All The Twos Reading Challenge

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

I’ve set myself a challenge for 2022 to read as many book twos as I can. I often start a series and never get to the next book so I have plenty of choice. Join in with the hashtag #AllTheTwos

Check out the link at the end to get a free printable to track you books read!

I’m planning to publish book two this year. Enjoying amazing book twos is sure to keep me motivated to publish mine.

Here are ten, 2nd in the series, books I’m looking forward to reading in 2022:

Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning

You can read my review of book one, Sea Witch, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-sea-witch-by-sarah-henning/

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

You can read my review of book one, Red Queen, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-red-queen/

Holiday Date by Debbie Ioanna

You can read my review of book one, Blind Date, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-blind-date-by-debbie/

Kairos by Naomi Kelly

You can read my review of book one, Meraki, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-meraki-by-naomi-kelly/

Essentia by Hannah Reed

You can read my review of book one, Tenebrasco, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-tenebrasco-by-hannah-reed/

Awaken by K.S Marsden

You can read my review of book one, Winter Trials, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-winter-trials-by-k-s-marsden/

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

You can read my review of this authors debut novel, Cinderella is Dead, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-cinderella-is-dead/

A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J Mass

You can read my review of book one, A Court of Thorns and Roses, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/

Dance of Despair by Kara S Weaver

You can read my review of book one, Crown of Conspiracy, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-crown-of-conspiracy-by-kara-s-weaver/

The Almost Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin

You can read my review of book one, The Practice Boyfriend, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-the-practice-boyfriend-by-christina-benjamin/

Bright New Penny by Grace Herbst

You can read my review of book one, Brave New Girl, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-brave-new-girl-by-grace-herbst/

Wiccan Romance: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron

You can read my review of book one, Wiccan Romance: Amelia’s Story, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-amelias-story-by-nicola-hebron/

Forever Frozen by Trinity Lemm

I am currently reading book one, Forever Burn, but hopefully should have a review very soon!

FREE Book Tracker

I created this freebie for my followers on Ko-Fi. It’s free to follow me there and in return you will updates on my writing, be able to buy exclusive merchandise, and access to my Freebies.

Link to product in Redfae’s Ko-Fi Shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/31eb6ec8bf

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this, you will like:

https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/books/sky-heart/

Reflecting on my 2021 reads…

This post contains some affiliate links. To learn more visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

My Goodreads Reading Goal was to read 10 Books this year. I set it low because I’m often juggling reading and writing, and I’m lucky to read one book a month. This felt like a realistic goal. I’m please to confirm I read 16 books.

I managed to read 15 books. My reading increased over the summer when I took part in World Indie Warriors book bingo challenge.

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

This is a summer YA Romance with a fake boyfriend plot. It has all the feels, following your dreams, and brings to life the feeling of sticky watermelons. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Dear Diary by Kevia Dauphiney

This laugh out loud book about motherhood is writing in an easy to read diary entry format. It’s like chatting with your BFF. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook ARC

Blind Date by Debbie Ioanna

This is an entertaining Rom-Com about disastrous first dates, and a very loveable cat.

Version: eBook

Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

A futuristic dystopian romance with aliens and fated lovers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

The Spine of Winter by Angeline Trevena

A futuristic dystopian set in a world of eternal winter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback (won)

Meraki by Naomi Kelly

Blurb for Meraki by Naomi Kelly

A fantasy romance where a warlord captures a siren to use as a weapon, but things get heated. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst

A Contemporary YA about confronting your past and taking responsibility for your actions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Tenebrasco by Hannah Reed

A Contemporary Fantasy Romance where a mer-Princess is stranded on an island and has to hide her true self as there is a war between humans and merfolk. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Seal Mother by Rose English

A beautiful retelling of the Selkie myth in rhyme for children. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

The Rookery by Deborah Hewitt

A contemporary fantasy with magic, portals, and soul birds. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook ARC

A Heart of Salt & Silver by Elexis Bell

Told from the perspective of a Demi-demon makes this a fascinating high fantasy romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Red Blood: Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

A super powered YA Fantasy about a rebel being captured and forced to fight to the death in the arena. But, there are greater dangers beyond the arena. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Seducing the Substantial Meal by Florian Green

An erotic satire making fun of silly lockdown rules pubs had to follow and a good helping of food related sexual innuendos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook (gift)

Winter Trials by K S Marsden

A YA Low Fantasy MM Romance about a teen boy learning about witchcraft. He needs to learn fast as the cursed new boy needs his help. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

A dystopian fantasy WW Romance about a patriarchy evolved from the Cinderella fairytale. One girl will not go to the ball, she will escape the curse and break the spell. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Hardback (preorder & exclusive pin)

Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten

Blurb for Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten

A fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden with Greek mythology, and a world cursed with an eternal summer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

[Kofi]

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Holiday Reading

Here are the books we are reading over the winter holidays.

This post does contain affiliate links. To learn more about these please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

This book was gifted to me by my cousin. My personal goal is to read it in December, but it’s a big book and I’m a slow reader.

The book is really special as it has art work every couple of pages.

This book makes me fantasy about a life where I could read all day. It’s the sort of book you are sad to put down. It reminds me of interview of a vampire, except it’s the vampire interviewing a vampire Hunter to record his tales before ultimately dying (I’m guessing the end).

Snuggled on the sofa with my book ?

Julia & the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I saw how incredible this book looked on Instagram, and decided to buy it for my son’s Christmas Eve box. I like to give them PJs and a new book the night before Christmas so they are excited to go to bed. ?

The book is extra special as it is signed by the author. The book’s edges are decorated with crows, and their is art work and velum pages inside.

The first chapter was sad as the child’s mother has died. However, my son was fascinated about the idea of someone living in a lighthouse and is excited to get to the “shark” bit. I actually don’t know if there is any sharks in the story but we’ll read & find out.

Roald Dahl Collection

As a child I loved Roald Dahl. My son borrowed George’s Marvellous Medicine from schools for we were really enjoying it, but ran out of tile before it had to be swapped.

So, I bought this set for him for Christmas so we could relive mummy’s childhood reading together. This pack of six cost £14.99 from Scholastic.

Christmas Day he started The Twits and read three chapters together. He enjoyed it so much that he’s continued reading more on his own. This is great, as books are competing with computer games, and he is a gamer.

The Girl & The Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes

I chose this book because my daughter has red hair and is into dinosaurs at the moment.

The story is about a little girl that digs up dinosaur bones at the beach. The beach looks a lot like Felixstowe – awesome. She then wishes that the dinosaur would come to life. Then, with magic, the dinosaur comes to life and they go on an adventure.

I love stories about imagination. I think imagination is underrated but without it many cool things would never have been created.

Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival

This was a gift from my family to my daughter. My son already has Perfectly Norman. It’s part of Big Bright Feelings series.

The story is about a little girl (with red hair) that feels her world has turned upside down and doesn’t want to play with the other children. She then stops trying at everything. Then she watches a upside down ladybug right itself, and it inspires her to start trying again. Finally she is confident enough to try playing with the other children.

It was a nice read with a good message . My daughter is crazy confident but I was a very shy little girl. This book would have been amazing for me, and if my daughter ever loses her confidence, it’s nice we have this book on her shelf.

Book Token

Getting a book token is an incredible gift.

National Book Token: My kids were fortunate enough to get a book token for Christmas so we are planning an outing to a local bookshop so they can choose their own book. Book Tokens can also be spent online at Bookshop.org.

Amazon Voucher: My online book friends clubbed together and treated me for my birthday. I waited until after Christmas to spend it incase I got books as gifts. Now, I get to spend it. ?

Smashwords: Smashwords sell eBooks that can be read on any device or app, and are saved in the readers library. They have the option to gift eBooks which is a cool option to consider. Just pick the book you want and choose to gift, and the book will be sent to your recipient.

The cold weather is a perfect excuse to curl up with a new book. I hope you are reading something you love, and I’d love to hear what it is.

[kofi]

End the Year with a Book Bargain!

Ocean Heart has 50% Off in the Smashwords End of Year Sale!

Why Smashwords?

Smashwords enables you to read your eBooks on whatever device/app you prefer. This puts you, the reader, in control of your books.

The Smashwords End Of Year Sale

The Sale is a great way to discover new books and authors, and grab a bargain. Go check out what is on offer. You might find a new favourite!

Click here to browse the Smashwords End Of Year Sale!

NaNoWriMo Project

My NaNoWriMo Project

New Moon (working title)

This project is set in the same low fantasy world of The Soul Heart Series. In fact, for readers of Ocean Heart they may recognise the main character, Denny.

This story is a prequel. It’s set in the 90s, back when Denny was a teen herself. It will cover how she became friends with Gwyn, started her Sparkle Cake business, and the highs and lows as a new mum.

Preparation

I feel more prepared now I have created a title, cover, and blurb. Of course these are all just a work in progress, so could change but it helps me feel more focused.

I’ve started writing an outline. I intended for this to be a novella but I already have a sneaky suspicion this could become a full length novel.

I’ve also made a spreadsheet to help me track my word count. If this works successfully, I will look at making a version available to my followers on Ko-Fi.

The Goal

I’m going to aim for the big Five-O (50,000 words). If I don’t make it, I will still have made progress, but if I do, it’d make me so happy.

I’ve been struggling with motivation because Sky Heart is on hold until I can afford the professional services I need to move it forward. I’ve also been bummed out with all the germs (sick kids) ruining September, and fracturing my ankle ruining October.

I really want to get back into the habit of writing again. My ultimate goal for November is this: To write!

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? What’s your project, goal, and how do you prepare?

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this, you will like:

About Ocean Heart

About Sky Heart

About Work In Progress

About Ko-Fi

Book format and buying options…

Buy it!

There are tons of ways to own your very own copy of Ocean Heart. Check out my webpage About Ocean Heart for full details, but here are a few:

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please visit my about Affiliate Links page for more details.

Signed Copy

You can buy a signed copy of Ocean Heart from Ko-Fi, and there are two options:

Personalised & Hand Signed

This is limited to the UK due to postage costs. First, I order the book, sign it, and then send to you. If you’d like a personalised message for you or someone special, I can do this.

This was the method used for the first 20 copies of Ocean Heart bought during my book signing event at Stillwater Books.

Now, you can get a hand signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Personalise & Digitally Signed

This is limited to countries with an Ingram printing facility. I will design a personalised page for you, that will be added to the book when printed. Ingram then will send out directly to you (saving on international postage costs/emissions).

Currently there is only one copy of Ocean Heart like this that I gifted to a TikToker.

Now, you can get a digitally signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Paperback

Bookshop.org

I recently blogged a ton of reasons to shop with Bookshop.org but the main one is to support your local independent bookshop.

Amazon

Amazon encourages shoppers to leave product reviews, helping consumers to make more informed decisions.

If you are not UK/US, try this universal link to find Ocean Heart at your local Zon: http://getbook.at/OceanHeart

eBook

Smashwords

The great thing about Smashwords is you can buy your eBook and choose the format, enabling you to read on whatever device is your favourite. In addition your eBook is saved to your Smashwords library, so you keep it forever.

Amazon

Kindle is one of the most popular eReaders both as a tablet and app.

If Smashwords and Amazon aren’t your thing, you can get Ocean Heart from many other popular eBook stores. Click this link to discover more eBook buying options: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart

[kofi]

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About Ocean Heart

A Little Trip to the Library

Ocean Heart was free on Google Play

Happy MerMay 2021

A little trip to the library…

If you know me, you’ll know I’m very naughty when it comes to returning books. In addition, I lose books! And, my youngest destroys books. Library fines are common.

But, during the pandemic my fines got to a point where they barred my account! ?

I was a bit scared & embarrassed to go into the library to pay my fines. But, as always, the local librarians were lovely. We sorted it out and I can borrow books again.

Ocean Heart never at the library…

When I released Ocean Heart last year, I approached my local library to recommend they stock a copy. And, they did!

It felt too good to be true. So, I searched using Suffolk County Libraries app to check it was really there. It was, but out on loan, with another Suffolk library!

A few weeks later, I checked to see if it was back. It had returned to Felixstowe but was on the Reserved Shelf.

When I paid my fines, I asked what the Reserved Shelf meant. It meant someone had requested it! My book is in demand! And, it had already been collected! ?

I must say I’m relieved. I love my library and would hate them to waste money on an unwanted book. As a new author building my audience, I worried I might be too unknown. I feared nobody would be interested in Ocean Heart. It makes me so happy to see it’s always checked out.

If you want to borrow the paperback, you’ll need to reserve it. It is in their collection, but there’s a queue. ?

For students of Felixstowe Academy, there are a few copies available from their school library.

Ocean Heart on Overdrive App

Overdrive is an eBook app used by libraries. You can search for Ocean Heart and request a copy to read. I don’t think they’ve ordered the eBook yet but all you have to do is ask.

If you love reading eBooks, supporting your library, and supporting authors, get this app and start enjoying a vast range of eBooks for FREE using your library card.

Ocean Heart ISBNs

It’s easy to find my book searching by title or my name, but to be certain you found the right copy, use the ISBN.

Ocean Heart ISBN, paperback 978-1-8382084-0-0, eBook 978-1-8382084-1-7

Paperback or eBook?

There you have it, Ocean Heart is available for you to read for free using your library card. If it’s not currently stocked by your local library, just ask them to order it in.

Buy Ocean Heart

Below are some affiliate links for buying Ocean Heart. You can learn more about these on my Affilate Disclosure Page.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1092737?ref=Redfae

[kofi]

Why you should shop at Bookshop.org

This post will contain affiliate links. You can learn more about these on my Affiliate Disclosure page.

There are tons of good reasons to support bookshop.org which was why I created an affiliate account with them. But, I strongly believe you shouldn’t recommend something you have not tried yourself. So…

What a good excuse to go book shopping!

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

I won some book merchandise in an Instagram giveaway from this author. I then felt compelled to buy the matching book. How could I not?

Ordering was super simple. I searched Bookshop.org, found Joy’s Summer Love Playlist, added it to my basket, and checked out like I would any other online store.

The only extra step was choosing which bookshop to support. Bookshop.org gives the sale to independent bookshops. I choose my local bookshop, Stillwater Books, to support my local high street.

My book arrived in a cardboard book mail envelope – exactly like Amazon would.

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent

Just to be sure that my first buy wasn’t a fluke, I had to buy another book – a great excuse to preorder my all time favourite authors latest release!

@redfae7

#favouriteauthor #newrelease #bookmail #redwolf #yafantasy #yafiction #fairytaleretelling #redridinghood #bookshoporg #bookshop #hardback #unboxing

♬ Wolves #1 – Selena Gomez

Again, my order came packed perfectly. No damage. No issues. And, so incredibly gorgeous.

More reasons to shop with Bookshop.org

Supporting Independent Bookshops

Bookshop.org support local bookstores by creating an easy to use online store to rival Amazon. I’ve nothing against Amazon but I don’t want to see independent bookshops wiped from the high street because they can’t compete with Goliath. Thanks to Bookshop.org the battle field is more even, giving consumers more choice.

Bookstores can earn commission for supporting Bookshop.org. They get 30% if a buyer uses their affiliate link. In addition 10% from sales goes into a kitty that is shared between all bookstores in the program, so they can make money even if they didn’t make a sale!

Bookshop.org will tell customers about upcoming events and book deals at their favourite store, and give the store your email so they can keep in touch to with their newsletter.

Bookshop.org do all the leg work for the sale. Books are distributed by Gardners, and they promise to keep deliveries Carbon Neutral.

Bookshop.org can connect people with their local bookshop. I expect you know where yours is. But, if you’re on holiday in the UK, use their map to find when the nearest independent bookstore is.

They have an awesome affiliate program!

You may have seen my Affiliate links on my site. One of the affiliate programs I’ve joined is Bookshop.org

My own Bookshop

It’s only virtual but to have my own bookshop is a dream come true. Okay, it’s not a real bookshop, it’s an affiliate shop, but I get to pick the books to go on my “shelves” aka lists.

Check out Redfae Bookshop

Book List Recommendations

Not only can you share links to your books, but you can create book lists to recommend a collection of books.

Here’s a Book List I created for my Redfae bookshop.org to showcase indie books. I definitely should be using this feature more!

Anything else…

Bookshop.org accept National Book Tokens. If you got one as a gift, add it to your account and spend it.

Any issues…

Well, the only problems I’ve had are that I can only create affiliate links for the UK Bookshop.org. I’ve applied for a US account too but they’ve not approved me, so, I think it is restricted to my own country.

They also don’t have book reviews or ratings. I like readings reviews as they help me decide if a book is right for me.

I’ve not yet made any money from it but I’m not bothered about that as I see it as a free tool to embed books in my website that is aesthetically pleasing.

These things are very minor and don’t put me off using or recommending Bookshop.org . And, maybe one day in the future they will have those features or it’ll become an income venue for me.

Final thoughts…

You should look at getting a Bookshop.org account if you recommend books for others to read. I love it, the ethics, and how easy it is to use.

If you are thinking of buying a product using an affiliate link, you should because it costs you nothing extra. It just helps out the person making the recommendation, and in this case it also helps independent bookshops.

Also, buy Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge. ?

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this you will like:

About Ocean Heart

How to fund your creativity?

My Process – How to publish a book

Different self publishing platforms

Book Review: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

I don’t think I would have bought this book if I hadn’t won the book merchandise, because I’m not into music. I’m so glad I did because I couldn’t put this back. It was the perfect summer read!

Setting

It’s set in modern times in America. The MC and her family moved to the town for a fresh start following an incident that ruined her brother’s football career.

Characters

Joy is the main character. She always puts her brother’s needs before her own as she feels responsible for what happened. She loves to sing but puts off her own dreams to keep everyone else happy.

Her best friend is the beautiful Lena. And, her other best friend Cale asks her to fake date him, so he can get closer to Lena who he is crushing on. He’s not the only one, as Joy’s brother is into Lena too. But. Lena has her eyes fixed firmly on her incredibly charming neighbour Jin.

Joy lets Jin in on the plan. As they work together to set Lena & Cale up, everything gets complicated.

Review

I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. Piper is an expert at story telling, I felt sticky in watermelon juice, and every heartache.

A fake dating plan rarely delivers the desired results for the parties involved, but this one surprised me as it wasn’t what I initially thought. It was better.

The characters are all well developed with their own motives, needs, and growth. Together they pushed the story towards a very satisfying ending.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Below are some affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page to learn more about these.

[kofi]

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Behind the Book: Out of my League by Sarah Sutton

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Romance Tropes

Collaborating on a New Exciting Project

Elzevera of Willowtree Editing needed some extra help in managing her Mighty Network: Under the Willow

I joined the Mighty Network back in 2019 and Elzevera helped me with self editing, Ocean Heart.

It inspired me to want to create my own Mighty Network and I set this as a goal at the start of 2020.

I have been exploring creating a Mighty Network. It is a social site for creatives. I’m currently a member of a Mighty Network by Willow Editing. I have been Beta Testing a self-editing course by Elzevera of Willow Editing.

I am considering the network as a potential way to share extra bits with my readers. I am also exploring it as a space to share writing resources as many of my followers are fellow writers.

http://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/writing-progress-january 2020/

But, I’d also decided to self publish Ocean Heart, and this was my priority and keeping me very busy. I didn’t have time to build my own Mighty Network. I ended up abandoning the goal to focus on my debut novel.

Early this year, I stepped back from my volunteer role with World Indie Warriors. I created their indie books brochure and eZine. Collecting all the info and publishing four times a year was taking over too much of my free time. When I started a new job, I didn’t have the energy to continue with both. It was hard to let go but I’m still very close with the members and support them however I can.

Now I’ve settled into my new role, I have more energy again. When I saw Elzevera call for help on Instagram, it sounded like a perfect new fresh challenge for me.

I applied to help, and we had a little chat about what she’d need me to do. From October, I shall be Elzevera’s new co-host. I’m excited to take on this new role.

Under the Willow is inline with my original Mighty Network goal. Elzevera’s created her network to empower writers to have the tools they need to self edit their work, and improve their writing craft in a supportive community.

If you want to join a supportive group of writers and improve your craft, please do come join us on Mighty Networks in Under the Willow

[kofi]

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12 Tips for Self Editing

My Process – How to Publish a Book

Different self publishing platforms

Writing Progress – January 2020