Review: The Hollow Tree by James Brogden

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Title: The Hollow Tree
Series: Stand-Alone
Author: James Brogden
Genre: Adult, Horror, Fantasy
Publication Date: March 6th, 2018 by Titan Books
Format: Paperback
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Source: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 
After losing her hand in a tragic accident, Rachel is plagued by vivid nightmares of a hollow tree, and a hand reaching from it, begging her for help. Terrified that she is going mad, Rachel experiences phantom sensations of leaves, trees, and finally a hand that grasps hers and pulls a young woman into Rachel's world. She has no idea of who she is, but Rachel can't help but think of the local legend of Oak Mary, the corpse of a woman found hidden in a hollow tree, and who was never identified. Three myths have grown up around the body; was she a spy, a prostitute or a murdered gypsy? Rachel is desperate to learn the truth, but darker forces are at work. For a rule has been broken, and Mary is in a world where she doesn't belong...
*** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much to Titan Books for the opportunity to read and review The Hollow Tree! ***

I had no idea what this book was about all I know about it was about a female that lost her hand in a tragic boating accident, and that's all that I know about this book. Imagine my surprise when I first read the first few chapters of this book that there were so much more about The Hollow Tree that meets the eye. I really don't want to go into any details about it because I don't want to get a spoiler, but I absolutely and thoroughly loved and enjoyed everything about The Hollow Tree. The beginning chapters did entrap me until the very end. The plotline and concept were really intriguing and to me very original I never read a book quite like this one before, and it was a very refreshing read for me as well. The writing style was very descriptive and flowed well and was on point that I wanted to read more and couldn't put this book down. The characters were well developed and complex of there own which I absolutely love every one of them, I especially love Rachel she was a really strong, kind, loyal and very smart woman. Rachel wouldn't stop to find out who truly was Oak Mary and learn about what actually happens to her or how she got put in the hollow oak tree and left there to die oh so many years ago. The villains in The Hollow Tree were psychotic and very cold-blooded that they gave me the creeps and the really didn't care about the consequences of there action. All and all I absolutely love and enjoy The Hollow Tree I can't wait to read more books by James Brogden in the near future!
James Brogden was born in Manchester in 1969 and lives with his wife and two daughters in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, where he teaches English. His short stories have been published by the Big Issue, the British Fantasy Society’s Dark Horizons, Alchemy Press and Anachron Press. His first novel, 'The Narrows', was published by Snowbooks in 2012, and the follow-up - 'Tourmaline' - in 2013.

His most recent work is the sequel to 'Tourmaline' called 'The Realt.'

When he's not writing or trying to teach children how to, he gets out into the mountains whenever he can, exploring the remains of Britain's prehistoric past and hunting for standing stones. Fortunately, they don't run very fast.

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Release Day Celebration & Giveaway: My Freshman Year of Fabulous (School Dayz Book 4) by Jennifer DiGiovanni

Friday, March 30, 2018

 
Welcome to the Release Day Celebration for
My Freshman Year of Fabulous by Jennifer DiGiovanni!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
 
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!
 
When Avery Thornton needs to escape a first day of school disaster, she ducks into an equipment room to hide and meets someone else who’s also having a really bad day. Eli Fields just got demoted to third string on the football team, a sport he doesn’t even really want to play. On the hunt for a dance partner before her competition season begins, Avery discovers Eli’s secret, non-football life outside of school. She thinks he could be the dance partner she’s dreamed about. But Eli wants no part of dancing with Avery. When someone else steps in as Avery’s partner for competitions, she and Eli begin practicing steps “just for fun.”
But, is that really all that Eli wants? And although Avery has found a perfect partner, she’s learning that perfection doesn’t necessarily equal happiness.
 
Jennifer DiGiovanni is a freelance writer and YA author of the School Dayz series. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, working on home design projects, or trying to meet the daily goals on her Fitbit. She also likes to try new sports and activities, from archery to ballroom dancing, with varying degrees of success.
     
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Spotlight: Darling Girls (The Vampires of Candle Bay and Crimson Cove, #1) by Tamara Thorne & Alistair Cross

Hello, my friends today I am doing a spotlight on Darling Girls by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross  I hope you enjoy the spotlight! 
Title: Darling Girls
Series: The Vampires of Candle Bay and Crimson Cove, #1
By Tamara Thorne & Alistair Cross
Genre: Horror/Vampires
Publication Date: April 16th, 2018 by Glass Apple Press
The vampires of Candle Bay and Crimson Cove come together for the Biting Man Festival in Eternity, California, to celebrate a centuries-old tradition that quickly turns murderous as they’re faced with old enemies, uncontrolled bloodlust, and the unpredictable antics of a self-proclaimed vampire slayer who is hellbent on destroying them all.
Tamara Thorne's first novel was published in 1991, and since then she has written many more, including international bestsellers Haunted, Bad Things, Moonfall, Eternity and The Sorority. A lifelong lover of ghost stories, she is currently working on several collaborations with Alistair Cross as well as an upcoming solo novel. Learn more about her at http://tamarathorne.com

Alistair Cross grew up on horror novels and scary movies, and by the age of eight, began writing his own stories. First published in 2012, he has since co-authored The Cliffhouse Haunting and Mother with Tamara Thorne and is working on several other projects. His debut solo novel, The Crimson Corset, was an immediate bestseller. Find out more about him at http://alistaircross.com

Together, Thorne & Cross also host the popular radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has included such guests as Anne Rice of The Vampire Chronicles; Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter novels; world-wide bestseller, V.C. Andrews (Andrew Neiderman); Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series, True Blood; Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels that inspired the hit television series; #1 New York Times bestseller, Kim Harrison; Peter Atkins, screenwriter of Hellraiser: 2, 3, and 4; Mick Garris, film director of Hocus Pocus, Psycho IV: The Beginning, and Stephen King’s The Stand; and New York Times bestsellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, Jonathan Maberry, and Christopher Moore.  

Praise for Thorne & Cross:

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” - a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.” - Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“Think Mario Puzo meets Anne Rice … Balance is what Thorne does best ... (Candle Bay) is a love story. A mob story. A family drama. A wise combination of creepy, thrilling, titillating, and good old vampire fun ..." -Michael Schutz, Darkness Dwells Radio

“A great combination of strong characters that remind me of my V.C. Andrews characters, wonderful creepy twists, and a plot that will recall Mommie Dearest in an original take that shocks and delights at the same time. This is a full-blown psychological thriller worth the investment of time and money.” - Andrew Neiderman, Author of The Devil's Advocate and the V.C. Andrews novels


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Book Blogger Hop #70

 
Book Blogger Hop Hosted by Billy B. at Ramblings Of A Coffee Addicted Writer
How many book clubs do you belong to? If you do belong to an in-person book club, do you have meetings in the day or evening? Do you meet at someone's house or meet at a local restaurant or coffee house?  (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)
I am only in a few online book clubs but I am not in any in-person book club and I can't create my own book club neither. Because I don't have the time for it and it is also a huge commitment that I am not ready for it yet. Maybe one day I will create my own book club. 
 How About You? 

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Blog Tour & Excerpt Reveal: Antipodes by Michele Bacon

Tuesday, March 27, 2018


Antipodes
By  Michele Bacon
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date: April 3rd, 2018 by Sky Pony Press
When Erin Cerise steps off her plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, she is focused intently on her mission: do something unique that will erase the mess she made of her life on her 17th birthday. She’s already lost her swim team captainship, her boyfriend Ben, and her reputation. Her mother is certain studying abroad will regain Erin’s chances of a good future. Once Erin sees her uninspiring host family and city, though, she’s not so sure.

Before Christchurch, Erin wasn’t always intense and focused. Years ago, a mission sounded like a fun adventure, and the only ivy she cared about was the stuff growing around her grandparents’ back porch at their peaceful Upper Peninsula home. When had her priorities gone upside down?

Now Erin balks at NZ’s itchy school uniforms, cold houses, and her hosts’ utter inability to pronounce her name correctly. Christchurch does boast amazing rock climbing, gorgeous scenery, and at least one guy who could make her forget Ben if she lets him. With months ahead of her, Erin slowly begins to draw on the years behind her, one step back into her memories at a time. As she rebuilds her life from the other side of the world, she finds that when life turns your world upside down and you’re far from home, every way you move takes you closer to where you came from.


When Erin Cerise steps off her plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, she is focused intently on her mission: do something unique that will erase the mess she made of her life on her 17th birthday. With months ahead of her, Erin slowly begins to draw on the years behind her, one step back into her memories at a time. This excerpt is from one of those behind chapters.

Wheaton is Erin’s high school in the States. Claire is Erin’s mother.


Wheaton’s head guidance counselor, Mrs. Brown, monitored the emotional ebb and flow of two thousand students. After Grandma Tea died, Mrs. Brown had left a little purple note with Erin’s first-period teacher. When Erin started fighting with her boyfriend freshman year, Mrs. Brown had sent a flurry of purple notes inviting her to talk. 
Erin had ignored all the purple notes and visited the stuffy office only to discuss college strategy. 
One of Mrs. Brown’s chairs housed a sloppy pile of paperwork in an array of colors. In the chair usually reserved for students, Claire sat pursing her lips and tapping on her phone. 
Everything about Mrs. Brown—smile, eyes, arms, body— sagged in pity when she saw Erin. She caught herself and tried to smile. “Miss Cerise. I’m so glad you’re here.” 
She closed the door behind Erin, and Claire stood so Erin would sit. 
Claire crossed her arms and glared at her daughter. “I talked to Principal Drouin about cyberbullying and this weekend’s fiasco; she’s handling it. Mrs. Brown and I have a solution to the other problem. Getting into Columbia— or any Ivy, really, at this point—requires something unique. 
“Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra makes you different, but we must show breadth of interest and uniqueness. Did you know that only a fraction of one percent of high school studentsstudy abroad? That will make you unique. There are spots available.” 
Erin picked the cuticle of her left thumb, parting it from her flesh. 
“And you can choose where you go.” Mrs. Brown navigated between several websites and her inbox. “There are maybe ten options left. Let’s see. Moscow. How’s your Russian?” 
“Spanish,” Claire said. 
“I know,” Mrs. Brown said. “Unfortunately, everyone has been pushed into Spanish when we really should be learning Mandarin. Soon the whole world will need Chinese.” 
“So, China?” Erin said. 
“No. I was saying that everyone and his brother takes Spanish. So, Spain and Mexico go first. You passed on Moscow. We have Jordan.” 
“Absolutely not,” Claire said. 
“The Netherlands, Russia, Brazil, Greece.” 
“Even with the best tutors, she can’t learn any of those languages in time,” Claire said. 
Mrs. Brown returned to her computer. “The only English-speaking countries we have are Nigeria, New Zealand, and Scotland. That one’s Edinburgh.” 
“She’s not going to Nigeria,” Claire said. 
“Okay. Scotland and New Zealand.” 
“Your choice!” Claire raised her eyebrows in expectation. 
Michele Bacon writes contemporary fiction for adults and young adults. She often writes about family, friendship, and the blurred line between those two ideas. Michele geeks out over many things, but especially board games, skiing, and international travel. She recently spent a year on sabbatical in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she may have left her heart at Ilam School. Wherever Michele is in the world, she is drawn to people’s stories, so she wants to hear how you met your best friend or fell in love with your partner. She lives in Seattle with her husband and three young children.

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