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Book Review - The Butchers' Blessing by Ruth Gilligan

11/19/2020

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** Disclosure**
​Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
The Butchers' Blessing Official Blurb

Set in the gothic wilds of Ireland, The Butchers’ Blessing is a haunting and unforgettable thriller brimming with secrecy, tradition, and superstition.

Every year, Úna prepares for her father to leave her. He will wave goodbye early one morning, then disappear with seven other men to traverse the Irish countryside. Together, these men form the Butchers, a group that roams from farm to farm, enacting ancient methods of cattle slaughter. 

The Butchers’ Blessing moves between the events of 1996 and the present, offering a simmering glimpse into the modern tensions that surround these eight fabled men. For Úna, being a Butcher’s daughter means a life of tangled ambition and incredible loneliness. For her mother, Grá, it’s a life of faith and longing, of performing a promise that she may or may not be able to keep. For nonbeliever Fionn, the Butchers represent a dated and complicated reality, though for his son, Davey, they represent an entirely new world—and potentially new love. For photographer Ronan, the Butchers are ideal subjects: representatives of an older, more folkloric Ireland whose survival is now being tested. As he moves through the countryside, Ronan captures this world image by image—a lake, a cottage, and his most striking photo: a man, hung upside down in a pose of unspeakable violence.

Thrilling, dark, and richly atmospheric, The Butchers’ Blessing is an engrossing incantation—mesmerizing in both language and story—conjuring a family and a country on the edge of irrevocable change.

Basic Info 

Standalone or series?
Standalone

Category
They call it a psychological thriller - I'm not sure where I would put it - it is definitely not thrilling.

How did I get this book?
The Amazon Vine Program offered it to me.

Why did I choose to read this book:  The blurb sounded great! I love a bit of folklore mixed in with my mystery and thrillers, and with it being set in Ireland I hoped for great things.

And Now To The Review!

First Impressions:
The books starts close to current day events with a photography exhibition setting up. This leads back to what you think is going to be the history and hopefully solving of the "murder" victim that was photographed. Not a gripping beginning but the setup is reasonable.

General Review
Firstly, let me start by saying ANY book like this will always be better if at least a little of it is tinted with some sort of actual history or myth, even connected in the slightest way.  I did find the whole idea of the "Butchers" quite intriguing, until I reached out to Irish Author Susan Harris, who could find nothing about this being anything other than fiction. That in itself shouldn't be an issue, but it was for me. I think if the synopsis had made it clear that EVERYTHING in it was fiction, including the folklore, it would have set better expectations. 

The jumping between now and 1996 was a little bizarre, just in the construct. The author refers to the modern day interruptions as interludes, which they are quite clearly not, and honestly, expect for the one at the beginning and the end, the middle ones could have been omitted entirely without any effect on the story. 

This book just didn't work for me. I did want to know the "who did it" part, and I do like to try and get there before the author announces it. In this case I wish I hadn't bothered. 

Final Thoughts
I just don't know who this book would appeal too, or who the marketing team thinks would actually enjoy this.  I literally cannot think of a single person I could recommend it to. From my knowledge of the Irish, they wouldn't like that it is all made up, especially as they have enough legends and myths surrounding rural places as it is.  People from England, like myself, would remember the Mad Cow Disease scare, and being reminded of it did nothing to edge the story in my favor. Now living in America, I can't see American's relating to it. There are too many colloquialisms that unless familiar with the ideas, especially from before the 1990s, would make it very unrelatable. Then finally you have the mystery, which was enough to catch my attention in the synopsis but is just not handled well and has a very unsatisfactory ending. 

Rating
A generous 1 1/2 stars that I will round to a 2 for Amazon rating purposes. Most of that is for the idea of The Butchers themselves, that, even though it is fiction, was a well-developed notion.

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New Vlog - My Top 10 Must Watch Christmas Movies 2020!

11/18/2020

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Click the picture below to see my latest vlog - and let me know if your favorites made the list!  You can watch ONE of MY #1 picks for FREE with Amazon Prime (check the link below).

Plus if you are on Twitter - I would LOVE a Retweet! See if we can catch some Network attention!

https://twitter.com/MelaniesMuses/status/1329115326882205699
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***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or  Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate  program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
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When The Wind Chimes By Mary Ting - Release Day Review & Giveaway!

11/17/2020

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Blurb About The Book

SOMETIMES ANGELS COME IN HUMAN FORM.
Kaitlyn Summers is heartbroken.
When she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with her family on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, she feels it may be the perfect medicine.
She throws herself into helping her sister’s struggling art gallery, even taking a temporary job for extra money by looking after a little girl from her nephew’s school. She also begins to paint again, something she’s been unable to do since her breakup. It’s tempting to stay on Kauai, but she has obligations back in Los Angeles.
Life gets more complicated when circumstances keep putting her close to Leonardo Medici. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, he’s a local celebrity. But Kaitlyn can’t shake the feeling he’s hiding something.
Should she believe the rumors that he’s romancing half the island’s single women?
Or is the random sound of wind chimes when he’s close-by a sign that an angel is near and the secret to her happily ever after?
Buy now on Amazon or Read For Free with your Kindle Unlimited Membership. Not a member? Try it free for 30 days!

Any Links To Buy Or Subscribe On Amazon in this page are Amazon Affiliate Links
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do)
Review

Mary Ting is a new to me author.  I have seen various books from her floating around but this is the first one I have sat down to read. If you like a little cozy little Christmas romance, then this is probably a good fit for you.  Followers of my reviews will know that I do love a little Hallmark style romance, even more so in the holidays, and this fits nicely into that category.  Sweet and complete, no cliffhangers to torture you, and the general happy ever after that you would expect, the journey flows nicely with the protagonist being a little stronger that some others I have read, which is definitely a plus for me.  For those familiar with the two different Hallmark Christmas variations, this fits more into the "Movies and Mysteries Miracles of Christmas" vibe rather than the general "Countdown To Christmas". For those that aren't familiar, watch for my upcoming 10 must watch Christmas Movies 2020 vlog premiering later this week!


A solid 4 star read for me, and a bargain for those with Kindle Unlimited!

via GIPHY

GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away a $10 Amazon card provided by author Mary Ting!

For your chance to win - leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - telling me if you like Hallmark Christmas Romances!

The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments.    Liking or Disliking Hallmark Christmas Romances doesn't change your chance of winning. Winner is random - literally picked out of a hat! You are playing for a gift card so you can BUY whatever kind of book you like!

Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday November 22nd AND posted on this post on Monday November 23rd   Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 



Rules

  • Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
  • This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
  • Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
  • Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
  • Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
  • Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday November 22nd AND posted on this post on Monday November 23rd. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
    ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
  • Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.
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The Language Difference! English Vs Irish Vs American - With Author Susan Harris

11/11/2020

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Click the picture to see my latest Vlog!
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Queen of Ruins Special Goodreads Event!

11/10/2020

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The cover reveal for Queen of the Ruins (The High Crown Chronicles book 2) is this Friday. Author Jodi Gallegos is going to offer a sneak peak on Goodreads 11/12/20 at 5:00pm MST PLUS she will be there to answer any questions you might have!

​  Click the picture below and RSVP to the event!
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 Once there be sure to click the RSVP - YES!  Not read book 1 yet? Grab your copy at the bottom of the page!  PLUS You can pre-order book 2 NOW!

Be sure to invite ALL Your Friends! 

OK Who else is going? Let's Have A Muser Invasion! 
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***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or  Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate  program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
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Sucker Punch - (First Fangs Club Book 3) by Kristen Painter - Release Day PLUS Giveaway!

11/6/2020

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Sucker Punch is now available! If you missed my review you can see it by clicking HERE! If you haven't grabberd your copy the details are listed below PLUS Scroll down for a giveaway!
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Any Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article areAmazon Affiliate Links
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Blurb About The Book 

Newly appointed vampire governor of New Jersey, Belladonna Barrone is fast discovering that life as a vampire isn’t much easier than life as a mobster’s wife. But that experience certainly taught her some things about how to handle the problems that come with being governor. That is until a friend is kidnapped by the fae and his life put in danger, all because of her actions.


Get Book 3 Now! Not started reading yet - grab them all at the links below! Book 1 is on sale for just $2.99
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GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away a Book Lovers Swag Pack (Pictured Above).

For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - telling me if you have started The First Fangs club series!

The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments.    Having started the series does not improve your chances of winning - but will improve your mood!

Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday November 15th AND posted on this post on Monday November 16th.   Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 


Rules

  • Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
  • This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
  • Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
  • Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
  • Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
  • Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday November 15th AND posted on this post on Monday November 16th. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
    ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
  • Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.
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31 Days Of Horror Movies Vlog - PLUS GIVEAWAY!

11/3/2020

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Click the picture to see my latest Vlog
PLUS Check the bottom of this page for details about a special Melanie's Muses Giveaway!
 ​
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GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away an AMAZING PRIZE PACK - and the winner will get to choose from lots of options including a Funko Prize, A Supernatural Prize, A Book Lovers Prize, & MORE!!! 

For your chance to win Here are things you can do to earn up to 3 entries!

1. Leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE - it can be anything - You can even do options 2 and 3 and leave a comment here saying you have done them!

2. Give the YouTube Video a like (click the thumbs up) and leave a Comment ON THE YouTube Video answering the question there!  Be sure to leave your YouTube username in the comment here so I know which is you!

3. Share the YouTube video in any public place. Twitter, Facebook, I don't care!  Make sure your share is PUBLIC so that everyone can see it - and then let me know ON THIS POST where to find it! 

The winner will be picked randomly in a hat draw during the live November 15th!.  

Winner will be announced during the Live show on November 15th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 16th.  Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 

Rules & Disclaimers & All That Stuff!

  • You MUST have posted on THIS original website post to be included in the draw. Bonus entries will give you extra tickets in the hat!
  • This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
  • Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
  • Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
  • Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
  • Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday November 15th 2020 AND posted on this post on Monday November 16th. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
    ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
  • Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.
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Sucker Punch - A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (First Fangs Club Book 3) by Kristen Painter - ARC Review

11/2/2020

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Blurb About The Book

Newly appointed vampire governor of New Jersey, Belladonna Barrone is fast discovering that life as a vampire isn’t much easier than life as a mobster’s wife. But that experience certainly taught her some things about how to handle the problems that come with being governor. That is until a friend is kidnapped by the fae and his life put in danger, all because of her actions.



Pre-Order Book 3 Now - Releasing November 6th! Not started reading yet - grab the first 2 at the links below!
​​
Any Links To Buy On Amazon in this page may be Amazon Affiliate Links
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do)
ARC Review

For those of you that are new, or might have missed previous installments - this is part of a #PWF series - ​(#PWF - Paranormal Women's Fiction is not actually something I had heard of before this series.  To be honest, anything with the words "Women's Fiction" in the description would normally have me running in the other direction, but this series is fab - so don’t let that dissuade you).

Fans of the site will know that I LOVE Kristen Painter books and this one was no different.  This particular heroine definitely resonates with me well for a start because she's about my age, but she asks the questions I would be asking.  She thinks a lot how I would think, says a lot of things that I would say - often out loud and not always at the most appropriate times, oh and she loves cake.  Did I mention she loves cake? (Yes vampire - but yes STILL CAKE!) 

If you haven't started this series yet this is not a jumping in point. Unlike with some of Kristen's other works this is a series that needs to be read from the beginning, which really isn't a hardship.  Book 1 has a lot of world building info in it, which is not unusual for the start of a completely different series, but I have to say I can't believe HOW MUCH MORE ACTION Kristen packs in to books 2 and 3 .... especially 3. 

Book 3 picks up literally where Book 2 ended - which I was pretty grateful for because you know - CLIFFHANGER! I love that you get the information along with Donna so you can try and figure it out. I say try .... because if anyone foresees not one, but TWO crazy jaw dropping moments I might have to think you're not really telling the truth. 

So if you like vampires, (and I mean really who doesn't), you are looking for a series rather than a standalone, and you want some really amazing story telling. Pick this up! If you haven't started the series - you really should get on that! An easy 5 stars from me - but warning about a jaw dropping last page - but inside sources (Kristen) assure me there will be a book 4! Until then you can commiserate with me lol.  Also these books come with a snack warning – which means I suggest you have snacks on hand before starting.  A bit like me with the Great British Baking show!
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