Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "hark"
A couple of new releases I've heard about
I've just found out about 2 new releases and these books are going straight on my to-read list, in fact, I've already started reading one of them.
Firstly, Lisette Brodey has released the second book in her paranormal YA series: the "Desert Series", DESERT STAR. Having read the first book in the series, I'm very much looking forward to reading this one.
You can get a copy from Amazon by following the link: http://www.amazon.com/DESERT-STAR-Des...
This series would make a great Christmas gift for the book lover in your life. Even though it's listed as a Young Adult series, I think it can be enjoyed by all ages.
The first book in the series, Mystical High is currently available at just 99 cents: http://www.amazon.com/MYSTICAL-HIGH-D...
The second new release I've heard about is a collection of short stories with Christmas as a theme. Justin Bog has just published Hark---A Christmas Collection. This is a collection of six short stories. I couldn't wait to start reading them and have read the first three already. They are not your typical Christmas stories, they uncover and examine the darker and lonelier side of Christmas. Justin's writing is compulsive reading and I'm enjoying this book. It's the perfect time of year to read it.
You can get your copy here (in Kindle or paperback): http://www.amazon.com/Hark--Christmas...
I think this would make the perfect gift for the short story lover in your life.
Firstly, Lisette Brodey has released the second book in her paranormal YA series: the "Desert Series", DESERT STAR. Having read the first book in the series, I'm very much looking forward to reading this one.
You can get a copy from Amazon by following the link: http://www.amazon.com/DESERT-STAR-Des...
This series would make a great Christmas gift for the book lover in your life. Even though it's listed as a Young Adult series, I think it can be enjoyed by all ages.
The first book in the series, Mystical High is currently available at just 99 cents: http://www.amazon.com/MYSTICAL-HIGH-D...
The second new release I've heard about is a collection of short stories with Christmas as a theme. Justin Bog has just published Hark---A Christmas Collection. This is a collection of six short stories. I couldn't wait to start reading them and have read the first three already. They are not your typical Christmas stories, they uncover and examine the darker and lonelier side of Christmas. Justin's writing is compulsive reading and I'm enjoying this book. It's the perfect time of year to read it.
You can get your copy here (in Kindle or paperback): http://www.amazon.com/Hark--Christmas...
I think this would make the perfect gift for the short story lover in your life.
Recommended Christmas reads
I've read some great Christmas stories in the past few years, so I thought I'd share these with you.
Christmas is a time when it's wonderful to lose yourself in fiction.
Here are my recommendations. I hope you'll try some of them :)
Christmas Past, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
My review:
What is Christmas and why was it banned? Two questions that the protagonists in this story need to find out. This is a wonderful fantasy tale set some time in the future. I really liked the message behind this story. It's a message of peace and, as such, is a perfect Christmas read. The two main characters, Thomat and Draven, are breaking the rules by entering the mysterious library that contains the answers they need.
This is a short tale but a complex one, and it's well written. I liked the interaction between the characters.
Julie Elizabeth Powell's stories are always very imaginative and this is no exception.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Pas...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Past-...
Also available as an audiobook: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sci-Fi-Fa...
*****************************
The Christmas Spirit, by Susan Buchanan
My review:
Perfect read for this time of year. Lots of Christmas references, and seasonal food described in delicious detail.
A magical tale full of true-to-life characters.
Who is the mysterious Natalie Hope and what difference will her presence in the Sugar and Spice bakery and café make to the residents in town? Can she restore the Christmas spirit?
Susan Buchanan is expert at introducing us to lots of interesting characters and weaving the tales of their lives into a great plot.
A bit of romance, a touch of fantasy, festive feasts, and down to earth humour.
A quick read that will put you in the mood for Christmas.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G...
Susan Buchanan has just launched a sequel to this book, Return of the Christmas Spirit. I haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to it.
About the book:
Christmas is just around the corner when Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season.
Sixteen-year-old Arianna’s mock exams are looming and she’s feeling under pressure. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs, she doesn’t have much support at home.
The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he’s going to get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want.
Patricia’s cliché of a husband, after 23 years of marriage, has announced he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary.
Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, as well as looking after his kids and his wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he’s feeling stressed out.
Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Return-Christ...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Christma...
****************************
Hark---A Christmas Collection, by Justin Bog
My review:
This is not your usual Christmas collection of stories. There are no tales of magic and miracles to be found. In this book, the author has collected together short stories that show another side of Christmas. An equally important side. There are people who, for whatever reason, may not be enjoying the Christmas season, and these stories looks at a few examples. Christmas comes every year and, therefore, brings with it memories. In 'Hark' you will find stories of regret, loneliness, fear, pain. That's not to say that it's a depressing read. On the contrary, I enjoyed reading these stories because the characters seem like real people and their emotions are so well portrayed. The author has a talent for bringing characters to life. This is a well written collection. All the stories were enjoyable for different reasons, but I think my favourite is the last story 'The Heralds' because there is a great twist and it is uplifting as well as being insightful. I liked the ending of 'Snow Globe'; it's a great example of the author's ability to understand the complexities of human nature. Although all the stories have a dark side, there is also fun to be found among the pages, most notably in the story, 'Seducing Santa'.
I'd definitely recommend this book, especially as a Christmas read. The sights and sounds of the season are intertwined with the deep and poignant characters' stories.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P...
*************************
Frostbite - The Dragon that Saved Christmas, by J. Michael Radcliffe
My review:
I really enjoyed this short story. It's perfect for the Christmas season. It's a fantasy tale about a curse that must not be broken, and how a dragon saved Christmas. The story is full of enchanting and magical characters. I am already a fan of this author's work, having enjoyed his novels and other short stories. He is a talented writer who excels at fantasy writing. This short story is a great way to sample his work
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
************************
Christmas Stories, by Paulo Coelho
My review:
I enjoyed these stories. It's a quick read. Perfect for reading at Christmastime. The stories are not entirely original, as they're based on tales and legends from around the world, nevertheless, they are uplifting and contain important messages of hope and love.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q...
Christmas is a time when it's wonderful to lose yourself in fiction.
Here are my recommendations. I hope you'll try some of them :)
Christmas Past, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
My review:
What is Christmas and why was it banned? Two questions that the protagonists in this story need to find out. This is a wonderful fantasy tale set some time in the future. I really liked the message behind this story. It's a message of peace and, as such, is a perfect Christmas read. The two main characters, Thomat and Draven, are breaking the rules by entering the mysterious library that contains the answers they need.
This is a short tale but a complex one, and it's well written. I liked the interaction between the characters.
Julie Elizabeth Powell's stories are always very imaginative and this is no exception.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Pas...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Past-...
Also available as an audiobook: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sci-Fi-Fa...
*****************************
The Christmas Spirit, by Susan Buchanan
My review:
Perfect read for this time of year. Lots of Christmas references, and seasonal food described in delicious detail.
A magical tale full of true-to-life characters.
Who is the mysterious Natalie Hope and what difference will her presence in the Sugar and Spice bakery and café make to the residents in town? Can she restore the Christmas spirit?
Susan Buchanan is expert at introducing us to lots of interesting characters and weaving the tales of their lives into a great plot.
A bit of romance, a touch of fantasy, festive feasts, and down to earth humour.
A quick read that will put you in the mood for Christmas.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G...
Susan Buchanan has just launched a sequel to this book, Return of the Christmas Spirit. I haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to it.
About the book:
Christmas is just around the corner when Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season.
Sixteen-year-old Arianna’s mock exams are looming and she’s feeling under pressure. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs, she doesn’t have much support at home.
The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he’s going to get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want.
Patricia’s cliché of a husband, after 23 years of marriage, has announced he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary.
Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, as well as looking after his kids and his wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he’s feeling stressed out.
Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Return-Christ...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Christma...
****************************
Hark---A Christmas Collection, by Justin Bog
My review:
This is not your usual Christmas collection of stories. There are no tales of magic and miracles to be found. In this book, the author has collected together short stories that show another side of Christmas. An equally important side. There are people who, for whatever reason, may not be enjoying the Christmas season, and these stories looks at a few examples. Christmas comes every year and, therefore, brings with it memories. In 'Hark' you will find stories of regret, loneliness, fear, pain. That's not to say that it's a depressing read. On the contrary, I enjoyed reading these stories because the characters seem like real people and their emotions are so well portrayed. The author has a talent for bringing characters to life. This is a well written collection. All the stories were enjoyable for different reasons, but I think my favourite is the last story 'The Heralds' because there is a great twist and it is uplifting as well as being insightful. I liked the ending of 'Snow Globe'; it's a great example of the author's ability to understand the complexities of human nature. Although all the stories have a dark side, there is also fun to be found among the pages, most notably in the story, 'Seducing Santa'.
I'd definitely recommend this book, especially as a Christmas read. The sights and sounds of the season are intertwined with the deep and poignant characters' stories.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P...
*************************
Frostbite - The Dragon that Saved Christmas, by J. Michael Radcliffe
My review:
I really enjoyed this short story. It's perfect for the Christmas season. It's a fantasy tale about a curse that must not be broken, and how a dragon saved Christmas. The story is full of enchanting and magical characters. I am already a fan of this author's work, having enjoyed his novels and other short stories. He is a talented writer who excels at fantasy writing. This short story is a great way to sample his work
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
************************
Christmas Stories, by Paulo Coelho
My review:
I enjoyed these stories. It's a quick read. Perfect for reading at Christmastime. The stories are not entirely original, as they're based on tales and legends from around the world, nevertheless, they are uplifting and contain important messages of hope and love.
Buy the book:
Amazon:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q...
