Monday, September 18, 2023

Blog Tour | THE WHISTLERS IN THE DARK by Victoria Williamson

The Whistlers In The Dark
by victoria Williamson
Publication: September 21, 2023
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
Rating: ★★★★



Scotland, 158 AD, is a divided country.

On one side of the Antonine Wall, thirteen-year-old Felix is trying to become a good Roman soldier like his father. On the other, twelve-year old Jinny is vowing revenge on the ‘metal men’ who have invaded her Damnonii tribe’s homeland. At the Damnonii’s sacred circle of standing stones, her planned attack on Felix goes badly wrong, awakening a legend that threatens to bring fire and destruction down on them all.

Can Jinny and Felix overcome their differences and soothe the stones back to sleep before it’s too late?


If you are looking for a historical fantasy that will transport you to ancient Scotland, you might want to check out The Whistlers in the Dark by Victoria Williamson. This is a Middle Grade novel that follows two young protagonists, Jinny and Felix, who live during the Roman occupation of Scotland, near the Antonine wall. Felix and the fort must deal with the threat of the local tribes, who are not happy with the Roman occupation, Meanwhile, Jinny is vent on revenge and keeping the Romans off their land. Until the standing stones came alive one night.

THE WHISTLERS IN THE DARK is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and adventure. Jinny and Felix have different backgrounds and motivations, but they learn to overcome their prejudices and work together to face their enemies. The novel is based on historical facts and legends, and it gives a vivid picture of life in Roman Britain and the culture of the Scottish tribes. The author also incorporates some elements of fantasy, such as the whistlers, who are inspired by Scottish folklore and add a touch of magic and mystery to the plot.

I enjoyed reading this novel because it was engaging, entertaining, and educational. I liked how the author balanced the historical and the fantastical aspects, and how she created realistic and relatable characters. I also appreciated how she addressed some important themes, such as revenge, loyalty, courage, and tolerance. The Whistlers in the Dark is a novel that will appeal to readers who love history, fantasy, and adventure. It is a fun and exciting read that will make you curious about Scotland's past and present.


*Huge Thanks to @The_WriteReads / @WriteReadsTours for letting me join this blog tour.


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About the Author

Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author who grew up in Scotland surrounded by hills, books, and an historical farm estate which inspired many of her early adventure stories and spooky tales. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching maths and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK. Victoria currently works part time writing KS2 books for the education company Twinkl and spends the rest of her time writing novels, and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops.

Her latest novel, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, is a middle grade fantasy inspired by classic folklore. Twenty percent of the author royalties for this book are donated to CharChar Literacy, an organisation working to improve children’s literacy levels in Malawi.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com



Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Book Review | THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING by Kara Gnodde

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything
by Kara Gnodde
Publication: March 7, 2023
Publisher: HARPER
Genre: General Fiction
Rating: ★★★★


With the offbeat charm of The Rosie Project and generous warmth of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, a wry, moving debut novel about a pair of unforgettable siblings and a love triangle of sorts—one with math as its beating heart. One of Cosmopolitan's Best Books of 2023 Meet Art and Mimi Brotherton. Devoted siblings and housemates, they’re bound together by the tragic death of their parents. Mathematical genius Art relies on logic, while Mimi prefers to follow her heart. When Mimi decides she needs more from life than dutifully tending to her brilliant brother, she asks for his help to find love. Art agrees, but on one that she find her soulmate using a strict mathematical principle. Things seem promising, until Mimi meets a romantic, spontaneous stargazer who’s also a mathematician. Despite Mimi’s obvious affection for the quirky Frank, Art is wary of him from their very first encounter. As Art's mistrust of Frank grows, so do Mimi's feelings, and the siblings' relationship is brought to a breaking point. Something about Frank doesn't quite add up, and only Art can see it . . . The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how the answers to life’s biggest questions follow a logic of their own.

...

I would like to apologize to Ms. Gnodde and HarperCollins for the delay in writing this review. I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did, I was moved by its emotional depth. I didn't expect it.

The book tells the story of Mimi and Art Brotherton, adult siblings who live together. Art is a neurodivergent mathematical genius who is working on solving the greatest mathematical enigma and saving the world. Mimi is his devoted sister who has sacrificed her own life to take care of him after their parents' death. Art's eccentricities make every day a challenge for Mimi, especially when it comes to finding love. And although Art has a mathematical solution for that too, Mimi manages to meet Frank on her own. Mimi falls head over heels for Frank, but, Frank doesn't quite fit Art's equation. Facts and Truth are always big variables for Art and Mimi.

THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING is a novel that explores the complex relationship between siblings, the nature of love and grief in many forms, but what struck me the most was the trauma of abandonment and the monopoly of truth and how people cope with them. Having lost both of my parents, especially my mom whom I lost just recently, I felt for Mimi and Art, and their struggles.

Despite the heavy themes, it’s a story that will make you laugh, cry and think. The words are exquisite and beautiful. The characters are realistic and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and surprises. This book made me want to send warm hugs to both my parents in heaven and to my siblings far away.

Readers need not be a big fan of math to enjoy this read. If you're looking for a book that is quirky, heartwarming and intelligent, you should give this one a try.


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About the Author:
Photo credit to the source.
Kara Gnodde was born in Johannesburg and raised on a diet of Dr. Seuss and no TV. After graduating from the University of Cape Town, she joined Saatchi & Saatchi in London as a strategic planner -- work that required head and heart, her favorite kind. She lived in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore before settling back in the UK with her husband and three children. A discussion on the radio about a math problem that could change the world, or perhaps just help keep her desk tidy, gave her a place to start The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, her debut novel. - HarperCollins.ca


*Printed ARC provided by HarperCollins Canada in exchange for this unbiased review.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Blog Tour | NORAH’S ARK by Victoria Williamson

NORAH’S ARK
by Victoria Williamson
Publication: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Genre: Middle-Grade
Rating: ★★★★★

Two very different lives. One shared hope for a brighter future. No time to waste. The flood is coming...

Eleven-year-old Norah Day lives in temporary accommodation, relies on foodbanks for dinner, and doesn't have a mum. But she's happy enough, as she has a dad, a pet mouse, a pet spider, and a whole zoo of rescued local wildlife to care for. Eleven-year-old Adam Sinclair lives with his parents in a nice house with a big garden, a private tutor, and everything he could ever want. But his life isn't perfect - far from it. He's recovering from leukaemia and is questioning his dream of becoming a champion swimmer. When a nest of baby birds brings them together, Norah and Adam discover they're not so different after all. Can Norah help Adam find his confidence again? Can Adam help Norah solve the mystery of her missing mother? And can their teamwork save their zoo of rescued animals from the rising flood? Offering powerful lessons in empathy, Norah's Ark is a hopeful and uplifting middle-grade tale for our times about friendship and finding a sense of home in the face of adversity.


I owe the privilege of reading this book from @The_WriteReads / @WriteReadsTours, and Neem Tree Press. This is my stop for NORA’S ARK Blog Tour.

I am a huge fan of Middle-Grade books. They can help pre-teens in processing their emotions and developing empathy. And books like Norah’s Ark are not only for kids, it’s for adults too. That’s why I cannot recommend it highly enough. Middle-Grade books are game changer for parents and guardians. It holds up a mirror, we can see how our kids view us.

Eleven-year-olds Norah and Adam, have an affinity for animal rescue. However, while Adam lives in the affluent side of the community, life is hard for both Norah and her dad. Renting a temporary room at a B & B, living on government assistance and food banks, they are keen on waiting when “luck” will come their way again. The Sinclair’s is not a happy nest either. After months of fighting with leukaemia, Adam’s family has drifted apart, and Adam wants nothing more than to stitch his family back together again.

I love that this is a first-person narrative, coming from both Norah and Adam, because it becomes more personal and sincere. I am currently living in a city where homelessness and food bank shortages is a current big issue. And I am grateful to this book for spreading awareness. With such hard-hitting topics, I commend Victoria Williamson for making this book a light and easy read.

My recommendation is that YOU gift yourself with a copy of this book, NOW.


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About the Author:
Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author who grew up in Scotland surrounded by hills, books, and an historical farm estate which inspired many of her early adventure stories and spooky tales. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching math and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK. Victoria currently works part time writing KS2 books for the education company Twinkl and spends the rest of her time writing novels, and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops.

Victoria’s previous novels include The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, Hag Storm, and War of the Wind. She has won the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2020/2021, The YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023, and has been shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023, The Leeds Book Awards 2023, the Red Book Award 2023, the James Reckitt Hull Book Awards 2021, The Trinity School Book Awards 2021, and longlisted for the ABA South Coast Book Awards 2023, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, and the Branford Boase Award 2019.

Her latest novel, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, is a middle grade fantasy inspired by classic folklore. Twenty percent of the author royalties for this book are donated to CharChar Literacy, an organisation working to improve children’s literacy levels in Malawi. You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Blog Tour | GATHERING OF THE FOUR by A. E. Bennett

GATHERING OF THE FOUR
by A. E. Bennett
Publication: 2nd April 2021
Genre: Fantasy


About the Book:

"In the Realm, every citizen knows their place."

Leora of Mae is a young woman orphaned at birth and raised on a remote farm. As a wielder of Xanthcraft, her abilities set her apart from her adoptive family and the other villagers.

Shortly before her twentieth birthday, she learns of her family’s plot to sell her into servitude. Fearing for her life, she flees from the only home she’s ever known—defying societal conventions and breaking the edicts of the Realm.

As she runs, Leora meets Roland Shallowbrook, a traveler on the Thieves’ Road; Lady Aurora Verte, daughter of a powerful member of the gentry; and the White Rider Leopold, a soldier with a secret.

Together, this found family will have to band together to survive.


Set in the distant future during the return of the Hale-Bopp comet, Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga.

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About the Author:
A.E. Bennett lives in Washington, D.C. She is originally from North Carolina.


*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Book Review | THE PAWNSHOP OF STOLEN DREAMS by Victoria Williamson

THE PAWNSHOP OF STOLEN DREAMS
by Victoria Williamson
Publication: May 11, 2023
Publisher: Tiny Tree Books
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★


In a strange little village called Witchetty Hollow, eleven-year-old Florizel is the first to run into the curious visitors who've come to open a brand-new Daydream Delicatessen and sack-baby factory.

At first, it seems the daydream confection and cheap sack children are the best things that could have happened to the poor folk of the Hollow - after all, who has the money to rent their child from Storkhouse Services these days? But after a few weeks, Florizel starts to notice something odd happening to the adults of the town. First, they seem dreamy, then they lose all interest in their jobs and families. Soon they're trading all their worldly goods in the newly opened Pawnshop for money to buy daydreams. With no money for rent payments, the children of Witchetty Hollow are being reclaimed by Storkhouse Services at an alarming rate. Florizel needs to act.

A magical tale of intrigue and adventure from award-winning children's author Victoria Williamson.


THE PAWNSHOP OF STOLEN DREAMS follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Florizel, as she uncovers the sinister business established by Gobbelino Corporation at Witchetty Hollow.

Victoria Williamson weaves an eerie tale of adventure, friendship, and everything thought-provoking. In this richly imagined world, daydreams are a commodity and children are rented out to families. Only the rich can afford the talented and promising kids, and so, Florizel must play dull-witted to keep the rent low and remain with Gammer Oakenshaw. Being bullied for her low grades, unkept clothes, and strange lunches for school, she has always kept her head down… until Burble, an actual sack-boy.

For a Middle Grade, this book challenges some very intense topics. And yet, Williamson never strayed from her whimsical prose. This book is like Matilda on one hand, and Pinocchio on the other. After so many years, I didn't realize I could adore another made-believe boy. 'Tis absolutely hard to review without giving away any spoilers. With its unique concept and (absolutely) brilliant cover, this story will stay with the reader for a long time. 

If you keep a list of eerie books for Middle Grade like Coraline, A Monster Calls, or The Book of Lost Things, I highly recommend that you add this book too. 


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*Big thanks to @TheWriteReads and Tiny Tree Books, for letting me join this blog tour and for giving me access to an e-book in exchange for this honest opinion.


About the Author:

Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author who grew up in Scotland surrounded by hills, books, and an historical farm estate which inspired many of her early adventure stories and spooky tales. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching maths and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK. Victoria currently works part time writing KS2 books for the education company Twinkl and spends the rest of her time writing novels, and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops.


Victoria’s previous novels include The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, Hag Storm, and War of the Wind. She has won the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2020/2021, The YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023 and has been shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023, The Leeds Book Awards 2023, the Red Book Award 2023, the James Reckitt Hull Book Awards 2021, The Trinity School Book Awards 2021, and longlisted for the ABA South Coast Book Awards 2023, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, and the Branford Boase Award 2019.

Her latest novel, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, is a middle grade fantasy inspired by classic folklore. Twenty percent of the author royalties for this book are donated to CharChar Literacy, an organization working to improve children’s literacy levels in Malawi.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com





Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Book Review | YOURS CHEERFULLY by A.J. Pearce

YOURS CHEERFULLY
by A.J. Pearce
Publication: July 5, 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster CA
Genre: Women's Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★


From the author of the “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) and international bestseller Dear Mrs. Bird comes a charming and uplifting novel set in London during World War II about a plucky young journalist and her adventures as wartime advice columnist.

London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the new challenges as a wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It.

When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young mother who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must confront a dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends. -Publisher


Set in London during World War II, YOURS CHEERFULLY is a heartwarming and engaging novel that celebrates the resilience and strength of women in times of adversity. The story centers around Emmy Lake, a young woman who dreams of becoming a journalist. When she lands her dream job as a columnist, she quickly discovers that there's more to it than just responding to readers' letters addressed to a women's magazine.

The novel is filled with wit, humor, and heart, and Pearce's writing is charming and delightful. She skillfully weaves together the stories of Emmy and the other women, creating a rich and engaging portrait of life in London during the war. The characters are vividly drawn, and readers will find themselves rooting for Emmy and her friends as they navigate the challenges of war, love, and loss.

One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of the experiences of women during the war, including those who took on jobs in factories to support the war effort. Through the character of Anne, a young woman who takes on a factory job, readers are given a glimpse into the struggles and sacrifices that women faced as they tried to balance work, family, and the war effort.

Anne's story is a poignant one. She is a young woman who wants to do her part for the war effort, but she also has young children to care for. Like many women of the time, Anne struggles to find reliable and affordable childcare, and she worries about leaving her children behind as she goes off to work in the factory. At the same time, she faces discrimination and harassment at work, as male coworkers belittle and bully her for being a woman.

Pearce does an excellent job of showing the challenges that women faced as they entered the workforce and the ways in which they fought back against discrimination and injustice. Through Anne's story, readers see the strength and resilience of women during this period, as well as their determination to contribute to the war effort and support their families.

Overall, Yours Cheerfully is a delightful and uplifting novel that celebrates the power of friendship, the importance of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of war and adversity.


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About the Author:
Credit: Jenny Smith
AJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire, England. She studied at the University of Sussex and Northwestern University. A chance discovery of a 1939 women’s magazine became the inspiration for her series The Emmy Lake Chronicles, which includes Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling. She lives in the south of England. Credit: Jenny Smith





*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the egalley in exchange for this unbiased review.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Book Review | THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS by Kristin Harmel

THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS
by Kristin Harmel
Publication: 06 Jul 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Canada
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

The New York Times bestselling author of the “heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism” (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as “sweeping and magnificent” (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), and “gripping” (Tampa Bay Times). -Publisher


THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS is a poignant and deeply moving story that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. At the heart of the novel is Yona, a young girl who is kidnapped from her wealthy Nazi parents by an elderly woman named Jerusza and raised in the forest. As Yona grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of her unique position as both an outsider and an insider to the world around her, and she grapples with questions of identity and belonging that will shape the course of her life.

One of the central themes of the book is the idea of choosing between one's moral compass and biological family. Yona's journey is marked by a series of difficult choices, as she must decide whether to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Jewish refugees she encounters in the forest or to seek out the truth about her past and her biological family. Along the way, Yona confronts the traumas of her childhood and comes to understand the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.

Harmel's writing is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and brutality of life in the forest with equal skill. Her characters are complex and fully realized, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Throughout the novel, the reader is drawn into Yona's world, experiencing her triumphs and setbacks, her joys and sorrows.

Overall, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a stunning work of historical fiction that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing love and compassion over hate and fear.


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About the Author:
  
Photograph by Phil Art Studio,
Reims, France
Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels including The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Room on Rue Amélie, and The Sweetness of Forgetting. She is published in more than thirty languages and is the cofounder and cohost of the popular web series, Friends & Fiction. She lives in Orlando, Florida.





*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the egalley in exchange for this unbiased review.