It is that time again... Get ready for the return of #HistFicMay! For the first time, this #HistFicMay will be taking place predominantly on BSky, although I would encourage all writers to share the posts on any and all their social media channels. I'll be around on BSky, Facebook, and Instagram (if I can remember my password!) to share and like as many posts as I can. I am so excited to discover new authors and books, as well as reconnecting with the stalwarts who have been doing #HistFicMay over the last couple of years. There are a couple of extra optional hashtags this year (#WhatTheyKnowVsWhatTheyShow and #WritingHabits), but the all important one is #HistFicMay As always, please join in with as many or as few as you would like! So - choose your gargoyle! [the list of prompts is also available in text form at the bottom of this blog] #HistFicMay 1. Introduce yourself 2. Introduce your writing 3. Why Historical Fiction? 4. Do you write in any other genres/subgenres? 5....
I'm thrilled to be taking part in the book tour for this really enjoyable book "Mrs Murray's Home" by Emily-Jane Hills Orford!
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Mrs Murray's Home |
Blurb
Review
I also liked the little twists (which I won't mentioned here!) and the surprises in the novel that were interwoven skilfully into the story. I never felt that the story was forced. The plot was fast paced and certainly enjoyable!
Although this is not the first book with these characters, the author relays the prior information really well, without info-dumping. I haven't read the earlier books, but I found I didn't need to. It was an enjoyable standalone story.
There was one thing that niggled me quite a bit about the book: the research about Scotland. I've never known it to snow in July. The last frost date is in May.
It's also incredibly tricky using real places. The book is mostly set at Blair Castle - a real place owned (at the time) by a real family. Strangely, I had no problem with the brownies in the castle. It was Cousin George who I took exception to. Personally, I'd have preferred it if Mary and her Granny visited a fictional castle, or the old Duke of Atholl was portrayed a little more realistically.
I also wasn't sure about the witch, and how she was "born bad". I do love a good baddy back-story - you know, a reason for all the bad stuff that they've done - and I don't really like a kid's book to have the Born-Bad-Baddy. Personally, I think this isn't a good lesson for kids to learn.
On the whole, however, I really enjoyed reading this book. I read the entire book in a day, which is always an indication of a fabulous plot! Thank you Emily-Jane Hills Orford for sharing this gripping book with me!
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Emily-Jane Hills Orford |
The book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mrs-Murrays-Home-Piccadilly-Street-ebook/dp/B08528C67T
Please do leave your own review on Amazon, or Goodreads, or whichever your favourite book platform is. Reviews really help authors!
There's an awesome Rafflecopter prize that you can enter by following this link:
Please follow the rest of the tour posts of this gripping book as it starts its journey into the world:
Thanks for hosting me and my book, "Mrs. Murray's Home". Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! I may have to search out the previous books!
DeleteI like the cover. Did you help design it?
ReplyDeleteThe publisher has an amazing cover designer who has designed the covers for each book in the series. I'm glad you like it.
DeleteThanks for sharing your review!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteThe book sounds great and I like the cover.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really entertaining book!
DeleteThanks. I have to admit I had a lot of fun writing all the books in this series. There's one more to come.
DeleteYou're very welcome! Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to read this book and the other books in the series. One more book to come.
DeleteThanks so much for both the book description and giveaway as well. I enjoy hearing about another good book.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I hope you enjoy the book.
DeleteDo you find a difficult time concentrating on your work due to everything going on in the country right now?
ReplyDeleteI have to write. It's my sanity. When my mother was dying of cancer ten years ago and my son was fighting his own battle with cancer at the same time, I had to write. Writing takes me away from the problems of the day without having to sacrifice the importance of those around me. So, yes, it is difficult, but I make myself write - every day. To keep me sane in a time full of insanity.
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