Cover Reveal: Don't Forget the Crazy

 

Her lists are life or death.

“If it’s on the list, I have to do it.”

Milli Morgan lives by her lists. Groceries, goals, organising her boss – nothing escapes being

ticked off her ever-growing to-do lists. Order brings her comfort; control keeps the chaos at

bay. Everyone can rely on Milli.

Until the day new items start appearing on her list in red ink.

At first, she blames stress. A prank. Someone playing mind-games. But one instruction on

the list refuses to be erased and demands to be completed.

A command so terrible she would have to be crazy to tick it off.

Don’t Forget the Crazy is a dark psychological suspense short story about obsession,

perfection, and the dangerous pressure of always being “the good girl.” Fans of Gillian

Flynn, Lisa Jewell, Patricia Highsmith, and Shirley Jackson will devour this chilling portrait

of order unravelling into darkness.

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G1KPBK1N

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1KPBK1N

Author Bio –

Lucy Kaufman is an award-winning author, playwright, audio dramatist and poet. 40 of her

plays have been performed professionally around the UK and Australia, to critical acclaim.

She has lectured in Playwriting and Screenwriting for Pen to Print and Canterbury Christ

Church University and is a mentor at The Writing Coach. Originally from London, she now

lives by the sea with her husband, sons, dogs and cats.

Social Media Links –

Insta: kaufmanlucy

Insta: sepiainkpublishing

www.sepiaink.co.uk

Cedar Ridge review: Over the Edge

 Book Blurb (from Amazon)

SIX MONTHS AGO, ACCUSATIONS of murder threw Rayna Kirkpatrick’s life into turmoil, and her fight to prove her innocence nearly got her killed. Now, she seeks healing and refuge, but as a Trespasser—a person with lethal paranormal abilities—she can’t escape the attention of the covert government organization monitoring her. They want her on their team, but Rayna wants to maintain her quiet life in Willet Beach, living next door to her sister and running a small pottery studio.

SPECIAL AGENT DAMON HALE has been assigned to keep an eye on Rayna. The abilities that would make her a valuable member of the Trespasser team would also make her a powerful weapon in the hands of an enemy; it’s Damon’s job to keep her safe and ensure that information about her Trespasser status remains classified. He’s posing as her boyfriend to provide an excuse for the time they spend together, but, privately, each of them is struggling with that cover story; their feelings for each other are becoming all too real.

RAYNA’S ATTEMPT AT A peaceful life shatters when she rescues a woman from a fire, an act that drags her into a whirlpool of rumors and deadly secrets. As Damon works to protect her, he’s torn by the knowledge that managing this crisis might require decisions that will devastate Rayna and that the line between ally and enemy may be more blurred than either of them imagined.

Review

Cedar Ridge is often home to hidden gems. Over the Edge continues that tradition by blending paranormal into a traditional romantic thriller. The writing is tight, fast-paced and immersive. 

The book begins with high suspense - Rayna is in hiding after suspicion that she has caused several deaths. Her paranormal abilities are attracting all the wrong attention. She is dependent on Special Agent Damon Hale, though she has doubts about trusting him. 

I enjoyed the moral stakes in this book. Rayna feels she needs to use her skills to help others, but the stakes are so high every time she does. Her abilities are obviously risky to the public at large, but does that justify limiting her freedom or forcing her allegiance?

This is a very strong entry in the paranormal x thriller genre. Fans of X-men will likely find a lot to love in this well-written story by Stephanie Black. 

Purchase Link (amazon): https://a.co/d/bbpUKX1 

Review: Abracadabra

 

In the spirit of Practical Magic and First Frost, a modern-day magic folk tale weaves a fantasy of love, secrets, spellbooks, and family bonds into evocative prose ....

 

It's common knowledge in Duran Hill that some women in the Kinley family have certain gifts ... and certain curses ... running through their bloodlines. But for three sisters in all but name — Rachel, Juliette, and their cousin Sylvia — the ties that bind them close as ivy throughout their childhood are pulled apart in adolescence when both the gift and curse of that power is revealed between them.

 

Since that fateful incident, sensible Juliette has tailored a perfect and perfectly-ordinary life which unravels after she marries — and loses — the love of her life. Sylvia, drawn to the dark side, sets up a shop that caters to all the mystical powers the latter generations of the Kinley family shunned. And Rachel, the wild child, in whom its magic seems to create a charmed life, is a carefree wanderer who finds herself suddenly drawn home again.

 

Her arrival will stir old rivalries and test forgotten bonds in the brief span of a few weeks. But when an old friend in desperate trouble seeks her out, she will impulsively unleash the dangerous secret behind their power:  one which has lain forgotten in the Kinley house for two generations.

 

From the Siren's song of a dead man's violin to a jar full of harmless-looking buttons, nothing under the shadow of the family's roof is what it seems — nothing in their bloodline is safe from the dangerous past.

 

For Juliette, it brings a test of whether love that has withered can bloom again. For Sylvia, a question of whether a dangerous mistake can only be endured until it destroys you. And for Rachel, the choice is the price between the future of the souls she loves most in life and a powerful force that both makes her the enigma she is — and makes to destroy her like embers caught in a firewind.

 

Against the backdrop of Southern charm, Scottish superstitions, and bewitching romance, ABRACADABRA casts a spell which cannot be undone, from the ache of lost love to the familial links between souls which go as deep as blood and bone.

 

Youtube Links for Abracadabra trailers:

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKmNSqCOAKk 

Short Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/edJevuMyWqk

 

Review

This romp through Scottish mysticism used such symbols as shapeshifting animals, death omens, natural magic of trees and plants, and holiday traditions. The Scottish traditions create a cozy story of family dealing with age-old curses and modern inconveniences. I will never look at a jar of buttons the same way. 

Fans of Practical Magic will enjoy stepping inside this family as they deal with dark secrets and experiences out of step with modern life. The author has good control of suspense as she creates a world that is both inviting and unsettling. 

Purchase Links

Amazon (Universal link): https://books2read.com/u/31ABBv

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/abracadabra-48?sId=3c2b0be2-df21-4aa1-82f7-3c38d91d5b38

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/abracadabra/id6748605399

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abracadabra-evanne-hardin-gray/1147826940?ean=2940181835467

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1809968

Author Bio – Evanne Hardin Gray has spent most of her adulthood (and part of her childhood) writing novels, short stories, and screenplays. She has family roots in both New England and the South, which is where she currently writes (sometimes as a 'ghost'), gardens, and collects books and ideas for them.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: Evanne Hardin Gray (@Abracadabrabook) / X

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578220836676

 

Blog tour: The Disgraced Knight's Redemption

The Disgraced Knight's Redemption

A disgraced warrior…

Torn between duty and desire!

Sir Tristan must win back his honor. His orders from King Edward are simple: seek out the leader of Pwll Du Castle—the unmarried Lady Catrin—and demand she leaves. As Tristan is renowned for his lethal charm and handsome looks, how can she resist? But when the beautiful Welshwoman comes under siege from her covetous neighbor, Tristan finds himself fighting for her! Yet, is it a losing battle? For securing the castle and fulfilling his knightly duty will mean letting Catrin go…

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DVT2MT3R

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT2MT3R

Author Bio –

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. She writes medieval romances for Mills & Boon. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). 

Social Media Links –

• https://www.facebook.com/ellamattwriter
• https://www.instagram.com/ellamatthewsauthor/ 
• https://x.com/ellamattauthor 
• https://www.threads.net/@ellamatthewsauthor
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ella.matthews004

 

 

Review: The Wordsmith's Guide to Planning the Perfect Plot

 

The Wordsmith’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Plot

* DO YOU STRUGGLE TO FINISH WRITING A NOVEL?
* DO YOU RUN OUT OF MOMENTUM BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOUR STORY IS GOING?

The Wordsmith’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Plot is your trusted companion for turning story ideas into structured, compelling narratives. In this fourth instalment of the Wordsmith’s Guides series, Elizabeth M. Hurst takes you through popular plotting methods—including the Snowflake Method, Save the Cat Beat Sheet, and The Inside Outline—helping you choose the right approach for your writing style. You’ll also find practical advice on troubleshooting common pitfalls, crafting satisfying endings, and keeping your plan adaptable as your story evolves.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Clear explanations of proven plotting methods
• Guidance on choosing the right structure for your novel
• Tips for overcoming plot issues and staying on track
• Advice on writing satisfying, well-rounded endings
• A practical appendix full of tools and templates to support your planning process

 

Whether you're a planner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, Planning the Perfect Plot will help you shape your novel with clarity and confidence.

Review - First, this cover is simply lovely. As a well-renowned book dragon, covers are important to me. My hoarded collection has to look lovely as it collects dust. This book fits the bill. It's simple, clean with just the right amount of color. Kudos to the designed (really hope it isn't AI). 

However, what makes this novel lovely doesn't end at the cover. It's a very useful guide that summarizes at least 4 other books. By doing so, writers can figure out what style will work best for them without wasting precious writing time digging through several books or workshops only to figure out it isn't the right fit. I love the addition of templates and worksheets as a way to help organize and "try on" some of the various styles. In addition, the tips on fixing common structural errors is spot on. This is a book about writing by a person who understands the art form. It's practical, useful and still allows room for style. 

Purchase Link - https://geni.us/PlottingAmazon

Author Bio –

Elizabeth was born and bred in the picturesque harbor town of Whitehaven in the northwest of England, where the long, wet winters molded her into a voracious reader of fiction to escape the dismal weather.

She graduated with a degree in Business Studies and a string of jobs followed, after which she finally settled in the automotive industry, where she spent twelve happy years.

Having already started writing around the age of 40, she had begun to dream of a more creative lifestyle and set about creating her freelance editing and proofreading business, EMH Editorial Services. In 2018, she quit the corporate world and concentrated her energy full-time towards her love of the written word.

Elizabeth now lives with her husband in the warm and sunny south of France, where the wine is cheaper than the water, and the cats spend their days hunting lizards and dreaming of the birds that roost on the roof.

Social Media Links –

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMHurstAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizhurstauthor/

Website: https://elizabethhurstauthor.com/

 

Review: The Approval of Sheep by Karen Storey

 

Gordon Slee fears he was never meant to be born. Anxious since childhood after hearing he was an accident, the forty-two-year-old is still struggling to escape the shadow of his high-achieving family.

But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon – a huge promotion within his hotel group is up for grabs, and he is sure that his time has come to make a mark on the world.

However, within his own department, redundancies are afoot. He may lose his job before he gets the chance. Until he learns of a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company’s top London hotel. Could he convince his boss that he’s the man to save the hotel from catastrophe?

Up in Bryn Nefyn, North Wales, live the descendants of the covenant owner. The elderly sheep farmer and his aging hippy brother could use the money the hotel might offer. But along with their strong-willed American shepherdess, they laugh at Gordon’s attempts to negotiate a deal. Surely, they couldn’t use a covenant that’s been forgotten about for over a hundred years.

Or could they?

For lovers of upmarket commercial fiction with a touch of romance and comedy, The Approval of Sheep is an uplifting story about family and love, overcoming adversity and discovering our reason for our place in this world.

 Review

Poor Gordon Slee just can't get find his place in the world. He's older, broke and struggling to feel connected. Worse, he needs leverage against his boss to try and negotiate a promotion. When a herd of sheep feels like the best solution to your problems, you are in a bad spot, indeed.

Much like the author's Chicken Soup stories, this novel is uplifting and touching. It's also very funny. Full of cultural nuance, it's a smart comedy of errors that will leave you grateful for Gordon Slee's presence in your world. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Approval-Sheep-Karen-Storey-ebook/dp/B0FNLYFSV6

https://www.amazon.com/Approval-Sheep-Karen-Storey-ebook/dp/B0FNLYFSV6

 

Author Bio –

Karen Storey is an award winning fiction writer and has been featured on the acclaimed book podcast, The Bestseller Experiment. As well as a novelist, she is a prolific short story writer. Her stories have been published in various anthologies and placed in several international competitions. Her memoir pieces have also been published within the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Originally from New York City, Karen lives in Warwickshire, England and has written articles for American in Britain magazine. She lives with her husband, whose surname Storey was the perfect wedding gift. They share their home with a snarky cat who writes Karen’s monthly author newsletters and a crazy little Bichon Frise dog who barks at his own reflection. You can visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter at www.karenstoreyauthor.com

The Approval of Sheep is Karen’s first novel.

 

Social Media Links –

Instagram karenstoreyauthor  https://www.instagram.com/karenstoreyauthor/

Threads karenstoreyauthor    https://www.threads.net/@karenstoreyauthor

 X StoreytellerK     https://twitter.com/StoreytellerK

Facebook Karen Storey   https://www.facebook.com/karen.okeefe.773

Blue Sky karenstoreyauthor   https://bsky.app/profile/karenstoreyauthor.bsky.social

Review: Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller

 

Kalahari Passage: Koba book 2

Koba and Mannie have been in jail. Their crime, loving each other across the Apartheid colour bar in southern Africa. Koba escapes her captors and using her bush skills, finds her way across the semi-desert to her former tribal home. But adapting to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle after a decade away, has challenges. And her mortal enemy is on her trail.

   Meanwhile Mannie absconds during his parole and sets off on a sub-continental road trip to find his beloved Koba. But will his new comrades persuade him to join them across the border for training in deadly guerrilla warfare? And what will that mean for his future with Koba? 

   Under tragic circumstances the lovers meet, but the danger they are in means they face  heart-breaking choices.

Kalahari Passage is an action-packed story of a search for identity and love. Readers will be spellbound by Koba’s world where an ancient culture dances, trances and lives in harmony with the land.

Review

What an interesting piece of fictional anthropology that weaves a culture from the dawn of humanity into the modern horrors of racism. I'm not sure I've ever read a romantic novel that left me more shaken. I am struggling to find the right words to review a book that felt more like a revelation than a story. The characters are deftly created through a deep understanding of the cultural events that shaped them. The events have unexpected complications and there is deft use of symbolism.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy your stories to have impact beyond the reading. This brilliantly-written interracial love story will provoke thought as you look at your own place in the complex world and hopefully ask yourself how we can make the world a little less cruel for everyone living in it. 

Purchase Links

Kalahari Passage: https://mybook.to/7qAtkQA

Koba series:  https://mybook.to/T81RWsf

Author Bio –

Candi Miller was born in southern Africa and has spent more than twenty years researching the first peoples of the region, a group who have now adopted the exonym of San or Bushmen. She taught creative writing at UK universities. She now lives in Cornwall where she is writing the last book of the Koba trilogy. She is republishing her novels to support a school feeding scheme she co-founded for San children in 2017.

Social Media Links –

https://candimiller.substack.com

Insta & TikTok @candimillerauthor

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092417402759