As Shanna woke from a deep slumber, starcats Storm and Twister by her side, she remembered where they were and what had led them to this point. They wAs Shanna woke from a deep slumber, starcats Storm and Twister by her side, she remembered where they were and what had led them to this point. They were deep underground down in Below in the home of the Starlyne race who were now their allies. With her fellow cadets and their cats surrounding her, Shanna wondered what their futures would be – whether they would have the ability to stop the Garsal invaders who had already created so much death and destruction.
With intense training beginning immediately, each cadet had slightly different abilities to the other – therefore their combined gifts were what the Starlyne were working on enhancing. But as the days and weeks of training intensified, they knew that time was running out – they needed to venture out into the wilderness and danger of Below to find the Garsal ship before it was too late…
Master Cerren of the Council along with Master Peron, a Scout leader, were up on the plateau at the Watchtower, running the organisation of the villagers' safety as well as training new cadets and their starcats; with the help of the Starlyne, their abilities improved immensely. But Senior Councillor Tamazine had become complacent over the years and didn’t believe the danger of the Garsal. The frustration of Master Cerren was great. Would the leaders of Frontier be able to work together to save their home, or would Tamazine cause a fracture in their ranks with her stubborn views?
I absolutely loved this second instalment in the Frontier series. The smooth flow from Frontier Incursion (book one) into Frontier Resistance means if you haven’t read book one already, you definitely should. Once again I loved Twister and Storm – the abilities of the starcats is fascinating, and the author makes it so easy to visualise these beautiful creatures. Shanna is more at ease with herself and their group have become good friends as well as supportive team members. Aussie author Leonie Rogers has moved into my list of authors to watch and I have no hesitation in recommending this series highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Merged review:
As Shanna woke from a deep slumber, starcats Storm and Twister by her side, she remembered where they were and what had led them to this point. They were deep underground down in Below in the home of the Starlyne race who were now their allies. With her fellow cadets and their cats surrounding her, Shanna wondered what their futures would be – whether they would have the ability to stop the Garsal invaders who had already created so much death and destruction.
With intense training beginning immediately, each cadet had slightly different abilities to the other – therefore their combined gifts were what the Starlyne were working on enhancing. But as the days and weeks of training intensified, they knew that time was running out – they needed to venture out into the wilderness and danger of Below to find the Garsal ship before it was too late…
Master Cerren of the Council along with Master Peron, a Scout leader, were up on the plateau at the Watchtower, running the organisation of the villagers' safety as well as training new cadets and their starcats; with the help of the Starlyne, their abilities improved immensely. But Senior Councillor Tamazine had become complacent over the years and didn’t believe the danger of the Garsal. The frustration of Master Cerren was great. Would the leaders of Frontier be able to work together to save their home, or would Tamazine cause a fracture in their ranks with her stubborn views?
I absolutely loved this second instalment in the Frontier series. The smooth flow from Frontier Incursion (book one) into Frontier Resistance means if you haven’t read book one already, you definitely should. Once again I loved Twister and Storm – the abilities of the starcats is fascinating, and the author makes it so easy to visualise these beautiful creatures. Shanna is more at ease with herself and their group have become good friends as well as supportive team members. Aussie author Leonie Rogers has moved into my list of authors to watch and I have no hesitation in recommending this series highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review....more
Australian Kate Manning was impressed with Miles, her talented butler/chef/jack of all trades. She had rescued him when she’d discovered him on t4.5★s
Australian Kate Manning was impressed with Miles, her talented butler/chef/jack of all trades. She had rescued him when she’d discovered him on the floor bleeding from a head wound in one of the rooms of her newly acquired castle – he was grateful to Kate, but wouldn’t tell her anything about himself. Kate was now the proud owner of Castle Kildare – a place she had been fascinated with since she was a child and her beloved grandmother used to take her there. But with her grandma now passed away, Kate was thrilled when she was able to purchase the castle, which had been empty for some years. Sir Caleb, the knight whose portrait hung in the hallway, was the object of Kate’s fascination. She felt drawn to the portrait every time she passed it by…
Kate’s friend Sara was sure the castle was haunted – she had been terrified by the ghost which had frightened her on her last visit. But Kate knew there were no ghosts in Castle Kildare – so the day she saw the lips of Sir Caleb twitch in the portrait, she knew she was imagining things…wasn’t she? But her reaction when Sir Caleb actually stepped from the portrait and stood in front of her; the ensuing bump on her head and Miles helping her to her feet surely meant she was dreaming.
As Sir Caleb and Miles attempted to remove the curse of the Romani gypsies, Kate found herself pondering the words of her grandmother. She badly wanted to help Sir Caleb – she knew she could. Would she succeed? Or would Sir Caleb end up back inside the portrait?
I really enjoyed this light, paranormal romance by Aussie author Erin Moira O’Hara. A quick, easy read, the characters were lots of fun, and the pacing of the story kept me turning the pages quickly. A highly recommendable read.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Merged review:
4.5★s
Australian Kate Manning was impressed with Miles, her talented butler/chef/jack of all trades. She had rescued him when she’d discovered him on the floor bleeding from a head wound in one of the rooms of her newly acquired castle – he was grateful to Kate, but wouldn’t tell her anything about himself. Kate was now the proud owner of Castle Kildare – a place she had been fascinated with since she was a child and her beloved grandmother used to take her there. But with her grandma now passed away, Kate was thrilled when she was able to purchase the castle, which had been empty for some years. Sir Caleb, the knight whose portrait hung in the hallway, was the object of Kate’s fascination. She felt drawn to the portrait every time she passed it by…
Kate’s friend Sara was sure the castle was haunted – she had been terrified by the ghost which had frightened her on her last visit. But Kate knew there were no ghosts in Castle Kildare – so the day she saw the lips of Sir Caleb twitch in the portrait, she knew she was imagining things…wasn’t she? But her reaction when Sir Caleb actually stepped from the portrait and stood in front of her; the ensuing bump on her head and Miles helping her to her feet surely meant she was dreaming.
As Sir Caleb and Miles attempted to remove the curse of the Romani gypsies, Kate found herself pondering the words of her grandmother. She badly wanted to help Sir Caleb – she knew she could. Would she succeed? Or would Sir Caleb end up back inside the portrait?
I really enjoyed this light, paranormal romance by Aussie author Erin Moira O’Hara. A quick, easy read, the characters were lots of fun, and the pacing of the story kept me turning the pages quickly. A highly recommendable read.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review....more
Sarah Dubert was having drinks with her two girlfriends, Mia and Amy at their favourite bar, The Blue Saloon. They were discussing their New Year’s reSarah Dubert was having drinks with her two girlfriends, Mia and Amy at their favourite bar, The Blue Saloon. They were discussing their New Year’s resolutions or lack of them; to Sarah’s horror she ended up agreeing to her friends’ project – Operation Valentine. Sarah was to fall in love by Valentine’s Day so she would have a date on that very special day. But Sarah was convinced she was cursed – she had never, not once, had a date on Valentine’s Day – why would it be any different this year?
With soulmates.com serving up guys on a platter, she tried, she really did! But with the help of the mysterious, handsome and enigmatic Owen Black, owner of The Blue Saloon, things didn’t seem to be going anywhere – Valentine’s Day was looming closer and closer; her preparations for the very important fundraising ball for her work were threatening to come unstuck and Sarah was getting desperate.
So why were her emotions in turmoil? Why did her legs go weak when she stepped into The Blue Saloon? Would Sarah achieve her goal or would all be lost – was she destined to remain alone on Valentine’s Day?
What an absolutely delightful little novella! I loved it and read it in one sitting. Loretta Hill is a wonderfully entertaining writer, and I’ll definitely be reading everything I can of hers. Highly recommended to lovers of a light, entertaining romance.
Merged review:
Sarah Dubert was having drinks with her two girlfriends, Mia and Amy at their favourite bar, The Blue Saloon. They were discussing their New Year’s resolutions or lack of them; to Sarah’s horror she ended up agreeing to her friends’ project – Operation Valentine. Sarah was to fall in love by Valentine’s Day so she would have a date on that very special day. But Sarah was convinced she was cursed – she had never, not once, had a date on Valentine’s Day – why would it be any different this year?
With soulmates.com serving up guys on a platter, she tried, she really did! But with the help of the mysterious, handsome and enigmatic Owen Black, owner of The Blue Saloon, things didn’t seem to be going anywhere – Valentine’s Day was looming closer and closer; her preparations for the very important fundraising ball for her work were threatening to come unstuck and Sarah was getting desperate.
So why were her emotions in turmoil? Why did her legs go weak when she stepped into The Blue Saloon? Would Sarah achieve her goal or would all be lost – was she destined to remain alone on Valentine’s Day?
What an absolutely delightful little novella! I loved it and read it in one sitting. Loretta Hill is a wonderfully entertaining writer, and I’ll definitely be reading everything I can of hers. Highly recommended to lovers of a light, entertaining romance....more
Dolly Bowman was nervous, no she was terrified; newly arrived in Sydney from the little town of Wollombi in NSW she stood in front of No. Fifty Four –Dolly Bowman was nervous, no she was terrified; newly arrived in Sydney from the little town of Wollombi in NSW she stood in front of No. Fifty Four – she had to keep up her courage to knock on the door – she had a job interview and she needed to be independent and make her own way. It was the early 1920s, her father had died six months previously, and her beloved brother Ted hadn’t returned from the war. She was alone now and ready to make her way into the big wide world.
Her job as housemaid in the big boarding house was a busy one, full of excitement and bustle; when Mrs Mack discovered Dolly could sing she found cleaning by day and singing to the patrons by night, dressed glamorously and wowing the audience was exciting. But childhood friend Jack Dalton seemed set to upset things for Dolly. He didn’t want her working in Mrs Mack’s boarding house, and she couldn’t work it out, but there was something strange and secretive about his manner...
Another fabulous historical romance from Aussie author Tea Cooper! I really enjoyed this light hearted novel set in the seedy suburbs of early 1900s Sydney, Australia. Dolly was a naïve but loveable character, while Ted and Jack both filled their roles to perfection. I have no hesitation in recommending this author’s work, and especially Jazz Baby, highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Merged review:
Dolly Bowman was nervous, no she was terrified; newly arrived in Sydney from the little town of Wollombi in NSW she stood in front of No. Fifty Four – she had to keep up her courage to knock on the door – she had a job interview and she needed to be independent and make her own way. It was the early 1920s, her father had died six months previously, and her beloved brother Ted hadn’t returned from the war. She was alone now and ready to make her way into the big wide world.
Her job as housemaid in the big boarding house was a busy one, full of excitement and bustle; when Mrs Mack discovered Dolly could sing she found cleaning by day and singing to the patrons by night, dressed glamorously and wowing the audience was exciting. But childhood friend Jack Dalton seemed set to upset things for Dolly. He didn’t want her working in Mrs Mack’s boarding house, and she couldn’t work it out, but there was something strange and secretive about his manner...
Another fabulous historical romance from Aussie author Tea Cooper! I really enjoyed this light hearted novel set in the seedy suburbs of early 1900s Sydney, Australia. Dolly was a naïve but loveable character, while Ted and Jack both filled their roles to perfection. I have no hesitation in recommending this author’s work, and especially Jazz Baby, highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review....more
It was 1953 when eleven year old Emma and her younger sister Fleur accompanied their father, Alec Cartwright, to the docks, where they were about to dIt was 1953 when eleven year old Emma and her younger sister Fleur accompanied their father, Alec Cartwright, to the docks, where they were about to depart for England. The family had lived in Malaya for as long as the children remembered, and Emma loved it. But most of all, she loved her mother, and couldn't work out why she wasn't there, why their father wasn't waiting for Lydia before they left, and why he wouldn't answer their questions.
When Lydia arrived home, the house was empty - devoid of life. Where were her children, where was Alec? Lydia couldn't work out what had happened, but when she was told Alec and the girls had moved on to a small place for his new job, she set out to follow them. The jungle of Malaya was rife with terrorists and the danger was always with them. When the bus Lydia was travelling on was ambushed, she was lucky escape with her life, but she continued with her search. Devastation and grief travelled with her - would she ever see her children again?
The Separation is Dinah Jefferies debut novel, set in Malaya in the 1950s, where she herself was born. A well written story, a story of heartbreak and loss, of terror and grief, I loved Emma's character. She was a strong and determined child, and I admired her fortitude. I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by this author, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended....more
Aunt Bessie Cubbon had lived in Laxey, on the Isle of Man, most of her life, and her routine included a walk first thing in the morning, rain or shineAunt Bessie Cubbon had lived in Laxey, on the Isle of Man, most of her life, and her routine included a walk first thing in the morning, rain or shine. The particular morning when she woke it was teeming with rain, and she donned her raincoat and took an umbrella heading down the path towards the beach. She certainly didn't expect to almost stumble over a body lying face down in the sand. She called the local police and Hugh arrived, took one look and rang for reinforcements.
As the police interviewed the man's family, as well as Aunt Bessie and any other witnesses, the reveal of the family's wealth and prestige in the area made Aunt Bessie realise she knew the family. But no one could work out who would kill young Danny, only days into his honeymoon. It wasn't too much longer before Aunt Bessie came across a second body - why were people dying in the town that rarely saw crime, let alone murder? Aunt Bessie and her friend Doona, along with Hugh, decide to help the police along to find the killer - but could they before someone else died?
Aunt Bessie Assumes is the first in the Isle of Man series by Diana Xarissa and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Aunt Bessie is a real card, and an avid booklover as well. I laughed out loud a few times. The new police Inspector is a nice change from some - and he appreciated Aunt Bessie's opinions. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series soon. Recommended....more
Neil Quiller had been sent to Australia, to cousins who lived on a property - Haarlem Downs - not far from Broome in Western Australia, when he was a Neil Quiller had been sent to Australia, to cousins who lived on a property - Haarlem Downs - not far from Broome in Western Australia, when he was a youngster. He always felt he didn't fit in, but when the father, Leonard, had shown Neil the workings of his plane - a Gull - Neil was hooked. Flying was in his blood. When war began with the Japanese invading Malaya and Singapore, Quiller was part of the RAF squad, flying investigative missions, passing on the information of where the Japs were, and how close they were. When the Japs arrived and his plane was shot down, he managed to walk through the dense bush, getting assistance from natives, until he made it back to his base.
The invasion was brutal and as one then another aerodrome was shot to pieces, evacuation was vital. Through the towns and bush, keeping away from Japs and any military, Quiller gradually made his way to safety. But would he ever make it back to Australia? Would he find his way, with little food and water, injuries and worse?
Past the Headlands by Aussie author Garry Disher is a work of fiction but aspects of it were inspired by real people and actual events. Heartbreaking and sad, the brutality of the Japs toward civilians was horrific. Quiller managed to rescue an eight year old orphan girl, Maisie, while he was treated wrongly by his own cousin. I do feel this is a little drawn out and long winded, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. Recommended....more
Working the late shift, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was called to a horrific scene. A man was hanging from the rafters of his barn in what was iniWorking the late shift, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was called to a horrific scene. A man was hanging from the rafters of his barn in what was initially thought to be suicide, but the bullet wounds prove otherwise. Investigations lead Kate to think back thirty-five years, when she was a toddler, to the horrific murders of the Hochstetler family when the father was shot and four small children perished, while their mother vanished. Only William survived. When another person was discovered dead, then a third, Kate and her small team were racing against the clock. With what had been discovered, Kate wondered if it was revenge for long ago evils.
Meanwhile John Tomasetti was devastated to hear one of the individuals involved in the deaths of his wife and children was out of jail a free man. His anger was palpable, but would he do anything about it? Would his anger be too much for Kate?
The Dead Will Tell is the 6th in the Kate Burkholder series and it was excellent. Fast paced, chilling and intense, I flew through the pages. Kate is a strong character, perfect for the role and I always enjoy her team, close knit and loyal – Kate’s family. Highly recommended. ...more
With the appraisal of the long vacant Tillotson-Fisher house in Ocean Alley, Jolie Gentil needed to take a look in the attic. There was a lot of old sWith the appraisal of the long vacant Tillotson-Fisher house in Ocean Alley, Jolie Gentil needed to take a look in the attic. There was a lot of old stuff up there, but it was when she opened the wardrobe to remove the clothes inside that she got the shock of her life. A skeleton was inside and her scream could be heard as she fell through the attic entry to the floor below. As the police removed the skeleton, Jolie was taken to hospital with a fractured tailbone, which would keep her out of action for some time.
The mystery of the skeleton was soon solved as the missing Richard Tillotson was identified. Mary Doris, in her nineties, was the owner of the old bakery which tied the two families together and Jolie knew there was more involved. It was when Mary Doris was murdered that Jolie began her investigation in earnest – a murder from decades before hadn’t bothered her too much, but Mary Doris’ murder was another thing entirely. But would she be able to find the answers as Scoobie and Ramona, along with Aunt Madge, worked their way through the clues?
Rekindling Motives is the 2nd in A Jolie Gentil Cozy Mystery series by Elaine Orr and it was intriguing, with some great characters involved in the story. Aunt Madge is a strong and caring woman, with Jolie an extremely determined young lady, to the annoyance of the local police. And Scoobie is a special character. My only issue is some editing problems - many, if not most of the word 'of' is replaced with 'or' and it's very disconcerting! But other than that, I’m enjoying this series very much and have no hesitation in recommending it....more
Gloria Rutherford and her friends set to finding the killer of Mr Malone after Gloria had discovered a piece of evidence the police missed. InvestigatGloria Rutherford and her friends set to finding the killer of Mr Malone after Gloria had discovered a piece of evidence the police missed. Investigating the piece took her to places she hadn't been before but with her friends by her side, she had courage. But the local cops weren't keen on her doing the investigating, saying she was putting herself in danger.
When an arrest was made, Gloria wasn't sure they had the right person. So she continued searching. She and her Garden Girls knew everyone in town - Belhaven in Michigan was small enough for that. So was it a local? Or was it a stranger who murdered Mr Malone?
Who Murdered Mr. Malone? is the first in the Garden Girls series, and my first read of Hope Callaghan. I needed a book with a question in the title, so this one fit the bill. It was pretty silly, fairly lightly entertaining, with the kind hearted, elderly characters up for a bit of fun. ...more
