Cover Reveal: The Hit List By Holly Seddon

I know I know just yesterday I was saying how I would be limiting my double posting and bam another double post day.

I had already posted today and then I had seen Holly Seddon was looking for help with her cover reveal. Those that know me will know I’m a sucker for a gorgeous reveal so here I am.

So before I show you what you’ve came for let me tell you a bit more about the book in question. To start with Holly’s next book has had a name change and it is now called The Hit List. It also has a gorgeous new cover which I will be sharing with you today and it’s also coming out six months earlier than it was expected to. It’s available for pre order now and can be done so Here. The ebook will be coming out on 28th August 2020.

Like woah!!! That’s a lot of cool information before we even delve into the actual blurb.

Blurb: What would you do if you found your name on a hitlist? And your late husband put it there?

When Marianne’s husband Greg is knocked off his bike and killed on the way to work, she must unpick the life he left behind. Numb with grief, Marianne consoles herself by scouring Greg’s laptop, finding comfort in reading his old emails and tracing his footsteps across the web. Until one day, she discovers that he had been accessing the dark web. Why was Greg, a principled charity worker and dedicated husband, logging on to a website that showcases the worst of humanity’s cruel impulses and where anything is available for a price? Marianne steels herself and logs on. After tentative searching, she discovers her name on a hit list.

In this fast-paced, powerful and exceptionally plotted novel, Marianne must figure out whether Greg was trying to protect her or whether he was complicit in the conspiracy for her murder. As she is pulled deeper into the depths of the underworld that Greg was seemingly hostage to, she gets closer and closer to coming face to face with Sam – the assassin hired to kill her. The dark truths that Marianne uncovers speak volumes about the dark underbelly of our society and forces us to question how far we would go to protect those we care most about.

If that wasn’t enough to make you hit the pre-order button then here is the gorgeous cover to the thrilling The Hit List…

Now as soon as I saw the cover I was sold and then reading the blurb I was left intrigued and wanting to read it instantly. So it’s safe to say I’ve hit that pre-order button. I haven’t read any of Holly’s books shamefully but I did win Don’t Close Your Eyes from Holly from Twitter so I aim to read that before The Hit List hits my Kindle. I’m hoping it will be a much needed treat once I’m back at work as today I found out we won’t be returning just yet. My books have cheered to that knowledge….

So what do you think???

Top Ten Tuesday – it’s full of my favourites this week!

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Today’s prompt is most anticipated releases for the second half of 2020.

I’m a massive fan of Victoria Walters and this will be the perfect start to my Christmas reading.

I’m a massive fan of Ruth and sadly I was rejected on Netgalley for this beauty but I will be reading and reviewing when it’s available.

This one I was lucky enough to get a Netgalley copy but I will also be purchasing and buddy reading this one.

When she came to the UK for her last novel I actually had the pleasure of meeting her. Another go to author whose back catalogue I still have to go through.

Milly is another one that I’ve got into late and this will be another festive treat.

There seems to be a festive theme amongst my choices and so far they are all ladies.

I’ve been waiting for this book for forever…

I adore this lady as an actress and I loved her debut book.

Whoop there is a guy amongst my list. When Miranda Dickinson mentioned this I instantly read more and pre-ordered it.

I’m so excited to have this bunch back in my life at Christmas. I’ve pre-ordered each of these parts so they ping through to my kindle.

So there seems to be a lot more ladies in my list this week for sure. Although just last night I did in fact pre-order Darren O’Sullivan’s next novel The Players which isn’t released until next January.

I’m always up for recommendations although I must read a few more of my TBR of late eeek. I’m onto a Netgalley read which in theory I would like to finish that and my audio before we start our buddy read on 1st July.

Blog Tour: Call Me Joe By Martin Van Es & Andrew Crofts

Blurb: The world is on the brink of disaster.

The environment, society and mankind itself are facing extreme challenges in a world that is both more connected, and yet more divided than ever before. Fear and confusion seep into all parts of everyday life now, more than ever, the world needs one voice, one guide… 

One day the Earth is plunged into darkness and when light appears again so does a man – call him Joe – claiming to be the son of God. 

Can Joe bring the world’s most creative thinkers and leaders together to tackle the ills of mankind? 

Can he convince us all to follow him before it’s too late? 

In this compelling and prescient novel, Martin van Es and Andrew Crofts highlight the key concerns of our time and imagines a future where we, at last, all work together to ensure the future of our world and all the life that calls it home.

Review: Firstly, I have to once again thank the team at Red Door publishing for inviting me onto this tour, and for yet again ambushing me with a book that would have most likely passed me by. It’s actually pretty ironic that I’ve read and am now reviewing a book that’s about the fact the world could end if people do not look at their actions whilst we’re embracing a pandemic.

Thanks to Red Door I’ve read a book from Andrew Croft before in Secrets of the Italian gardener and you can reread my thoughts on that Here I enjoyed that so wholeheartedly said yes to this one.

As I said it’s not the sort of book I would have chosen myself but I do feel like it had a profound effect on me.

I read this novel over a few days and wow it was a truly empowering read showing that humanity needs more kindness and thought for others and less greed and selfishness. As I say in light of the world we are living right now it was pretty apt. As I’ve mentioned before I’m not religious but I have always been interested in other cultures and in what’s out there and my curiosity was well and truly piqued during reading Call Me Joe.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect – the drama unfolds quite quickly when the sun seemingly disappears. I really warmed to Sophie and her kind nature – she acted completely selflessly right from the off. As much as I would like to think I’m a kind hearted soul I don’t know if I could have put myself in that sort of danger unquestionably.

There’s so much I want to say but this is a truly unique read that will have you thinking and questioning especially leaders like Prime Ministers and Presidents. It will also have you thinking of the simple things we take for granted in life. The underlying message is to treat others how you expect to be treated.

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour.

Blog Blitz: The Defence Of Exeter Station By Thom Bedford

Welcome to another week…I know how quickly is this crazy year flying by. I know a few of you have said how you loathe double posting days and I promise I will do my utmost to keep them to the minimum.

Today I have two commitments to uphold this blog blitz and a blog tour review but as I say I will do my best not to get so many double days but I want to just say I do like to support publishers and blog tour organisers where possible.

So today I am taking part in a blitz thanks to Shalini and it’s for Thom Bedford’s The Defence of Exeter Station. This is available to purchase now as publication day was on 27th June and you can purchase it Here.

Blurb: At the turn of the twenty-ninth century, the Milky Way is on the verge of a galactic war. The Combined Systems Alliance continues to expand their territory—much to the displeasure of the Free Planetary Union who, until now, lacked the resources to halt the encroachment. In a bid to wrest control from the Alliance and retake their former colonies, Union agents throughout the Alliance Fleet organize a mass insurgency seizing countless assets. During the ensuing chaos, numerous ships are decimated and millions of lives are lost.

Retired Alliance Commander Tanic Sandorn finds himself stranded on a border station after the Union launches an all-out assault. Fighting against anxieties from the incident that pushed him into early retirement, Sandorn accepts being recalled to active duty and propelled to the front lines. This time, he will protect his crew and the inhabitants of the Exeter star system from any approaching threat—never again will he leave anyone behind.

But outnumbered, outgunned, and outflanked, Exeter Station is left running at a fraction of its operating capacity. Sandornand the Alliance officers on board must strategize quickly and carefully to hold their ground, or they will be forced to surrender the station, the system, and their lives.

About the Author: Thom grew up in suburban Cheshire, England with his parents and brother. During school he had a propensity for creativity, either writing, building models, painting, or programming. Every subject choice was motivated by creating and building, whether it be design technology, graphic design, programming, or creative writing.

After studying Computer Science at The University of Manchester, he started working as a Software Developer. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as a Technical Consultant in London for several years, then in Data Warehousing back in Manchester.

In his spare time, Thom still writes, build models, paints, and programs, but nowadays also listens to a lot of music, watches a lot of films, and enjoys playing computer games.

His love for science fiction comes from blockbuster films like Starship Troopers, Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as B-movies like Wing Commander, Pitch Black, and Iron Sky. Computer games like Homeworld, EVE-Online, and Stellaris, and books like Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott’s Dead Space series, and David Weber’s HonorHarrington series. In other words, sci-fi—particularly space opera—in any media.

Thom currently lives in Cheshire, England, with his wife, Helen, and their two cats.

Author Social media:

Website: http://thombedford.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomBedford

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thombedford

I’m also extremely pleased to be able to share an extract with you today…

Every crew member aboard the Veloz ran from stem to stern working tirelessly to patch every hole in the ship. The damage was critical to the point that nearly half the ship had been evacuated. With so little power available, compartmental force fields were inoperable, leaving only a single fire door between repair crews and the vacuum of space in many areas.

Not a single deck was spared at least some devastation, for as the ship’s superstructure twisted and contorted under heavy firepower, panels came loose and circuits overloaded throughout resulting in debris littering every room and corridor. The floors weren’t only littered with discarded paneling and blown circuitry, but also injured, dying, and dead crew members. The initial unexpected surprise attack caused the most death and destruction, taking over a hundred lives. Then as the battle wore on, further loss of life was inevitable.

The victory was Pyrrhic, but it was a victory, nonetheless.

Thank you once again to Shalini for asking me to be a part of this blitz.

Film Thoughts: The Girl On The Train By Paula Hawkins

Synopsis: Commuter Rachel Watson (Emily Blunt) catches daily glimpses of a seemingly perfect couple, Scott and Megan, from the window of her train. One day, Watson witnesses something shocking unfold in the backyard of the strangers’ home. Rachel tells the authorities what she thinks she saw after learning that Megan is now missing and feared dead. Unable to trust her own memory, the troubled woman begins her own investigation, while police suspect that Rachel may have crossed a dangerous line.

My thoughts: Firstly I normally try and read the book first but I sometimes fail just like I have here. Even though a friend sent me a copy a while ago it’s still sitting on my ever expanding TBR pile. So when this was on channel 4 last night I jumped at the chance to watch it.

I’ve seen Emily Blunt in a few different films The Devil Wears Prada and Mary Poppins Returns instantly spring to my mind – she’s a fantastic actress and in those two and this she’s played three extremely different characters effortlessly. I must admit at first I was just getting to grips with the story but then I thought omg she’s just a drunk. As you see her life and her thoughts spiral she’s so much more.

There’s a lot of back and forth in explaining the story and each of the women in questions story. We have Rachel who is the girl on the train, Anna who is the wife of Rachel’s ex husband and Megan who is the final link.

In watching this film I had two thoughts one I need to bump up the book I want to see how true the film is to that of Paula Hawkins novel and two I want to see if certain aspects of the plot are any clearer. It also made me think this would have been exceptional on the big screen. I miss my work so much and I will be watching lots of new films when I can. Not only has it shown me I want to expand my mind but I also want to support the arts that being at the cinema and most definitely the theatre. This was made into a theatre show and if that ever returns I would definitely love to see it on the stage.

I wasn’t expecting the three ladies lives to intertwine that much but wow! I wasn’t expecting any of the final outcome. It definitely kept me on my toes from start to finish. Even when I thought I had it sussed I would then be shown a flashback that quickly stopped me in my tracks.

A heartbreaking story of three very different women who ultimately have one major similarity and one link. I will definitely be bumping this beauty up my TBR pile. There are some major themes that some people most definitely won’t want to watch/see/read but they are done tastefully and are woven into the drama of the story exceptionally well.

Weekly Update #7

I swear the weeks are passing by quicker and quicker. The temperatures have soared which is great in some respects back topping up my tan but it’s also meant I’ve had to factor what time I run.

So as much as I’ve started the Couch to 5k and taken part in various online workouts I haven’t weighed myself in forever. Mum is getting bored and she’s like I’ve put on so much weight – so she wanted us to get some scales. Well it wasn’t too bad – but it also wasn’t that good. I really must start organising what I eat again as I’ve let a few bad habits slip through. Granted there will still be the odd treat but I must get some normality back.

Last Monday saw my second run of week 3 and it was by far my most frustrating run so far. Although after the initial frustration I said to myself I was up/out and moving. Wednesday was my final run of week 3 and I felt fantastic.

Friday saw me tackle week 4 run 1 and omg it was a hard one. Now on the couch to 5k app I’m running more than I’m walking. The 3mins was easier but the 5mins sure was hard going. I got up and out for my runs early but by the later stages of the run I sure was sweaty.

So what have I read this week??

So what’s been on the blog this week?

Last Sunday I finally posted my thoughts on Patricia Scanlan’s The Liberation Of Brigid Dunne and you can read it Here.

Monday saw my thoughts on the fourth and final part of Meet Me At Pebble Beach and you can read it Here.

Tuesday saw Top Ten Tuesday’s 10th birthday and my offering can be read Here.

I’m a sucker for a cover reveal and I posted one on the blog on Wednesday you can find it Here.

Thursday I posted my thoughts on Five Go Absolutely Nowhere and I honestly will get more of these read and reviewed on the blog soon this one can be read Here.

Friday I finished the fantastic On The Come Up and you can read my thoughts Here. I also posted a tag which you can read Here. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking to do more of these on the blog.

Is there anything else you would love to see on my weekly Update? If so get in touch also do we love or loathe the double posts?

Book Review: On The Come Up By Angie Thomas

Blurb: Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy and portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it – she has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.

Review: Firstly I really must diversify more. On the Come Up is such an important read. I feel enlightened, informed and omg why have I not read anything by Angie Thomas sooner. I must admit I’ve seen all the hype over The Hate U Give and I remember it coming into the charity shop and I recommended it even though I hadn’t read it. Now I’m eager to read it and to also watch the film. I’m going to attempt to make sure the book comes first.

I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of Rap music but I fully appreciated the whole essence of this novel. I’ve been amongst many pop bands over the years to know that A&R and record company people have and will more than likely continue to make artists do stuff that isn’t really them. Which is why when most artists make it they shake up their teams and in some cases sack their management so they can be true to themselves.

Bri is a fantastic heroine. At just sixteen she’s witnessed far too much heartache, pain and hardship. Which makes her a wise head on young shoulders. Don’t get me wrong she has her hot headed moments and I can see why she acts the way she does wholeheartedly.

I loved being on her rollercoaster ride and I was willing her on throughout. Just when you thought she might do what’s good for others rather than for herself she truly comes through with some heartfelt words that I was totally there for and I found myself cheering her on. I love that the ending left me thinking many different outcomes, it’s also open so Angie could technically bring this superstar back.

There are also some heartfelt family moments that will make you grateful to those you have in your life. We all do what we need to, to get by and for some the stakes are much higher.

I’m not going to say I’ve never read from black writers as I have but during the ever controversy Black Lives Matter campaigns it’s really made me look deeper into my choices and I’m so so glad that I have.

The TBR Book Tag

I keep seeing this tag pop up. I haven’t been tagged but I wanted to get involved so here I am.

How do you keep track of your TBR?

I use Goodreads and since lockdown I’ve written more notes in a pad as to what I’m reading and dates especially if I’m part of a blog tour and where I’m trying to have my review up for publication day or as close to it as I can. I’ve loved being more organised and getting to read more books as I truly love escaping into another world.

Is your TBR mostly print or ebook?

I have a variation. Since lockdown I’ve gone back to having a few more audiobooks – most Arcs are now On Netgalley although I have been sent a few plus was given a bunch at an event before lockdown. I’ve purchased a lot of ebooks with the Kindle sales and I’ve been using Libby I must admit I’ve used my library a lot more since lockdown with mostly audiobooks but I have also got an ebook which is diverse and I’m loving it.

How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next?

My TBR choices change at the moment I’m reading/listening to a few library books before I dive into the book that I’m on a blog tour for on 29th June. From 1st July I have another buddy read with Catriona we decided to wait until then as our last I managed to read first but we had both taken a lot longer than we anticipated. After reading Hello Again I was eager to read some short stories and that is what I did including the last instalment in the Meet Me at Pebble Beach series.

A book that’s been on your TBR the longest?

There are sooo many but I’m going to say Daphne Du Maurier Jamaica Inn. The worst thing is when I discovered and loved Daphne I bought a whole bunch and I actually have this one sat on my shelf mocking me.

A book that you recently added to your TBR?

Following reading Daisy Jones & The Six the rest of Taylor Jenkins Reid back catalogue has quite quickly been added to my ever expanding TBR.

A book that is on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover?

I am swayed by a gorgeous cover but I don’t think I could say I’ve added one to my TBR based solely on the cover. (Sorry if that’s a cop out)

A book on your TBR that you never plan on actually reading?

This isn’t necessarily that I wouldn’t ever read them. Sometimes over the years I added books based on my reading during that time and later on those type of books never appealed to me again. If that makes sense.

An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for?

This is so easy to answer One By One By Ruth Ware she can literally do no wrong in my book and her last one I flew through and Our Story by the fantastic Miranda Dickinson yet again another go to author of mine.

A book on your TBR that basically everyone has read except you?

There’s a few Me Before You which I’m hoping to listen to via the library. The hate U Give which seeing as I’m literally almost done with On The Come Up seems apt and Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. I have a copy from my time at the charity shop another book mocking me from my shelf.

A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you?

Literally all of the above oh and actually finishing the I Heart series.

A book on your TBR that you’re just dying to read?

My Darkest Vanessa I purchased a gorgeous edition from Waterstones which seems like months back and I still haven’t started it. I will get a few hardbacks read before work resumes oh and the newest Jodi Picoult another of my go to faves.

I’m not going to go through tagging but I challenge anyone who wants to take part in this fab tag.

Life has been pretty crazy recently and thankfully books, blogging and now running is taking my mind away, and challenging me both mentally and physically and I honestly think that’s been amazing for my sanity.

I’m one chapter left of On The Come Up and I definitely think it’s important for us to broaden our minds with different authors. Not only in race but in genre and in expanding our mindsets. So please feel free to send me over some more recommendations?

Book Review: Five Go Absolutely Nowhere By Bruno Vincent

Blurb: Ah! This is the dream!’ says Julian one morning. ‘With good old British common sense and community spirit like this, there’s no reason that we couldn’t exist on the island like this for the rest of our days!’

What could possibly go wrong . . .?

Anne has gathered Julian, Dick, George and, of course, Timmy, together for a last nostalgic jaunt in the countryside together before grown-up responsibilities take the four cousins off in different directions. It’s only natural that they find their way onto Kirrin Island for a look around, as this might be the last time they’re here together as a group. 

They are planning just to spend the night there and come home the next day, perhaps with a little exploring in the dungeon for old time’s sake. But that night they hear the country has gone into lockdown. They are not allowed to leave.
With their usual resourcefulness, they are determined to make the best of it, and remain cheerful and healthy. As Anne keeps saying: They’re lucky, really, to have all this countryside and fresh air at their disposal!

Review: I have said this before and no doubt I will say it again. Enid Blyton was one of my childhood favourites, even though I’ve managed to miss a few of her books which I’m rectifying as an adult. I don’t remember how I first stumbled upon one of Bruno Vincent’s parody short stories featuring the Famous Five. Although when I was working at the charity shop from time to time these beauties were given in and I would often purchase them and recommend naturally if I had already had it.

Five Go Absolutely Nowhere could have passed me by but in looking online I was chuffed to see one of these gorgeous stories available during this crazy time. It’s the first one I have read digitally although I will want a hard copy to join my collection. Before this one the last one I remember getting was gifted for me as it was released on my birthday and that was Five Forget Mother’s Day. I’ve reviewed a few already and I have a bunch awaiting my attention. I’m hoping to start squeezing in a lot more short reads alongside my general reading.

My thoughts on Five Forget Mothers Day. And my thoughts on Five Go Parenting.

Back to Five Go Absolutely Nowhere – what I really loved was half of their concerns during lockdown is just how we are although with their added wit. I also loved that the Secret Seven were also involved in this story even though their involvement was chaos but it added to the fun and really did make me think back to the Enid Blyton of my childhood. I’m also blown away as they sound how they did all those years ago but with modern life – it’s heartwarming to have these characters in my adult life too.

I’m so grateful that Bruno Vincent has created topical short stories using these fictional beauties. I’ve realised I’ve got more than I’ve actually read so watch this space for more Famous Five chitchat from me. Julian just has to be my fave he’s pretty clueless although he really does try…

Cover Reveal: The Eliza Doll by Tracey Scott – Townsend @Wildpressed @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

Happy Hump Day….it’s set to be a scorcher today so I’m up early to go for my run. Today I’m pleased to share with you a cover reveal thanks to Kelly @lovebooksgroup.

So before I go any further let’s tell you a bit about The Eliza Doll.

Blurb: Ellie can’t work out whether she’s running away from the past or towards a future she always felt she should have had. She left university and had baby after baby without even meaning to. But it was her third child she blamed for ruining her life.

Now her children have grown and Ellie is on her own. She shocks everybody by selling her home and moving into a converted van to travel the country selling handmade dolls at craft fairs.

It can be lonely on the road. Ellie has two companions: her dog, Jack, and the mysterious
Eliza who turns up in the most unexpected places. At every encounter with Eliza, Ellie feels as if she’s standing again in the aching cold of a waterfall in Iceland, the sound of crashing water filling her with dread.

Ellie can’t change the past. But is it really too late to rectify the bad thing she did when Eliza was a baby?

Author bio: Tracey-Scott-Townsend is the author of six novels — the most recent The Vagabond Mother (January 2020) and Sea Babies (May 2019) — all published by Wild Pressed Books and Inspired Quill Publishing. Reviews often describe her novels as poetic or painterly.

She is also a poet and a visual artist. She has a Fine Art MA and a BA (Hons) Visual Studies. She has exhibited paintings throughout the UK (as Tracey Scott). She has a long career as a workshop facilitator with community groups and in schools.

Tracey is co-director of an up-and-coming small independent publisher, Wild Pressed Books, which has a growing roster of authors and poets.

Mother of four grown-up children, Tracey spends as much time as possible travelling the UK and Europe in a camper van with her husband and two dogs, writing and editing while on the road.

And now for the cover you’ve been waiting for…

It sure is an interesting cover and thank you once again to Kelly for including me in this cover reveal. If you want to purchase this beauty you can do so Here.

Have a good day and the rest of the week. If you have a burning question for me or would like to see anything specific here at Hayley Reviews do get in touch.