BBNYA 2025 Semi-Finalist Spotlight: Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One by Samantha Jo

October 14, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Today on the blog, I’m helping the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) spotlight all the books that made it to the semi-finals! There were so many incredible books entered this year, so it’s my pleasure to feature the ones that may not have made it to the finals, but were still worthy of note!

But what is BBNYA, exactly? The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Our spotlight for today is shining on a fantasy romance that sounds epic: Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One by Samantha Jo!

Title: Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One
Author: Samantha Jo
Publication date: August 17th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Age group: Adult
Length: 314 pages

Book Links

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bbnya spotlight

BBNYA 2025 Semi-Finalist Spotlight: Worth It by Amy Nielsen

October 13, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Today on the blog, I’m helping the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) spotlight all the books that made it to the semi-finals! When I tell you that the competition is fierce this year, just know I’m not lying! There were so many of my excerpts that I added to my TBR before the finalist were even announced because I knew I wanted to read them whether they made it or not! The books in this competition get better and better every year, so just know that even though these books didn’t make it to the finals doesn’t mean they aren’t incredible!

But what is BBNYA, exactly? The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

Our first spotlight is shining on a contemporary fiction that tackle some big issues: Worth It by Amy Nielsen!

Title: Worth It
Author: Amy Nielsen
Publication date: May 24th, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age group: Young Adult
Length: 350 pages

Book Links

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blog tour · book reviews

BBNYA 2024 Winner: Clues to You by Claire Huston

September 5, 2025 kerrimcbooknerd1 Comment

Hello, reader!

Our finalists for 2024’s Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award are on tour and I’m joining in! Today, I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on the book that took home the prize in 2024, a romance with the backdrop of a murder mystery called Clues to You by Claire Huston!

But, before I go on, let me tell you more about this award. BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with, typically, 15 finalists (though we had 16 in 2024) and one overall winner. If you are an author and wish to learn more about the BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website http://www.bbnya.com or Twitter @bbnya_official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

And, now, let’s talk about the book!

Title: Clues to You
Author: Claire Huston
Publisher: Goldencrest Books International
Publication date: September 19th, 2023
Length: 373 pages
Genre: Romance/Mystery
Age group: Adult

Book Links

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One murder mystery weekend. Two rival sleuths.

They’re looking for answers. But will they find love?

Kate Brannon is delighted to be attending her first murder mystery weekend in a movie-worthy Victorian manor house. Still getting over being dumped, cracking the case would be a welcome boost to her flagging confidence. And the prize money wouldn’t hurt either.

But Kate’s dreams of victory become a nightmare with the arrival of Max Ravenscroft. Smart, enigmatic and annoyingly handsome, Max is Kate’s sleuthing nemesis.

When she and Max are forced to work together, Kate despairs. But, as the investigation brings them closer, she finds being his partner in solving crime isn’t all bad.

With growing suspicions that the game is rigged against them, can Kate and Max beat the odds to find the killer? And, as their partnership deepens, can they find romance too?

A sweet romantic comedy with a cosy mystery at its heart. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Freeman, Laura Jane Williams and Katie Fforde.

This rivals-to-lovers romance is a standalone romcom and part of the Love in the Comptons collection.

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blog tour · book reviews

BBNYA 2024 Finalist Tour: A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe

August 19, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Our finalists for 2024’s Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award are on tour and I’m joining in! Today, I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on our 2nd place finalist, a short fantasy that has a lot of heart and a geriatric necromancer called A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe!

And, now, let’s talk about the book!

Title: A Necromancer Called Gam Gam
Author: Adam Holcombe
Publisher: Self-published
Publication date: May 30th, 2023
Length: 110 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: Adult

Book Links

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Goodreads

A grandmotherly necromancer seeking resolution for her past with the help of her loyal entourage: an undead cat and a spectral knight.

A girl on the run from the Eternal Empire for the mysterious power she possesses.

When a chance encounter pulls them together, Gam Gam will do what it takes to protect Mina from the rogue sergeant hounding her–including raising the dead. As long as they’re dressed for the occasion.

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blog tour · book reviews

BBNYA 2024 Finalist Tour: Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt

July 23, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Our finalists for 2024’s Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award are on tour and I’m joining in! Today, I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on our 4th place finalist, a middle grade horror that feels like an enchanted folktale called Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt!

And, now, let’s talk about the book!

Title: Bad Grains
Author: Susanne Schmidt
Publisher: Self-published
Publication date: October 1st, 2024
Length: 167 pages
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
Age group: Middle Grade

Book Links

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Goodreads

In the quaint German town of Fels, Halloween takes a dark turn for eleven-year-old Jo when her annoying older brother, Hektor, goes missing. Jo suspects he’s playing a prank, but then both her father and grandma forget Hektor’s name, and his stuff mysteriously disappears from his room.

With the adults of no help whatsoever, Jo starts her own investigation and uncovers a gruesome legend: A monster lives in the rye fields and it has been preying on the children of Fels for centuries, ensnaring them into its world under the roots. Now Jo will have two days until the gates between worlds closes on Halloween night.

Armed with a trusty turnip lantern, and her brother’s obnoxious best friend as her only ally, can Jo outsmart the ancient monster, or will the rye fields claim even more innocent victims?

Join Jo an experience a spine-chilling adventure that combines the darkness of German folklore with the magic of spooky season.

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blog tour · book reviews

BBNYA 2024 Finalist Tour: Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan

July 12, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Our finalists for 2024’s Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award are on tour and I’m joining in! Today, I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on our 5th place finalist, a twisty fantasy filled magic and intrigue called Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan!

And, now, let’s talk about the book!

Title: Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys
Author: Benjamin Ryan
Publisher: Conquest Publishing
Publication date: August 1st, 2023
Length: 290 pages
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Age group: Young Adult

Book Links

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Goodreads

Deep in the heart of Virginia’s dense backwoods, the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys hides more than just troubled youth. Under Madame Eldridge’s watchful eye, three strict rules govern their behavior

1. What happens here stays here.

2. You must complete all eight steps—no exceptions allowed.

3. Forget your name; you’ll be known only by your problem.

But, there’s one unspoken rule that sends shivers down the boys’ never enter the forbidden third-floor bedroom of the boy who vanished, leaving nothing behind but whispers.

When Vandalize and Stealer defy this warning, they uncover a treasure trove of bewitched artifacts, each with a strange and powerful ability. Using these relics, the boys tackle Madame Eldridge’s whimsical—and often bizarre—challenges, only to learn magic always demands its price.

Amidst the chaos, Fibbsy stumbles upon a peculiar object that sends him hurtling back in time, revealing an unfathomable truth about Madame Eldridge, the eerie town, and the missing boy’s fate. But who will trust the words of a liar?

Bound by the house’s darkest mysteries, Fibbsy, Defiance, Slob, and Secret form an unlikely friendship as they race to unveil the shrouded secrets surrounding the Wayward Home. Together, they confront their deepest fears, uncovering that the real magic lies in facing their own personal demons—and each other.

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blog tour · book spotlight

Blog Tour Spotlight: Silverbirds by Rocky Magaña

June 30, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Today on the blog, I’m joining the The Write Reads blog tour for Silverbirds by Rocky Magaña ! This is a lyrical tale about war, family, and loss told in a way that feels unique. Though this book wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, I can see how it could resonate with a wide variety of readers.

Before I jump into my spotlight, I want to thank Dave @ The Write Reads and all the lovely people behind the scenes for allowing me to participate! It is, as always, very much appreciated.

Alright, now let’s get to it!

Title: Silverbirds
Author: Rocky Magaña
Publication date: January 29th, 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction/Speculative Fiction/Dystopian Fiction
Length: 356 pages
Age group: Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: War, death, animal death, violence

Book Links

Bookshop::Amazon::Storygraph::
Goodreads

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blog tour · book reviews

BBNYA 2024 Finalist Tour: Glunda the Veg Witch by Keith W. Dickinson

June 11, 2025July 12, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Our finalists for 2024’s Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award are on tour and I’m joining in! Today, I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on our 7th place finalist, a fun and funny witchy fantasy called Glunda the Veg Witch by Keith W. Dickinson!

And, now, let’s talk about Glunda the Veg Witch!

Title: Glunda the Veg Witch
Author: Keith W. Dickinson
Publisher: Hammersmyth Press
Publication date: October 31st, 2023
Length: 149 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: New Adult

Book Links

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Goodreads

“A witch’s boots told the story of her life. They showed you where she’d been, where she was going, and what kind of a witch she would be when she got there. And, most importantly, they were proof that said witch was not someone to be trifled with. She was to be listened to, and obeyed, and yes sometimes even feared, because her wisdom was hard earned and her wrath swift and mighty. They would have to be, for her to have lived in such boots for so many a year. No one trusted a witch in brand new boots, and rightly so as far as Glunda was concerned.”

Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they’re not willing to give it up without a fight.

With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?

A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.

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blog tour · book reviews

Blog Tour: Eerie Exhibits by Victoria Williamson

April 22, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

Today is my stop on the a blog tour run by The Write Reads! The book I’ll be reviewing today is one filled with tales meant to sent a shiver down your spine: Eerie Exhibits by Victoria Williamson. This collection of short stories is perfect for a night in front of the fire when you’re in the mood for something a little spooky.

But, before I give you my full thoughts on the book, I have people to thank. First, thank you to Dave @ The Write Reads and all of the crew for giving me a spot on this tour! Second, thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book so that I could participate in this tour. It is, as always, appreciated!

Alright, now let’s get to the post!

Title: Eerie Exhibits
Author: Victoria Williamson
Publisher: Silver Thistle Press
Publication date: March 6th, 2025
Length: 221 pages
Genre: Supernatural Fiction
Age group: Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: Loss of a child, death, miscarriage, emotional abuse

Book Links

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Five unnerving tales of the weird and uncanny from award-winning author Victoria Williamson.

A room full of screaming butterflies.

An unsettling smile on the face of a carved sarcophagus.

A painting that draws its viewer into the disturbing past.

A stuffed bear that growls in the dead of night.

And a shell that whispers more sinister sounds than the sigh of the sea…

Dare you cross the threshold of the old Museum and view its eerie exhibits?

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book reviews

Book Review: A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

April 1, 2025 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Title: A Drop of Corruption
Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #2
Publisher: Del Rey
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Age Group: Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: Violence, murder, body horror, blood, colonization, gore, animal death
Book Links: Bookshop::B&N::Amazon::Goodreads

The brilliant detective Ana Dolabra may have finally met her match in the gripping sequel to The Tainted Cup—from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.

In the canton of Yarrowdale, at the very edge of the Empire’s reach, an impossible crime has occurred. A Treasury officer has disappeared into thin air—abducted from his quarters while the door and windows remained locked from the inside, in a building whose entrances and exits are all under constant guard.

To solve the case, the Empire calls on its most brilliant and mercurial investigator, the great Ana Dolabra. At her side, as always, is her bemused assistant Dinios Kol.

Before long, Ana’s discovered that they’re not investigating a disappearance, but a murder—and that the killing was just the first chess move by an adversary who seems to be able to pass through warded doors like a ghost, and who can predict every one of Ana’s moves as though they can see the future.

Worse still, the killer seems to be targeting the high-security compound known as the Shroud. Here, the Empire’s greatest minds dissect fallen Titans to harness the volatile magic found in their blood. Should it fall, the destruction would be terrible indeed—and the Empire itself will grind to a halt, robbed of the magic that allows its wheels of power to turn.

Din has seen Ana solve impossible cases before. But this time, with the stakes higher than ever and Ana seemingly a step behind their adversary at every turn, he fears that his superior has finally met an enemy she can’t defeat.

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