the people and places of Talia, and for just awhile, leave their own world behind them.

Book Review by Carmen:
There were aspects that moved a little bit fast for me, were skipped, or that I would have liked to have known more about. The first part of the story is about Grace Clifton's life in England; and I feel that this could have been condensed quite a bit if it had been done correctly. 
The second part is about her time in Mombasa - and for me - this was the interesting section; though I would have really liked to have known a little bit more; since I thought that the story in this section was really intriguing. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Down the Willow Tree by Elizabeth Robin - Book Review

Book Description:

Lizette's 18th birthday ends with the surprise of an arranged marriage she doesn't want. Her Father has promised her to a man she doesn't know and isn't sure she will ever love. In the late 1800's, Liz knows that not following through will put her family in jeopardy. She finds herself hopelessly tied to an aloof and cold stranger, William Hamilton. 

She arrives at her new home and is introduced to William's two closest friends and business associates Rendt and Jack. She finds herself trying desperately to resist the charm of Jack and only her guilty conscience stands in the way of the blooming feelings they have for each other.

When the very wealthy William Hamilton's obsession with an heir turns dangerous, Liz's on'y comfort in her strange new world is a relationship with Jack that could quickly become unforgivable. She soon finds out that William will stop at nothing to protect what is his and get what he wants.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link

Australia: Australia Link

Brazil: Brazil Link

Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link
Author Website: Author Website Link

Author Bio:
(Please note that I couldn't find an author picture.)
All about me!  I am a lover of books, reading them or writing them I can’t seem to get enough.  After my first day of kindergarten I came home crying because they hadn’t taught me to read that day.
That hasn’t changed since I became an adult, well maybe the crying part now that I can read.
I am married to a great guy and we have two sons. We live in the Midwest where we enjoy all four seasons to their fullest.  We are cottage and boat sport fans in the summer and die hard college football fans in the winter.
I write because I love to create stories and I hope that you will get to escape with me into these tales even if for just a little while.

Book Review by Carmen:
On thing I liked about this book was that it had a nice cover; and overall, the story was quite decent, even though there were occasional punctuation errors/problems. I ended up giving this book a three star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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The Crimson Heirlooms by Hunter Dennis - Book Review

Book Description:

The Crimson Heirlooms. One tangible – a priceless necklace called the Cross of Nantes. The other ephemeral – a secret hidden within the lyrics of a song. Each holds the power to change the course of history. But together, the price of ownership is death or salvation.

1832, Paris. Jake Loring is an American student living in the city during the turbulent march to revolution. Torn between the safety of going home to America and the passionate adventure of joining the Resistance, Jake foolhardily follows Paris into violent madness and soon finds himself being blackmailed by the Sphinx-like Monsieur Tyran to search for the Crimson Heirlooms… or die trying.

1776, France. The Heirlooms are born out of the drama unfolding in and around the dying manor of the Traversier Family and the Guerriers of Saint-Domingue. Furious betrayal, religious passion, illicit love and faltering honor between the men and women of both clans forge the Heirlooms and determine the fate of each family.

Past and present intersect as Jake outruns the dangerous forces trying to stop him while sifting through the rubble of this half-century-old drama in order to find the clues that will lead him to the current location of the Heirlooms and to freedom.

But at what cost to France? And his soul?

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link
Australia: Australia Link
Brazil: Brazil Link
Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Facebook: Facebook Link
Twitter: Twitter Link
Author Website: Author Website Link

Author Bio:

Hunter Dennis was a scriptwriter in Hollywood starting with his first sale to the studios in 1998. He has been credited on several films, one of which was distributed internationally and made over 160 million dollars. Since the completion of his first novel, "The Crimson Heirlooms", he has wholly converted to writing prose.
Hunter comes from a distinguished military family, has lived in three countries and across America. He was accepted into the University of Southern California Film School in the Production major as an undergraduate. Before optioning his first screenplay, he worked on a road slurry crew, cleaned a restaurant, and learned how to box.
​He currently lives in Thousand Oaks, California, and looks forward to starting a family somewhere far more green, wet and cold.

Book Review by Carmen:
Though the story-line of this novel was intriguing, there were the tiny odd occasion where there the descriptive detail was a little bit much. There were quite a few characters I enjoyed reading about. I gave this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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The Dressmakers Secret by Kellyn Roth - reviewed by Kristine Metoyer

It comes to the attention of curious eight-year-old Alice Chattoway that her father is seemingly nonexistent. After realizing that his absence is making her mother unhappy, Alice becomes determined to find him and pull her family together. But Miss Chattoway’s answers to her daughter’s questions are vague at best and Alice begins to wonder if she will ever discover her mother’s secret.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kellyn Roth lives with her parents, two little brothers, incredibly needy cat, and faithful border collie Gidget on a ranch in the country. She has been reading obsessively since she was seven, writing poetry and short stories since she was eight, and writing novels since she was ten. Her goal is to write historical fiction novels (which slight branches out into other genres) with Christian themes. Her debut novel, The Dressmaker's Secret, can be bought on Amazon.As you know, I’m an author, and so I’m constantly dreaming up novels.

MY NOVELS

My current project is The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a series set during the 1870s and 1880s. Each novel revolves around one of two twins, Alice or Ivy. I’ve published Book One, The Dressmaker’s Secret, and hope to publish Book Two, known as Ivy Introspective, in 2017.

At the same time, I have several other novels underway. One is The Lady of the Vineyard, a short story set during the 1930s. I hope to finish it in the next few weeks. Another is The Progressors, a fantasy/steampunk novel, which I am outlining.

Yet another is a fantasy novel, Caught in a Spell, which I have written the first few chapters of, though I’ve decided to set it aside until later notice.

Find Me Online

• Goodreads

  goodreads.com

• Google+

  profiles.google.com

Contact Me

• Email

  kellynroth@gmail.com

My Review by Kris Metoyer

“The Dressmakers Secret” by Kellyn Roth

 Miss Claire Chattoway is a single mother and subject of town gossip.  The Dressmakers Secret is a historical fictional book, placing us in an era where men still courted women.  Mr. Parker courts Miss Chattoway and a proposal soon follows.  She almost accepts, realizing her daughters need a father. I get the impression most of the society are wealthy.  The writer introduces the characters of butler, maid and cook to emphasize status. The undertone of the book is faith and family.  A proper lady is expected to be married when having children.  Claire remains heartbroken by love, and her controlling father. Her daughters Alice and Ivy are young and inquisitive.  Alice starts asking questions about her father.  Ivy becomes very ill, and her mother seeks comfort in the power of prayer.  The children get invited to stay at Lois Elton of Pearlbelle Park’s Castle.  Alice begins horse riding lessons from Mr. Knight whom resides at the Castle.  He remains an important man in Alice and Ivy’s future.  His character develops embracing heartbreak and a new beginning.  The plot moves along nicely providing an unexpected ending. The Dressmakers Secret is parallel to current events.  The elements featured contain a single mother, heartbreak, blended families, controlling parents, and the need to hold status in society.  I was pleasantly surprised to realize this was a young historical fiction author.  I read the author’s biography after finishing the book. Her characters are complex and consistent.   The next book is in the making.  I give this book a solid 4 stars.  She writes with the heart and depth of an adult.  I hope she continues to write and share her wisdom.  I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

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Who Killed Little Johnny Gill ~ by Kathryn McMaster

Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?: A Victorian True Crime Murder Mystery Kindle Edition

by Kathryn McMaster  (Author)
https://www.goodreads.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
This gripping historical crime fiction novel, based on fact, is set in Bradford, England,1888. It explores the horrific murder of Johnny Gill; a murder and mutilation so gruesome, it stuns a nation. Even hardened detectives are affected by its savagery, swiftly comparing it to the work of Jack the Ripper. 

"Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?" is Kathryn McMaster's debut novel. It is a noir page-turner that immediately immerses you in a maelstrom of emotions, keeping you in suspense as Chief Detective Constable Withers and his dedicated team of British detectives try and gather sufficient evidence to bring a conviction against their suspect.

In 1888, police procedures and knowledge of Forensic Science are rudimentary and juries are exposed to persuasive newspaper reports and public opinion. Will justice prevail, or will the guilty walk free

Website

http://www.kathrynmcmaster.com/subscribe-for-ne...

Twitter

TrueCrimeNovels

Genre

Crime, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Member Since

February 2016

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Kathryn is a writer of historical crime fiction, transporting you back to a different era. She crafts stories around unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang. Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and Forensic Investigation which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.

She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.

Her first true crime book was entitled “Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?” This book covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England. The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.

The hours between 9pm and 7am are when the murder occurred. I read, and read. Paced and scurried. I so wanted to be certain to blame the correct ghastly being, responsible for the horrible act done to young Johnny Gill. A sweet 7 year old boy favored and loved. A mother's intuition, feeling her anguish. She was aware something dreadful had happened to Johnny. A father exhausted from searching, reading of their missing boy by gas lantern. The scenario makes you rethink your daily routine, and everything you do. Everyone you come in contact with, the time and place. In reality a suspect can be anyone, and everyone. The milkman, butcher, grocer, or tailor. But one person particularity has a very shady story. The author convinces us he most definitely could not be a criminal. Then again, little Johnny Gill seems to have vanished into thin air. All to convenient and preposterous to blame Jack the Ripper, or an Occult or another suspect. The book is fascinating due to it's truthful nature. The era of old, where minimal crime investigative techniques were used We let children go play, and sometimes they don't return. I give this four out of five stars. This book was a good mystery, which held my interest. I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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