Blog Tour: A Time to Run ~a Review

A Time to Run by J.M. Peace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy courtesy of publisher

A thrilling debut by J.M. Peace, A Time to Run tells of what happens when a police officer turns victim.  As a serving police officer, Peace would have many experiences in policing and the challenge was to put all this in a book that engages the reader.  And… it was so furiously engaging, I finished it in a day (a long time ago, I could’ve said, ‘in one sitting’, but with a job & 2 little ones… “a day” basically means “1 sitting”).

Samantha (Sammi) Willis is a dedicated police officer.  You would expect that as such, she would be very aware of just how easily one becomes a victim.  You would have thought her to be extra vigilant.  This was the first part I struggled with in this novel.  However, considering the circumstances (the drinks, the late hour, the weariness, the possible threat of something worse), I guess, sometimes, you’d let slip and ‘trust’ a stranger.  Unfortunately, this time, it doesn’t turn out so good for Sammi.

An extract relating to the above paragraph can be found on J.M. Peaces’s blog, here

 A Time to Run spans over one weekend.  I compare it to 24 (tv series) but 72 instead.  There’s a ‘snapshot’ of the day/time (bold headers) before each unfolding event.  Each was short and sweet with alternating perspectives between Sammi, the bad guy, and the ones looking for them.  This structure sets the pace and tone of the story -it was fast, tight, and exhilarating.  There were a couple of instances that I thought she was fact-dropping about policing but that’s basically 2 sentences in 228 pages -they were kind of woven into the story but still stood out to me so that could’ve been done differently.

I found A Time to Run to be very realistic.  I like that the ending isn’t all rosy, that such a horrific event will affect a person’s functions terribly and that the law isn’t perfect.  I think the author has been very successful in being very convincing through multiple perspectives despite their varied backgrounds and very different intents.  Overall, a terrific debut that will leave you wanting  more.  Thankfully, Peace is working on a sequel…or two!

Thanks to Macmillan Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review

About Author

An avid reader and writer from an early age, JM Peace wanted to be a writer. So she studied journalism figuring this would be a way of turning a passion into a job. Her career as a print journalist failed after a single year, and the experience completely sucked the joy out of writing for her. So she took a complete change of direction and became a police officer. Over the past 15 years, she has served throughout south-east Queensland in a variety of different capacities, including Intelligence and CIB.

After her children were born, the dangers and stresses of the job made it unappealing. In the search for a new career path, she returned to her childhood dream. Carving a spare hour out of every day, she wrote the manuscript for A Time To Run whilst juggling her family commitments, police work and running a household. A Time To Run was elevated out of the slush pile after it was accepted on to the 2013 QWC/Hachette Manuscript Development Program. It was subsequently accepted by Pan Macmillan Australia.

Jay currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her partner, wrangling her two cheeky children, a badly behaved dog and an anti-social cockatiel. Although she travelled extensively when she was younger, these days she is just happy if she makes it as far as the beach on the weekend. Her current goals are trying to teach her children to surf and finishing the sequel to A Time To Run.

Jay is astounded and delighted in equal parts by words of encouragement from strangers. You can connect with her at on Facebook at JM Peace Author, Twitter at @jmpeaceauthor and Goodreads at JM Peace.

Blog Tour Schedule

• Friday June 26 – Sandi Wallace blog – Q&A
• Tuesday June 30 – Cops and Novels (my blog) – Extract
• Friday July 3 – Tien’s Blurb – Review
• Saturday July 4 – Carpe Librum – Review
• Monday July 6 – Reading, Writing and Riesling – Review
• Tuesday July 7 – Tien’s Blurb – Guest Post
• Wednesday July 8 – Debbish.com – Review
• Thursday July 9 – Reading, Writing and Riesling – Q&A
• Friday July 10 – Reading, Writing and Riesling – Giveaway
• Monday July 13 – Carpe Librum – Q&A
• Tuesday July 14 – Debbish.com – Q&A
• Wednesday July 15 –Two Little Humans and Me – Guest Post
• Thursday July 16 – Book’d Out – Review and Guest Post
• Friday July 17 – Book Muster Down Under – Review
• Monday July 20 – The Australian Bookshelf – Guest Post
• Wednesday July 22 – All the Books I Can Read – Review and Guest Post
• Thursday July 23 – Confessions from Romaholics – Review
• Friday July 24 – A Healthy, Happy Life – Review and Q&A

 

 

Review: Season of Shadow and Light

Season of Shadow and Light by Jenn J. McLeod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Uncorrected Proof courtesy of publisher (in conjunction with blog tour ~check out my stop tomorrow with author’s guest post)

This is my first Jenn J. McLeod and I was a little intimidated with the size (almost 500 pages!) after finishing 2 books which were slow to pick up. However, I was hooked by Season of Shadow and Light by page 3 and I, seriously, said out loud, “thank God!” I don’t know if anyone else found this but I was intrigue by the randomly-kinda-creepy incident; it probably had something to do with the reference to ‘long lost love’. Yep, I’m another sappy reader 😉

Season of Shadow and Light is more than just romantic love. It is also a tale of familial love; of loving someone so much that you would do everything to protect them. But what does protecting them mean? Is it best to keep a secret as such? Is it best to manoeuver for a ‘normal’ family life to ensure the least disruption all around?

Paige has had a pretty tough time in the last 2 years; recovering from a stroke and a miscarriage which basically terminated her career, she’s no longer sure of her identity. There seems to be a conspiracy that drove Paige to go on a holiday in a small-in-the-middle-of-nowhere town but which found her in woop woop town instead. The most unlikely circumstance found Paige with her daughter, Matilda, and Nana Alice living at a place where the long-kept secret is threatened to unravel. You really can’t keep much of a secret in a small town.

Aiden was firstly introduced as a grump but surely, everybody’s entitled to a bad mood now and again. After receiving the biggest blow of betrayal, Aiden had no other choice but to return home. As Paige and Aiden are thrown in together more and more, it was patently clear that they found in each other a best friend. I’ve really enjoyed the easy interaction between Paige and Aiden.

Nana Alice was not enjoying this trip at all. She didn’t want to go but neither could she let Paige go without her. She was tense pretty much the whole time and her attitude with Paige was hot and cold. Alice always thought honesty is the best policy so this secret is weighing her down but yet she’s promised to keep it. I found Alice to be the most interesting character in this book; a very tightly-held together lady but this lady’s got some pluck!

There were a number of perspectives in Season of Shadow and Light, Paige’s primarily but there were snippets of Aiden, Alice, and another’s in the last part of the story. It was pretty easy to distinguish the perspectives by the feelings they exude –each of their voices were unique and their feelings real. I was quickly drawn into the story (page 3, remember) and it was told a good even pace until nearly the end. I found the ending a bit rushed but I guess after 450 pages, you need to wrap it up.

Season of Shadow and Light is a cleverly woven tale with each thread being laced tightly together, some with fancy knots, with no loose thread left behind (even the ‘random incident’ had a resolution!). If enjoy a story of self-discovery, of betrayal and healing, of lies and trust, I’d recommend Season of Shadow and Light.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review

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Review: Turtle Reef

Turtle Reef by Jennifer Scoullar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy courtesy of publisher

Jennifer Scoullar’s Currawong Creek was the first Aussie rural romance I’ve ever read –it was sweet, it was heart-warming. It won me over and made me want to read lots more of the genre. Hence, my interest in Turtle Creek. Scoullar’s love for nature truly comes alive in these pages and is beautifully highlighted in this tale of romance.

It was a bit of a tough first half to read. It was slow to engage and there were a few roll-the-eyes moments for me. I just couldn’t connect with Zoe who at first, swore off men and in the next chapter, found herself pretty much fallen for Quinn. Yes, it was repeated that she’s sworn off men and had to work hard to resist Quinn but still she let herself daydream about being with Quinn. I found this whole business frustrating and unbelievable. On top of that, I also found Quinn to be quite aggravating (most especially when he decided what Zoe should drink, TWICE!). I just couldn’t get into this romance story.

The mystery part of the story was quite enjoyable. I liked the way clues were dropped and Zoe’s spunk in taking on the investigation. The resolution, however, deflated me. I think, being a mystery buff, I expected some sort of twist or at least, something a little more convoluted. This might have to do with having just finished a mystery/thriller novel prior to reading this book.

The best bits about this book, however, was the prose on nature. Scoullar trotted out one after another amazing pieces of this world (eg. dolphins, octopus, dugongs, etc) in such a skilful way of weaving into the story without it all being too much. Turtle Reef is basically an invitation to the readers to enjoy and protect this beautiful world we have been blessed with.

Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review

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Review: A Time of Secrets

A Time of Secrets by Deborah Burrows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy courtesy of publisher

A Time of Secrets was an absolute joy to read. It is an engaging tale of wartime in Australia, combining mystery and romance with a distinctive Aussie touch.

I was drawn into this world immediately from the beginning of the book and was completely immersed in this era for the next few days as I read this book. I find this era quite romantic possibly because of the desperation because the insecurity of the future just makes the passion you feel that much more intense. And there was so much passion in this book and I don’t mean just the romantic kind. There was passion for live, for joyful living, for art and buildings, etc. This has definitely brought the book alive to me –I basically had a film reel going on in my head as I read.

There are quite a number of interesting characters from the very capable Stella Aldridge who kept her past close to her heart, the lively Dolly –Stella’s flatmate, the troubled Nick –Stella’s superior, the reserved Eric –Stella’s romantic interest, to the voluble old Mrs Campbell who lived in the apartment downstairs from Stella and who is actually very sharp. Never have I been so torn about a love triangle! There isn’t actually a love triangle in this book as Stella is very certain on who she’s attracted to but… I can’t help but feel for the other guy. I am very happy that Stella isn’t one of those characters who can’t make up her mind and I am satisfied with the ending of the story. And yet… I am also just a tad devastated.

In a way, A Time of Secrets reminds me of the Wonder Woman -tv series but without the super power thing, of course. Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) worked in the army’s intelligence services with Captain Steve Trevor as her superior and they caught spies, solved mysteries, and basically saved the day. I just adore this tv series, and I supposed it’s one of the reason why I connected so well with this book as it just so similar in setting. My one petty complaint though was that each time Stella complained about having to wear her khaki uniform all the time, I kept thinking of the green uniformed girl on the cover. I just can’t reconcile this though I still love the cover, it is gorgeous, but green is not khaki.

Whilst there was no surprises in terms of the resolution of the mystery, the plot itself was fine woven and a delight to read. I would unreservedly recommend this to historical fiction / mystery lovers. This was my first Burrows’ but I am keen to hunt down the rest of her works.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review

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Review: Wild Wood

Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of publisher

Wild Wood is an intriguing story of one family’s existence through the ages. A family with a folklore that is living to ensure their continuity & maybe even prosperity. The novel spans 6 centuries of secrets hidden in a little town by the Scottish borders.

This tale is told from 2 perspectives: Jesse in 1981 and Bayard in 1321. Jesse had recently found out that she was adopted and is in doubt of her identity. She is looking for her birth parents and by several incidents, she got to Hundredfield where it all unfolded. Jesse is likeable enough though I don’t feel there was anything special about her. Her story felt pretty average to me –a bit slow to develop and not one character to really grab me except maybe one minor character. The twist about her family didn’t surprise me one bit either. I could see it coming a long way.

Bayard’s story is the one that appeals to me in this novel. He was a man of war –that was his lot, being the youngest son of three. And yet, in the midst of battle-hardened men, he was considerate and surprisingly, gentle. His is a tale of brutality of the age, of superstition, and also, of love. I was quite happy with this perspective which really is the highlight of this novel for me.

Expectations! It can easily wreck a book for you. I feel that this is what mostly let me down in Wild Wood. It has not got any time travel nor does the time-slip work out to be such. So, there is a bit of “magic” (of folklore) but it didn’t quite grab me. I like the premise of it but I don’t think the origin of it was explored enough –just that it’s there and how what happened in 14th century related to what’s happening now. It turned out to be a pretty average read as it was slow to develop, twists which didn’t catch me by surprise, and my inability to connect with the ‘contemporary’ characters.

Thank you, Simon & Schuster (Australia) for copy of eARC via NetGalley

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Review: Impulse

Impulse by Vanessa Garden

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of publisher

Please note this is a review of the second book of Submerged Sun and there may be spoilers in respect to the first book, Captivate (my blurb)

You know that feeling when you see the sequel of a book you’ve read being published? Yes, almost always an excitement and then you’d automatically purchase (in this case, a request on NetGalley) the book before you realised that you really weren’t that keen on book 1. Oops! It was unfortunate that I wasn’t quite that keen on Captivate but I didn’t hate it plus I was somewhat curious about Miranda’s return to Marin so I gave Impulse a go.

There’s definitely no denying it now, Miranda is really really really annoying. Her tendency to think the best of some people or her naivety or blindness, whatever you want to call it, has really got to me this time. More than it was with Captivate because with Lauren around, this happened again and again and again… I would very much like to get my hands around Lauren’s throat, pick her up and bash her against the wall then I may shake Miranda a bit to get some sense into her. Or have I fallen into the author’s trap…? Is there some convoluted twist to be revealed later on? Am I reading too much into this… who knows!

Setting aside all the annoyance, I actually enjoyed the story. There were a number of unexpected twists which are always great in books and a couple of new characters which I’m very curious about. The romance wasn’t bad though I cringed a bit at some soppy-ness. I still, however, adore Marko and Robbie.

Impulse and I aren’t the best fit but I do know that some people love it so if you loved the first book, you would probably love this one too. If you were like me, you will find Miranda exasperating.

Thank you, Harlequin Books Australia for copy of eARC via NetGalley

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Review: Emblaze

Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy won via giveaway

Please note this is a review of the third book of The Violet Eden Chapters and there may be spoilers in respect to earlier books, Embrace & Enticed.

Wow, the prologue took me by surprise and reduced me to a sobbing mess. I just cannot imagine being her shoes. It was utterly heartbreaking –especially since I’m a mother myself which then brings me to my inability to sympathise with Violet & her anger. I know the reasons for her anger but I just can’t understand it.

The stakes have gone up considerably and Phoenix will do everything to get what he wants. Or at least, that’s what it seems like. Phoenix is another character whom I found confusing. I guess Violet found him a bit confusing too though she still has hopes for his humanity.

I didn’t really feel the presence of Lincoln in this book though he IS present. And had stepped up to the mark too –especially in his leadership which I liked. The tension between Lincoln & Violet has also ratcheted up though both are doing their best to ignore it. Don’t worry though, there is at least one scene which is swoon-worthy!

The best bits in this instalment for me is the prologue and the last chapter. Man, Jessica Shirvington certainly knows how to end a book! In Emblaze, Violet if faced with many choices –on which many lives & destinies depend upon. It was full of twist upon twist and was set ablaze with action. The most action-packed instalment so far and I’m loving it. I’ll be jumping on book 4 as soon as I can get a copy!

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Review: Eden

Eden by Candice Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy courtesy of publisher

Please note this is a review of the second book of Archer & Bennett and there may be spoilers in respect to the first book, Hades.

I didn’t know this book was a sequel when I first picked it up. Thankfully, I had thought to look it up first on Goodreads. I tracked down Hades and was absolutely blown away –such an amazing debut! Happily, I then had Eden ready to go and jumped right on it.

I’ve heard that Eden Archer is basically a female version of Dexter. I’ve not read Dexter though I’ve seen parts of the series so I think, this concepts works quite well in describing her. What an amazingly complex character –so damaged yet so aware of it! She also kicks some serious ass so what can I do but fall in love with her.

The story is told from 3 perspectives: Eden’s, Frank Bennett’s (Eden’s partner), and the infamous Hades Archer (Eden’s ‘father’). Despite the multiple POVs, it was quite easy to differentiate which POV you’re reading and as the story took place in a wide ranging situations, I’d appreciate the many point of views as it really gives the story the depth it requires. I really love that we get to read Hades’ background and how parts of this novel took place in a different time.

Whilst I expected the ending (that character is an intelligent one & I expected her to connect the dots), it still did NOT stop my heart from missing a beat as it skipped in excitement for the next instalment. What an utterly brilliant end!! Both Hades and Eden were un-put-down-able and I just cannot wait for more Archer & Bennett.

Thank you, Random House Australia via The Reading Room for copy of book

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Review: Enticed

Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: bought own paperback copy

Please note this is a review of the second book of The Violet Eden Chapters and there may be spoilers in respect to the first book, Embrace.

I was really happy with the way book 1 ended and I really wanted to know how that decision pan out for Violet. After the ‘bang’ of finishing Embrace, I felt Enticed started at a slower pace though there were lots going on that it was necessary to go at a slower pace so I can get my head around it all.

I loved the new characters introduced in this book; an easygoing guy, a kick-ass gal, and also a couple which represent hope… for Vi, for Linc, for us. I am really loving Stephanie (she’s a True BFF!) and I’m happy that she’s got a bit of a role to play than just Vi’s bestie. The second half of the book went quite fast with lots of twists and turns. Tidbits of info are scattered like crumbs throughout and are begging for me to follow on.

The only disappointment I had was Lincoln, especially at the beginning. He wasn’t there as much in the beginning and I thought he seemed weak. In a way, this highlights Vi’s strength even more. Thankfully, he redeemed himself later on.

Enticed is a fantastic sequel full of friendships, betrayal, ancient secrets, and of course, love. I have completely enjoyed the read and have got book 3, Emblaze in my hand, ready for my reading hour (which is now).

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Review: This Picture of You

This Picture of You by Sarah Hopkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Uncorrected Proof courtesy of Publisher

It felt like it took me forever to read this book, especially the last half where I made myself to read at least 2 chapters per day in the fear that I’d never finished it otherwise. It’s not that it’s a terrible book –as you can see from my rating, it’s far from being a bad book, but rather it cuts too close to home. I am rather sensitive on some issues and once, I sort of guess the mystery, I became somewhat reluctant to continue reading. Sshhh, I peeked at the ending and decided that it was worth finishing.

My interest in the book is the mystery of Martin’s lack of memory. I knew this was not a case of amnesia but the thought of tracking back to the past captivated me. Unfortunately, one part of the past is usually something I’d avoid reading (it just makes me angry). This is a stumbling block for me because I quite liked the rest of the book. I enjoyed the descriptive language about the house, the New York memories, etc. This Picture of You is a powerfully shrewd read and I was lured to keep on reading by the language and certain characters.

What I appreciate most from this novel is the strong women characters. They are far from perfect but their strength are amazing and I wish they were more developed as they’d rather intrigued me. Maggie: as she struggles not only with Martin’s actual illness but also whatever that’s happened in the past that was hidden from her. Iris: a 74 year old lady, the rock of her family and community. And then, there’s Laini: a mother and a blogger; ‘nuff said 😉

So was the ending worth it? It was and it wasn’t. The very ending was so very sad and I felt quite disappointed that after this journey, that’s all that’s left but… it is life. I was quite happy at the direction of the ending; of how the ‘mystery’ was wrapped up though there were a couple of other loose threads which I wished were taken care of. Overall, it was a riveting read.

Thank you, Allen & Unwin for copy of Uncorrected Proof via The Reading Room

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