Favorite New-to-me Authors in 2019 (Part I) #FavNewToMeAuthors

11 Comments January 3, 2020 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello readers! 2020 has started nicely but I’m not reading new book by new author as of now. I still need to finish review requests I got in 2019 but that’s not the topic here. I would like to tell you all about new authors and their amazing books I discovered in 2019. There were many new authors I discovered, (that reminds me to add a count of New and old author in 2020 excel sheet). Most of them were great and few I were okaish but it always amazing to read something new and fresh.

So, here is list!

1. Miranda Rijks

I have read just one book by Miranda Rijks and I can say she write amazing psychological thriller. Deserve To Die was thrilling, tense, spine chilling, unnerving, addictive and intriguing page turner. It was written flawlessly. I loved author’s style the way she kept the nervousness alive from the very first page and it didn’t die until the end. It was clever book with intricate plot that kept me guessing the next move of that horrible villain. I have another one in my kindle ‘You are mine’ by Miranda Rijks and I cannot wait to read it and rest of the book by this author.

[Review]
Affiliate Link: Amazon.in | Amazon.com

2. Jennifer Donaldson

In last 2-3 months I mentioned this author and this book of her ‘I Know You Remember’ many times. This was fabulous YA psychological thriller that I keep recommending. It was about obsession, dysfunctional family, abusive parents and their addiction issues, friendship and jealousy. It had many layers. That big twist at climax was mind-boggling. Characters, plot, twist and end everything was perfect in this book. I wish to read more books by Jennifer Donaldson.

[Review]
(affiliate Link) Book Depository | Amazon.in | Amazon.com

3. Jo Jakeman

Safe House was clever psychological thriller. The plot was layered with elements of misreading and misjudging a person, guilt, betrayal, manipulation, lies, deceit, blind love, unhealthy relationship, and facing past to give it closure. Gripping writing, suspenseful plot, intriguing characters and atmospheric setting left me wanting to read more by this author.

[Review]
(affiliate Link) Book Depository | Amazon.in | Amazon.com

4. Liz Davies

Liz Davies wrote this lovely, entertaining, humorous, realistic relatable romcom with lots of family drama. It was feel good story that had a good message of importance of sharing burden, being supportive, understanding each other’s perspective, and bringing back the spark in relationship and enjoying Christmas as a family. Writing was wonderful, entertaining and engaging.

[Review]
(affiliate Link) Book Depository | Amazon.in | Amazon.com

5. Malia Zaidi

I discovered Malia Zaidi through Emma’s blog tour and I got to read all 4 books by her. Lady Evelyn Mystery series was compelling cozy mysteries that I enjoyed so much and kept recommending throughout the year. It was historical mysteries that was about post war trauma, social values and prejudice, scandals, social differences and preconceptions, tragedy, dysfunctional family, finding peace with past and learning various aspect of humanity. Phew, many insightful topics were covered throughout the series with exquisite, graceful and flawless writing. Each book had wonderful setting and mysteries that I loved to solve along with main character. Hmm, I don’t know if the series continues or not but I would love to read more from this author.

[Review- Book 1 , Book 2 , Book 3 , Book 4]

There are more new authors and their books I discovered in 2019 but I didn’t want the post too long so, I will post part II tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed the post and may have found new books and authors to add to 2020 TBR.

Let’s discuss!

Have you read any of these book or other books by the same author?
Which new authors and books you discovered in 2019?

Happy Reading!!

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#BookReview: Veiled By Desire (Laith #2) by Candace Robinson @literarydust

5 Comments December 30, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Veiled By Desire (Laith #2) by Candace Robinson
Publication Date: November 19th 2019
Publisher: The Parliament House
Genre: Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
Pages: 254
Stars: ★★★★★

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In Laith, when the moons are high, Tavarra is allowed to walk the land as a human for one day, losing her seahorse-like tail. But should she remain out of the water, a curse will overtake her, turning her into a beast with sharp fangs and long claws. A beast that, on some nights, takes the shape of a rampaging, uncontrollable monster.

Rhona, along with her village, are under a sinister leader’s control. Their leader has taken Rhona from the boy she loves, stripped away her abilities and, under the threat of killing everyone she loves, forces her on a dangerous task to retrieve a dark prism that will increase his already massive powers.

When Tavarra and Rhona cross paths, they discover they need each other. Rhona knows how to help the cursed sea creature, while Tavarra knows where to find the dark prism. They embark on a mission that could help them break Tavarra’s spell and save Rhona’s family and village. But with an untamable beast inside Tavarra, nothing is certain…

*** Note: I received e-copy this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. ***

Previous Book in the series I read:

Clouded By Envy (Laith, #1)

#BlogTour #Review : Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow (Barnabas Tew #4) by Columbkill Noonan @rararesources @columbkillnoon1

1 Comment September 24, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello Readers! Today is my stop during the blog tour for Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow by Columbkill Noonan, organized by Rachel’s Random Resources. Please check out book details and my review of this book in this post.

Previous Book I read in the series-

1) Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Missing Scarab
2) Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds
3) Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow by Columbkill Noonan
4th in series
Publication Date: September 18th 2019
Publisher: Darkstroke
Genre: mythology / cozy mystery / humor
Pages: 205
Stars: ★★★★★

Rama, the Hindu god who maintains dharma, or the balance of all things, is in terrible trouble, and only Barnabas and Wilfred can save him!
Private detectives to the gods, Barnabas Tew and Wilfred Colby, believed they’d discovered the secret to taking charge of their destinies. Unfortunately, they’re about to be taught a hard lesson: nothing is as it seems and taking control is easier said than done.
Fresh off their most challenging case to date, the two detectives step into a cenote: an otherworldly portal that connects worlds and can take them anywhere if they how to use it. Each is hoping to be reunited with someone he left behind, but they soon realize that something has gone terribly, disastrously wrong. Instead of being reunited with their lady-loves, they find themselves in a Hindu temple, together with Kamadeva, the Hindu god of desire.
Kamadeva asks them to save his friend Rama, who is in grave danger. It seems an innocent enough request, but Barnabas and Wilfred have learned that not everything is at it seems, and the right thing to do is not always so obvious. It doesn’t take long to discover that not all the gods want Rama saved, leaving the two detectives to make a terrible choice.
The detectives have faced dangerous deities before, but the Hindu gods are different. Otherworldly, wise, and full of shadowy motivations, they all seek to manipulate the hapless detectives to suit their purposes.
Can Barnabas and Wilfred see through the illusions and the lies to uncover the truth of the matter? Or will they fail, and choose the wrong side?

*** Note: I received e-copy from the author, as a part of Blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Rachel and author. ***

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow, fourth in Barnabas Tew series, was entertaining, humorous cozy mystery that revolved around two bumbling Victorian detectives plunged into Indian mythology with another mystery to solve for Indian God. It was about enlightenment on Karma, Dharma, eternal life and death cycle that of course, these two detectives had hard time to understand.

Characters–

What do I tell you about characters that I haven’t said before in review of first 3 book?! Once again they were fun to read. They were lovable and cutest detectives I ever read.

Barnabas was his usual bumbling, over-reactive, he might call himself ‘master of diversion and subterfuge’ but actually is ‘master of blunders’. However, at heart he was pure and courageous and his conscience was on right side. And he loved his assistant whom he gave credit time to time and even gave promotion in this book.

Wilfred was wise, clever, and perceptive one who could understand situation better, always knew how to correct his master’s blunder, knew Barnabas better than himself and yet so very humble. He loved Barnabas enough to follow him anywhere.

What I liked-

Writing was great, I loved British Victorian style in dialogues, expression of characters, situations and third person voice. All were described vividly. I said this before and I’m saying again, I want to see these books in movie. I loved setting and mythical part. As it was Indian mythology I knew about the God and their appearance and stories but the way author blended it with the current story was mind-blowing.

Book started with confusion and arguments between Barnabas and Wilfred over which world they have landed after plunging into cenote (that argument was almost 2-3 pages long! I tell you only these two can perform such lengthy arguments. They are quite expert in it and making you laugh over it). After solving a case for Mayan Goddess, they were shown how to travel between worlds by plunging into cenote focusing on the place they want to go. First time they were given a choice, but ended up in totally different world than they thought, India.

And to make situation even more hilarious that turned Barnabas redder than tomato, they were landed in home of Kamadeva. This time the case was to sop the death of Prince Rama. It looked quite simple, go to Rama’s abode, stop people from bringing any harm to him but well no case is as simple as that when it is in hands of Barnabas and Wilfred.

On the journey of solving the case, they got tangled into series of unfortunate events. They were turned into fish, forced to solve another case, made unlikely friends and ally, faced the sea monster, and met an enlightening cow, Ganesha, and Shiva-the Destroyer.

Enlightening cow and crabby enlightened our two detectives about Karma, Dharma, incarnations, cycle of birth and rebirth, importance of death and personal and spiritual growth. But of course, it all was indecipherable for Barnabas and so any such enlightening topics were followed by long discussions, arguments, tantrums, emotional outburst, and his signature style ‘Good day’, more than often.

There were many laugh out loud moments, howlers, funny situations and characters’ funny questions and dialogues. Most of the time imagining Barnabas’ expressions, temper, and his obstinacy itself was hilarious. I so enjoyed their diversion tactics. Best hysterical moment was Barnabas’ reaction to Ganesha’s story and the way he perceive ‘Dal’ (it was spelled ‘Dhal’ in book) as doll.

Coming to the mystery, it was most unusual than previous three books. They were given the task but on their way of solving the case, they got to know about surprising facts which were shocking for our detectives and ended up into doing exactly different, and messing it as well. They learned many things and the most important lesson for them was, results are not important it’s the journey you should enjoy.

Climax was fun and entertaining. I laughed so much at double j’accuse moments. End was blunderful and messy, but enlightening. Now I can say this series ended here because they are not going anywhere this time or are they? It was great installment of the series.

Overall, it was fun, comical, cozy, fast paced mystery with amusing dialogues and characters. I definitely recommend this book.

Purchase Links:

US – https://www.amazon.com/Barnabas-Tew-Case-Enlightened-Cow-ebook/dp/B07VN5MT8C

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barnabas-Tew-Case-Enlightened-Cow-ebook/dp/B07VN5MT8C

Affiliate Link: Book Depository

Author Bio:

Columbkill Noonan is the author of the bestselling “Barnabas Tew” series, which features the bumbling-yet-lovable Victorian detective Barnabas and his trusty sidekick, Wilfred. Columbkill combines her love of mythology and her affinity for period fiction to craft unique cozy mysteries that will leave you guessing (and chuckling!) till the very end.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter

Let’s discuss!

What do you think about the book and review? Have you read this book or any books in this series? Have you read any book with Indian mythological setting? What are your favorite books in this genre?

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#BlogTour #Review : A Summer to Remember by Victoria Cooke #ASummerToRemember @VictoriaCooke10 @rararesources

5 Comments September 19, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello Readers! Today I’m sharing review of A Summer To Remember by Victoria Cooke as a part of blog tour, organized by Rachel’s Random Resources. Many thanks to Rachel for tour invite and publisher for providing e-copy via NetGalley, in exchange for honest review. Please check out the book details and giveaway (UK) in this post.

Previous Books I Read By the Same Author:

A Summer To Remember by Victoria Cooke
Publication Date: 19th September 2019
Publisher: HQ Digital
Genre: Romantic Comedy / chicklit / Women’s Fiction
Pages: 384
Stars: ★★★★★

Sam lives by the mantra that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
After the tragic loss of her husband, Sam built a new life around friends, her cat Coco and a career she loves. Fending off frequent set-ups and well-meaning advice to ‘move on’, Sam is resolutely happy being single.
But when Sam gets seconded to her firm’s Boston office for the summer, it is more than her career that is in for a shake-up. A spur of the moment decision to visit the idyllic beaches of Cape Cod could end up changing her life forever.

A Summer To Remember was heartwarming romance that revolved around Sam who lost her husband in accident 8 years ago, who got opportunity to finds love and happiness once again in life. It was about second chance at love, getting over grief, and moving on in life.

Characters-

Sam was in her late 30s, passionate and enthusiastic career girl. Her feelings and fear were genuine and realistic. While she was living life, making some amazing friends and doing her dream job she was good at, she didn’t allow anyone to support her, cope with grief and kept pushing her loved ones away. I’m glad she felt change in feelings and emotions on meeting Ethan who made her realize she need her family and love back in life. Her development was gradual.

Ethan was great throughout the book. At first he was jerk and grumpy but as he and Sam met more I could see his soft side. He gone through pretty same as Sam but he was better with his emotions than Sam because of family and friends support. There was more to him and I liked the way he changed Sam’s life and view.

I loved Barney and Harry. This couple brought fun and light in both Sam and Ethan’s deflated life with their cheerful nature and parties. They were supportive, understanding and lovable. I cannot imagine book without these two.

What I Liked-

First thing, just look at the cover. Isn’t it calling to take it out on beach, relax and read? I loved that cover. I can buy it just looking at it.

I’m getting used to author’s writing. This is my 4^th book by Victoria Cooke and I guess I will read anything by her. Writing was smooth with beautiful narration, sweet romance and picturesque setting made it aesthetically pleasing. But it’s not just romance here. I didn’t expect the depth to it. Story was told from Sam’s perspective which made feel more close to her than any other characters.

Books started with Sam finally getting her dream chance to work in US office for 3 months, summer she didn’t expect to change her life. A summer she will remember all her life and might be part of her life. She was happy being single, good at her job, living life and even enjoying it without love and men. When she started spending her weekends on the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod, her self-imposed perseverance started to falter. She got attached to this small town, new friends and dashing Ethan. Was it just attraction or she is falling in love? Can she give closure to her grief? Will it be just a summer fling for Sam or she will give another chance to love and her life?

We see glimpse of Sam’s past, how she met Kev, the day of their marriage, fallout with her parents and the day of accident intermittently. We hear about Ethan’s loss, his struggle and how he managed to live after his loss. Both of their story and feeling were touching. I wanted to reach out to them and give them hug and also a good shake so that they could move on in life.

Emotions were the strength of the book. Both characters felt loss and grief. Both reacted to it differently and both spent long time being faithful to their loved ones, living in their memory and going along with life. I could understand Sam’s feelings and reasons up to some extent but I also felt she was being unfair to her parents and Ethan, even to the memories of Kev. The moments they spent together was so romantic, spellbinding, and heartwarming. I loved every bit of it.

At 50% story was like wrapped-up. Feelings and their life-story shared, both characters knew each other better, both realized they feel connected and have more deep relationship than just friendship, knew each other family and friends… what can be more to it? Sure if Sam agreed to move on there will be end of the story right then and there. So I was clueless what to expect next. All the second half was uncertain and emotional. Turns in the story were placed just right making it interesting and gripping.

My favorite fun and lovely moments in the book were, Sam at wedding in the beginning (those clues for guests to find their table was fun), meeting Harry and Barney for the first time, meeting Lexi, a date (so romantic), and those eight Christmas presents and the way she presented them for each year (it was so heart-melting, I actually shed some happy tears).

Climax was surprising. Things took unexpected turn. But it quickly turned in right direction. Honestly I expected it to be bot more dramatic but I guess one blow was enough and Sam might not wanted to ruin the chance. Anyway it was lovely to see their happily-ever-after end.

Overall, it was beautiful, heartwarming summery romance with wonderful setting and depth. I highly recommend this book.

Purchase Link – getbook.at/ASummerToRemember

Author Bio –

Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of a career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters and when she’s not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria was first published at the tender age of eight by her classroom teacher who saw potential in a six-page story about an invisible man. Since then she’s always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers’ courses before completing her first novel, ‘The Secret to Falling in Love,’ in 2016.

Her third novel, Who Needs Men Anyway? became a digital bestseller in 2018.

Social Media Links –

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Intagram

Giveaway to Win A Summer to Remember by Victoria Cooke and Chocolates (UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s discuss!

What do you think about the book and review? Have you read this book or any other books by the same author? Do you like to read books with second chance and happily ever after arc? Who is you favorite author in this genre? Recommend me you favorite Chick Lit/Women’s Fiction.

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The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Riordan

8 Comments April 29, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Riordan
Publication Date: 2013 (first published May 5th 2009)
Publisher: Puffin Books
Read Date: April 27th 2019
Genre: YA / Urban Fantasy / Greek Mythology
Pages: 361
Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ /5

MOST PEOPLE GET PRESENTS ON THEIR SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY. I GET A PROPHECY THAT COULD SAVE OR DESTROY THE WORLD.

It happens when you’re the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. According to an ancient prophecy, I turn sixteen and the fate of the entire world is on me. But no pressure.

Now Kronos, Lord of the Titans, is beginning his attack on New York City. And the dreaded monster Typhon is also heading our way. So it’s me and forty of my demigod friends versus untold evil . . .

The Last Olympian was the perfect last book of the series that take place in New York City with so much actions and destruction and Percy trying hard to save his city and home of Gods over the Empire State Building. It was about friendship, bravery and consequences of bad choices, true meaning of family, betrayal and treachery, learning from mistakes, and bringing change in the way of life and nature for the better future.

It started with attack on Princess Andromeda, tragic death, Titan’s plan and Nico’s warning and urgency to act on the plan he proposed a year back that Percy was avoiding until now. Now that he faced Kronos and experienced his strength for the first time, he knew if he wished survive again and fight Luke, he had to act on Nico’s plan asap. Oh, and he finally got to know about full big prophecy that said he was going to die!

God at war with Titan leaving the Olympus unprotected, sea God bust in protecting his own palace, Hades holding years long grudge against Zeus decided not to help his brethren, Nico desperately trying to get some answers about his mother and then helping Percy, Ares and Apollo bickering over petty issues. Phew, lot was going on in first few chapters only.

How Percy was going to save the gods and their home, will he be doom of Olympus or protector, and how was he going to fight Kronos that didn’t include dying? It was tense and exciting to read this final Installment of the series. I was curious to read the final battle.

There was humor here and there alright but things were getting serious, there was death looming over Percy and Gods were on the battle field in their best armor, New York City was under the sleep spell with destruction all around it. So, it needed the serious, tense, and on-the-age-of-the-seat tone and author did it fantastically. Like, ‘we are not going to laugh so much like we did in previous books until we’ve chopped up Kronos and sent him back to Tartarus‘.

In this, Percy visited his father’s realm, finally, and I tell you it was wonderful minus all the battle raging down there; met Hestia-the Last Olympian and I was curious to read her importance as the title was given after her and after reading the book I could tell how appropriate it was; met some deadly Titans Morpheus- he can cause deadly dream and I’m sure one won’t need benzos around him, Prometheus- not-so-deadly but cunning for sure, Hyperion with burning light and a monstrous storm-giant who wreck such a chaos; . and slayed long list of monsters.

There were many other important answers I finally got in this book like -Luke’s childhood and what made him bitter towards his parents, Nico’s mother and how he and his sister were sent to Lotus casino, Hades’ curse and how the prophecy was twisted in many ways, Rachel’s talent and her importance in immortal’s world, spy in the camp and how Luke twisted people’s mind to get his revenge, role of Luke and Ethan and many other rogue demigod’s in new upcoming change in Immortal’s world, and Annabeth’s hope and what Luke was for her, Percy’s role in the prophecy.

There was twist and turn in each chapter, each chapter was dripping with friendship, courage and bravery, tricks and surprises. Don’t forget the titles of each chapters, they were so catchy that made me want to read what’s in the chapter. Percy not only gave so many thought-provoking lessons to readers but also made the Gods ponder over it.

World-building, plot, characters, myth everything was impressive and well balanced. Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Clarisse were the star of the book. New development in Percy and Annabeth’s relationship was lovely and cute. It was also tragic to see so many deaths and destruction because of worst consequences of bad actions.

Climax was wonderful. Loved the way Percy and Nico convinced their dads and oh my, that final battle was just brilliant. Each and every campers, immortals, and mortals fought amazingly. End was unique with many insights, change in immortals’ world- I loved that new blue print of camp half-blood in the end, and another big prophecy that was just as confusing and dangerous as previous one, maybe more!

Overall, I just loved it. Can’t wait to read next spin-off series. It was riveting, entertaining, insightful, and impressive urban fantasy dripping with Greek myth and Humor that I recommend to fans of this genre.