Let me begin this review with a confession. I am very cross with Ms. Miller, the author of “Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match”, for having written only five books. I’ve already read all of them, and I feel rather bereft not having another elegant Jane Austen variation to look forward to. Having said that, I hasten... Continue Reading →
“Gone Away Girl” by Juliette Caron
"Good girls go to heaven, but bad girls go everywhere," states the legendary quote by Helen Gurley Brown. I absolutely loved how Juliette Caron proved the opposite in her book “Gone Away Girl”. Chloe is seventeen, and she is a good girl. She makes a tough choice not every “bad” girl gathers enough courage to make.... Continue Reading →
“The Thorn Birds” by Colleen McCullough
This isn’t a story of forbidden love between a girl from Australia and a priest. “The Thorn Birds” by Colleen McCullough is so much more. To be honest, Maggie and Ralph de Bricassart’s love story plotline was the one that fascinated me the least in this book. If anything, it even annoyed me a little. Reading... Continue Reading →
“The Everlasting Dance” by Ellen Khodakivska
People often complain that life is cruel to them since it doesn’t let their dream come true. Seldom do they imagine what they would do if fate gave them a chance to fulfill more than one of their dreams. Marcus and Linda are young, enthusiastic about the careers they’ve chosen, and passionate about their futures.... Continue Reading →
Indie author’s challenges: book promotion and marketing
I don’t think I’ll deviate too far from the truth if I say that the phrases “book promotion” and “book marketing” never fail to send chills of dread down indie authors’ spines. It’s not that there aren’t options available to showcase your books to the world. Options are plenty. The main stumbling blocks are money... Continue Reading →
“The Younglings: Fire and Magic” by Helena M. Craggs
“The Younglings: Fire and Magic” is the second instalment of the Younglings fantasy series penned by Helena M. Craggs. This book is such a page-turner that I’ve read it in two days, grabbing every opportunity to read, even if I had only twenty free minutes. Quinn Carter and his team are back, and we join... Continue Reading →
Indie author’s challenges: time management and the feeling of guilt
When it comes to indie author’s daily life, there are more, of course. Still, these two are my personal favourites among my demons. Time management. Yes, sounds rather pompous, like something those smiling, shining positivity gurus teach us, mere mortals, so we can have a chance for a better life. In fact, time management is... Continue Reading →
“On Chesil Beach” by Ian McEwan
There was something unpleasantly disturbing about this book that didn’t let me fully enjoy reading it. I couldn’t make myself care about the characters, even though their inner struggles and reasons why they are the way they are were well depicted by the author. Edward and Florence, both in their early twenties and virgins, are... Continue Reading →
Interview with Helena M. Craggs, author of the Younglings fantasy series
Hi Helena! It is a pleasure to have you today to talk about books and writing. First of all, let me congratulate you on the release of the sequel of “The Younglings” series. I am sure a lot of readers have been waiting patiently to read about Quinn and his friends’ further adventures. Helena: It’s... Continue Reading →
“Masked Intent” by Kimberly Greer
Have you ever wondered what hides behind a polished façade of a womaniser? In literature and onscreen the men who refuse to commit and form a long-term relationship are usually depicted from the perspective “I’ve chosen it myself because it’s cool and I need nobody in my life”. James Bond doesn’t count – he has... Continue Reading →