This Week in Books 30.09.2015

icon2

Welcome to my weekly post, where I sum-up what I’ve been up to in bookland the past week.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I hope you’re all ready for Horror October, I’ll be kicking it off in the next couple of days.

TWIB33

Now: The Lost Girl ~ R.L Stine

I’m nearly finished with this…I’ve really enjoyed it!

Then: Golden Boy ~ Abigail Tarttelin

Loved this…I haven’t managed to articulate a review yet because EMOSHE, but yeah, I will!

Next: ???

I’ll be getting stuck in to my Horror October reads. I think the next one will be Seize the Night.

New on the Shelves

I was really happy to be contacted about reviewing this book, it sounds great!

sanctuarybay

Sanctuary Bay
In this genre-bending YA thriller, will Sarah Merson’s shiny new prep school change her life forever or bring it to a dark and sinister end?

When Sarah Merson receives the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the most elite prep school in the country-Sanctuary Bay Academy-it seems almost too good to be true. But, after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home, escaping to its tranquil setting, nestled deep in Swans Island, couldn’t sound more appealing. Swiftly thrown into a world of privilege and secrets, Sarah quickly realizes finding herself noticed by class charmer, Nate, as well as her roommate’s dangerously attentive boyfriend, Ethan, are the least of her worries. When her roommate suddenly goes missing, she finds herself in a race against time, not only to find her, but to save herself and discover the dark truth behind Sanctuary Bay’s glossy reputation.

In this genre-bending YA thriller, Sanctuary Bay by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz, Sarah’s new school may seem like an idyllic temple of learning, but as she unearths years of terrifying history and manipulation, she discovers this “school” is something much more sinister.

That’s it for this week, what did you get up to?

If you still do a similar WWW post (or just want to join in, leave your link/answers in the comments, OR why not tweet using #TWIB, and I’ll come and visit!

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

vengeanceroadTitle: Vengeance Road
Author: Erin Bowman
Series: N/A
Edition: Digital Review Copy, 336 pages
Publication Details: September 1st 2015 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Genre(s): YA
Disclosure? Yep! I received a free copy in exchange for an HONEST review.

Goodreads

Revenge is worth its weight in gold.

When hers father is murdered for a journal revealing the location of a hidden gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers—and justice. What she finds are untrustworthy strangers, endless dust and heat, and a surprising band of allies, among them a young Apache girl and a pair of stubborn brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, a startling truth becomes clear: some men will stop at nothing to get their hands on gold, and Kate’s quest for revenge may prove fatal.

Review

Vengeance Road is a fast-paced, action-packed, tale of adventure and revenge in the shape of a good old-fashioned Western.

Plucky protagonist Kate thought her father was hung for the sake of it, but when she makes her way to Abe’s ranch, someone her father instructed her to seek out should anything happen to him, she discovers that she didn’t know him as well as she thought.

Hell-bent on seeking revenge for his death, Kate, along with Abe’s children – for he too is dead when she gets there – heads off across the arid plains on the trail of the Rose clan – the notorious band of outlaws who killed him.

Hurrah for this is basically what I want to say! It’s not often you come across new and exciting strands of YA, and Vengeance Road was definitely that. Bowman weaves a thrilling, old fashioned yarn of an adventure and makes it look all shiny and new.

Kate is a wonderful character. She’s strong-willed, resourceful, and presents herself as fearless. But deep down she’s just like any teenager, lacking in confidence, and feeling lost in the world.

I really enjoyed this book the whole way through. I enjoyed Kate’s banter with the brothers, and her unlikely friendship with Lilulwe, an Apache girl. It has a bit of everything.

There is of course some romance too, this is YA after all.

This was my first helping of Erin Bowman, and I think she’s certainly one to watch. I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next, and I might even have to check out her previous books on the strength of this one.

unicorn rating 4

Open Call For Submissions!

HorrorOct2015

Gruesome Guest Posts, Frightening Features and Revolting Reviews wanted!

Yes, it’s that time of the year again….Brush the cobwebs off your costumes, because Horror October is fast approaching!

Last year’s horror-themed month was a huge success so I will of course be doing much of the same this year and hosting my third Horror October.

I’m slightly behind on the planning, so I need your help more than ever.

I’m looking for reviews, features, guest posts/interviews, anything goes as long as it comes under the umbrella that is horror (I use the term very loosely and hope to cater for everyone, even you scaredy cats out there 😉 )

So get your shocking-scary-supernatural caps on and get involved. Leave a comment or email me on:

lipsyylostnfound[at]gmail[dot]com.

This Week in Books 23.09.2015

icon2

Welcome to my weekly post, where I sum-up what I’ve been up to in bookland the past week.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

twib32

Now: Golden Boy ~ Abigail Tarttelin

I’m almost finished with this one. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a read.

Then: Vengeance Road ~ Erin Bowman

I loved this action-packed, revenge-fuelled, YA Western! My review will be up next week.

Next: ???

I think I’ll make a start on my Horror October reads and begin with The Lost Girl by R.L Stine as it’s released on the 29th Sept.

New on the Shelves

I was approved for the following titles via Netgalley:

The Light That Gets Lost by Natasha Carthew, and Behind Closed Doors by Elizabeth Haynes. Both of which I featured on my Autumn TBR Top Ten yesterday.

I’m Waiting On…

(Linking up with Breaking the Spine)

The Black Tongue ~ Marko Hautala

I really want to get a hold of this ASAP. Sounds creepy-good! It actually came out yesterday, but I have to wait until I get paid to buy it!

blacktongueFor generations, the urban legend of Granny Hatchet has plagued the quiet residential area of Suvikylä in northern Finland. As the story goes, this immortal killer murders her victims with a hatchet, then buries the hearts in a potato field and eats them after they’ve rotted black. But not everyone is convinced it is just a story.

Maisa Riipinen has returned to her hometown to complete her dissertation on urban folklore at the same time that Samuel Autio has come home to arrange his father’s funeral. As hazy, disturbing memories from their pasts meld with strange events in the present, Maisa and Samuel attempt to make sense of the town’s fearful obsession with the mythical Granny Hatchet. But if it’s only a legend, then why are people still vanishing without a trace?

From Finnish author Marko Hautala comes The Black Tongue, a gripping novel about a terrifying story with the power to silence—and the power to make those who dare speak disappear.

So, that’s my week in books, now how about yours?

If you still do a similar WWW post (or just want to join in, leave your link/answers in the comments, OR why not tweet using #TWIB, and I’ll come and visit!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on my Autumn TBR List

icon4-ttt

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish (click the link to visit them) who pick a different topic each week.

This week the topic is: the Top Ten Books on our Autumn to-be-read Lists.

Whenever these seasonal TBR topics come up I always cringe because I know I probably never got through the books on my previous list. I’m pleasantly surprised to see that I did actually read six out of the ten books on my Summer list this time round though, go me.

And so on to Autumn, which is one of my favourite times of the year, especially where reading is concerned. I love curling up on the sofa, under a million blankets to keep warm, with a good book.

This list is comprised of the ten books I’m most looking forward to reading over the next couple of months, in no particular order. Some of the books will be read for my annual Horror October, some are new/upcoming releases, and some are the ones on the top of my physical TBR pile.

Click on the book covers for Goodreads

1. Edgar Allan Poe: Stories and Poems (Classics Reimagined)

autumn1-poe This book was a birthday gift and it’s so awesome! I’ve been waiting for the nights to draw in to pick it up!

Rockport Books revisit the classics in a new series lushly illustrated by some of today’s most endearing and sought-after artists. These aren’t your typical classics–our artists reinterpret these stories and create a stunning presentation unlike any you’ve ever seen. Book enthusiasts and artisans will want to collect the entire series.

Renowned artist David Plunkert takes readers on a dark journey into the gothic stories of Edgar Allan Poe, through his luscious imagery. These stories take on a whole new meaning when accompanied by Plunkert’s mystical, and sometimes spooky interpretations. With this edition of the Classics Reimagined series, you’ll think classics boring, nevermore!

2. Seize the Night ~ Various

seizethenight This one is at the top of my list for Horror October.

A blockbuster anthology of original, blood-curdling vampire fiction from New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, including Charlaine Harris, whose novels were adapted into HBO’s hit show True Blood, and Scott Smith, publishing his first work since The Ruins.

Before being transformed into romantic heroes and soft, emotional antiheroes, vampires were figures of overwhelming terror. Now, from some of the biggest names in horror and dark fiction, comes this stellar collection of short stories that make vampires frightening once again.

Edited by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden and featuring all-new stories from such contributors as Charlaine Harris, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Scott Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Michael Kortya, Kelley Armstrong, Brian Keene, David Wellington, Seanan McGuire, and Tim Lebbon, Seize the Night is old-school vampire fiction at its finest.

Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by Gallery Books

3. The Light That Gets Lost ~ Natasha Carthew

thelightthatAnother upcoming release that I can’t wait to get my hands on.

A small boy hiding in a cupboard witnesses something no child should ever see. He tries not to look but he still hears it. And when he comes out, there’s no mistaking. His mum and dad have been killed. And though he’s only small, he swears that he’ll get revenge one day.

Years later, Trey enters a strange camp that is meant to save troubled teenagers. It’s packed with crazies, god-botherers, devoted felons and broken kids. Trey’s been in and out of trouble ever since the day the bad thing happened, but he’s he not here for saving: this is where he’ll find the man who did it. Revenge and healing, salvation and hell are a boiling, dangerous mix, and Trey finds himself drawn to a girl, a dream and the offer of friendship in the dark.

Expected publication: November 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury Childrens

4. The Lost Girl ~ R.L Stine

thelostgirlI love that the Fear Street books have been relaunched, I’ll be interested to see how this compares to the Point Horror books I loved as a child. I’m hoping to do a feature about it for Horror October.

Generations of children and teens have grown up on R.L. Stine’s bestselling and hugely popular horror series, Fear Street and Goosebumps. Now, the Fear Street series is back with a chilling new installment, packed with pure nightmare fodder that will scare Stine’s avid fan base of teen readers and adults.

New student Lizzy Palmer is the talk of Shadyside High. Michael and his girlfriend Pepper befriend her, but the closer they get to her, the stranger she seems… and the more attractive she is to Michael. He invites her to join him on a snowmobile race that ends in a tragic accident.

Soon, Michael’s friends start being murdered, and Pepper becomes convinced that Lizzy is behind the killings. But to her total shock, she and Michael are drawn into a tragic story of an unthinkable betrayal committed over 60 years ago.

Frightening and tense in the way that only this master of horror can deliver, The Lost Girl is another terrifying Fear Street novel by the king of juvenile horror.

Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by St. Martin’s Griffin

5. Behind Closed Doors ~ Elizabeth Haynes

behindclosedI missed this one the first time around, but thanks to Netgalley I have a copy of the relaunched edition waiting for me. I really loved Into the Darkest Corner so looking forward to this one.

‘To begin with, nothing was certain except her own terror . . .’

Ten years ago, fourteen-year-old Scarlett Rainsford vanished without a trace during a family holiday to Greece. Not being able to find Scarlett was one of the biggest regrets of DCI Louisa Smith’s career and when Scarlett is discovered back in her home town after all this time, Lou is determined to find out what happened to her and why she remained hidden for so long. Was she abducted or did she run away?

As Lou and her team delve deeper into Scarlett’s past, their investigation throws up more questions than it answers. But as they edge closer to the truth about what really went on behind closed doors, it is more sinister and disturbing than they had ever imagined.

6. The Winter Place ~ Alexander Yates

thewinterplace I was thrilled to get approved for this ARC, it sounds soooo good!

When a mysterious stranger and his brown bear show up on the same day that Axel and Tess’s father dies in an accident, Axel fears he might be going crazy, especially as only he can see them. However, the strange duo are quickly forgotten when Axel and Tess are shipped off to Finland to stay with grandparents that they’ve never met. But when they arrive in Finland, Axel is stunned when the stranger and his bear reappear. More incredibly, the stranger tells him that his parents are lost and need help. Desperate to see his father again, and actually meet his mother, Axel follows the man and his bear, disappearing deep into the frozen wilds of northern Finland.

When Tess realises that her brother has vanished she’s distraught. And so begins the frantic search across snow and ice into the dark forest. But as the hours creep by and with no sign of Axel, Tess begins to wonder if her brother has ventured onto a path that she cannot follow.

Delving into the timeless, fantastical world of Nordic mysticism, set against the harsh beauty of a frozen landscape, The Winter Place is an imaginative, beautiful story of loss, love and hope, a story of family, and of a brother and sister who find each other again.

Expected publication: October 22nd 2015 by Simon & Schuster Children

7. Alice in Zombieland ~ Gena Showalter

alice2
I’ve been meaning to give this series a try ever since it came out. I only recently grabbed myself a copy so hopefully I’ll get round to it soon.

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. But that’s all it takes. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

8. An English Ghost Story ~ Kim Newman

new3
I think this was the only book I didn’t get round to reading on my Horror October list last year, so I have to include it this year too.

A dysfunctional British nuclear family seek a new life away from the big city in the sleepy Somerset countryside. At first their new home, The Hollow, seems to embrace them, creating a rare peace and harmony within the family. But when the house turns on them, it seems to know just how to hurt them the most—threatening to destroy them from the inside out.

A stand-alone novel from acclaimed author Kim Newman.

9. The Black Tongue ~ Marko Hautala

blacktongue
Sounds terrifying! I think I’m going to have buy a copy of this. It’s flown to the top of my wishlist!

For generations, the urban legend of Granny Hatchet has plagued the quiet residential area of Suvikylä in northern Finland. As the story goes, this immortal killer murders her victims with a hatchet, then buries the hearts in a potato field and eats them after they’ve rotted black. But not everyone is convinced it is just a story.

Maisa Riipinen has returned to her hometown to complete her dissertation on urban folklore at the same time that Samuel Autio has come home to arrange his father’s funeral. As hazy, disturbing memories from their pasts meld with strange events in the present, Maisa and Samuel attempt to make sense of the town’s fearful obsession with the mythical Granny Hatchet. But if it’s only a legend, then why are people still vanishing without a trace?

From Finnish author Marko Hautala comes The Black Tongue, a gripping novel about a terrifying story with the power to silence—and the power to make those who dare speak disappear.

Expected publication: September 22nd 2015 by AmazonCrossing

10. Winter ~ Marissa Meyer

wintermeyer
I couldn’t not include this. It’s definitely one of my most anticipated releases this year, never mind this Autumn!

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend–the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Feiwel and Friends

Can’t wait to see what you guys chose – feel free to leave your link 🙂

This Crumbling Pageant by Patricia Burroughs

thiscrumbling
Title: This Crumbling Pageant
Author: Patricia Burroughs
Series: The Fury Triad #1)
Edition: Digital Review Copy, 606 pages
Publication Details: May 6th 2014 by Story Spring Publishing
Genre(s): Fantasy
Disclosure? Yep! I received a free copy in exchange for an HONEST review.

Goodreads // Amazon

Get ready to be swept away into a dark fantasy series that combines swashbuckling adventure, heart-pounding romance and plot-twisting suspense in equal measures.

Expect to hear more about Persephone Fury. A lot more.

England, 1809. As fashionable Society streams toward London for the start of a new social season, they are unaware of a hidden magical England existing alongside. The Magi cathedrals are temples to the old gods. Reigning on their throne is not poor mad George, but the ailing King Pellinore of the House of Pendragon. But their wars are no less deadly.

The Furys are known for their extraordinary music, their powerful magic, and their historic role as kingmakers. But the Furys have their secrets as well, none so dangerous as the daughter whose Shadow magic spills from her, unchecked. Unless her powers are concealed, she’s not only ruined in Society, but marked as a target for those who would use and abuse her magic.

Persephone Fury is the Dark daughter, the one they hide.

But desperate times call for desperate measures, and a good marriage for this frightening daughter is desperately needed. On the night of her debut, her world comes crumbling down around her when she is abducted from the man she loves by the man she most loathes.

Evil powers circle, calling her to the destiny foretold at the moment of her birth, drawing her to the source of her power, to the one place she can finally be free.

By embracing the Shadows.

Persephone is ruthless, devious, and clever, but when confronted with the truth, she must make horrifying choices.

Can she defy destiny and seize her own fate?

Review

This Crumbling Pageant is as epic as the lengthy synopsis suggests! It’s a high fantasy romp through recency England and beyond.

There are two Englands in Burroughs’ world. An Original, regular, England, and also Magi England where our protagonist Persephone lives, and is part of the powerful Fury family.

When Persephone is abducted by her brother’s tutor, she discovers that she possesses an almighty shadow magic, something which her family have kept hidden from her. Unfortunately for her, her kidnapper Vespasian holds the same power, and he takes her through the fog to the other England and threatens to use his powers against the Magi throne, and Persephone’s family.

I don’t think I could explain any more than that if I wanted to. This Crumbling Pageant has a complex, intricate and elaborate plot in which I was often confused about where it was going only to be completely taken in another direction. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

As with a lot of high-concept fantasy, I found it really hard to get into this book, but I’m so glad I kept with it, the beautiful writing is definitely what carried me through.

I loved Persephone’s character and the point at which I did get hooked was her romance with the guy who helps her back to Magi England. It was a heart-pounding, intense romance and I loved it.

I also really enjoyed the setting, regency London -both Ordinary and Magi -was described perfectly and I loved the social commentary on what being in that time meant for Persephone.

Overall, I was really impressed with This Crumbling Pageant, but I can’t say I loved it. I spent way too much time confused and being frustrated about being confused but I don’t want that to be a bad reflection on the book – if you love epic, complex and surprising fantasy you should definitely give it a go.

unicorn rating 3

Gruesome Guest Posts, Revolting Reviews, and Frightening Features Wanted! Open Call for Submissions!

HorrorOct2015

It’s that time of the year again….Brush the cobwebs off your costumes, because Horror October is fast approaching!

Last year’s horror-themed month was a huge success so I will of course be doing much of the same this year and hosting my third Horror October.

I’m slightly behind on the planning, so I need your help more than ever.

I’m looking for reviews, features, guest posts/interviews, anything goes as long as it comes under the umbrella that is horror (I use the term very loosely and hope to cater for everyone, even you scaredy cats out there 😉 )

So get your shocking-scary-supernatural caps on and get involved. Leave a comment or email me on:

lipsyylostnfound[at]gmail[dot]com.

This Week in Books 16.09.2015

icon2

Welcome to my weekly post, where I sum-up what I’ve been up to in bookland the past week.

Hope you guys are having a good week!

twib31

Now: Vengeance Road ~ Erin Bowman

I’m not very far into this, but I have high hopes!

Then: This Crumbling Pageant ~ Patricia Burroughs// The Reckoning Stones ~ Laura DiSilverio

I had mixed feeling about This Crumbling Pageant, my review will be up next week, and my review of The Reckoning Stones went up yesterday.

Next: ???

I’m not really sure this time. As a reward for finishing off nearly all of my outstanding review requests, I think I’ll pick up something off my physical TBR bookshelf. I have Golden Boy, Alice in Zombieland, and Don’t Look Now amongst many, many others…

New on the Shelves

I was approved for the following titles via Netgalley:

Seize the Night ~ Various, Edited by Christopher Golden

I’m mega happy I got approved for this collection as I want to review it for my annual Horror October.

seizethenightA blockbuster anthology of original, blood-curdling vampire fiction from New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, including Charlaine Harris, whose novels were adapted into HBO’s hit show True Blood, and Scott Smith, publishing his first work since The Ruins.

Before being transformed into romantic heroes and soft, emotional antiheroes, vampires were figures of overwhelming terror. Now, from some of the biggest names in horror and dark fiction, comes this stellar collection of short stories that make vampires frightening once again. Edited by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden and featuring all-new stories from such contributors as Charlaine Harris, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Scott Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Michael Kortya, Kelley Armstrong, Brian Keene, David Wellington, Seanan McGuire, and Tim Lebbon, Seize the Night is old-school vampire fiction at its finest.

Corrupted ~ Lisa Scottoline

This is the third book in the series and I haven’t read the previous two but it sounds like that won’t be an issue from Goodreads. I couldn’t resist after reading the synopsis

corrupted

Bennie Rosato the founder of the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm hides her big heart beneath her tough-as-nails exterior and she doesn’t like to fail.

Now, a case from her past shows her how differently things might have turned out. Thirteen years ago, Bennie Rosato took on Jason Leftavick, a twelve-year-old boy who was sent to a juvenile detention center after fighting a class bully. Bennie couldn’t free Jason, and to this day it’s the case that haunts her.

Jason has grown up in and out of juvenile prison, and his adulthood hasn’t been any easier. Bennie no longer represents those accused of murder, but when Jason is indicted for killing the same bully he fought with as a kid, she sees no choice but to represent him. She doesn’t know whether or not to believe his claims of innocence, but she knows she owes him for past failures–of the law, of the juvenile justice system, and of herself. Forced to relive the darkest period of her life, Bennie will do everything in her power to get the truth, and justice.

I’m Waiting On…

(Linking up with Breaking the Spine)

The Light that gets Lost ~ Natasha Carthew

This looks and sounds right up my alley!

thelightthatA small boy hiding in a cupboard witnesses something no child should ever see. He tries not to look but he still hears it. And when he comes out, there’s no mistaking. His mum and dad have been killed. And though he’s only small, he swears that he’ll get revenge one day.

Years later, Trey enters a strange camp that is meant to save troubled teenagers. It’s packed with crazies, god-botherers, devoted felons and broken kids. Trey’s been in and out of trouble ever since the day the bad thing happened, but he’s he not here for saving: this is where he’ll find the man who did it. Revenge and healing, salvation and hell are a boiling, dangerous mix, and Trey finds himself drawn to a girl, a dream and the offer of friendship in the dark.

Expected Publication: November 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children’s

So, that’s my week in books, now how about yours?

If you still do a similar WWW post (or just want to join in, leave your link/answers in the comments, OR why not tweet using #TWIB, and I’ll come and visit!

The Reckoning Stones by Laura DiSiverio

reckoningstones
Title: The Reckoning Stones
Author: Laura DiSilverio
Series:
Edition: Digital Review Copy, 360 pages
Publication Details: September 8th 2015 by Midnight Ink
Genre(s): Thriller; Mystery
Disclosure? Yep! I received a free copy in exchange for an HONEST review.

Goodreads // Purchase

After accusing the pastor of her close-knit religious community of molesting her, fourteen-year-old Mercy Asher is branded a liar and publicly humiliated. She runs away on the night someone beats the pastor into a coma and kills his wife.

Two decades later, Mercy has become Iris Dashwood, an emotionally troubled but brilliant jeweler. She thinks she’s in control of her life until news of Pastor Matt’s miraculous awakening broadsides her and leaves her unable to design. Iris returns to Lone Pine, Colorado, determined to confront her past to restore her creativity.

Iris reconnects with her mother, best friend, and boyfriend who harbor secrets she must unearth to find a killer. In the final reckoning, the truth may cost more than she anticipates. Will it bring redemption…or devastation?

Review

The Reckoning Stones is a tightly woven, compelling mystery set in a tiny community in Colorado. But Lone Pine isn’t your average community. It’s inhabitants are all deeply religious and must live within certain rules and strict codes of conduct.

Iris, hasn’t been back to Lone Pine for twenty years, but she can’t put it off any longer, she has to face the very thing she ran away from, she has to free herself of her past.

Initially, I wasn’t sure about this book at all. I was intrigued by the synopsis but the first few pages really failed to pull me in. However, something finally kicked in a few chapters later and I was hooked.

I’m not religious in the slightest, and this book certainly made me glad of that; it doesn’t exactly paint a good picture of people of faith (albeit extreme faith). Lone Pine is much more than a community, it’s more like a cult which lives by, and governs its own rules, and that’s what I found really interesting about it (I’m strangely obsessed with cults btw).

I was with Iris the whole way through. I felt so sickened by what had happened to her all those years ago, and how the community still ostracised her. I liked that she was a complex character who was so strong in some ways, and so vulnerable in others.

Overall, I thought The Reckoning Stones was a great mystery, and one that I became completely engrossed in. It’s about facing your demons, overcoming your past and getting what you deserve, no matter how long it may take.

unicorn rating 4

Book Promo: The Curvy Girls Baby Club by Michele Gorman

Welcome to another book promo on Lipsyy Lost & Found, where I’m always thrilled to support independent authors and publishers.

The Curvy Girls Baby Club is a brand-new feel-good novella from the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author Michele Gorman. And of course, it’s another chance to spend time with the women of The Curvy Girls Club.

The Curvy Girls Baby Club

The Curvy Girls Baby Club

Author: Michele Gorman
Editions: Kindle/e-book, 130 pages
Publication Details: August 20th 2015 by Notting Hill Press
Genre(s): Women’s Fiction

Goodreads // Amazon UK // Amazon US // B&N

Life, love and a Christmas due date…

Ellie is fresh back from her honeymoon and can’t wait to share her news with her best friends Katie and Jane. To everyone’s surprise, mother-of-two Jane has news of her own… The women are due a day apart and Katie can’t wait to be an honorary auntie to the babies.

But it’s hard to keep your sense of humour, not to mention your self-esteem, in the face of hemorrhoids and elasticated waistbands. Add a clingy mother-in-law, a career in cardiac arrest and a sex life that makes Mother Theresa look lusty, and soon their lives are as out of control as their bodies.

As the co-founders of The Curvy Girls Club, where loving yourself is the only rule, will the friends be able to practice what they preach?

Meet the Author

gorman

I write romantic comedy, including SINGLE IN THE CITY (the first in The Expat Diaries series) and BELLA SUMMER TAKES A CHANCE. Born and raised in the US, I lost my heart to London 16 years ago, where I’ve lived ever since. I’ve also turned my hand to upmarket commercial fiction under the pen name Jamie Scott.

Testimonials

Author Michele Gorman weaves a delightful sequel novella to The Curvy Girls Club that is filled with a feel good lighthearted storyline that follows the three best friends as they embark on a journey towards motherhood together”.

– Kathleen, Goodreads

It was great to catch up with the curvy girls club! – Elizabeth Ray, Goodreads

—————————————————————
If you are an author, publisher or agent and would like to be featured on Lipsyy Lost & Found, drop me message on lipsyylostnfound[at]gmail[dot]com

Odd Librarian Out

Not your average librarian, not your average blog

Letters to a Young Librarian

Judging books by their covers since the 90s

Teen Librarian

libraries, teens, books, reviews news...

Eliterate Librarian

Judging books by their covers since the 90s

Spellbound Librarian

A lover of magical books : Book reviews, and general book rambling

The Dwarf Did It...

Book Reviews, Bookish recipes and crafts, subscription box reviews

THE MYSTIQUE BOOKS

Celebrating Books

Confessions of a YA Reader

Book blog. Mostly YA, but a little bit of everything.

Written Word Worlds

Just one more chapter...