A New Review for The Shadowed Valley.

I'm delighted with this new review for my novel 'The Shadowed Valley.'
http://liliumhigh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/shadowed-valley-by-yi-lee-book-review.html

My Review: Things aren't always what they seem in this adventure filled Christian story by Yvonne Lee. The story first starts you off in Australia with a man named Jack getting a startling letter. Then you're off to London where you're thrusted into the a world of darkness. There you meet a young girl named Celia, who awakens in a horrible unknown land. She finds out she must embark on a journey to the Kingdom of Light where she will awaken and all her worries will be gone. Thankfully Celia is not fully alone on her journey as she has her trusty steed, Sunrise and then is later joined by a young man.All three must face the Dark Valley to reach the Kingdom of Light and salvation. Things aren't that easy as there are those who do not want them to succeed. There are two major villains in this book, Lord Noskard and a necromancer. Celia must battle them both in order to reach her destination.

At first I had no idea that this was a Christian/ religious book. Yvonne Lee gradually incorporates it into the story and towards the end you are fully aware of the religious undertones. I normally wouldn't read a religious book as I, myself, am not very religious at all. Even though it would be classified as a Christian book there is enough adventure, twists, and depth to make it so much more.Sure there were times where I thought, things can't really be that easy, but if you are a person of faith I suppose they are.

Overall this was a great book about faith, perseverance, and trust. Its a great read for kids and adults alike and I think you'll enjoy it, even if you aren't religious.

My Review for Miralli Ferrell's novel. 'Other Daughter'

My five star review for 'Other Daughter' by Miralli Ferrell.

It’s Susanne Carson’s birthday and she’s waiting for her husband David to get home from work and take her for a celebratory meal. The doorbell rings, and Susanne opens it to find a young girl standing there clutching a battered suitcase, and claiming to be her husband’s daughter.

Other Daughter is not the sort of book I would normally read. But it came well recommended, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. This is a Christian book, but it is certainly not preachy! It is well written, honest and at times gritty and certainly challenging. As I read, I found myself wondering how I would react in such a situation. If the product of my husband’s one night stand appeared on my doorstep.  Very much like Susanne I think. Even as a Christian, I would find the situation very hard to cope with.

Having had a difficult childhood, I could relate to young Brianna. I could feel her unhappiness and insecurity, her need to be loved and accepted.

I could also see things from Susanne’s perspective. First the shock of her husband David’s infidelity; and then trying to cope with her own emotions. The insecurity and anger, engendered by the situation she found herself in.

The characters in the book were totally believable, I felt drawn to each one, especially Susanne’s daughter Megan. I loved the way she accepted Brianna and cared about her. As did Grandfather and Susanne’s mother Clair.

As for Brianna’s uncle, what a nasty piece of work he is! He drops the child off at Susann’s house and drives off without so much as a by-your- leave!

 

Other Daughter is a brill book with lots of twists and turns. There’s excitement and heart tugging emotion. I loved the honesty in this book.

It’s the sort of story that remains with you long after you’ve read it.

If this is Miralee Ferrell’s debut novel, then I can’t wait for the next book.

Early Oct for publication of Through a Glass

It won't be long now. I estimate early Oct for publication.

Prologue

The narrow tunnel appeared to have no end. Irene kept her head low to avoid contact with the roof.  In the thick darkness she could hardly see Stagman crawling ahead of her. The desire to panic was overwhelming. She hated heights, but closed in spaces truly terrified her.

The sharp stones and gravel on the tunnel floor bit into their hands and knees, making progress torturously slow.

Stagman groaned with frustration as he tried to secure the small torch between his teeth. The steel casing felt unpleasant in his mouth, putting his teeth on edge.  But without its fragile light, they would be in total darkness…not an option either of them would welcome.

“Are you okay?” Irene asked.

With a mouthful of torch, Stagman could only grunt a reply.

Irene crawled along behind him, desperately praying they would soon escape the claustrophobic darkness and emerge into the light. As she struggled on, she remembered the fateful day she finished the painting—the painting which had ushered her into this amazing but frightening world.

My review for Draykon by Charlotte E English

This was a good book. I really enjoyed it!

Fascinating, September 1, 2012

By Yvonne Lee (United Kingdom)

This review is from: Draykon (Draykon Series) (Kindle Edition)

At first when I started to read this, I found it a bit confusing, and couldn't figure out what was happening. Also I struggled with the many strange names.
However, the further I got into the book the more I enjoyed it.
Llandry, the main character in the story, makes jewellery. In a cave she finds a beautiful gem called istore. She has no idea it's more than a gem...or that there would be such terrible consequences, when people started to buy the items she made with it.
I loved the characters in this book, especially another main character, Eva. She is strong, whereas Llandry is shy and easily panicked. I also liked two of the male characters. Brave Tren who tried so hard to look after Eva. And then there's the dishy Devary. Each character in the book is unique and I found myself interested in each one, which is a testament to the author's excellent writing skill, as there are a lot of them.
I loved all the different animals as well.
The twist with Llandry at the end of the book really took me by surprise, as did the abrupt way the story ended...a real cliff hanger. I hope there's a sequel! I would love to think Llandry and Davary get together.
In some ways the story reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows, Primeval. In the book, gates to different worlds begin to open, allowing strange and sometimes dangerous creatures to come through. In primeval there's a similar situation, but they are called anomalies.
Once you get into it, Draykon is an exciting read. If like me, you enjoy a good fantasy. Then you'll like this, it's brill!

My new cover and Introduction for Through a Glass.

 

This is the introduction and cover for my book 

 

 

This little story is true, and is the inspiration for my book 'Through a Glass' due to be published in a couple of months. It's a fantasy/ adventure, to be enjoyed by those who are twelve or twenty.

 

The way things happen sometimes is truly miraculous. Being a Christian I don’t believe in

coincidences.  

When my family and I moved next door to an elderly lady called Emily, little did I know the profound effect she would have on my life.

If you will bear with me…I would like to share my inspiration for this novel.

Emily suffered with arthritis and badly swollen legs. She was in a lot of pain and pretty much house bound. Overtime, as we got to know her and became friends, I would do her shopping and a little bit of house cleaning.

In her tiny front room on a deep windowsill, she had a lot of ornaments, which I would wash for her. Among them was a pretty glass horse. It was coated with something that changed colour according to the weather. Emily always reminded me not to wash it, as she feared the coating would come off.

Being mad about horses I was naturally attracted to this small ornament. Emily, aware I liked it, would smile and say. ‘Who knows, one day it could be yours.’ Although she warned me not to bank on it, as she knew her estranged family might not honour her wishes.

A year or so later, I returned from shopping and found Emily had suffered a massive stroke. She was rushed into hospital, and sadly passed away a few days later. As predicted her family took everything. The small cottage was stripped bare. However, amazingly, left all alone on the windowsill was the little glass horse.

I rushed into the cottage and retrieved it. Tears streamed down my face, as I thanked God, and my friend Emily for the gift of the little horse. It really was a miracle, as I know Emily had no contact with her family before she passed away.

Now when I hold the glass horse I think of Emily, and the miraculous way God enabled me to receive what she wanted me to have.

The little glass horse became the inspiration for this novel, which I dedicate to Emily with gratitude and affection.

 

 

 

A lovely surprise comment about my book The Shadowed Valley.

It was a real surprise when I saw this. How nice, that someone took the time to make an encouraging comment about my book. Writing can be hard and lonely, so it's nice when people take time to comment, particularly when like this, it's so positive. :)

We authors need reviews and comments. It's like food, it stirs our artistic juices and keeps us going. I really wish more people would take the time to do it. It need only be around twenty words, so not much to ask. I always review every book I read. Unless I hate it, in which case I say nothing, but that is a rare scenario. I can always find something I've enjoyed about a book. I always try to concentrate on what I liked, and what was good about a book. I would never say anything totally cruel and negative about a writers work. After all, lets face, it's only my opinion and how valid is that?

So I encourage every reader and author, please, take the time to write a few words about the books you've read and are reading. It means so much to an author! 

 

 

 

Calvin Allcoatposted toVonnee Lee

Saturday near Tías, Canarias

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Hi there just wanted to let u know I have been reading ur book "The shadow Valley" totally enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone! Once stared I couldn't put it down... Thanking God for your gift of writing! Every blessing :)

My review for Relative Deceit by Karen Aminadra.

Intriguing, August 14, 2012

By

Yvonne Lee

This review is from: Relative Deceit (Kindle Edition)

I enjoy a good mystery and this book `Relative Deceit' is certainly good. It held my attention from beginning to end. I love Miss Marple and Downtown Abbey, so it's no surprise I enjoyed this too.
The story is based around an upper class family, the Bancroft's.
Sir George Bancroft, his wife and three children find themselves suddenly bankrupt. Their situation is desperate...enter their saviour, distant cousin Gregory Rogers. He seems to have all the answers to their problems. But is he all he appears to be?
I quickly found myself immersed in the life of each character, especially Jane, Sir George's young daughter, a vulnerable and sweet girl. This is a fast paced story, with plenty of murders, villainy and deceit. I worried for Jane's safety...the sign of a good book.
The story is cleverly crafted, and kept me guessing right up to the end, and what an ending. It was perfect!
I also love the title and cover of the book, it's what attracted me to get it, and I'm glad I did.
If you like an exciting mystery, then you'll love `Relative Deceit.' I hope there will be more books from this author and soon.