BOOK REVIEWS: The Elf Who Didn't Like Christmas, Silver the Snow Fairy: The Christmas Window and Silver the Snow Fairy: Silver Rescues Santa Claus by Jessie L. Best

The Elf Who Didn't Like Christmas

Author: Jessie L. Best

Genre: Children's Fiction / Middle-Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: 15th October 2018
Publisher: Craven Tree Press

Book Description:

It was a lonely trek through a howling blizzard!

Feeling left out of Santa's busy preparations for Christmas, Ralph, Santa's smallest elf, decides to run away. When he packs his suitcase and leaves, he finds himself running right into a terrific snowstorm! This is the tale of Ralph's misadventures in the wintry countryside of the North Pole. Can Santa find his little elf and bring him home in time for Christmas?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I don’t recall reading many Christmas-themed books in my adult years, but I must say this book brought great Christmas vibes into my home, just in time for the Christmas season. It follows Santa’s smallest elf, Ralph, who runs away from home as he feels neglected and as though no one wants him around. He quickly realises his mistake as he’s caught in a storm, however, he runs into a friendly old lady and gets caught up in quite the pickle as he tries to make it back home.

This was a lovely tale. Ralph was a likeable and relatable character. It was easy to connect with him and understand the dilemma he was facing. It just reminds you of the spirit of Christmas and the power this holiday has in bridging gaps and bringing people together. There were a few illustrations displayed throughout the story, which I liked as I found them to be rather cute. I would definitely recommend this book.

A simple and wonderful tale.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Silver the Snow Fairy: The Christmas Window

Series: Silver the Snow Fairy

Author: Jessie L. Best

Genre: Children's Fiction / Middle-Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: 2nd October 2019
Publisher: Craven Tree Press

Book Description:

Silver, a snow fairy, her unicorn Wonder, and her snow wolf cub Winn, pursue a pair of mischevious elves who have stolen her magical silver bell. When Silver discovers a sad and lonely eight year old girl lost in the scary woods, she casts her own problems aside to help the girl find her father whom she fears is lost forever. A heartwarming Christmas tale that brings joy back into a little girl's Christmas.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

You have to love a magical story such as this book. It has everything needed to get into the mood of Christmas. When Silver goes searching for her magical Christmas bell, she happens across young Sabrina, who is lost in the forest after having been put to work by her stepmother, who is heartbroken following the disappearance of Sabrina's father one year ago. With Sabrina having found Silver's bell, Silver decides to use her magical to bring some happiness back into Sabrina's life by helping her find out what happened to her father. Sabrina even gets to have one wish for returning Silver's bell to her.

This was my favourite read among the three books I've read by the author. I loved all the characters and found myself at times wishing for a wonderful fairy like Silver to pop up and solve some of the dilemmas facing the world right now. It was a simple yet magical tale of how one small act of kindness can lead to a grand gesture that can be life-changing.

A wonderful read indeed. I would definitely recommend this book.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Silver the Snow Fairy: Silver Rescues Santa Claus

Series: Silver the Snow Fairy

Author: Jessie L. Best

Genre: Children's Fiction / Middle-Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: 29th October 2019
Publisher: Craven Tree Press

Book Description:

Just before Christmas, the tiny village of Lavender Hollow disappears from the North Pole! Silver, the Snow Fairy, is sent on a mission by Santa Claus to find it. When villainous toy soldiers take over the village and capture Santa, Silver knows Christmas is in trouble! With the magical aid of Wonder the unicorn, a little snow wolf cub, and a tiny, lovable mouse, Silver sets out to rescue Santa Claus and Christmas!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Silver, Wonder and Winn are back with a new magical tale and a new ensemble of colourful characters. There's something fishy going in the village of Lavender Hollow, so Santa sends Silver, Wonder and Winn to go check it out ahead of Christmas Eve. When they get to the village, they realised they couldn't locate it. Coming across a woman out in the forest, they are told that no such place exists. What happened to Lavender Hollow and its people and could magic be behind the disappearance of this village so loved by Santa? Things are definitely not what they appear to be, and it's up to Silver, Wonder and Winn to unsolve the mystery.

As always, Silver is a wonderful character with a heart of gold. I must say I loved Phineas. He was adorable. Miranda was also a great addition to the story. I suspected she wasn't being truthful when we were first introduced to her, so I had my reservations about her intentions, but I really grew to like her as the story unfolded. Winn and Wonder were even bestowed with a little magic for themselves.

Loved it. I have really enjoyed this series thus far and would definitely recommend it to the whole family. It will certainly bring a little magic into your home.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Protecting Tova by Havana Wilder

Protecting Tova

Author: Havana Wilder

Publication Date: December 4th, 2020

Genre: Adult Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

Escaping the tormenting demons of her past was all Tova wanted, but someone has other plans.

An Internally tormented girl

An Unexpected protector

One deadly hunt

Tova, sexually and physically abused as a child, lives in a territory protected by a thick forest and stone wall. She has no desire to leave, and not because of the savages and mutated beasts that roam beyond the walls…

On a quest to deliverance, her plan has always been to learn self-defense and to learn how to protect those who can’t protect themselves while overcoming the demons of her past.

Meanwhile, an unsuspecting heartthrob catches her attention. Not knowing the secrets that lay deep within, he anxiously wants to pursue her, but someone else has other plans for her.

In the midst of all the mayhem, does their relationship end before it can begin?

Protecting Tova is an exciting journey as Tova fights to forget her past in a dystopian world inundated by threats, mysteries, and treachery. 

***This is an adrenaline rush novel with a mixture of fantasy and paranormal/supernatural. Perfect for fans of sarcastic heroines, protective males, and instant attraction.*** 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Group Promo – FREE and Discounted Books

If you haven’t yet entered the Arcadia Saga Giveaway for a chance to win $10 Amazon Gift Card, you still have a few days left to enter. The giveaway ends on 4th December 2020. A winner will be selected from the comments left on Talisman Of El’s Prologue chapter on Wattpad. The Winner  will be contacted via Wattpad on 5th December 2020, so please make sure you check your Wattpad inbox.

All right. Time for some wonderful freebies and discounts for your stockings this year. Check out all the free and discounted ebooks on offer below. If you do happen to read any of the books, the authors would greatly appreciate a review to let people know what you thought of their books. Sharing is caring.

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ONGOING GIVEAWAY

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Night Watch by Annie Anderson

Night Watch

(Soul Reader, #1)

Author: Annie Anderson

Publication Date: November 17th, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

Waking up at the foot of your own grave is no picnic… especially when you can’t remember how you got there.

Cursed with powers she can’t name, Sloane Cabot has vowed to catch the Rogue who turned her into a monster and killed her family. Too bad a broodingly hot mage is bound to keep her on the straight and narrow.

Whether she likes it or not…

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Betrayed by Jacklyn Daher

Betrayed

(The Chronicles of Luxor Everstone, #2)

Author: Jacklyn Daher

Publication Date: November 19th, 2020

Genre: YA Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

With the revelation Luxor Everstone is the daughter of the Prince of Darkness, an entirely new door fraught with danger is opened. As Cane is lying in wait, Luxor is forced to have constant protection, leaving her suffocated.

When new help arrives in the form of a witch, and a mysterious and dreamy boy who seems to soothe her more than anyone else can, she doesn’t hesitate to invite them into her life despite her growing affection for Hunter.

As fresh dangers loom on the horizon, she begins to unravel different details about her past, while greater powers are introduced, and the others continue to evolve. Conflicted between the pull toward her darkness and her desire to be good, Luxor juggles the priorities—and her opinionated guardians—while trying to find some semblance of balance.

When the darkness returns to claim her completely, can she trust herself to make the right choice?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: You're Not My Monster by Sigal Adler

You're Not My Monster

Author: Sigal Adler

Genre: Picture Book

Publication Date: 7 December 2017

Book Description:

Help Kids Overcome their Fears

When little Dan started to sleep on his own His parents were proud of how much he’d grown They gave him a monster, a sweet little doll To prove to the world – he was not scared at all!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This was an interesting and cute bedtime story about young Dan, whose parents gift him a toy monster as a sign of showing him how proud they were of him that he was now sleeping on his own. When Dan goes for a drink one night, he returns to his room to find his toy monster gone, and in its place stood a giant monster that looked identical to his toy monster. This monster, it appears, swallowed Dan's monster so it could grow. After spewing out a series of identical-looking monsters, the giant monster returns Dan’s monster to him.

This was an enjoyable read, and I loved the illustrations, so colourful and detailed. I will say that the idea of returning to one’s room to a monstrous surprise might intimidate children who are in fact terrified of sleeping on their own, so I’m not sure if the message of bravery and how to overcome one’s fear will relay well with or be well received by children of that mindset, but I do like how little Dan handled the dilemma he was facing. The fact that he demanded his toy monster back shows he had overcome his fear.

Another good read by Adler.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Gold by Maureen A. Miller

GOLD

(Blue-Link #4)

Author: Maureen A. Miller

Publication Date: November 16th, 2020

Genre: Adult Romance /Suspense

Book Description:

Dig deep enough and you will strike danger.

It was the middle of January in Southeastern Alaska. Sara Eckert anticipated at least another two months of vacancy in her remote bed & breakfast. Until he showed up. A man not interested in hiking, fishing, or hunting. So, why was he there?

Two miners have gone missing. Their disappearance has been ruled accidental. To the firm that sent them to Alaska, that answer is unacceptable. Luke Reis has been dispatched to learn more. Gaining access to the remote wilderness isn’t so simple, though. He’ll have to enlist the owner of the Marmot Hideaway to help get him started.

As Luke and Sara dig deeper into the disappearance of the miners, they edge closer to passion. But the abandoned network of underground mines may stake the ultimate claim…their lives.

This is a standalone romantic suspense included a series with a similar theme.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo ¦ Google Play

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Graves’ Anatomy by Jace Anderson & Adam Gierasch

Graves’ Anatomy

Author: Jace Anderson & Adam Gierasch

Publication Date: November 17th, 2020

Genre: NA Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

Tattoo artist Luna Graves’ life turns upside down when her estranged father dies and she learns it’s her destiny to be a doctor…to monsters.

Destiny? Fairy tale endings? Things that go bump in the night? Luna Graves doesn’t believe in any of them. Her father took off when she was three, and she’s worked hard to become one of the best young tattoo artists in Los Angeles. Of course, there was that mysterious exchange she had when she was 12 with Heath Guillaumet, who might not have been human…naw, that was just her imagination.

When her estranged father dies, Luna discovers that he led a secret life as an uphir, a doctor to the shadowkind — what we would call monsters. Now that he’s gone, she has to take his place — or be killed by the powerful Council. Thrust into a world she doesn’t know, the stubborn Luna refuses to give up on her original dreams. Soon Heath Guillaumet will return to unleash a disease last battled by the Knights Templar…the Black Death.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW - Layer: A Collection of Short Stories by Zuzanne Belec

Layers: A Collection of Short Stories

Author: Zuzanne Belec

Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Short Stories

Publication Date: 12th November 2020

Book Description:

Eight short stories on the power of the human spirit.

Layers is a debut collection of imaginative short stories celebrating life and the human spirit despite the ever-present spectre of melancholy in our lives today. With their distinctive blend of wit and humour, they light up any underlying darkness.

From the Americas to India, from Africa to Europe, and through a range of genres, voices and styles, layers are unraveled, revealing the textures and contrasts of old and new in the environments and cultures of today's fast-paced world.

With vivid descriptions, we are drawn into enchanting worlds with characters that leap off the page, leaving the reader lingering long after the pages have been read.

In The Christmas Charge: Instead of enjoying their Christmas preparing eggnog cream pie and sipping sherry by the fireside, three batty grannies go on an African safari. At this stage of wisdom in their lives, nothing can go wrong. Right?

In Paths Taken: When her grandmother ‘kills’ a man on a busy town square, Hecate is forced to face her worst fears and use her own unsettling powers to help her. But where will these new paths take her?

In White Noise: All Earl needs to do is hand his work over to his successor. But is it that easy to let go? And where does one hide from one’s inner noise?

In The Old Man and the Donkey: Deep in northern Portugal, an old man and his donkey go about their lonely routine. When an unexpected visitor shows up, everyone is given a new chance of happiness. But have they all been stubbornly avoiding it for too long?

In the Arctic Haze: Since he was little, bad luck has stuck to George’s soles like clingy dog mess. Some of us are luckier. Or are we really?

In Penny’s Purple Robot: A loving father exceeds himself to make his daughter happy after her mother passes away. But can he force himself to face a brutal truth?

In Mothers: Deep in Africa, a desperate mother accepts her own fate, but refuses to face an even harsher reality. Mothers will do anything for their young. And things may not be as they seem.

In Yeehaw: Running from their regular lives, Sam and Patsy end up in an artificial town – Yeehaw Theme Park. Will they find their true selves in this synthetic world?

If you like a minimalist and dark, yet humorous look at the contrasts we face in the world today, you will enjoy this collection of mixed-genre stories.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Layers is a collection of short stories full of flavour and culture with a deep sentimental and nostalgic undertone. I requested this review copy from StoryOrigin because I was drawn to the cover. It looked like a painting, full of ambiguity and intrigue, and I wanted to know what was on the inside. If I'm being honest, it didn't get off to a great start with me. I wasn't connecting with the story or the characters, and I did contemplate putting it down, but due to it being a collection of short stories, I figured I would continue reading to the end, which I am glad I did, because as I read on, I found that the second half of the book was more to my taste and was resonating with me a lot better than the first half.

The stories that I found truly captivating were White Noise, The Arctic Haze and Mothers, the latter being the one that truly made me appreciate the book as a whole. The themes of loss and the will to survive was well portrayed and translated throughout the whole book. I also liked the focus on the bond and connection between the characters and their will to protect their loved ones.

Layers is overwhelmingly sad at times and very tragic, but underneath all of the pain and suffering, there is still a semblance of hope and purpose embedded deep within. I’m glad I didn’t give up on the book, because I ended up really enjoying it. Although the stories were very realistic in nature, I felt an undertone of magical realism throughout, which made it even more enjoyable.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: StoryOrigin

Book Spotlight - Last Girl Alive by Jennifer Chase

Last Girls Alice

Author: Jennifer Chase

Genre: Crime Thriller

Book Description:

Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.

When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.

The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.

Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.

The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?

Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?

An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Eventually Evie by Cat Lavoie

Eventually Evie
Author: Cat Lavoie
Publication Date: January 4th, 2021
Genre: Adult Comedy / Romance

Book Description:
How are you supposed to get your life back on track when the Universe won’t stop messing with you?

After a series of personal and professional setbacks, interior designer Evie Glass has lost faith in herself and the world. The last thing she needs is her loud, boisterous family poking their noses in her business, so that’s why she avoids opening up about anything—especially her love life—during their weekly dinners. Thankfully, her bestie and next-door neighbor, Matilda, always has her back.

When Evie is asked to cat-sit Matilda’s beloved rescue, she’s not thrilled at the prospect. One well-meaning mistake later and a distraught Evie is rushing her furry charge to the ER where she meets and is instantly smitten with Fletcher West, a charming veterinarian who seems to return her interest. That is until they both realize they’ve met before—ten years ago when he was dating her temperamental cousin. Fletch’s break-up with Bee put him at the top of her family’s hit list and makes him the last person Evie should be dating.

In addition to navigating a secret romance with Fletch, Evie must also deal with a demanding new job, an eccentric client from her former life, and an ex who’s suddenly blowing up her phone. She convinces herself she’s got it all under control, but what happens when things start falling apart and Evie learns she’s not the only one keeping secrets?

One thing’s for sure…

Eventually Evie’s got to take a chance—on love, on life, and on herself.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo

About the Author

Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada.

She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies and is the author of BREAKING THE RULES, ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN, PERI IN PROGRESS and MESSING WITH MATILDA.

A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)

If she isn't reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.

To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram

Cover Reveal Organised by:

BOOK REVIEW: Exposed by Suzana Thompson

Exposed

Author: Suzana Thompson

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 3rd July 2018
Publisher: Shadowswept Publishing

Book Description:

My enemy had seen me naked. He was holding the proof right before my eyes, and my stomach lurched sickeningly.

"Seems like you had too much to drink last night," he remarked in that condescending tone he always used with me.

I looked up at him as he stood watching me from the doorway with his attitude of superiority. In that moment of weakness, I actually tried to plead with him. "Please. I've never done anything to you."

"Begging me on your knees. That's a good start."

Dread turned my clammy skin cold. Mason Sumner hated my guts, and he would have no compassion for me. This was bad. This was really, really bad.

Not intended for younger teens due to adult content. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I didn't have any expectations going into this, but I liked the cover, so I thought I'd give it a try. Exposed was my first experience listening to an audio-book. While I've seen audio-books over the years, I've never been tempted or contemplated listening to an audio-book before, but then I stumbled upon a site called StoryOrigin, which led me to discovering this book. After reading my first audio-book, I will say this. I'm definitely going to be making the shift to audio-books slowly and surely as it's much easier to get through books and a lot easier on my eyes. The only problem here is that I should have started my venture into audio-books with a different book, because Exposed could have easily turned me off audio-books as I did not like the narration nor did I enjoy the story much. This was not my cup of tea. Had I read the ebook, I dear say, I would not have made it to the end. At least now I know that if I can’t get through a book via ebook or print format, then I can grab the audio-book and get to the end that way I can give a more well-rounded review as I will have a better grasp of the story from start to finish.

Exposed introduces us to Ella, a seventeen-year-old student with a terrible role model for a mother and whose only friend turns on her for the one person who has made Ella's life a living hell over the past few years, Mason Sumner. Mason’s problem with Ella revolves around Ella’s mother who had an affair with his father a few years ago and happened to be the person present when his father died of a heart attack. Mason blames Ella’s mother for his father’s death and decides to take his frustration and anger out on Ella. No problem with that scenario. People deal with grief in their own way. What I did have a problem with, however, was the characters and their convictions. Mason hates Ella so much he decides to make her life a misery by forcing her to become his girlfriend? In no time at all, after reading her poems, Mason decides that maybe he had Ella wrong all along and maybe she wasn’t like her mother at all, who he deems to be a home-wrecker. Why he had this impression of Ella is beyond me because nowhere throughout the book is it described that Ella was anything of that nature. In fact, Mason had made sure she was ostracised from having an ordinary high school experience that she became quite the loner who never goes to parties and has never had a boyfriend. And Ella, well, for a guy who she blames for ruining her high school experience, she quickly flipped her switch from hating him to loving him, because of what reason exactly? He’s a good-looking guy? From what I saw, Mason was an over-controlling, pompous ass. There was nothing likeable about him. The characters’ actions and reasoning just didn’t make any logical sense.

The narration didn’t make it easier to get through the story. It came across a little over-dramatic. Ella came across a little younger than her actual age. Had I not know how old she was, I might have guessed she was around 14. There’s a difference with being inexperienced and immature, and she was portrayed as the latter. It’s not that the chemistry between Ella and Mason weren’t believable. I honestly believed they were sexually attracted to each other, but that was as far as their interaction went. The communication between them and their relationship as a whole was very monotone. They had nothing beyond sexual chemistry, so we didn’t get to explore many layers of their characters beyond their attraction and insecurities.

With the story behind Mason’s dad and Ella’s mother, I felt there was definitely potential to reach into these characters and pull out likeable traits and really focus on the dilemma they were faced with having this shared connection to a very traumatic event in both their lives, but I don’t think we really got to see who these characters really were, so it was hard to connect with them or even like them, to be honest. I won’t go into the other characters because I honestly cared less for them than I did about the main protagonists. I think the only character that didn’t actually annoy me was Alice. At least, she had some wise words for Ella regardless of whether or not Ella actually took note.

I can’t say I’d recommend this book, but I do know some people who would eat up the chemistry between Mason and Ella, so I guess there’s some steamy moments to look forward to. Unfortunately, this was not for me. I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t enjoy it very much. 

VERDICT

Award: Bronze

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Source: StoryOrigin