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Crow Moon by Suzie Aspley#Extract #Giveaway #AMarthaStrangewaysInvestigationBook1

  I am delighted to introduce the first in a new series by debut writer, Suzie Aspley . The atmospheric thriller, Crow Moon was published by Orenda on March 14th. Today I have an extract for you to read and the chance to win a print copy of Crow Moon . Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post. When the crow moon rises, the darkness is unleashed… Martha Strangeways is struggling to find purpose in her life, after giving up her career as an investigative reporter when her young twins died in a house fire. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, her life changes when she stumbles across the body of a missing teenager – a tragedy that turns even more sinister when a poem about crows is discovered inked onto his back... When another teenager goes missing in the remote landscape, Martha is drawn into the investigation, teaming up with DI Derek Summers, as malevolent rumours begin to spread and paranoia grows. As darkness descends on the village of Strathbran, it soon becomes

The Library by Bella Osborne #Review

 

Today we have a treat for all book lovers. One g;ance at the cover and you will be hooked! Bella Osborne's The Library was published by Aria on September 2nd.


Two lonely bookworms. An unexpected friendship. A library that needs their help

'A touching story of a friendship between a troubled teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library. A delight!' – Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde

Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life. After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library.

Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved novels for ten years – at least, that's what she tells herself.

When they meet, they recognise something in each other that will change both their lives for ever.

Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books – it's the heart of their community.

They are determined to save it – because some things are worth fighting for.

Reviews 

'Such a heart-warming and thought-provoking novel! A touching tale of true friendship, overcoming adversity and the genuine joy books can bring to our lives' – Jill Mansell

'A touching tale that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face' – Hazel Prior

'A story that was deeply moving, and ultimately uplifting... Definitely recommended – it was one of my best reads this year' – Janet Gover

'Heart-rending and inspiring in equal measures. A wonderful story. I adored it!' – Celia Anderson

'Beautifully and sensitively written, the characterisation is superb' – Sue Moorcroft

'Absolutely LOVED IT! It's Bella's best book yet! A glorious heartfelt novel' – Christie Barlow

'The Library is a beautifully uplifting story full of wit, warmth and tender moments, with community at its heart and characters you truly care about' – Cressida McLaughlin

'I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended!' – Talli Roland

'A truly special book, brimming with charm, heartwrenching moments and inspiring characters. The Library is one of those feel-good books that is sure to delight readers' – Carmel Harrington, author of The Moon Over Kilmore Quay

My Thoughts

I loved the juxtaposition of the two central characters in this novel. One a teenager, the other elderly, you realise that stereotypes are not going to wash with these two. They are brought together in the fight to keep the local library open but you soon realise that they both have much in common, including loneliness and an interest in what's going on in the world. It is an endearing and touching tale as you discover more and more about their past. 

    The descriptions of life on Maggie's farm add colour and humour to the story of her life there. You certainly sense the affection that the library holds in the village life and there is a message loud and clear, that it fulfils an essential service to the community. Anyone who loves reading will have smiled at Tom's surreptitious reading of the often looked down on romance genre. How foolish such ideas are. With such a mixture of sadness and fun, you can be confident you will enjoy this immensely. 

In short: Inter-generational friendship

About the Author


Bella Osborne
has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. In 2016, her debut novel, It Started At Sunset Cottage, was shortlisted for the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year and RNA Joan Hessayon New Writers Award. Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She likes to find the humour in the darker moments of life and weaves these into her stories. Bella believes that writing your own story really is the best fun ever, closely followed by talking, eating chocolate, drinking fizz and planning holidays. She lives in the Midlands, UK with her lovely husband and wonderful daughter, who thankfully, both accept her as she is (with mad morning hair and a penchant for skipping).

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com follow her on Twitter - @osborne_bella or Facebook
 
Aria links: Website  |  Twitter   |  Fiction   |  Instagram
 
Head of Zeus: Instagram  ||  Twitter |  Website  |  Facebook
 
Book links: Amazon UK   |  Waterstones
 
Thanks to Bella Osborne, Aria and Head of Zeus for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

                                                       Follow the rest of the tour!
 

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