Book Review: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

Here is my book review of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner:

A story inspired by a local legend in East Cheshire, England

I was quite excited to read this book, since it was set in my home county and an area with which I have become familiar during recent years. Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book. Perhaps the reason is that I am more interested in adult themes and paranormal tales at the moment. This novel is a fantasy story incorporating myth, magic and folklore, and it will be a treat for the right reader. It just wasn’t for me at this time, and I found it confusing in places.

White Heaven Women by Jessie B. Tyson #ReadMe #JT4a

Today I welcome author Jessie B. Tyson to my blog, to tell us about her debut novel which is on sale from 15th - 31st August as a special summer offer. 

☆‿↗⁀↘‿ WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN ‿↗⁀↘☆

A gripping tale set in Whitehaven North England 

WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN been in the top 100 paperbacks sold on Amazon Canada summer 2013!

It has also been #1 Suspense and Occult, twice!



Many people believe that we have all been here on earth before, with a different name, different life. Some live their current lives believing they’ll be reincarnated after death. This past life theme is prevalent in movies, television ad novels, including the new supernatural suspense White Heaven Women by British author Jessie B. Tyson.

White Heaven Women is a gripping tale set in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK. Flashing between 1899/ early 1900s to 2000, readers are introduced to two sisters, Beth and Sarah, and the fate that awaits them.

In the year 1899, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK, Lady Constance Witherspoon, only 14 years of age, gives birth to twin girls during a tumultuous storm. Lady Elisa (Beth) is born with a diagnosis of demonic possession, while her twin, Lady Sarah, is crushed and killed when the ceiling collapses in the storm.

In the year 2000, Sally Witherspane returns home to Whitehaven and is haunted by relentless nightmares about demons and a baby crushed at birth. To discover the meaning of these dreams, she seeks the help of the local psychic, who instructs Sally to attend a past life meeting. It is there that Sally meets Beth Witherspoon.

Persuaded by a ghostly blue apparition, Sally documents a family history filled with deception, abuse and an ancient evil, and she must summon strength and faith to become the woman she is destined to be, one of the last descendants of the White Heaven Women.

This three minute You Tube video tells a true story why my ghosts are blue and not white like other authors spooks:-

 

Bio: Jessie B Tyson was born at Scalegill Place near Moor Row - a tiny village between the coast and the mountains in N.W. Cumbria England but lives in British Columbia, Canada. In what year? She's a senior and will not divulge that - ladies prerogative but she will be collecting a pension in a few years (grin.) She was educated in her natal area and moved to Canada in the year 2000. Jessie wrote children's and fantasy stories as a teenager. When she matured she moved on to writing adult stories. She has a great imagination and enjoys turning her vision-like dreams into enjoyable tales. Jessie considers herself as a Spiritual Christian who believes in the Power of God - but that doesn't stop her writing paranormal fiction with ghosts and demons! Jessie has a wonderful sense of humour, and loves to laugh and tease her friends. She has a generous spirit and will help anyone in need. She has an affinity with animals, especially dogs, cats, horses and dolphins. Jessie abhors all forms of cruelty to any living breathing creature. White Heaven Women is her debut novel.

You can find Jessie in the following places:

Facebook
Twitter
Jessie's Blog

#ReadMe Young Adult Werewolf Tension in My New Master #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my published short story telling the tale of how Redcliffe wolf lieutenant Simon Bunce became the beast he is today…This is taken from My New Master.

            “You might be gay Simon Bunce but you will not disobey me.  I am offering you a great gift.  If you join my family here I will offer you protection and excitement.  Isn’t that what you want?” 

            Now I was confused.  What was she talking about?  I suddenly wondered if she was completely sane.  My mother had been psychologically damaged and I recognized the signs in Marie’s behavior.  I swallowed nervously then stepped back away from the door and spoke in a calm voice.  

            “Ok Marie I am sorry but I’m not quite sure what you mean.  Yes I would love to be bar manager but I will not give you any sort of intimate relationship.  You are a beautiful and attractive woman but I am only attracted to men, do you understand that?”

             She smiled and then laughed, throwing back her head.  When she spoke her voice had changed, it was deeper, almost a growl, and I was suddenly frightened as my instinct kicked in. 

            “Oh Simon it is such a shame.  Are you sure though?  Perhaps you haven’t found the right woman yet?  Perhaps you need a woman rather than a girl?”

            I tried to move towards the door again. 

            “Marie thanks again but maybe I should go home.  We can talk in the morning, ok?” 

            I opened the door and jumped as I almost walked right into another man.  He was gorgeous!  He was tall, about my height, with dark hair and amazing blue eyes.  He smiled. 

            “I am sorry did I startle you?  I was looking for Marie, is she here?” 

            I smiled and nodded, stepping to the side so he could walk past me.  Before I could walk away Marie spoke again. 

            “Simon don’t go.  Please come back into the office, I want you to meet my friend!” 

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 

Young Adult #Vampire Fun in The Teen Game #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am offering something a little different today, so here is an excerpt from my first published short story, The Teen Game. Here is an excerpt where our protagonist, the 200 year old vampire Elizabeth Warrington, has decided to return to modern day college and proceeds to feed her way through the excited young boys who are enamoured by her model-perfect looks and her eternally 17 year-old body...

 His mouth was a little sloppy I have to admit but it was certainly exciting to be embraced by such a young boy after so many years!  I gradually showed him how to kiss me properly using my tongue, lips and teeth and then I felt his hands slide instinctively down my body, although he carefully avoided my breasts to begin with.  He was so innocent and clearly a virgin.  As much as I liked to torment myself with my little games, I was thirsty; I hadn't fed all day and was beginning to feel weak.  His pulse was beating against my skin, and I kissed in a seductive line down his jaw until my mouth hovered over that delicate place, and I inhaled his warm, sweet scent.  Then I struck, quick, fast, biting a neat little hole and drinking deeply of his youthful blood.  He cried out but it was muffled against my hair and I projected calming thoughts into his mind, persuading him that we were simply kissing and caressing each other, nothing more.  He became still against me and when I had finished and pushed him gently away, he swayed a little and struggled to focus on my face.  When he spoke his voice was hoarse.  “Whoa that was intense!  So, um, I should get you home Liz!”

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

This Writer Has a New Baby!

I finally had my baby! And she took us all by surprise, as I knew she would. After spending a long and uncomfortable pregnancy convinced I was carrying a boy, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Thursday 1st August. Welcome to the world Georgina Karen Green, who arrived by natural delivery weighing a healthy 7lb 15oz.

There’s a Vampire Hunter in Town! New British Paranormal Action #HDH #ReadMe

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I share an excerpt from my work in progress that has come to a standstill due to a bout of writers’ block. I refuse to give up on it, however, and so here is a snippet for your perusal.

            “Dr Worthington,” the man said politely as he stood before her.

            She looked up at him without smiling.  He wore blue jeans and a red checked shirt.  His blue eyes sparkled with power, and his short blond hair was carefully styled.  She knew immediately that he was much older than the mid-twenties age range that he embodied.

            “Yes,” she said, “Who are you?”

            “My name is Kian,” the vampire replied, “Mr Vance is expecting you.  Please, follow me.”

            He turned and walked back the way he came.  Jennifer looked around the room but everyone seemed preoccupied, perhaps a little too studiously.  Narrowing her eyes, she stood up and followed the vampire, her fingers flexing at her sides as she resisted drawing her guns too soon.  The humans were most likely enchanted not to notice the vampires.  It would cause chaos if Jennifer suddenly began wielding a gun and fighting with a powerful undead creature right in front of them.  She found herself walking into a long corridor at the back of the building, and she noted the exit leading out onto the car park.  Kian led her up a wide flight of stairs and stopped outside a brown painted door on the landing above the pub.  This was it.  He knocked once and then opened the door carefully.  Jennifer had to follow.  Drawing her guns, she squared her shoulders, let out a breath, and stepped into the room, keeping her back to the wall and the exit in sight.

 If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 
*Vampire Hunter image courtesy of Pinterest

Guest Author Jude Ouvrard #aga3

Today I hand over the spotlight to my guest author, Jude Ouvrard, who will tell us about her new book, Under the Sun, out now.

Under the Sun by Jude Ouvrard

Tracey Howard has put her life on hold for years to care for her grandmother. Now that her grandmother is gone, Tracey decides to spend summer at the beach and reflect on where she wants life to take her next. Jackson Phillips is her new neighbor, and he dazzles her from the first moment they meet. Will Jackson be able to show Tracey how to let go of old pain and embrace future happiness?

Excerpt

It might have been my imagination, but when our eyes met, I felt something stirring inside me. I stared at her, wondering what had just happened, and I could still feel the tingling warmth on my skin. There was something between us, but I didn’t know quite what. 

Everything felt right, like we were supposed to be together.
Tracey looked away, breaking our connection. “Do you need help with anything?”
“Nope. Everything's ready.” Even though I could have stared at her all night, I didn’t want
to ruin the evening. So I turned my attention to our dinner and got the bruschetta and the
garlic bread on the table.
“Mmm, it looks delicious, chef.” Tracey laughed. She had quite the spirit, and unlike so
many women, she didn’t appear to be complicated.
When I placed the shrimp Alfredo linguini on the table, Tracey literally licked her lips. “I think I might join you for dinner every night. It smells so good.”
“I would love that,” I replied. “The company would be nice.”
Tracy was unsettling to me, causing me to lose tact and intelligence.
For the most part, we ate in silence. Often I found myself just staring at her, like she was going to run away if I wasn’t watching her. I’d remembered her features from the first time I saw her, but she seemed different now, almost serene and calm. The first time I’d met her, I had seen the love and devotion for Mrs. Howard in her eyes, but now they were tired and sad.
Regardless of how beautiful I thought she looked tonight, I wanted to be able to change that for
her, to bring happiness to her eyes.

[END]

Author Bio

Jude lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful four year old son, and has spent the last twelve years with her partner, Cedric. French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. Besides working full time for a title insurance company and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them. Her first novella will be part of a beach reads series called Heat Wave.

Jude's Websites

Author Website
Twitter: @authorjude_o @JudeOuvrard
Facebook page
Facebook author profile Goodreads
Aboutme
Facebook group