Book Review: The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

It has been a while since I shared a book review over here, and the main reason for that is that I simply haven’t been reading as much as I would like. I have also not really enjoyed a book in a long time, which was beginning to worry me. Not to fear, my local book club came to the rescue by encouraging me to read this one, and I am so glad I did! Here is my review of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton:

I was reluctant to indulge this book at first. It was not my usual genre, or style, or anything. Well, apart from the supernatural aspect! But, I tried it, and very soon I was swallowed up with Nella and her new life. The style of writing was not what I usually enjoy. I never did settle to reading in the present tense all the way through this novel, but I persevered. I did have to read about three or four chapters before I reached the point where the story really grabbed my attention, but by the end I literally could not put it down. Bittersweet, and brilliant!

What is the Allure of the Supernatural? Hot Paranormal Nights #BlogHop

I love all things ghostly and paranormal. That is probably not surprising considering that I write stories in the paranormal romance genre, and that I am a ghost hunter in my spare time. Yes, I hunt ghosts for a hobby! I love it, although I haven’t indulged very much recently due to having a toddler and a second child on the way. In fact, at the time of this blog hop, my baby is either imminent or newly born…

But I digress. The paranormal, or supernatural world has always fascinated me. As a child I loved reading ghost stories, and my first literary discoveries were Edgar Allen Poe and L.J. Smith. In fact, it was L.J. Smith who set me on the path to becoming a published author, although at the tender age of 17, I was blissfully unaware. Back then I was reading her Nightworld series of books that were newly released in the UK, and I was obsessed! I remember that a boyfriend at the time bought me the whole collection of paperbacks after I read the first one, and as you can imagine, he won major boyfriend points for that gift.

My dad was quite strict about the TV programmes I was allowed to watch, and so I didn’t see many of the classic horror films until I was old enough to rent them from the local video shop. I did, however, watch a British television series called Strange But True. It fascinated me, and told me stories of haunted mansions, ghostly castle ruins, and all manner of unidentified phenomena in and around the UK during the late 20^th century. I think it was that programme that introduced me to Belgrave Hall in Leicester, a haunted house that I was lucky enough to investigate about five years ago. Its reputation did not disappoint!

Returning to books, and I think it is time I shared with you a little of my work. I am currently developing a series of adult paranormal romance novels set in Cornwall, England, collectively called the Redcliffe novels. My debut novel is Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and for a limited time you can read the entire story for free on Wattpad. The sequel is Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), and the third book is Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel).

Blurb: Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch.

Now for the competition! In honour of this blog hop (and don’t forget to visit my fellow authors to read their offerings), I am giving away a signed paperback copy of my debut novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, I will mail it to you at no extra cost. I am really feeling that generous right now! All you have to do is comment below, tell me what you love about the supernatural world, and leave your contact email address. I will draw a winner at random within 2 weeks (although be warned, my new baby might dictate a slight delay). Rest assured I will respond and interact as soon I possibly can. 

And finally, check out my fellow Paranormal Nights participants on their blogs. Enjoy!