HER SECRET ROSE (The Yeats Trilogy I) by Orna Ross
Book length - 308 pages Available now on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk Although this book was released last year, somehow it had slipped past me. HER SECRET ROSE by Orna Ross gives us a fictionalised biography of the legendary relationship between Maud Gonne and W.B. Yeats. Having learned about these two larger than life characters throughout school, I was fascinated by the premise of this story. Told through the eyes of a domestic servant, Rosie Cross, we get to see past their public personas of political activist and poet. Throughout this book, I felt that I got to know them as people - their hopes, their fears, and their inadequacies and doubts. This is a tale about rebellion, politics, and intrigue, mixed throughout with their passion for Ireland and for literature. Snippets of Yeats' poetry is woven through the novel which really added to the mood and understanding of the book overall. HER SECRET ROSE by Orna Ross is a beautifully crafted story and I am so glad that I came across it. I look forward to the next instalment in the series titled A CHILD DANCING. BOOK RATING - 📖📖📖📖 4+ Author Bio: Irish indie author, Orna Ross, wants everyone to “go creative”: apply the creative process to life, love, money… everything. She writes and publishes novels, poetry and the Go Creative! books and blog, all of which foster what she calls “creativism“. Orna is Founder-Director of the non-profit association for self-publishers, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and the online author conference, the Indie Author Fringe and each year since 2013, she has been named “one of 100 most influential people in publishing” (The Bookseller). For more information: Website - www.ornaross.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/OrnaRossAuthor/?fref=ts Twitter - twitter.com/OrnaRoss *Book received from Netgalley.com I am so happy to share with you a special feature from talented author, Liz Fenwick. By weaving folklore throughout her stories, Liz brings alive the fairytales and myths from the past into her contemporary tales with magical effect. In this post, Liz has given us an insight into the stories and legends of Cornwall, the research involved, and how they play an important role in her novels. Myths and Legends I have to begin this post with the statement ‘I love research.’ In fact I love it so much that I would do nothing but research…so when I begin a book I try to do only enough to write the rough draft leaving lots of XXXXs where I need to do more. My first draft is always messy as I find my way through the story and get to know my characters. I’m not a planner, or not much of one. Since becoming published I’ve learned to be more of a planner as I no longer have time to write myself into HUGE PLOT HOLES…just small ones. I love the excitement of discovering the story as I go. But it’s the second and third draft that the twists and turns – the really interesting stuff - happens and it’s normally through research. By now you are wondering why this post is called myths and legends when all I’ve done is talk about research and messy first drafts. Well it tends to be in the research that I find things that make the story sing. For example I was writing A Cornish Affair when I came across the old Cornish saying… ‘save a stranger from the sea, he’ll turn your enemy.’ Bingo. One phrase pulled many stored tidbits out of my brain and A Cornish Stranger was born. While writing this book I searched for a Cornish legend that the character Max could build an opera around and found the Lovers of Porthgwarra, which resonated beautifully on so many counts with the story in A Cornish Stranger. The book that contains the most use of myths and legends is Under A Cornish Sky. Again I have to admit I am a sucker for a good myth. When I was young my grandfather lived with us. He had a passion for poetry and being Irish a good story. So my childhood was filled with both. I think that is the reason I ‘feel’ the faeries in the woods and the land talks to me, but that’s another story all together or maybe the one for a psychiatrist’s couch. In Under A Cornish sky we have two very different women…one exceedingly no nonsense Victoria yet she is extremely connected to the land. She’s rooted in it as her childhood was spent on an ancient Cornish estate and this allows her to be practical yet see faeries. The land in a way speaks to her through the stories she heard as a child. Despite the hard outside shell she respects the folklore…such as the connection of her beloved Boscawen (in Cornish – the house by the elder tree) and the trees around it. Discovering the rituals and beliefs about the elder provided several twists and turns for the story. But going back to my first point, the name of the house was only chosen after the first draft…and my editor liked the name Boscawen, which twisted the book in a whole new way. The other protagonist Demi is at a cross roads in her life and has been a bit of an over protected flower. Yet she too has been touched by the magic of Cornwall.The book opens with a child lost in a bluebell wood…singing a little ditty her grandmother taught her…bluebell, blue bell do you really true tell, bluebell, bluebell who will love me bluebell, do tell…then she hears a bluebell ring and knows someone will die. She runs and meets the Kowres (female giant in Cornish). This Cornish word was given to me on twitter by the lovely people of Falmouth University archives….and added a knew dimension to the story. Also provided me with the opportunity to create a mythical story of my own for the book. I also relocated a standing stone with a hole in it to the woods of Boscawen and had fun playing with the myths surrounding it from curing children to ensuring fertility… The myths and legends add layers to the story and connect it to the land. Writing about a primitive and elemental land like Cornwall I would be depriving the reader of the ‘feel’ of this place if I didn’t embrace the myths and legends in my fiction. Cornish folklore is truly connected to the land and people who created it to explain the unexplainable, the untouchable…the simply magic. Now as I’m beginning to do the first phase of research for book six, I’m on the look out for more folklore to enrich the story and twist the plot….. I also know I want to write a story about the faeries I’m sure live in Merthen wood on the Helford River… I want to take this opportunity to thank Liz Fenwick for providing this feature for my blog. Check out my review of Liz's novel, Under a Cornish Sky, below. REVIEW
Book length - 324 pages Available on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk One minute you seem to have your life sorted and the next minute, everything has fallen apart around you. Within months Demi's life has imploded around her - she lost out on her dream job to someone who stole her ideas, her boyfriend turned out to be a sleazebag who abused her trust in the worst possible way, and her beloved mum suddenly passed away. leaving her all alone in London. With no job, no money, and nowhere to live, Demi decides to visit her grandfather in Cornwall to figure out what her next step will be. But as Demi gets acquainted with her mother's hometown, she cannot help the feeling that she has been here before or the fear that overtakes her at the strangest of times. For all is not as it seems, and when Demi discovers who her real father is, life may never be the same for her again. Victoria will do anything to rebuild the Boscawen estate again. Owned by her family through the years but sadly sold on the death of her brother, Victoria has finally managed to reinstate herself in the only place she has ever truly wanted to be. But life has made Victoria hard and bitter, and when her husband dies in an accident, she feels sorrow but also relief that finally, she can do whatever she needs to do to make Boscawen great again. Having no children, Boscawen will become her legacy. Her obsession. But life is never that straight forward and with an unknown stipulation in her husband's will, someone else has the power to destroy everything she has ever dreamed of. With plenty of twists and turns, the magic of Cornwall is woven through this beautiful tale of love, loss, and family. Throughout the story, Demi finds her inner strength and self-belief as she learns everything she needs to know about her past. Victoria, while not always likeable, is a strong character who has always had to fight for respect and for what she wants. The imagery mixed with the folklore brings a whole other added dimension to this emotional story and I loved the mystery and romance that Sam and Seb brought to the novel. UNDER A CORNISH SKY by Liz Fenwick is just one of those books that you never want to put down - beautiful scenery and folklore, engaging characters, and a plot that really grabs a hold of you. I eagerly await the release of THE RETURNING TIDE in 2017, and Cornwall will have to be my next holiday destination! BOOK RATING - 📖📖📖📖📖 5+ Author Bio: Writer, ex-pat expert, wife, mother of three, and dreamer turned doer…. Award winning author of The Cornish House, A Cornish Affair, A Cornish Stranger and Under A Cornish Sky. After ten international moves, I’m a bit of a global nomad. It’s no wonder my heart remains in Cornwall. I’m currently editing my next book – The Returning Tide due in January 2017. My books are available in Dutch, Germany, Portuguese, French, Estonia, Norwegian Danish, Turkish, Swedish, Latvian, Serbian and Czech. For more information: Website - lizfenwick.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/liz.fenwick.author?fref=ts Twitter - twitter.com/liz_fenwick *Book received from author in exchange for an honest review Release date - 30th August 2016 (US), Available in the UK now Book length - 384 pages Available on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk Frankie Cole has a passion for flowers that has gotten her through the toughest times of her life. Now living on her own in New York City, and running an event and concierge business with her two best friends, Paige and Eva, Frankie loves her independent life. Having lived through the horrific divorce of her parents and becoming the pariah of Puffin Island due to her mother's shameless actions after her father ran off, moving to New York had given her much-needed space all those years ago. Relationships don't work. There is no happily ever after. Love is an ideal that nobody can live up to. And Frankie will do whatever it takes to block any advances from men. Until Matt. Paige's brother and one of her closest friends has started to look at her differently and wants more than friendship. But is it worth taking the risk? And what will happen when he discovers the real Frankie? Release date - 23rd August 2016 Book length - 258 pages Available on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk It is 1857 and Fletcher MacNeil has lived a reckless life in Texas. Half Scottish and half Comanche has not made life easier for him - where men despise him and women love him for his unusual looks. Having left his family behind, Fletcher soon finds himself in a predicament - convicted for a crime he did not commit, he is soon to face the gallows. But when a Scottish solicitor shows up at the jail, his luck is just about to change - in more ways than one. Geddes, the solicitor, is delighted to have found the heir and new Duke of Kintyre. Although nothing like he expected, Geddes is happy to take Fletcher over the alternative option. But as they return to the castle in Scotland, his sister Rosalyn is the one who is left to take care of the new Duke, who has fallen ill on the sea voyage. For Geddes needs them to get to know each other if their future is to be secured. Release date - 11th August 2016 Book length - 85 pages Available on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk Julianne Morgen cannot believe her luck. She is arriving in England to start her dream job as Event Planner for a stunning Estate in Cornwall, and all because her co-worker had gotten chicken pox. Determined to prove herself to her new employers, Julianne throws herself into the preparations for a celebrity wedding that will be held in a few weeks. And as she settles into the Cornish lifestyle, it is not long before she makes friends with everyone...well almost everyone. So what if the extremely attractive gardener, Matthew, seems more irritated than friendly towards her. Who cares? But with a demanding celebrity bride, a footballer groom, disasters around the corner, and a brooding gardener that makes her heart spin, maybe life in Cornwall won't be as quiet as she expected? Release date - 23rd August 2016 Book Length - 316 pages Available on - www.amazon.com | www.amazon.co.uk Avery Sparks enjoys making sense out of chaos and relishes her role as Fire Chief and head of emergency management in her hometown of Chance, Nebraska. Independent and sassy, Avery has her life together and doesn't let anything faze her. That is until the guy who walked away from her so easily all those years ago, suddenly walks back in. And when unforeseen circumstances force them to work together, who knows what could happen... Book One of The Druid Chronicles Series Release Date - 1st August 2016 Book Length - 388 pages Available on - iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo BLURB
He was a master of seduction – but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion – his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit. Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan’s ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn’t realize her true heritage – until he captures her heart as well as her body. As Carys’ loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus’ people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive. Previously published by Berkley Heat, Penguin US in 2010
Title: Always the One
Author: C.C Monroe
Release Date: August 25
Goodreads: Pending
Follow CC on her Author Page: CC Monroe
Synopsis
Friendships are defined as a bond between two people, a building of a strong connection and like for one another. Usually excluding romantic or sexual feelings. Now what occurs when the typical doesn't happen and friendship turns to love?
Trey Adams spends his days working with music and pining over his longtime best friend, Shayla Donovan. The only thing holding him back is his past, a past where love only hurts and leaves you. To love Shayla the way he desires may be a long, arduous road.
Shayla Donovan has lived thirteen years of her life with a secret she is ready to confess. Pushing her fear aside may be the only way she can move forward in helping Trey learn the meaning of true love.
On their journey to finding love, these two souls will fight battles bigger than they could ever imagine.
*This novel contains mature subject matter, such as explicit sexual situations and coarse language, please refrain from reading if these things offend you. This story is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. Hot, sensitive, alpha male, with an HEA.
Excerpt
Tonight proved our love is stronger than anything—the feelings and emotions all real. The only light in the room is the burning fireplace, crackling across the way from the bed. I watch the orange and yellow flames mesh, regaining my bearings. Shay’s warmth on top of my chest is welcoming, helping me relax. I notice she’s been silent for a few minutes, and when I look down I'm met by her sleeping form. Everything that has happened in the past twenty-four hours wore my girl out. But I'm more than happy just sitting here listening to her light breathing as she sleeps. She looks beautiful, like nothing in this world could disturb her. I want this moment to last forever. I want my time with her to last far past the time we are given here on earth. I don't know if I believe in eternity, but she sure makes me hopeful that there will be one. She makes me feel like the day I was born only half of me entered the world while the other half of me waited with her and the day we met was the day I became complete again. Lightly, I move the backside of my fingers down her cheek, and when my thumb makes it to her lips I graze the round edges. Remembering the way she kissed me back when I took away her virginity. Looking at her now, I feel a sense of completion. I’m not only falling, but in essence, also surrendering my heart, soul, and body for the chance to love someone. This is the moment that changes a boy into a man. The moment one falls in love. Not only am I responsible for loving this woman, but I'm also now in charge of protecting her heart and honoring any promise I give her from here on out. For women, virginity is the one thing that they give to someone that they’ve fallen in love with. Well, most women. The one thing they give away as a symbol of their love and commitment to their partner. But what virginity is to women, is what a heart is to a man. We save that shit with us until the right woman comes along to claim it. That's when we then give it away, without a second thought or regret. Shayla took my heart, and I will never be able to get it back. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Her voice is soft and laced in a sleepy rasp. “You look beautiful when you sleep.” She searches my eyes, seeing if I’m lying or hiding anything from her. Letting her gaze falter for a second she moves on, accepting my answer. She stretches before placing her head back on her spot above my heart. Teasers
About the Author
Ever since I was a young girl, I have loved the idea of love. Now that I'm older and have love in my life, I still love the concept of LOVE. More so, I believe in the power of love on paper. Writing the stories of the characters in my head.
RELEASE DAY TAKEOVER
Author CC Monroe is excited to share her debut novel, Always the One with the indie world on Thursday August 25th, from 4 p.m. MTD- 10:30 p.m.
We will be having many giveaways and author takeovers from some amazing authors!
Invite readers, bloggers, and authors!
Giveaway
(2) $10 Amazon Giftcards
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WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! Currently ReadingUPCOMING BLOG TOURS
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