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Friday, 16 May 2025

Rachel's Random Resources Book Tours: Summer Paths the Seasonal Collection


Rachel's Random Resources
Book Tours

Welcome to my Blog!
Wander through worlds
real and fictional,
meet interesting people,
visit exciting places
and find good books
to enjoy along the way!




About the Book
Summer Paths
This, the fourth and final selection of stories, completes the Seasonal Paths series created by a consortium of best-selling and award-winning North Atlantic writers.

In this anthology you will encounter unintentioned consequences, love in later life, the pull of family dynamics, misguided assumptions and murderous soulmates.

These yarns will take you to new worlds, into a ghostly abyss, across an ocean in pursuit of truth and into the darkness of ancient beliefs.

Make yourself comfortable and surrender to these multi-styled tales, all linked by the theme of summer, within the covers of this book. You will be surprised and entertained by what you find.

Purchase Links 



Author Bios:
Sandra Bunting’s publications include two books of short fiction, two poetry collections, a non-fiction book, besides articles, poems and stories in numerous literary magazines. Sandra is on the editorial board of the Irish-based literary magazine, Crannóg, and worked at NUI Galway where she set up the Academic Writing Centre and taught Creative Writing and TEFL teacher training. Now living in Atlantic Canada, she is a member of The Writers Union of Canada, New Brunswick Writers Federation, Words on Water Miramichi, the Grand Barachois group Women Who Write and the Galway Writers Workshop. 


The youngest of eleven children, Pierre C. Arseneault grew up in the small town of Rogersville, New Brunswick. As a cartoonist, Pierre was published in over a dozen newspapers. As an author, he has six titles published so far: Dark Tales for Dark Nights (2013) Sleepless Nights (2014) Oakwood Island (2016) Poplar Falls – The Death of Charlie Baker (2019) Oakwood Island – The Awakening (2020) Maple Springs (2022) 


Chuck Bowie studied Science at the University of New Brunswick, in Canada. His writing is influenced by the study of Human Nature and how people behave. He loves food, wine, music, and travel, and all play a role in his work. His latest novel is entitled Her Irish Boyfriend, fifth in the international thriller series Donovan: Thief 4 Hire. He has just completed the third novel in a new cozy mystery series: Old Manse Mysteries, set in a small Atlantic Canadian town. Chuck has sat on the Boards of The Writers' Union of Canada and the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick. He is a Fellow of the Kingsbrae International Residency for the Arts, and is an author of note with the Miramichi Literary Trail. 


Steve C. Eston has been a lover of the fantastical and the scientific since he was a young boy. He wrote his first story by hand while still in elementary school a five-page story about a tiger-masked ninja — fighting mystical monsters that included his own illustrations. When not spending time with his family, Steve makes time for his numerous hobbies, which include reading (and hoarding) books, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, making puzzles, and playing hockey and tennis. He also loves to travel and developed an obsession with New Zealand after traveling there in 2015.


Angela Wren is an actor and director at a theatre in Yorkshire, UK. An avid reader, she has always loved stories of any description. She writes the Jacques Forêt crime novels set in France and is a contributing author to the Miss Moonshine anthologies. Her short stories vary between romance, memoir, mystery and historical. Angela has had two one-act plays recorded for local radio. 


Gianetta Murray has worked as a technical writer and librarian on two continents, writing everything from specifications to website, marketing, and newspaper copy. She was a Toastmaster county champion and won a Daniel Phelan writing award for a short story casting Peter Rabbit as St. Augustine. She moved from Silicon Valley to England two decades ago after marrying a Brit, and has stories in multiple anthologies as well as having published a collection of humorous paranormal stories (A Supernatural Shindig) and the first of her Vivien Brandt cozy mystery series, Moved to Murder.


Eden Monroe loves giving voice to the endless parade of interesting characters who introduce themselves in her imagination. In her novels she writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. In her short stories she likes to color outside the lines. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, and a good book. 


Growing up in South Branch, Allan Hudson was encouraged to read from an early age by his mother who was a schoolteacher. He lives in Dieppe, NB, with his wife Gloria. He has enjoyed a lifetime of adventure, travel and uses the many experiences as ideas for his writing. He is an author of action/adventure novels, historical fiction and a short story collection. His short stories – The Ship Breakers & In the Abyss – received Honorable Mention in the New Brunswick Writer s Federation ’ competition. He has stories published on commuterlit.com, The Golden Ratio and his blog - South Branch Scribbler.


Angella Cormier grew up in Saint Antoine, a small town in south east New Brunswick, Canada. This is where her love of reading and writing was born. Her curious nature about everything mysterious and paranormal helped carve the inspiration for her passion of writing horror and mystery stories. She is also a published poet, balancing out her writing to express herself in these two very opposing genres. Previous titles include: Oakwood Island - The Awakening (2020), Oakwood Island (2016), A Maiden s Perception - A collection of ’ thoughts, reflections and poetry (2015) and Dark Tales for Dark Nights (2013, written as Angella Jacob). 



My Thoughts

As with all anthologies containing an eclectic mixture of genres and styles, I found some stories in Summer Paths to be more interesting and appealing than others, purely based on personal preference. The stories are well written and entertaining, well produced and presented.

I was jolted a little by several unfamiliar US/Canadian terms in places - but as a British reader this is to be expected. I think the only instance which did niggle, however, was a (presumably) British woman taking a cruise on a British ship. (Note: this would have been a ship, not a boat as referred to in the story.) The character's narrative used the term 'elevator' but most Brits use 'lift', as this character should have done. Picky I know, but these things do stand out, especially in short stories. The premise and plot, however, was good. Even though this was a short story, and having been on a similar cruise myself, I'd have liked more detail of the ports visited and more of the actual experience of the cruise itself, not just the basic mystery plot. (There's so much more to such a cruise than just ports of call and evening dinner!) Of them all, and despite my comments, I think this was the best story. (It would make a very good full-length cosy-mystery novel!)

I also found most of the stories had predictable and expected endings, a couple even with endings that were somewhat 'flat' - I was a tad disappointed to find that a couple ended where they did, hanging slightly and resulting in a slightly unsatisfactory, almost unfinished finishing point.

That said, these were all entertaining, easy reads, ideal as a companion on a journey perhaps, or where individual quick reads are more suitable. (I read the last, for instance, during a hair appointment.)

Summer Paths  will appeal to readers who especially enjoy anthologies.

(ARC copy provided in exchange for a review)

**** 4 star 




https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/
@rararesources
#RachelsRandomResources


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(and I'm on Twitter @HelenHollick but for marketing only)

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You might also like 
books written by Helen Hollick 

*
The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries
set in the 1970s

*

available from Amazon
https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters

*

The SEA WITCH VOYAGES
nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy


*
THE SAXON SERIES
The story of the events that led to
The Battle of Hastings in 1066

Harold the King (UK edition)
I Am The Chosen King (US edition)
AND
1066 Turned Upside Down

an anthology of 'What If'' tales

*
KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy
 The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend... 

PLUS MORE!
anthologies (which include award-winning authors)
and non-fiction


Find More Information:

*
my monthly ' essay' on an interesting topic
(plus a short newsletter)

*


Thursday, 15 May 2025

The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Tour: Carolyn Hughes - Sister Rosa's Rebellion



Welcome to my Blog!
Wander through worlds
real and fictional,
meet interesting people,
visit exciting places
and find good books
to enjoy along the way!



About the Book

Book Title: Sister Rosa’s Rebellion, The Sixth Meonbridge Chronicle 
Series: The Meonbridge Chronicles
Author: Carolyn Hughes
Publication Date: 4th April 2025
Publisher: Riverdown Books
Pages: 446
Genre: Historical Fiction

How can you rescue what you hold most dear, when to do so you must break your vows?

1363. When Mother Angelica, the old prioress at Northwick Priory, dies, many of the nuns presume Sister Rosa – formerly Johanna de Bohun, of Meonbridge – will take her place. But Sister Evangelina, Angelica’s niece, believes the position is hers by right, and one way or another she will ensure it is.

Rosa stands aside to avoid unseemly conflict, but is devastated when she sees how the new prioress is changing Northwick: from a place of humility and peace to one of indulgence and amusement, if only for the prioress and her favoured few. Rosa is terrified her beloved priory will be brought to ruin under Evangelina’s profligate and rapacious rule, but her vows of obedience make it impossible to rebel.

Meanwhile, in Meonbridge, John atte Wode, the bailiff, is also distraught by the happenings at Northwick. After years of advising the former prioress and Rosa on the management of their estates, Evangelina dismissed him, banning him from visiting Northwick again.

Yet, only months ago, he met Anabella, a young widow who fled to Northwick to escape her in-laws’ demands and threats, but is a reluctant novice nun. The attraction between John and Anabella was immediate and he hoped to encourage her to give up the priory and become his wife. But how can he possibly do that now?

Can John rescue his beloved Anabella from a future he is certain she no longer wants? And can Rosa overcome her scruples, rebel against Evangelina’s hateful regime, and return Northwick to the haven it once was?


Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bWaYM0 

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.


Author Bio:

CAROLYN HUGHES has lived much of her life in Hampshire. With a first degree in Classics and English, she started working life as a computer programmer, then a very new profession. But it was technical authoring that later proved her vocation, word-smithing for many different clients, including banks, an international hotel group and medical instruments manufacturers.

Although she wrote creatively on and off for most of her adult life, it was not until her children flew the nest that writing historical fiction took centre stage. But why historical fiction? Serendipity!

Seeking inspiration for what to write for her Creative Writing Masters, she discovered the handwritten draft, begun in her twenties, of a novel, set in 14th century rural England… Intrigued by the period and setting, she realised that, by writing a novel set in the period, she could learn more about the medieval past and interpret it, which seemed like a thrilling thing to do. A few days later, the first Meonbridge Chronicle, Fortune’s Wheel, was under way.
Seven published books later (with more to come), Carolyn does now think of herself as an Historical Novelist. And she wouldn’t have it any other way…


Author Links:

Website: 
Twitter: 
Facebook: 
Bluesky: 
Book Bub: 
Amazon Author Page: 
Goodreads: 



read an excerpt

Excerpt from the Prologue

‘Yet, as I understand it,’ he said, ‘elections have always gone in favour of the Godeffroy, regardless of the other candidate…’

Eva tilted her head. ‘Some sort of bribery, you mean?’

‘I have always presumed so. And I have also presumed it was the bishop’s man – our cousin 
Nicholas’s predecessors – who arranged it, though I don’t know. But I’m sure Nicholas would help you in that way, if you asked him.’

‘Even if he did, I’m not convinced it would work this time. Rosa’s so very much admired, I’m sure most of the sisters would refuse any inducement to vote against her.’

‘So, what are you going to do about her? Arrange a fatal accident?’ He snorted.

Eva clicked her tongue again. ‘Don’t be such a fool, Edgar. But I do want to stop her standing, or make her seem less suitable than she is.’

‘And you have a plan for doing that?’

‘I do.’

 She told him about the Rosa who first came to Northwick, evidently quite a different girl from the woman she was now. She recalled how the young Rosa – then only seventeen – spent hours of her time upon her knees in the chapel, and at her bedside, pleading constantly for forgiveness.

‘You pried upon her private and piteous entreaties?’ said Edgar, raising his eyebrows.

Eva shrugged, but ignored the question. ‘Did you know she wanted to call herself “Dolorosa”? What a ridiculous, self-indulgent name! “I want to spend my life atoning for my sins!”’––she affected a supposedly girlish voice––‘That’s what she said to the prioress.’

‘You heard her say that?’

‘Well, no. One of the older nuns overheard their conversation in the cloister…’

Edgar guffawed. ‘You holy women! So quick to pry and tittle-tattle…’

Eva scowled but did not respond. ‘Anyway, our aunt persuaded her to choose “Rosa” instead.’

‘So what had made little Rosa so very sorrowful?’

‘From what I heard, she imagined she’d committed some appalling sin, one so heinous she was consumed by remorse and shame. Though what exactly the sin was, I never learned.’ 

He gave a small shrug. ‘Very occasionally in her confession, Rosa has referred to some transgression she committed as a girl, but she has never elaborated––’

‘Ha! I knew it. A guilty secret… Anyway, I’m thinking, if I hint to her that I know of her secret and will expose it if she doesn’t do as I demand, she’ll decide not to stand in the election…’

‘I suppose she might withdraw, but the Sister Rosa I think I know is surely made of sterner stuff.’

He stroked his chin, the stubble of the day rough and rasping against his fingertips. Evangelina might imagine Rosa would succumb readily to her threats, but he was not so sure. Moreover, Rosa would make an excellent prioress, very much in the mould of Aunt Angelica. 

Whilst his sister, well, the same could not be said of her. In fact, he suspected Eva would make a terrible prioress. He was certain she never had a vocation for the religious life, any more than he did, and she was loved by no one in the priory. It did not bode well for her success. However, she was his sister – well his half-sister, but family nonetheless – and it was his duty to support her, even if it was against his better judgement…




Follow the tour:

Twitter Handle: @writingcalliope @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #MedievalFiction #HistoricalFiction #Meonbridge #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: 


(note: Helen might not have read the featured title yet. On my TBR list!)


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scroll down to leave a comment

thank you!

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Follow Helen On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick

Bluesky: @HelenHollick - http://helenhollick.bsky.social/

(and I'm on Twitter @HelenHollick but for marketing only)

*
*

You might also like 
books written by Helen Hollick 


*
The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries
set in the 1970s

*
The SEA WITCH VOYAGES
nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy


*
THE SAXON SERIES
The story of the events that led to
The Battle of Hastings in 1066

Harold the King (UK edition)
I Am The Chosen King (US edition)
AND
1066 Turned Upside Down

an anthology of 'What If'' tales

*
KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy
 The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend... 

PLUS MORE!
anthologies (which include award-winning authors)
and non-fiction


Find More Information:

*
my monthly ' essay' on an interesting topic
(plus a short newsletter)

*