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#HistFicThursdays - Introducing this 2026's #HistFicMay Prompts

 It's back for another year... Welcome to this year's #HistFicMay! I know a number of writers like to have these prompt in advance so that you can line up a few answers, so it seemed like a good time to share them. Of course, the aim of #HistFicMay is to celebrate both the fantastic network of historical fiction writers and their books, so even if you don't use the prompts, hopefully you can use the hashtag on your social media to discover fabulous authors and writings. And here they are: Introduce yourself and your writing Who inspired you to become a writer? Standalone or series? Do you always/ever write happy ever afters? One time period or dual (or more!) timeline? What is your favourite era to write about? What is your favourite era to read about? Let's talk about research... What has been your greatest research discovery? Which source do you always go back to? What's your strangest rabbit hole? Has research ever driven you mad? If you could time travel, when w...
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#MGMonday #BookReview "The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey" by Megan Wynne

"The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey"
by Megan Wynne


Plot

Gwen is supposed to be home-schooled but her mum's mental health problems mean she isn't receiving any schooling. When it is clear that her mum needs hospital treatment to recover, Gwen is sent to an unusual boarding school where students are helped to communicate with spirits. While there, she is confronted with an unsettling truth about her past.


Review


I read this book in a day, so that is always a good sign! I really enjoyed the mix of normal and supernatural that happens in the book, and how it weaves together so seamlessly. There is an air of mystery around the staff at the school, in particular the principal, which I would love to be developed.

I found Gwen thoroughly annoying at first. She had every trait I dislike in "home-schooled" children - I was home-schooled myself and get annoyed when people equate home-schooling to no-schooling or random trips to educational establishments. Maths is important, people! I really liked how this was not smoothed over in the story. Gwen had difficulties in learning. She had massive gaps in knowledge. It was something the character had to overcome, and I liked how this added to her personality.

While the spoilt Delphine was unpleasant, she had a point about aspects of Gwen's character. Gwen could be rude, ungrateful, unpleasant... but her character arc through the pages was a delight to read. You don't have to like the main character to enjoy a good plot so, while I say I didn't care for Gwen, it didn't take anything away from the story.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story with believable characters and a gripping plot.


Buy the book here!

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