Title: Eliza Bluebell
Author: A.J. York
Genre: Children’s Fantasy
Publication Date: December 1, 2014
About the Book:
In the picture postcard village of Blossom Brook, Eliza Bluebell arrives changing the lives of the locals forever. With the help of her playful shadow, Eliza transforms an empty shop on the High Street into the heart and soul of the village. Find out how and read this fantastical story about friendship, butterflies and fairy cakes.
My Review:
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
I had read Delilah Dusticle & Delilah Dusticle’s Transylvanian Adventure and thought they were good children’s books so when A.J. York offered me a copy of Eliza Bluebell to review, I was happy to do so.
Eliza is a refreshing character. She comes into town and opens a tea room and she seems to know what everyone needs whether it’s a cup of tea or a job. She is so sweet that she ends up changing the lives of everyone in the small town of Blossom Brook.
Eliza Bluebell is a cute story that has wonderful descriptions and is just quirky enough that children will enjoy reading it.
Excerpt
Eliza Bluebell became best friends with her shadow at a very young age. Having spent her life travelling from place to place, she never stayed anywhere long enough to make friends. As soon as she found someone she liked, Eliza would suddenly find herself on an adventure to somewhere new. She wasn’t able to take friends with her on her travels. But her shadow would go with her wherever she went.
When they were small they would play hide and seek. Her shadow was very good at hiding. She could slip down cracks in the floorboard or merge with another shadow in the room. When on quests to find sweets, Eliza would send her shadow ahead to see if there was anyone coming. Fortunately, only Eliza could see her shadow doing these things. Her shadow was invisible to other people – unless of course, her shadow was doing what normal shadows do.
Eliza spent her youth moving from home to home and from family to family. She grew up to be a magical girl and, with the help of her shadow, she could do wondrous things. As soon as she was old enough, they set out into the world looking for her real family.
They would visit big cities and small hamlets, staying long enough to make things better for those whose paths they crossed. They would watch over each other on their many journeys. Like best friends, they were inseparable and together they were a team. Really, they were one and the same. And so, it was the village of Blossom Brook that was to become home for Eliza Bluebell and her shadow. But just for a while.
About the Author
From Goodreads: About me? Well, I am the author of The Delilah Dusticle Adventures, a middle grade fantasy series. I grew up in the UK, but was born in Gothenburg, Sweden. My childhood influences were a mix of Pippi Longstocking and The Flumps.
Things I like? Swedish cinnamon buns, yoga, tea, salt liquorice, sleeping on boats, compassion and other people’s creativity. Things I do not like? Okra. The vegetable is also known as ladies fingers, which makes them even less appetising to me. Blah!
I have always enjoyed making up characters and their life stories, therefore I jumped at the chance to study theatre at the University of Brighton. I later trained as a drama teacher and I have a Master’s degree from Goldsmiths University of London. I have gone back to my roots and I now live in Gothenburg. People have told me they love reading my stories and I hope you have fun reading them too!
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