Alderslay by Val Portelli #BookReview #QuirkyUnicorn #5*

An old house. A new start. Ancient secrets.

When Gina stumbles across the remote, dilapidated mansion she’s convinced it will make the perfect home for when she and her fiancé Paul settle down together.

At first he supports the venture, but his frequent absences are a cause for concern, especially when the renovations reveal skeletons from the past.

Is local man Steve a prospective business partner or looking for something more?

Why are the normally reticent villagers prepared to accept her as one of their own?

As more uncanny coincidences link Gina to the gruesome history of the house, she must decide where her future lies, and if she is prepared to pay the final price.

A Tale to Blow Your Socks Off!

Well, here’s a nice gentle story which will blow your socks off!

When Gina comes across a former mansion – now a bit ramshackled – on an isolated track, she can see the possibilities it has. With fiance Paul’s agreement, the purchase goes ahead and work begins on the renovations but, as completion draws nearer, his absence becomes more frequent. Then some skeletons turn up and Gina has much on her mind. What exactly is Steve about? Is he a suitable business partner or looking for something more personal. And why does Gina feel that the locals have accepted her so quickly? When Gina’s ancestors are shown to be connected to the house and it’s gruesome past, she has to consider her future – will she stay or will she go?

I already know that Val Portelli can spin a yarn; her weekly short tales on her fb page and lately on her youtube channel has proved that – but this one is something else. I very quickly took to Gina and the addition of Woof the dog just cemented that (I suspect when Val asked me to read and review her forthcoming book she knew I would love the dog!), but there is much more to this story than meets the eye. It is a bobby-dazzler of a read and not one I’m ever going to forget. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a hard time trying to pinpoint a genre for a book I’ve read as this one contains a bit of just about everything – from creepy to romantic, it has it all! I settled on ‘fiction’ so as not to give too much away but, trust me, this is one story you do NOT want to miss! Absolutely outstanding and an ARC which left me speechless as I closed my kindle – not something which happens often! The story is unique; the characters are so expertly crafted that I expect to meet them any day now. The author has excelled herself with her latest novel and far exceeded my expectations which were pretty high to begin with. A full five glowing, sparkling stars is the very least this one deserves along with my very highest recommendation.

My thanks to the author for requesting my review and providing my copy; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

Tags: fiction

• Format: ebook
• Size: 263 pages
• Publisher: Quirky Unicorn
• Publication Date: 03 March 2021
• Book Links:
• https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57208129
• https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alderslay-Val-Portelli-ebook/dp/B08X2XZNF8

Author Details

Val received her first rejection letter aged nine, from a well-known women’s magazine. A delightful, hand-written response from the editor encouraged her to continue writing intermittently until a freak accident left her housebound and going stir crazy.

To save her sanity, and with time of her hands, she completed her first full length novel which was accepted by a publisher. This was followed by a second traditionally published book before she decided to use the experience she had gained to self-publish.

Since those early days she has somehow managed to publish seven books, contributed to various anthologies, started a YouTube channel and written weekly short stories for her Facebook author page and website. They cover various genres, often including her trademark quirky twist, but these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful support provided by fellow authors and book bloggers.

With constantly changing technology and reading tastes, every day presents a fresh challenge, but there is always something new to learn, and inspiration is everywhere.

She is always delighted to receive reviews as they encourage readers, and sales help to pay for the upkeep of the Unicorns she breeds in her spare time.

• Website: http://www.quirkyunicornbooks.wordpress.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValPortelli
• Facebook Author Page: https://author.to/ValPortelli
• Facebook ‘Val’s Tales’: http://www.facebook.com/ValsTales
• YouTube ‘Val’s Tales’: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmbM57q4SzHbOcx3CPbr1Q/
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/wwwgoodreadscomVal_Portelli
• Blog: http://www.Voinks.wordpress.com

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