GoodRead - Mistress of the Storm

This is my last review of 2011. Which a weird thing to type. I fear now that I will have to write my New Year's Eve message (might need tissues while I write it, I fear...)

Anyway, Mistress of the Storm. I came across this book via Just Imagine. Randomly, in July, I walked in and got myself a copy of The Knife of Never Letting Go (and I still haven't read that! 2012! I will try!!!) and I discovered that Melanie Welsh was doing a writing group that Monday. I decided to go and, kindly, was given a copy for free. On the Monday, Melanie chatted about how she wrote Mistress of the Storm and she's lovely. I grabbed a second copy and gave it away in a contest! And I said I would read this on my holiday in Portugal with the Person I'm With (the PIW). But yet... I didn't. Fastforward several months and, after reading Fated by Sarah Alderson (next week, children. Next week...), I finally went "If I don't read this now, I never will!".

When Verity Gallant walks into Wellow's library and discover a man reading a red leather book, crying, she had no idea about the events that would unfold. That the man would give the red leather book and a strange wooden ball. That The Storm would come to dock in the little harbour town. That Verity's Grandmother (who she didn't even know existed!) come to stay. That Verity will slowly discover her family history that her father has been desperate to hide. That Verity will discover the tale of the Mistress of the Storm...

This is a little outside of my "YA" comfort-zone (this is, to me, an book within the "8 to 12 years old" bracket) and there's something nice to read something that isn't so teen-driven.

It was a wonderful read. There was something old-fashioned about it and it's nice to read about a soon-to-be-teenager, Verity, who feels out of place with the world. I think everyone feels like that when you're going through those wonderful "Teen Years".

Am trying to write this review without going into "gushy" zone, which is VERY HARD (been trying to write this on and off for the past few hours!)! I just loved this book. I found it enchanting with tales of witches, smuggling, how children see parents and vica-versa. The only fault I can think of is the term "muttered/mumbled quietly" was used quite a bit, but it's a small detail so I will forgive the author.

I just fell in love with this book. I want the sequel, Heart of Stone, as soon as possible!

Mistress Of The Storm Contest!

On Monday of this week, I went to my local indie bookshop, Just Imagine (remember, keep your local independent bookshops alive) as a last minute rush for their Writers Circle. With special guest of Melanie Welsh, aka M. L. Welsh, whose debut novel "Mistress Of The Storm" has recently been published in paperback.

With a small group of us, Melanie chatted about what inspired her to write Mistress of the Storm, advice on writing and editing (made a ton of mental notes on that!) and the top 3 pieces of advice that she wished someone had told her before she got her book published. It was a fun evening and I really enjoyed myself so I have to thank Just Imagine for setting it up (and telling me at the last minute of Saturday!) and for Melanie who had spent the day visiting schools!

Now, for those of you who don't know anything about the book (I must admit I didn't know this book existed till I was told about it. Is going to be a summer holiday read for me...), here is the details:

Verity Gallant knows she'll never be as pretty and popular as Poppy, her perfect little sister. Somehow, she doesn't quite fit in. Then a mysterious stranger hands her an ancient red book, and everything changes. As Verity becomes embroiled in a tale of dark magic and intrigue, she uncovers old family rivalries and discovers new friends. Together she, Henry and Martha explore the secrets that are stirring in the ancient harbour town of Wellow. But what will it take to stop a powerful witch hell-bent on revenge?
Taken From Just Imagine's website

Now, how would you like it if you had a signed copy of this book? Well, you can! Courtesy of our pals of Just Imagine, Melanie has kindly signed a copy of her début novel which I am giving away to you!

If you want to enter in for the chance of winning, just fill in the form below. You have until Wednesday 20th July at 8pm BST to enter and I can, due to lack of funds, only send this to UK-based addresses. GOOD LUCK!!!