Book Review ~ The #Roanoke Girls ~ Amy Engel - A compelling read

TITLE - The Roanoke Girls

AUTHOR - Amy Engel

PUBLISHER - @Hodder Books

PAGES - 290

BUY LINK - Amazon UK

SYNOPSIS

Everyone wants to be a Roanoke girl. But you won't when you know the truth...

The Richard and Judy Book Club pick 2017 and the darkly compulsive thriller that will keep you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and The Girls.

'Utterly gripping' - RICHARD AND JUDY
'A must-have' - SUNDAY EXPRESS
'I loved it' - SARAH HILARY

'Roanoke girls never last long around here. In the end, we either run or we die.'

The girls of the Roanoke family - beautiful, rich, mysterious - seem to have it all. But there's a dark truth about them that's never spoken.

Lane is one of the lucky ones. When she was fifteen, over one long, hot summer at her grandparents' estate in rural Kansas, she found out what it really means to be a Roanoke girl. Lane ran, far and fast. Until eleven years later, when her cousin Allegra goes missing - and Lane has no choice but to go back.

She is a Roanoke girl.

Is she strong enough to escape a second time?

***

I was really looking forward to reading this. Everyone was talking about it on social media, and I'd seen it in the press, as it was a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick for 2017. Thanks to Anne Cater, fellow blogger at Random Things Through My Letterbox, she gave me her copy. 

My Mum had started reading it but found it wasn't her cup of tea, so it was then my turn. It was a great holiday read and I couldn't put it down. I wanted to read it at every spare moment we had.

I loved how the Author had separated each chapter into Then and Now as it made it easy to follow. I also liked how there was a chapter dedicated to each of the Roanoke Girls, so you got to know them and their story. As there were a lot of characters in the book to get to know, this made it a lot less complicated

Initially I wasn't sure what the subject matter was going to be as it Although you could see fairly early on, loosely where this story was going, it didn't prepare you for what was to come. It's a heartbreaking and disturbing story but completely plausible. It handles a very sensitive subject and the Author had written about the matter with great feeling.

 The Author has also done a really good job with the characterisations and there were a variety of personalities. Strong characters, weak characters and many interesting characters. Some you came to love, some you came to hate, and some you came to really despise. 

I haven't read a book in a long time that moved me as much as this one, and I feel that this will stay with me for a long time. 

Thanks again to Anne Cater for letting me have her copy. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Engel is the author of THE BOOK OF IVY young adult series. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Missouri with her family. THE ROANOKE GIRLS is her first novel for adults.

Contact Amy Engel on Social Media.

Twitter
Facebook
Website

Calling Down The Storm by Peter Murphy - #NoExitPress - #Giveaway

TITLE - Calling Down The Storm

AUTHOR - Peter Murphy

PUBLISHER - No Exit Press

BUY LINK - Amazon UK

SYNOPSIS - 

Calling Down the Storm is the story of two separate but strangely parallel lives: the life of a defendant on trial for murder, and the life of the judge who presides over his trial.

 April 1971. When DI Webb and DS Raymond receive an emergency call, a horrific scene awaits them. Susan Lang is lying on the ground, bleeding to death. Her husband Henry is sitting nearby, holding a large, blood-stained knife. In shock, Henry claims to have no memory of the events that led to his wife's death, leaving his barrister, Ben Schroeder, little to defend a potential charge of murder.

Unknown to his strict Baptist wife, Deborah, Mr Justice Conrad Rainer has a secret life as a highstakes gambler. In his desperation for money, he has already raided his own and Deborah's resources, and now he has crossed another line - one from which there is no return.

To his horror, as the trial of Henry Lang starts, Conrad discovers a sinister connection between it and his gambling debts, one that will cause his world to unravel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Murphy was born in 1946. After graduating from Cambridge University he spent a career in the law, as an advocate and teacher, both in England and the United States. His legal work included a number of years in The Hague as defence counsel at the Yugoslavian War Crimes Tribunal. He lives with his wife, Chris, in Cambridgeshire.


Check out his website as it's an interesting read and he's had an interesting life! www.petermurphyauthor.co.uk.

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Blogger Recognition Award ~ 6 years on

Well I've just gone passed my 6 year Blogiversary and I've been nominated for a Blogger Recognition Award! I was nominated by the Author of The Infinity Pool, Jessica Norrie. Check out her blog. I recently assisted her with some research for her up and coming new novel, recruiting some friends of mine from various ethnic backgrounds. So thank you Jessica, I was really touched by this. 

How and why did I start my blog?
I think it was world book night in 2011 that got me into blogging. I was chosen to give out the book "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters. When I look back at that post, it makes me proud of how far I've come with my blogging. The post itself was basic, boring and lacking anything interesting. I'm surprised I managed to get any followers at all. I have learnt a lot over the past 6 years ago, mainly thanks to other bloggers. 

How is it going now? 
To date my blog has had over 150k views, although I only have 130 followers, but I'm okay with that. More would always be nice though. It's interesting that they are from all over the world. I do however have 470+ followers on Facebook and others on Twitter. That always puzzles me as my posts link through to my blog.

Most of my posts are obviously book and travel related, although mostly books at the moment. I hope to increase my travel posts. I have had other bloggers share posts on my blog too, which is always fun. 

I have met some amazing people through my blogging, ranging from fellow bloggers to Authors and Publishers. I love the blogging community.

What advice would I give to other bloggers?
1. Think about your post and re-read it before you post it. Does it make sense? Is it interesting?
2. Watch out for copyright if sharing images. It's not always easy to find out who they belong to, but if it says who owns it try and contact them for permission and credit them with the image. 
3. Choose a font that is easy to read for everyone. Also be aware of font colours. I myself for example, have a job to read red writing on certain backgrounds. Choose a background that's easy on the eye. 
4. Break up your posts with images. People switch off if you post just lots of text, if you haven't grabbed them in the first few sentences. 
5. Don't put pressure on yourself to be as articulate as other bloggers. Just be yourself and enjoy it. 
6. Keep in touch with the blogging community on social media. There's some great blogs out there! 

I would like to nominate a few of my favourite blogs too. The badges I've chosen have no copyright marks shown, so please notify me if they're yours! 

OK my blog choices are:-


Random Things Through my Letterbox - Anne's blog is full of great book recommendations and reviews. Her reviews have cost me a lot of money in book purchases!

Being Anne - Books, Travel and Other Interesting Things. 

Trip Fiction - A blog that features books set in destinations all over the world. I've bought some great reads from their recommendations.

Going Crazy! Wanna Go? Janet is from Texas. She blogs about being a Mum, Weigh Loss and Depression and lots more. A brutally honest blog. 

Murder Down to a Tea - Rebecca is an ex police detective and gives tips on different aspects of policing for those who want to write a crime novel. She is also a crime author herself. She has some really interesting posts on her blog. 

To all of you, please keep blogging as I love following your blogs. Feel free to choose from either badge above if you accept the nomination. As I've said I can't find copyright for them. 

If you accept this nomination (and you don't have to):

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide links to their blog.
• Write a post to show you have the award and attach the logo to your post
• Write a brief story of how your blog started
• Give a piece of advice or two, to new bloggers
• Select your choice of blogs you want to give the award to. There is no limit.

Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them. Please don't be offended if they decide not to mention it on their blog or make any awards of their own. It is entirely up to them what they put on their blog and it may not fit in with their plans. 

Thank you again to Jessica for my nomination! 

Sarah Morgan ~ New York Actually - as featured on "Random Things Through My letterbox" @annecater @sarahmorgan

Recently I was asked to do a guest review for fellow blogger Anne Cater over at "Random Things Through My Letterbox". Anne is a great blogger and worth a follow so check her out! Click here. She has lots of great reviews on her blog and often features giveaways, author interviews and much more. I've known her in the blogging world for several years now and she's a well respected blogger.

My blog review is below and I am offering the book as a pre-loved giveaway. (UK only due to postage costs)  Please enter! 


TITLE - New York Actually

AUTHOR - Sarah Morgan 

SYNOPSIS - 

Meet Molly

New York’s most famous agony aunt, she considers herself an expert at relationships…as long as they’re other people’s. The only love of her life is her Dalmatian, Valentine.

Meet Daniel

A cynical divorce lawyer, he’s hardwired to think relationships are a bad idea. If you don’t get involved, no-one can get hurt. But then he finds himself borrowing a dog to meet the gorgeous woman he sees running in Central Park every morning…

Molly and Daniel think they know everything there is to know about relationships…until they meet each other that is…

Have you ever not wanted a book to end? That’s how I felt about this one.

The main two characters are Molly, a relationship expert and Daniel, a Divorce Lawyer. Neither have ever been in love, apart from Molly, who loves her dog Valentine. Daniel and Molly form a friendship through their dogs but agree never to fall in love.

The depth that the author gave the main characters, and the background to their lives. It was well plotted out and quite plausible. Rather than being just a “light and fluffy” romance novel, this was a great story with dysfunctional and broken families; broken down relationships and dissolved friendships.

The Author had made Molly and Daniel really likeable, and the way the storyline blended their lives, made it a really good read.

It was a book I hated to put down and didn’t want it to end. I’ll certainly be adding more Sarah Morgan books to my list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes commercial women's fiction and her trademark
humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe.

Described as 'a magician with words' by RT Book Reviews, she has been nominated four years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice; in 2012 for her book 'Doukakis's Apprentice' and 2013 for 'A Night of No Return'. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

Sarah lives near London with her husband and children, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors. You can visit Sarah online at www.sarahmorgan.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan and on Twitter @SarahMorgan_

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Guest Travel Blog post - The Beautiful City of Lincoln, England by Anne Cater.

My Blog visitor today is my book friend Anne. Please join me on her tour of Lincoln.
Welcome Anne!

I have lived within 20 minutes of Lincoln for all of my life.  I grew up just over the border in Nottinghamshire and moved across the Trent to Lincolnshire 18 years ago.

We are so lucky to have the beautiful cathedral city of Lincoln on our doorstep, it really doesn’t matter how often I visit, there is always something to see and do.

Anne & Treez at Lincoln Cathedral

I have to start with the wonderful Gothic cathedral that can be seen for miles around, sitting high on the high, keeping guard over the city.  Building on the cathedral started in 1088 and for 238 years it was the highest building in the world.   Tours of the building take place every day, with roof top tours for the brave.

Just alongside the cathedral is Lincoln Castle, home of the Magna Carta and has recently undergone a lengthy restoration.  Free tours of the castle are available daily.  Lots of events are held at the castle throughout the year, one of my favourites being the Sausage Festival which is held every October.

Other buildings of note which are situated in the Cathedral Quarter are The Church of St Mary Magdale, Ellis Mill and Leigh Pemberton House.  It would be easy to spend the whole day in the Cathedral Quarter and regular tours are held.

As you travel down Steep Hill from the Cathedral and Castle (it’s not called Steep Hill for nothing – be warned), you enter what is known as the Cultural Quarter.   Again lots of quirky and ancient buildings, bursting with history.    Jews Court on Steep Hill is a 14^th Century building and is the head office of the Lincolnshire History Society as well as housing a wonderful bookshop, full of interesting and sometimes very unusual books – factual and fiction.  Jews House, next door, is one of the oldest town houses in England and at the moment is the home of a high-class restaurant. 

As you descend Steep Hill, down to the more modern part of the city you will come across lots of quirky, individual and independent shops.   Selling everything from Lincolnshire sausages to designer handbags, this street is a shopper’s paradise.   Dotted along the way are cafes, tearooms and restaurants to suit any taste.   Everything from an English Breakfast to a Thai meal can be eaten along here.

Steep Hill meets the top of the High Street and this area is fast becoming known for its excellent

range of vintage and second-hand shops.   Both independent shops and charity shops are represented here and special mention has to be made of The St Barnabas Hospice Shop.  Their second floor is called The Attic and is a joy to visit.  Totally decked out with vintage furniture and fittings, it is a thrifty shopper’s dream land.    Mingling in with the old is the new and here you will find a wide range of high-end designer fashion, everything from Agnes B, Vivienne Westwood to Hugo Boss and Armani.   Again, if you get hungry or thirsty it’s not a problem with cakes to delight in the window of Patesserie Valerie or an Italian treat from Carluccios – all available here. 

The Attic – St Barnabas Hospice Shop

Lincoln High Street is where you will find the larger chain stores; Marks & Spencer, Primark, Waterstone’s, Topshop, and although these shops are less traditional, some of the buildings that house them are still beautiful – ancient and gothic.

Over the past few years, and especially since Lincoln University was opened, the City has gained more and more places to spend a night out.  The Brayford area has been transformed and now includes a multiplex cinema and a range of eating places including Nandos, ASK and Prezzo.

Art, theatre and music lovers are well catered for in the city too.

Lincoln Drill Hall is an arts and community venue, with a 500 seat auditorium and a café bar.  An eclectic mix of jazz, dance, theatre, comedy and children’s workshops are hosted here, along with the yearly Beer Festival.

Lincoln Theatre Royal was built in 1893 and although small, is a popular venue to see pantomimes, musicals and concerts.

The Engine Shed is located on the University campus and is fast gaining a reputation for hosting up and coming performers alongside names such as the Stereophonics and Kasabian

Alongside the large Odeon multi screen cinema there is also The Venue – an independent digital cinema

This is just a small taste of what Lincoln has to offer. There are many more parts of the city – many tours, lots of open spaces and so much history.

 

Watch your choice of videos about the lovely City of Lincoln. Choose from the Steep Hill area Anne has spoken about or the Cathedral, or just take the scenic tour of the city in General. Three lovely videos to choose from.

 Cathedral Character Area 

Steep Hill



Views of Lincoln

Book recommendations - Books set in Lincoln.

Title - The Fleethaven Trilogy

Author - Margaret Dickinson

Publisher - Pan Macmillan

Buy from Amazon UK - Click here
Buy from Amazon US - Click here




Title - Dead Money (A Detective Inspector Paul Amos Lincolnshire Mystery)

Author - Rodney Hobson

Publisher - Endeavour

Buy from Amazon UK - Click here
Buy from Amazon US - Click here


For more details on the Beautiful City of Lincoln - Click here
For more details on the County of Lincolnshire - Click here

To follow Anne on her blog - Random Things Through My Letterbox - Click here