No Good Deed Anthology - Review by Judy Darley

A lovely review of No Good Deed from Judy Darley. Thrilled that she enjoyed my story, A Longing for Clouds:-

A Longing For Clouds by Amanda Huggins is redolent with aromas that weave through the passages, evoking the rich, sensual squalor of heat, from “the pungent scent of overripe mangoes” to “sandalwood on warm skin”. Huggins’ story is a masterclass in engaging the senses, as she evokes scenes vivid with jewel colours, textures and flavours, overlaid with a yearning nostalgia.

“The only sound she could hear was the faint tinkle of the tiny bells on the women’s bracelets and ankle chains. The noise reminded Maggie of the dress she wore to Deepak’s wedding; cerulean blue with bells around the hem. It conjured the warmth of the soft Jaipur dusk; the air heavy with incense and sandalwood attar, the gate adorned with flowers. Bright saris, silk scarves billowing like jewel-bright parachutes. The bride, nervous and pale, beautifully gift-wrapped in red and gold.”

You can read Judy's full review here

Book review: Unprotected by Sophie Jonas-Hill

What the publisher says:

“She's fighting to save everyone else, but will she have anything left to save herself?

Witty, sharp and sarcastic tattoo artist Lydia's life is imploding. Her long-term relationship has broken down after several miscarriages and she's hiding from her hurt and loss in rage. After a big night out she wakes beside a much younger man who brings complications she could really do without.

As her grief about her lost babies and failed relationships spirals out of control, she obsesses about rescuing a wayward teenage girl she watches from her window and gets more involved than she should with her charming but unstable young lover.”


My review:

Unprotected is an unflinching and powerful story of the complexities and frailties of relationships in all their guises, of family secrets, of love, heartbreak and grief, of addiction, loyalty and betrayal. Lydia is a compelling character – mixed-up, messed-up, startlingly honest, filled with anger born of grief, yet still determined to save everyone else.

The story gallops along at a unrelenting pace, keeping you hooked until the end, and even though this is far from an easy read, there is hope as well as darkness.

Jonas-Hill’s style is bold, vivid, sensitive, raw and beautiful, and Unprotected packs a real punch – I can’t wait to read more from her.

Illustration Copyright Sophie Jonas-Hill

You can buy Unprotected HERE