Bone-chilling Thrillers to Send Shivers Down Your Spine
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 6, 2024
As winter’s cold winds howl outside, there’s no better time to cozy up inside with a few bone-chilling thrillers that send shivers down your spine. Hidden Gems ARC readers were able to fully immerse themselves into a variety of highly rated thrillers over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well-reviewed page-turners. The Art of Killing by C.R. Clarke In Gloucester’s provincial streets, a wave of media fascination surrounds the anonymous graffiti artist known as Tick-Tock for two years. However, the once-intriguing art takes a dark turn, each piece growing more perverse and contentious. DI Gutteridge is the lone detective who sees a disturbing pattern, hinting at a sinister force on the horizon. As the art transforms, a looming storm of shocking events threatens the city’s reputation. The clock is ticking, and only time will reveal the chilling truth. “The book… Read More >
What can writers learn by studying Kathy Reichs?
By: Ginger | Posted on January 19, 2024
When we think of authors whose work is a masterclass in blending riveting storytelling with expert knowledge, Kathy Reichs immediately comes to mind. Known for her best-selling crime novels which inspired the hit TV series “Bones”, Reichs’ journey from a forensic anthropologist to a literary sensation is nothing short of remarkable. In today’s blog, Ginger will delve into the unique elements that make Reichs’ work stand out. From her adept use of forensic science, to her complex plot, relatable characters and diverse settings, Reichs crafts enthralling tales that leave readers wanting more. By drawing on our own life experiences, we can also master these techniques, creating relatable and realistic stories that resonate within our chosen genres. Last month, I wrote a post entitled: “What can writers learn from reading Freida McFadden?” and immediately received a couple of requests to write a similar post about an author whose inspirational fingerprints can definitely… Read More >
Crafting Relatability through Imperfect Heroes
By: Ginger | Posted on January 5, 2024
The heart of any memorable story lies not in perfection, but in the imperfect layers of its flawed heroes and heroines. Imperfections and vulnerabilities in our heroes can transform them from mere characters on a page to living, breathing entities that resonate deeply with readers. The flaws of a protagonists help connect us, making their triumphs and struggles our triumphs and struggles. Today, Ginger explores a variety of ways that we can bring complexity and imperfection to our main characters, while still allowing readers to root for them. Whether it’s the moral ambiguity of Hamlet or the enduring resilience of Jane Eyre, Ginger takes us through examples that demonstrate how a flawed character can captivate readers, allowing our imperfect heroes to not only leap off the page, but leave a lasting impression long after the story is done. Superman may be the most powerful member of the Justice League, but… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jo de-Lancey
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 11, 2022
Today’s interview is with debut fantasy author Jo de-Lancey. She shared with us her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Jo’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JD: I write swashbuckling fantasy, littered with morally grey characters. With my books, I want to take my readers on an adventure to new and different lands, surrounded by characters they love (or hate) and feel for. I have strong female characters who don’t conform to the usual tropes, as well as male characters who I’m not afraid to show as kind and sensitive. I’m very character-driven and I have run the Myers-Briggs test on my main characters. My writing style is bold, vivid and sensory. Readers will be able to smell, touch and hear… Read More >
5 Top Rated Books on Faith and Spirituality
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 29, 2021
The Faith/Spirituality category covers a wide range of topics. We all have unique beliefs and inspirations, so we’ve rounded up a variety of books on faith and spirituality that were highly rated by Hidden Gems ARC reviewers. Take a look and see if your next eye-opening read is on this list. 7 Attitudes of the Helping Heart by John Christopher Frame 7 Attitudes of the Helping Heart: How to Live Out Your Faith and Care for the Poor is an eye-opening journey that will help you move into the joy of loving others more. If you like on-the-ground wisdom, empowering approaches to serving God, and practical advice, then you’ll love John Christopher Frame’s inspirational book. A.J. Wind writes in their 5-star review, “Dr Frame offers sincerity, humility and a range of universal spiritual tools and skills to help guide the exercise and practice for our spiritual selves. This is… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: K. L. Bryce / Kayley Wood
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on July 14, 2020
Today’s Author Spotlight Interview is with K.L. Bryce, the author of Mean Crush, the first in the Unbroken series. Even though this is her first book under that penname, it made an immediate impact and has already left readers hungry for more – plus, you can find more of Kayley’s writing under her other penname, Kayley Wood. HG: Firstly, WHO ARE YOU? Or more accurately – how would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? KLB: I’m a big goofball, really. I love to laugh and to make others laugh. I’m laid back and more of a peacemaker who avoids drama if I can help it, which is pretty funny since I write romance. I love my friends and the amazing woman in my life who have helped shaped who I’ve become. I was very lucky to have a close relationship with my grandmother…a beautiful,… Read More >
