Book Review: To Challenge Destiny by Celia Martin

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: To Challenge Destiny

Subtitle: Celia Martin #1

Author: Celia Martin

Genre: Historical Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49238451-to-challenge-destiny

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

After the defeat of the Royalist army, Adler and Lattimer can only escape abroad. Initially planning to join their king on the continent, they meet a family moving to New Netherland.

Soon, they agree to accompany them. Will they find a new life in America, or will the Indians kill them?

What I liked about the book:

I loved the book in its entirety. The love and support between the family and the two friends is refreshing to see.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and it is the second in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a historical fiction novel.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Escaping England after the Royalist defeat at Worcester in 1651, Adler Hayward and his friend, Latimer Draye, join the Fortier family bound for New Netherland. Heartbroken at leaving his home and family, Adler finds solace in the eyes of Glynneth Fortier, the wife of Etienne Fortier, who suffers from consumption. Though Adler loves Glynneth more than life itself, he is devoted to her husband, and he and Draye are protective of the Fortier family. To earn their living, Adler and Draye become woodsmen, trading with the Mohawks and sharing several near-death adventures. As they settle into their lives in New Netherland, Adler and Glynneth cannot help but wonder what destiny awaits them in their strange and challenging new world.

About the Author:

Celia Martin is a former Social Studies/English teacher. Her love of history dates back to her earliest memories when she sat enthralled as her grandparents recounted tales of their past, As a child, she delighted in the make-believe games that she played with her siblings and friends, but as she grew up and had to put aside the games, she found she could not set aside her imagination. So, Celia took up writing stories for her own entertainment. She is an avid reader. She loves getting lost in a romance, but also enjoys good mysteries, exciting adventure stories, and fact-loaded historical documentaries. When her husband retired and they moved from California to the glorious Kitsap Peninsula in the state of Washington, she was able to begin a full-fledged writing career. And has never been happier. When not engaged in writing, Celia enjoys travel, keeping fit, and listening to a variety of different music styles

Book Review: The Rabbit's Foot by Marcia Clayton

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Rabbit's Foot

Subtitle: (Hartford Manor #3)

Author: Marcia Clayton

Genre: Historical Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59650028-the-rabbit-s-foot

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A tramp who is related to the inhabitants of the manor. We now know that Sam is the nephew of Lady Margery. Everything has changed for Sam and also for Annie’s family. But what happened to Sam’s son?

What I liked about the book:

I loved the book in its entirety. These families are difficult to leave behind.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and it is the second in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a historical fiction novel.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

1885 North Devon, England

Mr Edward Snell was more than a little curious when Robert Fellwood, the heir to Hartford Manor and his elderly aunt, the Lady Margery, begged an audience on a Saturday morning. However, being such valued clients, the solicitor was happy to oblige. As his clerk showed the visitors in, he was intrigued to see them followed by an old man who, though respectably dressed, had something of a vagrant about him. The crisp suit in which he was attired could not disguise his weather-beaten face or his missing teeth.

 

Robert introduced his Uncle Sam and explained he had come to claim his inheritance. The solicitor was old enough to remember the extensive search for Thomas Fellwood when his father, Ephraim, died in 1840. However, that was some forty-five years ago and the young man had never been found. Yet, here was Sam, who claimed to be Thomas Fellwood’s son and, even more surprising, was the fact that the Fellwood family appeared to have accepted him as such.

 

“The Rabbit’s Foot” is an intriguing and compelling novel with many unexpected twists and turns. Set in the small seaside village of Hartford, it tells the tale of how an old man, who has spent his life with barely a penny to his name, suddenly finds himself rich beyond his wildest dreams. However, there is only one thing that Sam Fellwood truly wants and that is to be reunited with his son, Marrok, whom he abandoned at the age of five. Will Sam find the happiness that has eluded him for so many lonely years?

About the Author:

I was born in North Devon, in the South West of England, the daughter of a farmer, and my family has lived in this area for generations. I've always enjoyed the beautiful countryside and the peaceful way of life to be found here and would never wish to live anywhere else.

 

When I left school I worked in a bank for several years until I married Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for our three sons. As they grew older I returned to work, first as a Marie Curie nurse, caring for the terminally ill, and then for the local authority where I stayed until retirement.

 

I wrote my first book "The Mazzard Tree", in spare moments over several years as I was also working full time and raising my family. My second book, "The Angel Maker" is a sequel to the first and was written after I retired. I have recently released the third book in the Hartford Manor Series, "The Rabbit's Foot".

 

Set against the harsh background of the rough, class-divided society of Victorian England, this heart-warming and captivating series portrays a young woman who uses her determination and willpower to defy the circumstances of her birth in her search for happiness.

Book Review: The Angel Maker by Marcia Clayton

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Angel Maker

Subtitle: (Hartford Manor #2)

Author: Marcia Clayton

Genre: Historical Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56279288-the-angel-maker

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

We again follow the families in the North Devon village and surrounding area. This time Fred Carter discovers a heavily pregnant, young woman on the side of the road and he offers her a ride. As an unmarried woman, she’s on her way to her aunt to have the baby and have it adopted.

Will she be able to let her baby go? A book full of mystery, love and upsetting occurrences.

What I liked about the book:

I loved the book in its entirety. These families are difficult to leave behind.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any, although the Angel Maker is someone who deserved what she got.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and it is the second in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a historical fiction novel.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

1884 North Devon, England

When carpenter, Fred Carter, finds a young woman in dire straits by the roadside, he takes her to the local inn where she gives birth to a daughter. Charlotte Mackie is an unmarried mother and has run away from home where she would have no sympathy from her strict parents. A few days later, Fred takes Charlotte to her aunt’s house and does not expect to see her again.

 

When their paths unexpectedly cross, Fred finds Charlotte is distraught as her aunt has arranged an adoption behind her back. Charlotte is desperate to find her baby, and Fred promises to help. However, they are unprepared for the sinister discoveries that lay before them. Set alongside the absorbing detail of country life and budding village romances, dark forces are at work, which ultimately test the bravery and resourcefulness of the whole community.

 

The Angel Maker is the sequel to The Mazzard Tree and the second novel in a compelling series that follows the lives and loves of the villagers of Hartford. A rare treat for lovers of historical fiction.

About the Author:

I was born in North Devon, in the South West of England, the daughter of a farmer, and my family has lived in this area for generations. I've always enjoyed the beautiful countryside and the peaceful way of life to be found here and would never wish to live anywhere else.

 

When I left school I worked in a bank for several years until I married Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for our three sons. As they grew older I returned to work, first as a Marie Curie nurse, caring for the terminally ill, and then for the local authority where I stayed until retirement.

 

I wrote my first book "The Mazzard Tree", in spare moments over several years as I was also working full time and raising my family. My second book, "The Angel Maker" is a sequel to the first and was written after I retired. I have recently released the third book in the Hartford Manor Series, "The Rabbit's Foot".

 

Set against the harsh background of the rough, class-divided society of Victorian England, this heart-warming and captivating series portrays a young woman who uses her determination and willpower to defy the circumstances of her birth in her search for happiness.

Book Review: Ashes to Ashes by Vicky Peplow

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Ashes To Ashes

Subtitle: Not All That Enter Lose Their Minds

Author: Vicky Peplow

Genre: Horror

Part of a series? Possibly

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series? Best read after The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp by the same author

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60171078-ashes-to-ashes

Overall score:

I scored this book 4.5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A great horror story that is enjoyable. Imagine, you’ve worked in an old asylum for years run by a deranged psychiatrist. People died under his reign, likely unnecessarily. Ghosts run amok, and his spirit still lingers. When the asylum is scheduled for destruction, what will you do?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of suspense.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more. This one is by far the best I’ve read by this author so far.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a horror story with a hint of the paranormal.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like suspense, and horror with a hint of the paranormal, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The earth-shattering news of a place that Nana Peggy loved and worked at was due to be demolished. She knew deep within herself there were still spirits of those that called the Asylum home and continued to roam the buildings.

After gaining entry, Nana Peggy, her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter went to look around so Peggy could say goodbye. While there, strange things began to happen, and Danni decided to enlist the help of her old school friend Danielle.

With the help of Danielle, Mike, and a special spirit guide, they discover a dark secret hidden within the walls.

 

Will they be brave enough to find out the truth and help those trapped within?

About the Author:

Book Review: Between Life and Death by Vicky Peplow

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Between Life And Death

Subtitle: A Book of Short Stories

Author: Vicky Peplow

Genre: Short Stories

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58535135-between-life-and-death

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A series of short, enjoyable stories with some suspense and mystery.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of suspense.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a series of short suspenseful stories.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like suspense, short stories and a quick read, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Slip into the life of different people and things that they have gone through within their lives. Enjoy these short stories of the miracle of birth, but with the trepidation of something going wrong at the same time.

You are going from the miracle of giving birth to been given the worst news of your life and knowing that you could be responsible for it. You are then moving to a new home and seeing spirits walking around and interacting with you and finding out that there could be a dead body in your backyard.

Some people have to deal with a lot in their lives, including dealing with PTSD after serving their country and then circumventing PTSD after not being dealt the best of hands but finding love in the most unexpected places.

Some people find love in expected places, but the person they love is not the person they thought they were then the unexpected happens.

Which of these six short stories will resonate with you?

About the Author:

Book Review: The Old Coal Miner's Lamp by Vicky Peplow

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp

Subtitle:

Author: Vicky Peplow

Genre: Literature and Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51848064-the-old-coal-miner-s-lamp

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Billy loses his life in a mining accident. From then on, he helps the recently departed to cross over to the light.

Many years later, Mike has flashbacks to a time he was never part of. But rather than flashbacks, he is in the actual situation, with all the risks associated to that.

Danielle is a medium who helps Mike understand what is happening. Can they work things out before the danger catches up with them?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of suspense and intrigue.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a paranormal mystery.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like suspense, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

After Billy loses his life in a mining accident, he becomes the carrier of the Old Coal Miner’s Lamp, helping to guide other lost souls on their way to the Light.

 

Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.

 

Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?

 

Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.

 

Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?

About the Author:

Book Review: The Camel Trail by Peter J Merrigan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Camel Trail

Subtitle:

Author: Peter J Merrigan

Genre: Literary fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55375762-the-camel-trail

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Sarah and Kevin escape a life of abuse and head for Cornwall where they strike up a friendship with their new neighbours.

Will they remain safe from her husband, or will disaster strike when he is released from prison?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed and full of suspense, love and heartbreak. And there is an unexpected hero.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and a totally different genre to the first two I read. It’s still a fabulous book that I can highly recommend.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a book full of suspense, love, courage, and heartbreak.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about underdogs, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The story of a family on the edge, and another not far behind...

 

Sarah Catchpole was raped and beaten by her husband one too many times. When Frankie is sent to prison, Sarah and her young son, Kevin, flee London and start over in the sleepy town of Padstow, Cornwall. They meet their new neighbours and their son, Martin, who is slowly dying from muscular dystrophy. He's almost wheelchair-bound but ever hopeful of being able to walk unaided the full length of The Camel Trail, an eleven-mile stretch of scenic path near the coast.

 

But when Frankie is released from prison and tracks them down, the hunt begins. With Kevin and Martin missing, Sarah and Martin’s parents are plunged headlong into a fight for their boys’ survival and, ultimately, for their own redemption.

About the Author:

Peter J Merrigan was born in Northern Ireland and became interested in writing from an early age. He was first published at the age of 17.

 

He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.

 

Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.

 

His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.

 

He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.

Book Review: Stone Forged by Peter Merrigan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Stone Forged

Subtitle: (The Ailigh Wars Saga Book 2)

Author: Peter J Merrigan

Genre: Fiction, Saga, Historical fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55375748-stone-forged

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Ronan never expected to be king. Still mourning his dead soulmate, he does what he can to lead his people working and fighting alongside them. A new threat looms and he is called to war once again. Will he and his army succeed in stopping the invaders?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed and full of suspense, love and heartbreak.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I would like what will happen next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a saga full of suspense.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like historical fiction and Irish sagas, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Two years ago, they ended an invasion. Now, they must prevent an uprising.

 

When peace is shattered by a southern king, the northern Ó Mordha tribesmen must once again join the fight.

 

As the freed invaders amass at the seat of the High King, they are intent on extending their reign to the northern tribelands to rule all of Ireland.

 

The Ó Mordha king, Keeper of the North, whose grief for his dead companion is still too raw, must set aside his mourning and strike out to stop the ruthless invaders in their tracks.

 

The stunning follow-up to STONE HEART, book 2 of the Ailigh Wars Saga will have you thirsty for blood.

 

The omens are bad. A new war approaches.

 

STONE SOUL (Book 3) is out October 2021!

About the Author:

Peter J Merrigan was born in Northern Ireland and became interested in writing from an early age. He was first published at the age of 17.

 

He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.

 

Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.

 

His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.

 

He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.