Reviewed: November 24th, 2021 Released: September 5th, 2018 Genre: Historical Fiction
A legend buried for 2000 years. A woman compelled to uncover the truth.
210 BCE, CHINA. The most powerful emperor China has ever known is on the brink of death. In desperation, he sends his most gifted alchemist and sorcerer on a quest for the mythical elixir of life.
His fleet never returned….
NOW, world-renowned archaeologist Georgia Lee is compelled to hunt for a mysterious man who may hold the secret to the greatest discovery in human history.
Her search takes her on a thrilling journey from an ancient tomb in China, through traditional Japan, to the blistering Australian outback, and the dizzying heights of verdant mountains in tropical Taiwan. But what begins as an investigation into an archaeological riddle turns into something very sinister. Georgia starts to suspect that perhaps she is the one being hunted instead….
Meticulously researched, this is a tale interwoven with rich historical facts to recreate all the drama, intrigue and mystery of East Asian culture. Read My thoughts…
Today we meet British fantasy author Ally Aldridge, who released her debut novel Ocean Heart in December 2020.
Helen: Welcome Ally. Congratulations on the release of your first novel Ocean Heart. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about it.
Ally:Ocean Heart is my debut novel. It’s a YA Fantasy novel about a teen discovering she’s a mermaid with uncontrollable powers, set in my hometown.
Ocean Heart is book one in the Soul Heart series. I’ve drafted Sky Heart, book two, and working on a prequel to the The Soul Heart series.
The Soul Heart Series will feature a different shifter type in each book enabling readers to discover them all.
Helen: I love that you’ve based your books in Suffolk where you live. It adds a local element which readers love. How did you come up with the cover design?
Ally: As Ocean Heart is set in the modern world I wanted the cover to have a magic feel but not be mistaken for high fantasy. Mariah doesn’t fully shift until way into the story so I didn’t want her to be depicted as a mermaid.
I wanted it to be clear the MC’s a young girl. The red dress underwater is from a very important kissing scene in the book.
I gave all my ideas to my designers, and she asked me a ton of questions to make sure she knew what my book is about and things I like. I have a thing for silhouettes so she incorporated into the design.
The end design blew me away. I was in love with it, and it was everything I dreamed of and more.
Helen: Covers are so special, and the process of clarifing what you want the cover to depict is so important. Like you, every time I’m blown away with what my designer comes up with. There are so many elements to writing a book, what made you first start writing?
Ally: I started writing at a young age. I fell in love with the characters in the book and didn’t want their stories to end. So, I wrote them more adventures. And, more adventures. Then, I made my own characters, worlds, and never stopped.
Helen: That is so wonderful. Books are so inspiring and when you find characters you love, you never want the stories to end. What is your favourite book?
Ally: I really love the werecat shifter series by Rachel Vincent. It was the first low fantasy series I read and it sucked me in. I loved having fantasy in the real world. It inspired my Soul Heart series.
Helen: I have a feeling I know the answer to this question! But which do you prefer? Writing or editing?
Ally: I prefer writing, and wish I had more time to invest in it. I usually write in the evening once my kids are asleep. This isn’t ideal, as sometimes I need this time to do other things, or I’m too tired at all.
I loathe editing. I go over & over my writing, picking holes, second guessing myself. My editor is worth her weight in gold. She gets what I want to achieve, calls me out on mistakes in a way that makes me laugh, and helps me pull my words together.
Helen: It is difficult to write after a full and busy day. I try and slip in 30 minutes at lunch or before work, doesn’t always work though! When you write are you a pantser or a planner? Do you know what you intend to write?
Ally: I try hard to be planner because I hate the mess at the end, but I never manage much more than a brief outline. I then discover the characters and details as a write.
I sometimes have to stop writing to research. For example, when my character visited a city hospital I needed to use Google Maps to explore the location. I also needed to look up oil lamps, and other random things. Even researched things that have probably put me on a watch list.
Helen: Ah, yes. What we writers have to research can be quite an interesting list. Talking about lists, I have ideas bubbling for new stories all the time. What about you? How do you come up with ideas for your books?
Ally: I get inspired all the time. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by a phrase, or another story. Songs and art inspires me too. I’m always thinking “What if?” And noting down ideas for future stories in my plot bunny vault.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, but before you leave, Ally, I’m sure your readers want to know. What’s next? Is there a new book on the horizon from Ally Adridge?
Ally: Yes, book two is called Sky Heart. It follows Kiely getting over a breakup. She makes some bad choices, gets attacked by a werewolf, joins the reapers, and learns to forgive and move on. It’s darker than Ocean Heart but still YA. Sky Heart is fully written, and just finished the first round on Betas. It needs a few professional edits before it is released into the world but it will be releasing in 2022.
I am also currently working on New Moon, which is a prequel to The Soul Heart Series. This book follows one of the mums in the series, but throws back to her teens in the late 90s to early 00s. It will have some magic and romance, which is a common theme in my stories.
About the Author:
Ally was born in London, but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.
When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.
Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.
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If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my books which are available in eBook, paperback or hardcover: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Book Three: Sentinals Justice. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next book releases.
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Sentinals Recovery is a novella set in the world of Remargaren. It occurs immediately after the battle at Oprimere. Although this is a complete story, the reader would benefit from reading the first three books in the series.
Birlerion is recovering from the near fatal injuries he received in his second, epic battle with the Ascendants. He returns home to Greenswatch to recuperate and finally meet his Darian stallion, Kin’arol, who has been waiting, somewhat impatiently, to bond with him.
Only Kin’arol is not there. Someone has stolen him. For such a distinctive horse, he has vanished into thin air.
Though not fully recovered, and still hampered by his injuries, Birlerion sets off, accompanied by his brother Versillion, to recover his horse. Not even Assassins, belligerent Terolians or the harsh Terolian desert will stop him from bonding with Kin’arol, though his failing body might
Get ready for Book 3.5 – Purchase the first book Sentinals Awaken now:
Today we meet contemporary romance author Amey Ziegler, the author of The Swiss Mishap and the companion novel Swiss Mistletoe and Macaroons which releases in December.
Helen: Welcome Amey. It is such a pleasure to chat with you. Tell us about what you ahve been working on. You have a few books coming out, don’t you?
Amey: I have a bunch of WIP and books coming out soon! My first book coming out comes out this December. Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons is a companion novel to my award-winning rom-com The Swiss Mishap. Then I have Wylder Bride coming Feb 28th. This is a Cyrano de Bergerac meets Mail-order bride meets the Wild West. It’s part of a Wylder West series with multiple author series across many genres.
Helen: You have been very busy! Tell us about the cover of your new book.
Amey:Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons has Jean-Marc on the cover in his chef uninformed. He’s a pastry chef who is used to having his own way. I’ve enclosed an easy recipe for macarons that anyone can make.
Wylder Bride has a barn burning and a train on the cover because it’s an action adventure western romance. Maisie comes west but her train is robbed. She must meet the man writing the letter to the man she loves but she doesn’t know she’s fallen in love with the wrong guy.
Helen: Writing different genres must be such fun, and I am sure there is plenty of romance in there. What made you start writing?
Amey: I started out as a reader. I spent many hours of my childhood curled up with a book. I loved reading Nancy Drew. I wanted to create other stories. When I was in my early 30s I decided to peruse writing seriously.
Helen: Reading is so important to inspire new writers, the more you read, the more your imagination goes wild. Where do you find the ideas for your books?
Amey: Ideas are all around us. I find mine my through personal experience. I’m working on a trio of billionaire romances. I just finished book 2. It was inspired by my undergrad degree in Communication. The two main characters are working on a relationship study at the University of Arizona.
Helen: They do say write what you know about. What is the most useful peice of writing advice you’ve received?
Amey: I read a book early in my study that said hard work is more important than talent. That was encouraging because when I first started out I wasn’t sure if I was talented. You know the saying in order to master a skill you must do it for 10k hours. That’s so true for writing. I wrote every day for two-four hours for eight years before I found a publisher for my first book.
Helen: Do you find you plan out your writing, or do you let it take you where it will? Are you a Planner or Pantser?
Amey: I consider myself a plantser which is a mix of the two. I do figure out a few key items about my character. I have major turning points plotted but in between I discovery write. It’s my process and it’s working for me 😀 every writer does it differently ans that’s okay.nd non-fiction ever since.
Helen: As a writer, do you have time to enjoy other hobbies/activities to get your creative juices going?
Amey: Being a mom is a full time job so it’s hard to find time for hobbies. However because I treat writing as a career I do try to find ways to do things with my kids. One thing I do is see charity quilts with my kids. They help me pick out colors and help me iron.
Helen: Most writers also read. What is your favourite book?
Amey: I love the Princess Bride. It’s got humor, action, intrigue and love.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, Amey. Just one last question, what advice would you give to new writers just starting out.
Amey: Write. A lot of people want to talk about their cool ideas. Write them. Also study the craft. Get better.
About the Author:
Amey Zeigler loves writing clean and steamy-clean romance with adventure and comedy.
She enjoys working out, yoga, being a mom of three kids, sewing and making movies.
The Swiss Mishap won the 2019 Swoony for Best New Adult Romance and third place in 2020 OCCRWA Book Buyer’s Best Contest.
Amey lives near Austin, TX. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ameyzeigler and sign up for her newsletter at http://www.ameyzeigler.com
Reviewed: November 12th, 2021 Released: November 8th, 2018 Genre: Comtemporary Literature
For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl.
But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved.
When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life – until the unthinkable happens. Read My thoughts…
Reviewed: November 5th, 2021 Released: September 11th, 2018 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself), woke up in an abandoned cabin without a single memory. Forced to start her life from scratch and exist entirely off the grid, she’s led a lonely life, but a quiet one… Until now. Suddenly, strange things are happening all around her: phantom tornadoes, exploding fireplaces, massive sink holes – not to mention the strange man that’s been following her everywhere she goes.
When Aspen audits a college class for a much-needed dose of normalcy, she’s shocked by the assistant professor’s cold disdain for her, and her alone. Their heated confrontation turns a corner when Aspen panics, accidentally shattering every bulb in the classroom. That’s when Aiden realizes what she is… but he’s not the only one who’s been paying attention.
In her mission to discover who – and what – she is, Aspen must learn to control her powers, navigate her budding feelings for this new and mysterious ally, and, finally, unearth the shocking truth about her past. Read My thoughts…
Reviewed: November 3rd, 2021 Released: November 2nd, 2021 Genre: Dark Fantasy
A deliciously dark and turbulant paranormal fantasy, with characters that will inveigle their way into your affections, even though you know one of them shouldn’t!
Battleworn Ruby is putting her darkest days behind her, and where better to start again than the bustling Callien city? Too good to be true, when the demon of her past comes crashing back into her life, the warning he carries with him leaves it in pieces. Where Drayvex goes, chaos and mayhem trail in his wake. And she’s bound to him tighter than ever before.
Scheming Drayvex has been busy: chasing the demon turned traitor from world to world, keeping furtive tabs on the girl with a piece of his soul; oh, and running a demon empire. Concerned Ruby will be discovered alive, he enlists her on a hunt for the lapis temporis, an object that can quite literally turn back time, to fix old mistakes and kill their mutual enemy in the past. He’s done playing games.
Power-starved Saydor is on the run. Converting to his cause one underdog at a time, his eyes and ears are everywhere. You can’t kill what you can’t find, and Saydor’s covert talent is deadly. The bigger you are, the harder you fall. And he’s just getting started.
But when you are playing for time itself, how do you know when you’ve been here before? Read More…
Reviewed: October 30th, 2021 Released: October 25th, 2019 Genre: Science Fiction
With the fate of his people on the line, the truth is his greatest weapon…Eighteen-year-old Dante refuses to let evil conquer the galaxy. And the fact that his own father acts as the instrument of a dark lord’s unrelenting destruction only makes it harder. But when Dante learns a mysterious warrior has strange visions of his family, he discovers she may hold the key to defeating his father.
As sinister attacks threaten more and more planets, he fears their purpose is to prepare for an ultimate showdown. But with clues scarce and the girl’s mission to help him turning deadly, Dante might be running out of time before those he swore to protect are doomed.
Can the young hero unravel the mystery and win freedom for the universe?
The Spinning of Deception is the enthralling first book in the Sunspear science fiction series. If you like epic tales of the battle against darkness, intriguing characters, and dangerous adventures, then you’ll love Elizabeth Lavender’s star-spanning saga. Read More…
Reviewed: October 26th, 2021 Released: October 26th, 2021 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
On the surface, everything about Kira Lockwood is a picture of perfection — an amazing best friend, a loving boyfriend, and a promising future in ballet. But beneath it all, she’s plagued with unusual dreams and nightmares. And to make things more complicated, the man who haunts those very dreams has just moved in down the street. Their attraction is undeniable, but she struggles to understand why he torments her at night while she sleeps.
Blake Michaelson is a handsome and powerful centuries-old warlock. He and his three brothers have been searching for one thing – Kira Lockwood. Though she doesn’t know it, she is a descendent of the first Supra Virtutem, a witch with the ability to harness the ultimate power. He and his brothers have spent a lifetime, hunting others like them, and claiming their magic as their own. To ensure their immortality, Blake must complete the Order of Three: claim her body, take her blood, and end her life.
Kira can’t ascend and harness her power until her 21st birthday but her magic lives within her and her light recognizes the darkness. Will Blake complete his mission or will the power within her be enough to save her? Read More…
Reviewed: October 24th, 2021 Released: September 14th, 2021 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
The last time he followed his heart, Shax ended up in Hell. This time, it just might be his only salvation.
Once Lucifer’s most feared assassin, Shax is stuck on Earth and tormented by the need to find the one who got away. Outrunning supposed friends and definite foes, he takes refuge in Kansas City. It isn’t long before he comes face-to-face with his quarry, the angel Kheone. The smart choice would be to kill her, but for reasons he does not want to examine, he rescues her instead. Now embroiled in the events that closed the Gates to Heaven and Hell, Shax must decide between love and saving his own skin.
Loyal and lethal, Kheone pursues the demons roaming the Earth with single-minded ferocity, fulfilling her purpose to protect humankind. When her friend dies under circumstances eerily similar to the explosion that cast her out of Heaven, she makes a deal with Shax to track down the killer. Struggling to trust her new partner, Kheone fights her growing bond with the demon as they discover the pieces to a puzzle that just might reopen the ways back to Heaven and Hell. Working with a demon has Kheone questioning the very nature of good and evil, testing her loyalty to the Archangel Michael and all the angels trapped on Earth. Read More…
Helen Garraway 