Review: The Sparkly Waistcoat

 

In this delightfully illustrated picture book, Nanny tells Alexander the story of her waistcoat. A waistcoat so sparkly that all the children in her class love it.

But then, one day…

…it’s not there!

Where is it? Nanny looks everywhere. The children look everywhere. They even put up ‘LOST’ posters in the local shops. But will they ever find it?

Find out in this suspense-filled story for young readers.

“The perfect book for a cosy night in with mum or dad. Highly recommended.” The Wishing Shelf

Review

The Sparkly Waistcoat by Sue Wickstead
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Adorable Christmas pageant story with beautiful artwork. It feels like the stories I read with my mom. It was warm and goodhearted. I loved the way the kids cared about the waistcoat as a symbol of their beloved teacher. I am not sure that pageants and sweetness like this still exist for kids…but I hope they do.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links

Waterstones : https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-sparkly-waistcoat/sue-wickstead/9781916392380

Amazon UK : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sparkly-Waistcoat-Sue-Wickstead/dp/1916392385

Foyles : https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/the-sparkly-waistcoat/sue-wickstead/9781916392380

Author Bio –

My name is Sue Wickstead, and I live in Crawley, West Sussex.

I write children’s picture books.

My stories are inspired by both my experience as a teacher and my adventures in play work with a Playbus.

The Playbus was a real double-decker bus filled with toys and arts and crafts. It brought fun to young children and gave them a welcoming place to play. As a mobile project, it travelled to children wherever they were.

I first wrote a photographic social history of the project, and that led me into storytelling and writing.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy building Lego models, especially for my grandson and granddaughter. I also love spending time with my young grandchildren, creating stories together, and acting out our adventures when they visit.

My grandson appears in the book ‘Barty Barton; the bear that was loved too much’, which was published in 2020.

My grandchildren also help me create our own rhymes, which we love to sing together.

Many of my books have been entered into and shortlisted for ‘The Wishing Shelf Book Awards’, and ‘A Spooky Tale’ won a silver medal in 2019. I wrote the story with my class at school.

‘The Sparkly Waistcoat’, a story about dressing up and role-play.

Social Media Links –

Facebooks : https://www.facebook.com/sue.wickstead.author

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-wickstead-a47292a0/

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

Instagram Sue Wickstead :  https://www.instagram.com/sue_wickstead/

‘X’ : https://twitter.com/JayJayBus

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13851826.Sue_Wickstead

Website : https://suewickstead.co.uk/

 

Giveaway to Win Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus and a 3D bus Template.(Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

https://gleam.io/fd4X3/win-jay-jay-the-supersonic-bus-and-a-3d-bus-templateopen-to-uk-only

Review: The River Murders

 

Jack Wood catches thieves.
Shoplifters, kleptomaniac aristocrats, employees skimming the till. If someone steals, Jack finds them.
Then a teenager walks into a Canterbury shop with a rented gun in her bag—one already used in multiple murders.
Overnight, Jack is pulled into a dark black-market trade. A wealthy client’s story doesn't add up. A detective leaks classified details. And the trail points straight to a corrupt town hiding a nightmare.
Jack Wood is no hero. He might not even be one of the good guys.
Some cities keep their secrets buried. Jack digs them up. One grave at a time.
Pick up The River Murders to uncover Canterbury’s darkest secrets.

Review

The River Murders by Colette Kebell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun mystery that hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the conclusion. Jack is a department store security guard who spends most of his days watching the world on closed-circuit camera. Then a girl walks in and he finds himself drawn into a wider world of crime and consequence.

The book benefits from the author's experience in women's fiction. The dialogue is punchy, the action fast. Character drives the plot, which keeps the book from becoming a dry procedural. There are a few plot devices that could've used some tweaking to feel more unique and complex, but it's a minor complaint for an otherwise very enjoyable mystery book.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/RiverMurders

Author Bio –   Colette Kebell is an author of Romcoms, Thrillers and a few Raunchies, and thus far has self-published all of her books.  Her romcoms, due to a few lovely book bloggers, has been likened to a cross between Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic Series, Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’ Diary and The Devil Wears Prada.  Her romcoms are light-hearted, fun and quirky and even said to be, by a few that have read them, inspirational.  She has also found avenues to translate them all into Italian (thanks to her husband), and most, thus far, into French, Spanish and Portuguese via Babelcube.   Add to the mix the odd Thriller, just to change things up a bit and the raunchies (published under a different name) and I guess that Colette is rather eclectic.

 

As a career, Colette spent her latter years as a legal secretary. After a first attempt at writing many years ago, a book that remains in her drawer, she resumed this passion a few years back, following having been made redundant.  A few book signing events and a book talk later, which almost caused her to collapse with nerves, Colette now spends her time at her home in the UK, having sold their holiday home in France.  Colette has won the odd award for her writing, but hasn’t made any best seller lists yet.

 

Colette has two adorable dogs and spends some time, other than writing and marketing her books, cooking for herself and her husband, gardening or designing various items for their home.  Amongst her other hobbies, she has experimented with upholstery of furniture and she might, from time to time, have a paintbrush in her hand.

 

 

Social Media Links – www.facebook.com/ColetteKebellAuthor

www.twitter.com/ColetteKebell

www.instagram.xom/ColetteKebell

www.tiktok.comColetteKebell2022

 

Giveaway to Win a "A Just One More Chapter" reading log book, a signed copy of The River Murders, Thorntons Strawberries and Cream Classics & Thorntons Fudge Brownies Classics.  (Open UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Review: Debt Reckoning

What if the greatest threat to America wasn't war, terrorism, or China...but the trillions of dollars of debt we've pretended doesn't exist?

U.S. Senator Rick Taylor has been warning anyone who'll listen: the national debt is no longer a spreadsheet problem-it's a ticking bomb. But in Washington, truth is toxic. Colleagues dismiss him, constituents scream about "cuts to my benefits," and the media paints him as the villain who wants to gut Social Security.

Then the blackmail begins.

A shadowy network led by a ruthless operator making huge profits from unchecked government spending will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens the status quo. After Taylor's wife is targeted in a terrifying swatting attack and a sniper's bullet nearly ends Taylor's life, the message is clear. Shut up... or die.

Debt Reckoning: Teetering on the Brink by Jack Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a suspenseful political thriller. The characters are interesting enough to carry the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on edge. It is well-constructed and emotionally taut.

Unfortunately, I just didnt find the stakes interesting. It felt more like propaganda than realism. I live in red America and this is what they talk about endlessly - debt will be the end of everything. Yet here we are 100 years later with no apocalypse. So I had a hard time buying the initial idea that debt is so important that this man’s life was at Stake. It seems like it didn’t hit other people that way and they really enjoyed using a common American talking point as the basis for a political thriller.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Debt-Reckoning-Teetering-Wayward-Patriot/dp/B0H6N9R7ZD/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Debt-Reckoning-Teetering-Wayward-Patriot/dp/B0H6N9R7ZD/

Author Bio: 

Jack was introduced to thrillers when Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October was published.  However, for most of his life, he was a reader rather than an author. During the 2000 Presidential election as he watched TV coverage of the Florida recount with 'dimpled chads' and 'hanging chads,' he thought an election conspiracy would be a great basis for a thriller. It wasn't until 2020 when he retired from his career, which included management positions in corporate America and small business ownership as well as a brief stint in ministry, that he sat down to write Wayward Patriot: Preserving the Vote.

His unique approach to political thrillers rips headlines from the news and weaves them through a thrilling tale of patriotism, political corruption and crisis. He says, "when I see some major new issue or technology in the news I want to learn more about it. I enjoy sharing what I learn with others by wrapping a story around it that will engage and entertain readers."

He and his wife, Barbara, have three grown children and seven grandchildren and divide their time between Colorado Springs and Tucson.

Social Media Links:

https://www.jackmeyerauthor.com/

https://x.com/jackmeyerauthor

https://www.facebook.com/JackMeyerAuthor/

Cover Reveal: Dreaming Of A Scottish Summer

 

Brooke never intended to return to her native Scotland. That is until she's offered a job with

legendary literary agent, Levi Hudson, who just happens to represent her favourite author, Petra

Swan.

Petra’s books helped her find hope again after her heart was broken, and Brooke will do anything to

meet her. Even if it means working with the formidable Levi.

Not only is he grumpy, he’s also infuriatingly handsome. Yet as his frosty exterior slowly begins to

melt, Brooke realises that moving back to the highlands might be the best decision she's ever made…

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreaming-Scottish-Summer-Pre-order-heartwarming-

ebook/dp/B0GS91P34N

https://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-Scottish-Summer-Pre-order-heartwarming-

ebook/dp/B0GS91P34N

Publication Date: 31 st January 2027

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write

feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings

card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She has two sons

and an adopted Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. Dreaming of a Scottish Summer is Julie's sixteenth

novel.

Social Media Links – Julie Shackman Author   - Website

https://www.instagram.com/juliegeorginashackman - Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman    - Facebook

https://x.com/G13Julie - X

https://www.tiktok.com/@julieshackmanauthor    - TikTok

Review: Private Devotions

 

Destiny promised Hanna Bailey her soulmate, but delivered a divorce instead. So, when the career opportunity of a lifetime comes calling, she’s ready to answer. Alone.

Joining the tour of rising rock band His Locked Heart is her chance to start again. Sold-out shows, endless miles, and the freedom to leave her past behind

But fate has a habit of rewriting the lyrics.

Behind the spotlight, the band’s brooding songwriter, Nathaniel Cole, is about to become the one person Hanna never expected. As friendships deepen and long-buried truths surface, Hanna finds herself torn between the life she built and a love that could burn the whole thing down.

Some songs are written in secret.

Some loves refuse to stay hidden.

And sometimes you get the chance to rewrite your own story.

Review

Private Devotions: A Rock Star Romance of slow burn, hidden hearts, second chances, and finding the love you always deserved ... by Olivia Lockhart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We enter this book with Hana following some very unfortunate advice from a psychic. She makes a decision that drops her inside a difficult marriage and creates pain that resonates throughout the book. Songwriter Nathaniel gives Hanna the words and music to try again.

Drama-filled and emotional, the book has unexpected depth. There was a quiet, courageous truth hidden in the pages - how often we choose the wrong voices, follow the wrong advice, repeat the same mistakes - and the strength required to break the bonds we forged for ourselves. Due to its literary themes, I found the denouement too rapid. We deserved time to sit in the newness of Hanna's self-awareness and enjoy the love that had always been there for her.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Private-Devotions-Romance-chances-deserved-ebook/dp/B0HC5549TZ/

https://www.amazon.com/Private-Devotions-Romance-chances-deserved-ebook/dp/B0HC5549TZ/

Author Bio – Olivia Lockhart (Livvie to her friends) is an English author who can't quite decide if she wants to write contemporary romance or paranormal romance. Either way, it HAS to be romance.

She loves to write about the underdog, the one who got away, the bits of love stories we can all relate to.

When not writing she can be found drinking wine, cuddling her beloved pooch or with her head buried in a book.

 

Social Media Links – https://www.instagram.com/livvieharts/

Review: A Dash of Christmas Spirit

 

CAN LARA ADD A SPRINKLING OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

Jacob introduces ever tastier treats to the Sugar and Spice cafe’s menu as the Christmas Spirit knits her magic into the lives of those finding this Christmas tough.

Florence is struggling to make ends meet and afford the present she knows her son wants for Christmas. Her ex-husband flaunting his new girlfriend and their baby isn’t helping her mood.

Widower Jude feels a failure as a father to his two young children after the tragic death of his wife. The move to Winstanton was meant to make life easier. Can he learn to carve out time to build new friendships and give himself the chance to grieve?

Rachel’s boss has given the promotion he promised her to the man twenty years her junior, whom she trained. She’s fed up with being taken for granted, and the lack of sympathy from her husband and teenage children.

Retired David feels Grinch-like as his son expects him to look after his grandchildren all the time, without taking his life into consideration. He used to love Christmas, but this year it has lost its sparkle.

Can the warm welcome at the Sugar and Spice café help them find their Christmas spirit?

A feel-good festive romance with a heartwarming community and a generous helping of Christmas spirit!

Review - A Dash of Christmas Spirit: NEW for 2026: the perfect heartwarming cosy romance to snuggle up with this Christmas! by Susan Buchanan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Really fun, modern Christmas story - Ms. Buchanan has gathered a relatable group of characters whose holidays are less than jolly. The reasons are diverse, but real - from a lost child to financial struggles - and they definitely need a good pastry and warm drink. Lara welcomes them all to the cafe and allows the wonder of a supportive community to bring glad tidings. In the end, they have what they need to brighten the holidays.

The Sugar n Spice Cafe has the right splash of magic and cheer to bring everyone through their doldrum holiday and remind us all why we deck the halls each December.

View all my reviews

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/meWMPV

Author Bio –

Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedies, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!

Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit, A Taste of Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Leap Year Proposal, You Can’t Hurry Love and The Boulangerie on the Corner.

As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it. 

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.

When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out.

 

Social Media Links –

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/susancbuchananauthor

X @susan_buchanan and Instagram @AuthorSusanBuchanan and Threads @authorsusanbuchanan and BlueSky @susanbuchanan.bsky.social

And on her website www.susanbuchananauthor.com

Giveaway to Win A Signed and dedicated paperback of A Dash of Christmas Spirit with matching bookmark (Open to UK Only)

https://gleam.io/XaEyk/win-a-signed-and-dedicated-paperback-of-a-dash-of-christmas-spirit-with-matching-bookmark-uk-only

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Review: The Queen of Bushy House

 

One house. Two women. Both determined to endure.

July 1818. Dorothea Jordan – celebrated actress and long-time companion of the Duke of Clarence – has returned. Not in flesh, but in spirit. For fifteen years Bushy House was her sanctuary, filled with laughter and her ten children – the FitzClarences. Now she watches as her portraits are taken down and her daughters sent away, in preparation for the duke’s new bride.

Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen arrives in England with duty pressing upon her shoulders. At twenty-five, she has accepted a proposal no other princess would take. She must tame the duke’s debts, win over his unruly children and – above all – produce an heir to secure the British throne.

But Adelaide soon senses a presence in Bushy House.

As she struggles to find her place in a household shaped by another woman’s love, the restless spirit of Mrs Jordan lingers – watchful, wounded and unwilling to be forgotten.

Inspired by the true story of Queen Adelaide and the actress Dorothea Jordan, The Queen of Bushy House explores grief and ambition, motherhood and legacy – and the enduring power of a love that refuses to fade.

Review

The Queen of Bushy House : A Regency Novel inspired by Queen Adelaide and the Actress Dorothea Jordan by Molly Gartland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting feminist perspective on two women with only one thing in common - the house they inhabit due to their connection with a man. Dorothea is granted access but no rights since she was never married to William IV despite giving him 10 children. Adelaide becomes the official wife as royal life beckoned and demanded a legitimate heir, though ultimately Adelaide would not provide William with a successor. The house becomes the witness of this historical drama and the injustices women face when their life depends only on the value they provide to someone else.

The writing is strong with deft dialogue that moves character and plot without feeling so stilted that it's unrelatable nor so modern that it's distracting. The women shine on the page. It is a good example of relatable historical fiction that adds empathy and encourages curiosity about the past without miring down in unnecessary historical rhetoric.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links

www.mollygartland.com or https://www.mollygartland.com/category/all-products (goes directly to the bookshop)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Queen-Bushy-House-inspired-Adelaide-ebook/dp/B0H8SBSRJY

https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Bushy-House-inspired-Adelaide-ebook/dp/B0H8SBSRJY

 

Author Bio – Originally from Michigan, Molly Gartland has lived overseas since 1994, including six years in Moscow and stints in Cairo, Cape Town and Dakar. A boomerang Brit whose ancestors arrived in America on the Mayflower, she now lives in south-west London.

A lifelong lover of books, theatre, art and urban wildlife, she is also a devoted supporter of Brentford FC and can often be found wandering through Bushy Park.