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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2)The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Singer and Her Song is a very different read and much easier read than The Lightning Horse. It is a story that brings to light the current plight of refugees needing to forge a new identity in a new land while overcoming the trauma of the past. I felt great empathy for all the characters and felt invested in their lives. N.L. Holmes does an excellent job of world-building and making the reader feel like they are in ancient Egypt without needing to spell it out for them. I recommend this book.

Review by Penelope Taylor August 2021

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

N.L. Holmes manages to effortlessly transport you to another time. If you haven’t read many books set in ancient Egypt you may find yourself needing the glossary at the back. A young Hittite charioteer who serves the King with one plot twist I expected and one that took me quite by surprise. The Lightning Horse was not an easy read for me. I really needed time to absorb myself into the story. It is a book to keep for the days when you can lock yourself away and lose yourself in the narrative. Despite my difficulties reading it, I do recommend this book. It is historically very well researched and the world-building is excellent.

Review by Penelope Taylor August 2021

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross had me engrossed from the first page. Written brilliantly by Sirena Van Schaik. A crime novel that sucked me in and made me want to scream alongside the protagonist, Allison. Lillian approaches Allison, a true-crime writer to tell her story, normally Allison writes stories from the perspective of the victim to give them a voice, but why has Lillian, the perpetrator, approached her? Every character was believable, the writing was excellent. I wanted more and I will look for more written by Sirena. Five Stars. I may just hunker back down and read it again tonight, it was that good.

 

Review by Penelope Taylor July 2021

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor

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Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lake of Flowers is the fifth in the Lord Hani series. It is the first novel I have read by this author and can be read as a standalone. NL Holmes has done an excellent job of setting the story in ancient Egypt, I could feel the heat and environment that the characters were experiencing. I struggled a little with the general conversation used by characters and felt that it perhaps didn’t fit the time. Otherwise, the novel is very well written and researched. I also intend to read more of this series as it now has me intrigued!

 

Review by Penelope Taylor July 2021

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Jeremy Full of Grace by Greta Cribbs – Review by Penelope Taylor

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Jeremy Full of GraceJeremy Full of Grace by Greta Cribbs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jeremy, Full of Grace is an interesting story looking at a world where society has broken down and faith and community is all we really have left. No one true religion is presented however each character has a choice to make regarding their beliefs and what truly matters to them. I really enjoyed this read, it was extremely well written, and I was easily lost in the story. While it posed an unbelievable plot it was presented in a way that made me really think about what is important to me and ask myself what would I do in the same situation? I recommend this book.

 

Review by Penelope Taylor June 2021

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cross of Ciaran explores a Celtic priest waking up 1500 years after his internment. I love the way that he is so overwhelmed by his new surroundings and yet finds explanations for his survival/eternal death through his conflicting faiths. All of the characters, including Father Mike and Mary were very believable and I loved the natural conversation that develops between them all. I struggled a few times with concepts that I didn’t think would come realistically as naturally for Ciaran but these were few and far between I am really looking forward to reading book two (actually I am excited to read book two!!).

 

Review by Penelope Taylor, June 2021

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The Eclipse Dancer by Laura Koerber – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Eclipse DancerThe Eclipse Dancer by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Eclipse Dancer left me wanting. I feel like it could have been a much bigger novel and more in-depth. The writing style gave me excellent imagery and took me on a journey. I was left wanting to dig deeper, to get to know some of the minor characters more. I struggled with the timeline writing style of the novel. It was an enjoyable read and as it a quick and easy read, it is worth the time.

 

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CHAMELEON by Zoe Kalo – Review by Penelope Taylor

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ChameleonChameleon by Zoe Kalo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed Chameleon. A fast read that engaged me early and kept me reading. Excellent world-building and descriptions. I struggled a little with some of the Spanish references I’d not encountered before (thankfully I could easily look them up on my Kindle!). I would have given this book five stars except I was so disappointed in the ending. It felt as though the author had a word count to stick to and rather than sparing a few extra hundred words to wrap things up it felt like it ended abruptly. On the plus side, I have spent the day since re-writing the ending in my head and so the story has truly not left me. Absolutely worth reading.

 

Reviewed by Penelope Taylor May 2021

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Penelope Taylor

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The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Web of Humanity is a well-researched novel looking at the generational impact of war. Through the eyes of a granddaughter and inspired by real events the author, Maria Turchin, has weaved an exceptional story bringing to life the human side of war. I felt at times like some of the writing was still in its infancy but overall, it was easy to read and kept me up all night to finish it. It is a book that will stay with me and the characters remain. I really enjoyed the links throughout the eBook giving the reader the opportunity to see the history and photographs that inspired the writer. It is a novel I recommend and would interest readers of The Nightingale and The French Photographer.

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Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Penelope Taylor

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Myths & LegendsMyths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed these alternative adaptions of well-known myths, legends, and even folklore. I was able to completely submerge myself in each story. In particular, Queens of the Underworld by Arizona Tape spoke to me, the imagery and interpretation were new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire weft of the story. I recommend this anthology to anyone looking for a short escape from reality, each story is short and fast.

 

Reviewed by @penelopetaylor

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