#bookreview of The City of Stardust Georgia Summers #netgalley #fantasy

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy of this debut by Georgia Summers.

The Blurb

Curses are made to be broken.

‘ENTHRALLING TO THE LAST PAGE’ SHELLEY PARKER-CHAN

Filled with magic, stardust, and a shockingly dark heart, this is a stunning standalone fantasy perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Starless Sea and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor is a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never grows sick – and never forgives a debt.

Ten years ago, Violet Everly’s mother left to break the curse, and never returned. Now Violet must find her mother, or she will be taken in her place.

Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. And into the path of Penelope’s quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted – and yet to whom she finds herself undeniably drawn.

Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel to the edges of the world to find her mother and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began . . .

My Review

This was a very enjoyable read from a debut author. The blurb drew my interest straight away and I really liked the simplistic beauty of the cover, which fits the story perfectly.

From the first page, I knew I would like the story and it didn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of intrigue at the beginning when you have to keep reading to uncover the mystery along with Violet. As she grows up and the story develops secrets are revealed, trust is broken and Violet must face up to her fate or do all in her power to change it. Her journey of discovery drags you along and the final confrontation is satisfying.

There is a certain strangeness to the world Georgia Summers has created which reminds me of Neil Gaiman.

I’m looking forward to more books by this author.

I’m especially looking forward to meeting her at my local Waterstones later this month! I’ll have to try and think of some questions for the Q&A and will hopefully post more about the night here.

You can pick up a copy of The City of Stardust on Amazon and add to your Goodreads shelf.

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

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My plans and writing goals for 2024 #amwriting #indieauthor

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Happy New Year!

I always look forward to this time, when I can set myself goals for the year ahead.

So far I’ve invested in my writing for the new year by purchasing;

1. Notebooks – who can resist a beautiful notebook?

2. Research books – Blueprint for a Book by Jennie Nash. Even though I’ve written quite a few novels, you can still learn new things and new ways of doing things. Blood, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls, not pictured above as it’s on my bedside table. This is a research for book 2 in MH series, the reason will become apparent when I publish! I’m reading Bear’s book at the moment and really enjoying it.

3. Pens with built-in lights for those ideas that strike in the middle of the night.

4. I’ve joined the Romantic Novelist Association’s New Writers Scheme for the second year running.

5. I’ve invested in the BBC Maestro subscription giving me access to hundreds of hours of masterclasses on all sorts of topics, writing being the big one of course.

6. I’ve bought the Mslexia 2024 diary and planner.

7. During Black Friday 2023 I bought the Pro-writing aid lifetime subscription of their editing software.

8. I joined the Marine Conservation Society as it’s a great charity more people should support. Plus it’s research for book 3 in MH series.

My writing plans for this year

First Quarter

Finish and type up the draft of book 0 in my Mermaid Hotel Series. It’s intended to be a prequel spanning Christmas, Valentine’s, and all the way to the following Christmas.

Read Book 1 – Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel. Send it to the publishers on my shortlist.

Write / Edit 1 – 2k words per day of book 2 in the Mermaid Hotel series. I need to get the word count up drastically as I plan to send this book in for my RNA New Writers Scheme entitlement. I can then get some feedback from a professional romance author.

Write something (anything) in my writing diary everyday.

Later in the year

I plan to write a draft of book 4 longhand as that is how I find I am most creative. I also plan to type it up at the weekends. That way I will quickly have a working draft ready to edit and it won’t be such a daunting task typing the whole thing up at once. I’m hoping this method will prove to be a success and I can write future books in this way too.

Each month I plan to write a short story for my Christmas short story collection (in the Christmas Notebook pictured above). Then I will get beta reader comments from my writing group and edit accordingly. I want to have the collection ready for publication in October 2024. This will include a blog tour and I want to have all formats of the book available including audiobook.

At some point in 2024

Revisit my unfinished fantasy series. I really want to work on Starlight Prophecy again.

I would like to take part in Nanowrimo 2024. Whether that is with the fantasy series or one of my mermaid hotel stories, it depends how far I get with the rest of my goals for the year.

Writing Retreats – it would be great to go on an all-inclusive writing break for writers. I think it could really help me get unstuck with my fantasy idea. If that isn’t possible, I hope to go on a writing break of my own design where I stay at a hotel all inclusive and write between meals! Sounds like heaven.

I would love to visit Cornwall with the family. It is where my book series is set and it’s been far too long since my last visit. I love the idea of catching an overnight train like some of my characters do. I wish Lowenporth existed in the real world and not just in my imagination. We could stay at The Mermaid Hotel, with Mrs Shallon looking after us. We could take a stroll along Kerensa Bay and have a dip in the sea at the Secret Cove. Maybe a visit to Sedgewood Nature reserve or spot some dolphins whilst hiring a boat from Yerling Harbour.

All this talk is making me want to get back to my characters. I hope 2024 is the year I get to write lots more in this world and share it with my readers.

***

That’s about it for my plans so far. These will no doubt change as the year goes on, but it’s a starting point. I have the usual plans to eat better and exercise more in 2024, but I’m not setting any strict resolutions.

What about you?

Do you set lots of goals and resolutions?

What do you hope 2024 will bring?

Here’s to the new year everyone, though when this post goes out not doubt we’ll all have had a few too many of these!

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

Find links to all my socials on Linktree.

See all my published books at Suzanne Rogerson Collection.

Year in review 2023 #indieauthor #amwriting #amreading

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Another year has flown by. I don’t feel it’s been the most productive, but I do have some achievements worth remembering.

Looking back at the post of my goals for 2023 I could probably copy and paste it and try for the same goals in 2024. Not a good sign!

But I’m feeling positive for 2024, so while we wait for the New Year celebrations to begin, here are some of my successes worth celebrating;

I got a part time job in April 2023 and I don’t hate it! It has taken time away from writing, but it feels good to have funds to support my writing endeavours.

The opening of book 1 in the Mermaid Hotel series won second place in the Flash 500 novel opening competition. See my post here.

I wrote 50K of book 3 in the Mermaid Hotel Series during Nanowrimo 2023 and finished the draft in December.

I’ve written plans for books 4, 5 and 6, plus a prequel in the Mermaid Hotel series.

I’ve planned some short stories for a new Christmas collection that I want to release in 2024.

I managed to get my first ever international Book Bub deal for The Lost Sentinel and hit some best seller lists on Australia! It really helped with sales and proves that you can easily make the huge cost back. I would have done that and more if I hadn’t booked in other ads at the same time. A lesson learned.

I’ve taken part in several month long online writing workshops with Jessica Redland run by the Romantic Novelist Association. One was all about setting, and the other about writing a series. They were informative, fun, and I learnt a lot, and I’ve made some new friends with other writers. I would definitely recommend online courses.

Reading achievements.

In 2023 I set my Goodreads challenge to read 26 books. To date I’ve only read 22. I don’t think I will manage to add anymore to that in the next few days, but I’ve read some excellent books and all have been 4 to 5 star reads. Here’s the link to my Goodreads challenge.

I usually share my fav books of the year, but it will be a struggle to pick the best – they have all been so good. I may do another post with the books I’ve read, perhaps sharing those authors that have inspired me whilst I write my romance series.

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That’s about it for my year in review. How did you do in 2023?

Did you reach your goals, whether that’s writing, reading or life related? Or do you hate setting any goals and prefer to take life as it comes?

I love setting goals and making plans and I’ll back soon to share what I hope to achieve in 2024.

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

You can follow me on

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Merry Christmas!

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As the weekend preparations begin for the big day, I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

I will be spending mine with family, eating too much, drinking too much, playing lots of games and laughing until my face hurts (if the last few years are anything to go by!).

I also hope to write some festive short stories while I’m off work and get them ready nice and early for a Christmas 2024 anthology.

I hope whatever you have planned, that you enjoy your day.

Audiobook reviews for the Silent Sea Chronicles books 1 and 2 #fantasy #audio

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I love to read reviews and it seems to be much harder to get reviews on audiobooks. These reviews on Audible made my day.

Book 1 – The Lost Sentinel

‘Everything about it was awesome. From the narrator to the sound effects. The storyline was very intriguing. I would definitely recommend this book’

Book 2 – The Sentinel’s Reign

‘What did I like? I liked everything about this book. Yes, there is some hardships, and friends lost. There is also strong ties as well. Trust me when I say. These books make you want to see them on a big screen’

The idea of seeing my books on the big scene has always been a dream of mine. I’m film obsessed and in more recent years I’ve fallen in love with binge watching series on Netflix and Prime, in particular fantasy. There just aren’t enough fantasy programmes made.

These are comments from audiobook reviewer Tess, who received a reviewer’s copy of each book and choose to share her honest review. I’m hoping the last book in the trilogy is as well received.

Perhaps these reviews have inspired you to check out the books for yourself.

Here are the links to my audiobook page

For a look at all my book offerings here the link to my Amazon author page

Blurb

Tei has magic in a world where people like her are persecuted and forced into exile. Whilst fleeing their home, her father is attacked and his deathbed confession reveals a dangerous secret that will change Tei’s life forever.

Tei’s homeland, the magical island of Kalaya, is dying and without a Sentinel to restore the magic, it’s only a matter of time before all life is wiped out.

She must join the exiles in the search for the lost Sentinel, but they are not the only ones after the missing guardian. Sinister Masked Riders are on their trail and time is running out.

Tei must risk everything she loves to save Kalaya, but is she ready to make that sacrifice?

1396 pages of magic, adventure and intrigue.

***

Whether you prefer reading or listening, I hope you enjoy the trilogy.

Competition win for Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel

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I’m really excited to share the news that I came second in The Flash 500 Novel opening 2023 competition. The winners were announced this afternoon and I’m still buzzing.

Here’s what the judges from Headline Publishing had to say…

‘There is much to admire in this submission and it is a thoroughly deserving runner-up. We found it hugely readable and, in the end, there wasn’t much between this and the winner. We found ourselves immediately drawn in by the author’s characterisations, which seemed considered, believable and satisfyingly complex…’

You can read the full comments and learn more about the competition here Flash 500 Novel Opening competition.

It’s a wonderful feeling to reach the final and be placed second in this competition. The book is a special one for me as writing it helped me through those long months of lockdown. I’ve spent the last few years editing it and planning a series around the original story.

Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel will be published in 2024. I still haven’t decided whether that will be with me self publishing it, or through a publisher. Keep following my blog for updates.

I hope to post next week with a 2023 writing and reading annual wrap up, and my plans for 2024.

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories. You can follow me on;

Twitter   Goodreads   BookBub   Amazon   Facebook  Instagram

You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.

#Bookreview The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft #netgalley

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Heart warming and at times heart wrenching, but so, so good!

Blurb

A secret romance was just the start of the story…

Tucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson’s Bar – an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Cracey has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey – until an epic row sent him storming out into a blizzard, with no sign of him since that fateful night.

Six years on, and Maddy’s life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her young daughter and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.

As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can’t help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she’d thought it was…

My review

I really loved this book, as I do with every one of Sue Moorcroft’s stories. She has earned her title ‘Queen of Christmas feelgood novels’!

The characters were great and the situations they were in gave plenty of opportunities to tug at the heart strings. I found myself needing tissues quite a few times throughout this story.

Maddy is a strong woman, she’s had to be after her husband disappeared and left her in debt. She’s caring and always puts others above her own happiness, but with Raff there seems a chance for her to find love and happiness.

I loved Raff as the hero of the story, and I especially loved that he’s an author. A fantasy author at that!

The setting really came alive and the vivid depictions of winter in Nelson’s Bar transported me there. The supporting cast were excellent, Great Auntie Ruthie especially. It’s her backstory woven through the book that leads to so many of the emotional moments.

I love an epilogue and this one rounded off the wonderful tale perfectly.

Another excellent Christmassy 5 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC, the publishers and of course thanks Sue Moorcroft for another fantastic story.

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

You can follow me on

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Blog Tour ‘This Christmas in Paris’ by Sophie Claire #bookreview #tuesdaybookblog

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I’m excited to be on the blog tour for This Christmas in Paris by Sophie Claire.

Blurb

What could be more magical than Christmas in Paris?

When Carys is offered the chance to run a little French café, she leaps at the chance to discover an exciting city where she can dream big.

Meanwhile, struggling journalist Mat is living in the City of Love – but he’s never found romance himself.

Then, a chance encounter changes everything, and it feels like the start of something wonderful. But Carys and Mat are both keeping secrets . . .

Can they open their hearts to one another – and maybe even find love, just in time for Christmas?

My review

I was drawn into the story from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down.

I liked first meeting Carys in Willowbrook, her small hometown with a tight-knit community. It’s quickly clear why she feels she must escape to find herself. She jumps in at the deep end and takes a job in Paris running the Red Cat Café while the owners have a family emergency. She might not be qualified but she does a great job of it, until a bad review knocks her confidence.

Away from the café, Carys meets Mat and forms an instant connection with him. They know nothing of each others lives, but over the course of a few months they regularly meet and begin to fall in love. But there are secrets between them, which could get in the way of a relationship.

I have to admit there were several times I wanted to stop reading and beg the characters to make different choices. However, I ended up reading on avidly to see the twists and turns in their relationship play out.

I loved all the scenes in the café as Carys does her best to increase custom and challenges the chef to be more experimental. The food descriptions are mouth-watering, but I especially loved the evening talent shows she organises and the mix of customers we meet along the way.

Carys and Mat are great leading characters and deserve to find happiness. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see if they do find love together, or if the secrets tear them apart.

Note – I love the added extras at the end of the book, especially the recipe for ‘Cake aux Olives’ which I hope to try making very soon.

Don’t forget to check out the other reviewers taking part in the tour.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC copy and to the author for writing another brilliant festive read. FYI – this is my honest review.

NaNoWinner2023 I made it!

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I reached the deadline a day early!

Here is my very cute certificate. I shall have to print it out and admire it on the noticeboard above my desk.

I’ve taken the day off today to watch a few live masterclasses with the publisher Canelo via Iaminprint. It was an informative morning, but now I must get back to work.

My next task is to submit book 1 in The Mermaid Hotel Series to publishers. I have my short list and will hopefully work through it this afternoon.

Then, on my long weekend away I will be picking up where I left on on book 3 and will hopefully get close to completing the first draft. It’s exciting to get it down on the computer where the real editing and shaping can begin.

Roll on 2024 – The year of The Mermaid Hotel Series!

How did you get on with the challenge?

It’s not all about hitting the big numbers, but about giving yourself permission to write. I wish we could do that every month.

Until next time…

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

You can follow me on

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Mini NaNoWriMo update and competition news

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It’s Sunday 26th and I’m feeling pretty good to have reached the 45k mark on book three in my Mermaid Hotel series.

Here’s a graphic of my progress. It’s been fun to keep track in this way and I think I will continue to use it for future books. It’s a little grubby as Daisy, my cocker spaniel, jumped on my work with muddy paws. Still, you can’t have a dog without a bit of mess and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

I’ve also had some good news over the weekend about book one reaching the long list in a competition. I’m really happy with that, but obviously I’m hoping it will go a lot further.

Book 2 is still at the same state. I haven’t even opened the folder of notes and edits to do. I’m really getting excited about it though. Hopefully in a week or two I’ll be in a position to start working on it.

Before that I have Nano to complete. I’m really hoping the draft of book 3 will be completed in just over a week. I’m going on a sort of writing retreat straight after November where I plan to write during the day and listen to music / entertainment in the evening. All meals are cooked for me and I won’t have any chores to worry about. Bliss!

I’m looking for inspiration for some short stories while I’m away as well as working on finishing book three.

On a different note, A Christmas Wish has been selling well this month. I was surprised to open the KDP dashboard today to see 9 paperback copies had been bought in the US. Great news!

Even a year later, I’m still proud of this book and can’t resist sharing a little cover pic from last year.

Next year I will 100% release another Christmas collection, I’m so sad that I didn’t manage to this year. Working part time has definitely limited my writing time. But on the plus side, Nanowrimo has given me a reason and an excuse to focus on writing again. I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I wish every month could be the same as this!

I’ll be back soon with a last Nano update and a book review.

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

You can follow me on

Twitter   Goodreads   BookBub   Amazon   Facebook Instagram

You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.