An October apple crop opposite a friend’s house.

TV and films

Wheel of Time Season 2***** Amazon Prime.I hope they continue for the originally planned 8 seasons since I can’t see how they could finish the story in the currently committed three. So far from the books that I’m getting confused but it’s still splendid. The locations and costumes are superb and the story, though confusing at times, is intriguing. Sometimes when you know the book that isn’t the case, but here they’ve tweaked just enough to retain interest in what happens next.

Amazing Railway Adventures with Nick Knowles: Romania***** Ch 5. The presenter brings a really personal touch to his travel stories and visits some iconic places. I particularly liked this episode with Dracula’s castle, but all the series is worth watching.

The Tape ***** YouTube. We rewatched this delightful romance set in Cornwall. The director and the lead actors are friends which is why we watched it initially but it was really good.

Books

Highly recommended

Disrupted Engagement by Nicky James (V&D)***** I think this series just gets better and better. The character development is superb, and the cases that accompany the romance are nicely complex and always solved. However, I understand from her newsletter that the next volume will not have any police work in it which is a shame, even though I love the characters and will be interested in their wedding planning.

Equinox by Eli Easton and RJ Scott**** Another mystery for the sheriff and the man he is beginning to care for, this time involving wolves. Great follow-up to Solstice.

The Village Healer’s Book of Cures by Jennifer Sherman Roberts***** Excellent historical with paranormal elements and an unexpected (m/f) romance. Based around Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder.

Lightning Strike Blues by Gayleen Froese ***** Refreshing take on superhero theme. Hints of a happy ending for Gabe though there is no in-book romance. This was an ARC and I have reviewed it in more detail elsewhere.

Recommended

I followed Twist in the Tale on RJ Scott’s website, which had various authors writing short stories on the Halloween theme. I didn’t read them all – I tend to back away from horror, and from stories set in series I’m not familiar with, but enjoyed those I did read. There’s something for everyone but I think she’s taking the series down at the end of November so hurry! I must recommend: Heart-shaped Box by Suki Fleet.**** The story is exciting. It references and uses minor characters from Foxes but you don’t need to have read that.

Home Improvement by Tara Lain**** Basically just a nice romance but mixed with rock star problems of fame which made it interesting.

Morning Report by Sue Brown.**** A nice mix of angst and romance for ranchers Luke and Simon. Sue’s stories are mostly UK based so a ‘western’ series is a new treat. Hunted Mate by Sue Brown**** An excellent first book in what promises to be an interesting series, providing safety for shifters on Sapphire Ranch which, whilst set in America and on a ranch is not particularly ‘western’. The focus in on the shifters who are in danger and their human mates.  I intend to follow the series.

Alec by Kaje Harper**** This is an exciting romance/thriller in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series by various authors. I might try some of the others. The Rebuilding Year by Kaje Harper**** Why did I think I’d already read this? Great story with a lot of excitement though I could have done without the fire which is a personal trigger and not a criticism.

The Long Game by Ellie Thomas**** Beautifully written mm romance set in eighteenth century Britain, featuring  a Black protagonist and his extended family. Also A Marriage for Three by Ellie Thomas **** I bet Georgette Heyer would like to have written this! A regency romance with a difference. This was another ARC and a very welcome one.

Tinker’s Apprentice by Jordan Castillo Price **** Quirky novella with some unusual mechanical magic and strange ‘counterparts’ (soulmates?) called auxiliars.

Can’t fool me by Fiona Glass **** Fun short story which is a sequel to Ghosts Galore. Just right for Halloween. Free to download at https://www.prolificworks.com/author/fiona-glass

Out of the Shadows by Jamie Lynn Miller**** Nice story about a cop and an actor abused by his ex. The story explored the reasons people sometimes stay with abusers.