Veronika Jordan's Blog, page 43

The Twelfth Scepter by Ephie Risho (The Elementalists Book 4) Out Now

In a race against time, the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a group of young elementalists.

With the malevolent White Queen on the verge of obtaining unimaginable power, the brave heroes must band together to thwart her evil plan. But as they face impossible challenges and formidable foes, they realize the task is far more daunting than they ever imagined.

Genre: Fantasy,
Pages: 442

Armed with only their growing magical abilities and unwavering determination, they must stop the queen from finding the hidden mana tower, learn more of the spell itself, and prevent the catastrophic spell from being cast. With two skilled wizard mentors by their side, the elementalists must push themselves to their limits and beyond. But when up against foes who can see into the future and harness otherworldly energies, will their training be enough to save the world from eternal darkness?

About the authors

Ephie (dad) has been writing his whole life. Inspired by his sixth-grade teacher to write a story every week, he enrolled in the writing program at his undergrad Middlebury College and has been writing ever since. He loves the outdoors, music, community, his family, and telling stories. He currently lives in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, where he works in software development and is active in various community groups.

Celia (daughter) is an avid book lover and packs a novel with her wherever she goes. She developed the book idea at age nine inspired by a 3rd grade writing assignment. She was born in Vancouver, Canada where her first two syllable word was “hockey”! She, along with her brother, is being raised in the mountains of Montana, where she enjoys sewing, 4H, performance art, and visiting hot springs.

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The Girl Who Fled the Picture by Jane Anderson

A girl who won’t conform. A journey across 18th Century Europe. A dangerous pursuit of forbidden love.

1742, Constantinople. Fifteen-year-old Isabella dons Turkish dress to pose for her portrait. The touch of the artist’s apprentice freeing her from corsets and draping her in sensuous silk unleashes a passion that changes her life forever. 

Fleeing to Rome to avoid an arranged marriage, Isabella rebuilds her life creating beautiful silver jewellery but love for the apprentice takes her on another journey. She arrives in Scotland just in time for the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. In the midst of the dangerous intrigue of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s court, will the forbidden nature of her secret love see her lose everything?

About the Author 

Jane Anderson is an Edinburgh based writer of historical fiction. Born in Fife, Jane originally studied English Literature at Edinburgh University. She spent most of her working life living in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and most recently, Egypt. She has travelled extensively, including frequent visits from Cairo to both Istanbul and Rome, immersing herself in their ancient cultures and histories. Retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.

Currently 99p until the 18th of December

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Her Mother’s Daughter by Brian R O’Rourke

Amanda writes dark fiction. Now one fan is bringing her work to life.

Amanda is enjoying her life – she’s a successful author who has finally managed to give up her day job. But then an ex-colleague is murdered in an exact reenactment of a killing from one of Amanda’s books. Even worse, Amanda had publicly quarreled with the dead woman and now finds herself a person of interest to the police.

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Then it happens a second time. Another person with whom Amanda had publicly fought is murdered. And again, the method used to kill is lifted straight from the pages of one of her books. It’s clear that someone is out to get Amanda. But who? And why?

With the police seeing her as the prime suspect, Amanda is desperate to discover the person behind these grisly killings.

As she digs for the truth, Amanda is forced to look into her own family’s troubled past, where she uncovers a web of secrets and lies far more shocking than anything she has ever written…

My Review

I didn’t really get why the police immediately suspected Amanda as the killer of the first victim. Maybe it’s because she has a family history of murder (her mother was suspected of killing her married lover and has been on the run ever since), or that the crime is exactly like the one carried out in her first book – Amanda is a successful crime writer. Personally, I would be more inclined to think someone with a grudge against her (or just a total psychopath) is using her books to recreate copycat crimes. But the police know that Amanda has quarreled and fallen out publicly with the first victim. When a second body is found, it’s also someone Amanda has fallen out with. Bit of bad luck, that.

Poor Amanda, as if being stalked by her crazy ex Matthew isn’t enough, without being accused of murder. Then there’s the woman at the writer’s group where she sits on the panel. She’s a bit unhinged as well. She wants Amanda to read her three novels (or mostly wip) and tell her how wonderful she is. The next big thing. They all want that, these ‘aspiring novelists’.

Then Amanda mets Brandon at the same meeting. He’s rather cute, a bit younger than her, and a gentleman in an old-fashioned kind of way – paying for everything, holding doors, taking her coat letting her go first etc. He’s almost too good to be true and we all know what they say about that. Except he really is, isn’t he?

Amanda is a bit of an unreliable narrator and I love that. She tells us how easy-going she is, but I found her quite confrontational. Who pulls a gun at a writer’s meeting because she feels threatened by one of the members? Who carries a gun to a writer’s meeting anyway? But then it’s America, so maybe everyone does. I also like the way the author has found her ‘voice’. It sounds very authentic.

I read this book in two sittings. I would have finished it in one if it hadn’t been 1 o’clock in the morning. It’s fast-paced and there’s a lot of background that is very important. But it’s not one of those stories where you need a spreadsheet to keep up. It’s quite simple, you just probably won’t guess the truth, though there are tiny clues along the way.

Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.

About the Author

Brian R. O’Rourke has been writing stories since he was eight years old. A lifelong, avid reader, Brian believes that fiction has the power to change the world. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, playing the violin, and golfing.This is his third psychological thriller with Inkubator Books.

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Book Links
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daughter

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Highly Flawed Individual by TC Roberts Out Now

In Highly Flawed Individual, thirty-year-old eternal bachelor Archie Flynn has it all: a successful finance career, a beautiful terrace home in Sydney’s highly sought-after Rocks district, and a thriving sex life that James Bond would envy. In other words, life is perfect.

Until the stunning Jezebel Ekas, an American professional mixed martial arts fighter, enters his life. Jezebel is a woman far superior to Archie in so many ways. When their paths cross, the life Archie thought so perfect is quickly turned upside down. Smart, funny, strong-willed, this is the woman he wants to settle down with, but she won’t fall easily for his usual lines and his promiscuous past is about to catch up with him. 

Desperate to date Jezebel but unwilling to let her know that he just caught a rare and exotic, un-diagnosed sexually transmitted infection, Archie must go against his every instinct. Rather than seducing her he must do everything he can to not sleep with Jezebel, including lying to her. 

Tim Roberts’ debut novel takes a hard and honest look at the “modern” man who might not be quite as cool and sexy as he thinks. With a knowing nod and a self-deprecating humour that draws you in, Roberts details Archie and Jezebel’s whirlwind, almost-but-not-quite, romance.
Genre: Romance | Humour

About the Author

Tim Roberts is the author of Goodbye Office, Hello World! and the forthcoming graphic novel Killer Sexbot. When he is not writing, Tim loves traveling, exploring new places, or seeking out his next destination. This is his first novel.
Author’s Website: https://timroberts.au

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Where Two Worlds Touch by River Faire Extract

A journey that will nourish the soul, touch the heart, uplift the spirit, and inspire the mind.

After the fairy tale of Happily Ever After ends in heartbreak, what then? From award-winning author River Faire comes an inspiring account of second chances, healing, inexplicable magic, and following the soul’s compass. 

River, an alternative healer and Paris-trained chef – a decidedly reluctant mystic – returns to England from America to help his ex-partner, back from the brink of death. Stepping into a London life he left behind, haunted by ghosts, he finds himself on an unanticipated journey of the heart. When the two men relocate to the English countryside, he discovers more than a charming pastoral landscape, he unexpectedly glimpses the fabric of life itself.

Genre: Memoir | Travel | Romance | Non-Fiction | LGBTQIA+
Publisher: Evolutionary Press

With disarming honesty and a searching, lyrical voice, Where Two Worlds Touch is a soul-stirring narrative about navigating the intricacies of the human heart, no matter whom we love. An invitation to say yes to uncertainty and vulnerability, to trust the unknowable mystery of life, while seeking the place we belong and what is uniquely ours to bring. A genre-defying memoir – one part love story, one part celebration of the table, one part ode to nature, and one part soul guide – woven as an indelible offering that lingers long past the final page. 

Extract

“I NEVER INTENDED to return to England. On a frigid December morning, descending towards Heathrow airport after an overnight flight, as the drab sprawl of greater London comes into view through the plane’s windows, delicate blue butterflies tumble and collide in my core with something close to happiness. How unexpected, this.

“The things we do for love.

“After waiting in a serpentine, bleary-eyed queue beneath fluorescent lights for Customs and Immigration, followed by the predictable Border Police questions regarding my UK residence visa—queries about work, home situation, partner—my American passport is finally stamped and handed back without a smile. Entry granted. Alone at the baggage carousel, surrounded by strangers, the airport ethnology submerges me; the clamorous international mix of arriving passengers and different languages, a current of people, noise, and emotions—energy, both psychic and kinetic—swirling all around.”

About the Author

River Faire is a multi-award–winning author, body-centered therapist, and Paris-trained chef-turned-holistic-wellness coach. In addition, he hosts the video podcast, Radical Being with River Faire. Formerly known as L.R. Heartsong, his eloquent, lyrical books invite readers on a journey that will nourish the soul, touch the heart, uplift the spirit, and inspire the mind. Discover his various offerings (books, podcast, blog, coaching, and more) at RiverFaire.com

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Dead Sweet by Katrín Júlíusdóttir translated by Quentin Bates

When Óttar Karlsson, a wealthy and respected government official and businessman, is found murdered, after failing to turn up at his own surprise birthday party, the police are at a loss.

It isn’t until young police officer Sigurdís finds a well-hidden safe in his impersonal luxury apartment that clues start emerging.

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As Óttar’s shady business dealings become clear, a second, unexpected line of enquiry emerges, when Sigurdís finds a US phone number in the safe, along with papers showing regular money transfers to an American account. Following the trail to Minnesota, trauma rooted in Sigurdís’s own childhood threatens to resurface and the investigation strikes chillingly close to home…

Atmospheric, deeply unsettling and full of breakneck twists and turns, Dead Sweet is a startling debut thriller that uncovers a terrifying world of financial crime, sinister cults and disturbing secret lives, and kicks off an addictive, mind-blowing new series.

My Review

What a brilliant debut novel from a new Icelandic writer. Definitely one to watch and the first novel in a cracking new series.

Police officer Sigurdís nearly lost her job after losing her temper with a suspect. She couldn’t hold back. It was a domestic violence incident and we discover that Sigurdís herself was also a victim when she was a child. Her father, a respected senior officer in the police force beat her mother and then one day became so violent he nearly killed them all – Sigurdís, her brother Einar and their mother. He was arrested and sent to prison and Sigurdís and Einar went to live with their mother’s sister Halla.

In her first case back at work, Sigurdís is called upon to help investigate the murder of Óttar Karlsson, a wealthy and respected government official and businessman, who was found dead on the beach. Who would have killed him? It was a brutal attack. He didn’t die straight away. He was left to suffer first.

The police has no leads, until Sigurdís finds a hidden safe in Óttar’s house, which contains evidence of shady business dealings, a mysterious phone number, and papers showing regular money transfers to an American account.

Head of department Garðar, is certain that someone wanted revenge for being cheated out of their livelihood, but Sigurdís has other ideas. She believes it’s more personal and linked to a woman in America who knew Óttar when he was at Univeristy in Minnesota.

It’s fascinating and exciting, but little did I know how it would pan out. When Sigurdís digs deeper and even travels to America to investigate further, it becomes darker and darker, with some shocking revelations. And that’s all I can say! And there’s even a hint at a possible romance for Sigurdís in the books to come.

Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours

About the Author

Katrín Júlíusdóttir has a political background and was a member of the Icelandic parliament from 2003 until 2016. Before she was elected to parliament, Katrín was an advisor and project manager at a tech company and a senior buyer and CEO in the retail sector. She worked from a young age in the fishing industry, was a store clerk and also worked the night shift at a pizza restaurant. She studied anthropology and has an MBA from Reykjavík University. Katrín’s debut novel Dead Sweet received the Blackbird Award and was an Icelandic bestseller upon publication. She is married to critically acclaimed author Bjarni M. Bjarnason, who encouraged her to start writing. They have four boys and live in Garðabær.

About Orenda Books

Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.

The Mother-In-Law’s Secret by Melanie Price Cover Reveal

‘I’ve been dying to meet you,’ Cassandra says in a voice that’s anything but sweet. Her razor-sharp nails dig into my shoulder and her pearly white smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. My heart hammers in my chest. Does she remember me?

When I first met Miles, it felt like fate. He was everything I’d dreamed of, and we were engaged within six months. But now I’m meeting his parents. And there’s one small problem: his mother. Because I’ve met Cassandra before – and if she realises who I am, my life could be on the line.

Luckily, there’s no flicker of recognition in her icy blue eyes as she greets me on the grand staircase of her white-bricked mansion. Just immediate dislike. Except Miles worships his mother, and I need her to accept me. Because I love Miles, but I can’t tell him the truth… yet.

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Wendlebury 

My only choice is to try and fit into their perfect world. But when I begin to receive threatening messages, one thing becomes clear: Cassandra wants me out of her son’s life, and she will do anything to get what she wants. Including destroying me. But that’s okay. No matter what she does, I’m confident that Miles and I will be forever.

Because I know Cassandra’s darkest secret. The one she’ll do absolutely anything to keep. I have a plan, while she has no idea who she’s dealing with. And by the time my darling mother-in-law realises, it will be far too late for her to run…

An unputdownable psychological thriller that will have you glued to the pages and screaming at your Kindle at the jaw-dropping twist. If you love The Perfect Marriage, Gone Girl and anything by Lisa Jewell or Nicola Sanders, you’ll be hooked on The Mother-in-Law’s Secret!

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The Family Tempest by Luke Lively Out Now

In 2030 Dr. Marc Walker discovered the cure for cancer. In his genetic research, Walker unexpectedly uncovers the answers to humankind’s most significant questions locked deep within the DNA code of every human being: Who made us? What are we? Where are we going?

The answers bring together Dr. Walker, his twin brother Jon, a decorated war hero, Alana, one of the top US female Olympic athletes, and Aaron, an assassin working for a shadowy government group called The Order, as the unlikely last line of defence against the greatest threat to humanity … its creator.

Genre: Sci-fi / Fantasy 
Pages: 413
Publisher: Vulpine Press

While fighting against powerful forces attempting to exterminate human life and colonize Earth, the four face the reality of their distrust of mankind. Their struggle to answer the question, “Is humanity worth saving?” will ultimately decide the fate of the human race. The human species is on trial—and the verdict will determine the future of life as we know it.

The Family: Tempest is the shocking, suspenseful story of the universal conflicts of racism, slavery, terrorism, and, ultimately, survival, both on Earth and beyond.

About the Author

Luke Lively worked as a bank executive for over thirty years, leading three banks as CEO. Following his career in financial services, Luke pursued his passion for writing. In 2009 his first novel, A Questionable Life, was published by Beaufort Books, earning excellent reviews. The Family: Tempest is the first book in a planned trilogy. Luke enjoys time with his family, living on the US East Coast.
Author website: www.lukelively.com

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Twisting Time: Forbidden City of Gold by DF Jones Publication Day

From USA Today Bestselling author D.F. Jones, Twisting Time: Forbidden City of Gold is a riveting fantasy novel that seamlessly blends cosmic love, myths and legends, and divine intervention with high-stakes adventure.

At its heart lies the Supreme Creator’s deep-seated desire to create unity with his divine family and humanity.

When the heavenly council member Soal, representing the Holy Trifecta, amplifies their network of warriors across the universe, an unsuspecting group of college students finds themselves invited into a secret society. The secret society offers them the allure of powers and the answers to some of life’s enigmatic questions. This leads to four students – Blaine, Josephine, George, and Rose – being thrust into an ancient conflict. Trained and guided by seasoned angel warriors, their mission is to retrieve a sacred amulet and deliver it back to the Almighty.

Book Tour Dates: 16th – 18th January
Genre: Fantasy/ Christian Fantasy/ Time Travel/ Romance
Pages: 234

Their quest, however, isn’t straightforward. They must journey into the mythical Forbidden City of Gold, abandoned and sealed since the infamous Tower of Babel rebellion. Here, they encounter portal doors that can lead to the past, and the ultimate door leads to the Supreme Creator – each choice may determine not only their personal fate but the fate of humanity itself, and an incorrect choice could trap them in another time and place. Failure is not an option.

Parallel to this runs the sinister plot of Persephone, a lesser god. She yearns for the same sacred amulet and its power to rewrite history, free herself from an unwanted marriage to Hades, and allow the lesser gods to continue their rule over Earth.

Twisting Time: Forbidden City of Gold spirals towards a climactic clash between the divine hierarchy, humanity, and the lesser gods. The world’s fate hangs in the balance in this heart-pounding, emotion-imbued fantasy thriller between good and evil.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author D. F. Jones began her journey in the media world as a broadcast consultant for Nashville’s ABC Affiliate, later branching out to establish her advertising agency. Throughout her illustrious career, she’s crafted numerous campaigns for a diverse clientele, but it was fiction that truly captured her heart.

For Jones, writing isn’t just an outlet for creativity; it’s a sanctuary. Each word penned offers an escape, a dance between reality and a realm sculpted from dreams. Whether it’s exploring realms inhabited by angels and demons, embarking on time-travel escapades, or weaving tales of witches, wizards, and apparitions, Jones’s narratives pulsate with action, the supernatural, and a touch of romance.

Beyond the pages, Jones cherishes her vibrant life with her beloved husband, a man whose humor ensures she’s never without a smile. They are blessed with two remarkable sons, a testament to their enduring love. As a passionate supporter of the Tennessee Titans and the MT Blue Raiders and a gardening enthusiast, Jones finds joy in life’s simple pleasures, surrounded by nature’s beauty and family’s laughter.

Author’s Website: https://dfjonesauthor.com/product/twisting-time/

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Santa Steals Christmas by Eve Nairn-Magnante illustrated by Nicholas Child Out Now

A witty and surprising Christmas mystery!

It’s Christmas Eve and a mysterious-looking Santa is stealing all the presents that Santa has just delivered! How could this be?! Santa, Rudolph and the other reindeer must beat the ticking clock to unmask the naughty imposter. Will Rudolph and the elves be able to save Christmas before all the girls and boys wake up?

Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age: 4 – 10 
Pages 32

Originally by six-year-old Eve, this is a magical Christmas story written by a child for children everywhere!A fun-filled mystery that will hook in young readers in the hunt for Santa cluesAn action-packed adventure, this is the perfect holiday storytime read-aloudSet in a typeface designed by a dyslexic for people with dyslexiaDelightful, detailed, colourful illustrations capture the humour and magic of Santa’s worldHighlights the meaning of presents and the true spirit of Christmas – a time for friends and family to gather together5% of sales donated to Dyslexia Scotland5% of sales donated to Scottish Autism

About Eve Nairn-Magnante

Eve, at just 13, has shown an incredible knack for storytelling. A believer in inclusivity, her works reflect her ethos, ensuring no child is left behind in the world of literature. Recognised by Young Writers for her contributions, Eve continues to inspire and innovate.

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