Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley

Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley is due out in hardback and ebook this Thursday 26th February 2015.

To pre-order links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creature-Comforts-Trisha-Ashley-ebook/dp/B00P5U77MY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1424790342

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/creature-comforts/9780008102258

Product Details (as per amazon page)

Fall in back in love with life in this gripping read about fate and second chances.
The eagerly awaited new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author.

Izzy has broken off her engagement to her feckless fiancée Kieran and returned to her childhood home – the sleepy village of Halfhidden.

She soon realizes that life in the village is anything but peaceful – for one thing she’s living with her mad aunt Debo and her pack of dogs, and for another, Izzy has a lot of unanswered questions.

When she was a teenager, Izzy was involved in a terrible accident, involving various inhabitants of Halfhidden. As she sets out to discover what actually happened on the night of the accident, she realizes that her painful past is actually standing in the way of her future happiness. So when a handsome stranger comes to Halfhidden will she let love back into her life?

I’d like to thank netgalley for an ecopy of the novel for an honest review.

Izzy is 16 and loves living in the small rural village of Halfhidden.  On a fateful night the last thing she remembers after waking up from a coma is setting off home from her part-time job in the local pub.  She doesn’t remember the accident that killed one of her friends; and she doesn’t remember how she became the one to blame for the accident.  Fast forward 19 years and Izzy returns home to Halfhidden following a fallout from her fiancée and from working abroad researching for her new online clothes business.  She feels that the time is right to return home where she feels the most happiest with her Aunt Debo and Judy who run the local Desperate Dogs Rescue Centre.  Her two best friends, Lulu and Cam, have also returned to the village to start afresh.  Izzy is excited to launch her own unique clothing business but prior to the launch she wishes to find the truth of the fateful accident years ago.

A newcomer to the village ruffles a few feathers but his brooding good looks and persona soon spark a mutual connection between himself and Izzy.

In between all this the residents of Halfhidden are trying to regenerate the village and increase visitors to boost the local economy.

The village has a wonderful magical, mysterious quality about it.  I love Trisha’s description of the heritage of the village and its earlier occupants.  Trisha’s writing is charming; the landscapes in her stories are detailed and sound idyllic and the characters involved are very likeable and you feel like you want to join in with the village life.  I also like the little references to locations in Trisha’s previous books.  Throw in some loveable animal characters and you’ve got the making of a wonderful, warm, uplifting, fun, beautiful, romantic story.  A gorgeous 4.5/5* read.

To find out more about Trisha Ashley and her books please visit the following links:

http://trishaashley.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TrishaAshleyBooks?fref=ts

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Once and Always by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once and Always by Elizabeth Hoyt writing as Julia Harper is due out in paperback and ebook on Tuesday 24th February 2015. Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of historical romance and also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Julia Harper.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Once-Always-Elizabeth-Hoyt/dp/0349408572/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0J1893Z84T6PZ2T8HFJX

https://www.waterstones.com/book/once-and-always/elizabeth-hoyt/9780349408576

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=9780349408583&keywords=once%20and%20always%20elizabeth%20hoyt&redirect=true

Product Details (as per amazon page)

A brand new present-day romance from bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt. Filled with her signature charm, wit and red-hot romance, fans of Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley and Marie Force will love this!

Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn’t mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that’s all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she’s about to take Sam on the ride of his life.

Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn’t related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumours of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam’s dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest cop in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .

I’d like to thank the publishers for a copy of Once and Always for an honest review.  Firstly, I have to admit this is a new author for me and I wasn’t disappointed.  It was a fun, sexy read with added adventure and romance.

I did get a little lost at the beginning with the introduction of more characters but once the storyline developed I grew to understand and appreciate the complexities of all the characters.

Sam, the sexy cop with a heart, is the sort of character you instantly fall in love with and he becomes a hit as a book boyfriend.  However, events in his past are haunting him.  Maisa has Russian mafia links in her family.  There is an instant mutual attraction between Sam and Maisa.  However, Maisa feels there is no future for them due to her heritage clashing with Sam’s law abiding life.

All hell breaks loose in the sleepy American town when a fierce snow storm engulfes the area along with some unpleasant visitors from big time Russian mobsters.

Join in the fun with Sam and Maisa and the rest of the townsfolk as they cope with the cold from the storm; heat from the passion growing between the characters and drama from the mobsters.

A sexy, fun 4/5* read and a fab new author find for me.

You can connect with the author Elizabeth Hoyt via the following links:

http://www.elizabethhoyt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethHoytBooks?ref=search&sid=1033016156.428653851

Let’s celebrate the individual craftsperson/seller and GIVEAWAY

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Hi I think its great that we’ve got shopping centres now but lets not forget the individual craftsperson and praise their endless hours designing, creating and nurturing wonderful items for us to buy. Social media is a great place to advertise your skill and with this post I’d like to express my gratitude to the following artists for pursuing their dreams in a cut throat world. Adien Crafts (handcrafted jewellery maker specialising in using semi-precious stones) I have purchased from Adien Crafts many times and have received excellent service, beautifully wrapped stunning pieces of jewellery. Diane at Adien is also happy to do commissions and design an item to match a specific outfit of clothing. Here is a picture of a recent new addition to Adien Crafts range of jewellery.

To find out more from Adien Crafts please check out the following links: https://www.facebook.com/adiencrafts?ref=ts&fref=ts http://www.adiencrafts.co.uk Soap-Dodger (handmade bath, beauty and home fragrance products) I have just recently placed my 2nd order with Soap-Dodger ordering items from her home fragrance range. Soap-Dodger make the most gorgeous handmade products using the freshest ingredients possible, no parabens and no animal testing of their products. Here is a picture of one of the lovely new wax melt burners with some of the fragranced wax melts available from them.

To find out more from Soap-Dodger please check out the following links: https://www.facebook.com/SoapDodger.Co.Uk?ref=ts&fref=ts http://soap-dodger.co.uk/index.php Bookbandz (handmade unique elasticated bookmarks) I love bookbandz and have purchased many designs from them. They are a unique gift item for any book lover. A4 bands are also available suitable for larger books and I’ve used my larger bandz for a cookery book. Karen is very happy to seek out specific charms for your requirements and use beads in your favourite colours. I’d like to share a picture of my latest order from Bookbandz which I am looking forward to receiving.

To find out more from Bookbandz please check out the following links: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bookbandz/312514032130230?ref=ts&fref=ts Mother’s Day in the UK is due soon on the 15th March 2015. Why not try out an independent craft seller for your unique gift? To enter my GIVEAWAY with a chance of winning a Bookbandz please comment and share details of independent craft sellers. Let’s all celebrate and promote … I will collate all comments left on this post by 22nd February and randomly draw a winner.

Two Weddings and a Baby by Scarlett Bailey review

This is a follow on from the highly successful Just for Christmas by Scarlett Bailey however, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel but the enjoyment of the story would be enhanced even more if you’ve read Just for Christmas prior to Two Weddings and a Baby.

to buy links

kindle format:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-Weddings-Baby-Scarlett-Bailey-ebook/dp/B00HFAMJS4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423667589&sr=1-1&keywords=two+weddings+and+a+baby

paperback:

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/two-weddings-and-a-baby/9780091953553

Product Details (as per whsmith page)

From reluctant bridesmaid, to accidental mother. Tamsyn Thorne has not been back to her home town of Poldore for five long years. But now her brother, Ruan, is about to get married and she has no excuses left. Her plans to arrive in Cornwall looking chic and successful are dashed when a huge storm turns her from fashion goddess to a drowned rat. Worse, she ends up insulting the local hunky vicar – and then finds a tiny baby abandoned in his churchyard.

This book has been on my tbr list for awhile but as soon as I started the novel it felt like home as I was revisiting the picturesque coastal town of Poldore in Cornwall.  I fell in love with the town and its characters in Just for Christmas but at the start of this novel we are introduced to a new character, Tamsin Thorne.  Tamsin is one of Ruan’s sisters and left the town 5 years ago to pursue a career in fashion design in Paris.  Tamsin vowed never again to return to Poldore but felt obliged following the invite to her brother’s wedding and future sister-in-law’s request to be a bridesmaid. Her arrival to Poldore is greeted with the same old characters whe left behind and she soon starts to feel overwhelmed.  However, bumping into the gorgeous sexy vicar unnerves her.  A terrifying storm ensues and the town is soon engulfed in water and an unexpected find by Tamsin brings out emotions and feelings in her she never expected to happen.

I loved the community spirit Scarlett developed following the tragedy of the storm.  Tamsin’s character at first was all designer outfits, ideas etc but we saw her personality grow.  The tragedy and townsfolk had brought back feelings in her she had hidden away. Her outlook on life also took a change of direction.

This was a lovely, warm, funny, romantic story with believable characters (even the sexy vicar) and the most gorgeous, intelligent dog.  A must have 5/5* read.

I’m now looking forward to visiting Poldore again with the novella Secret Santa by Scarlett Bailey.

Scarlett Bailey also writes novels under her real name Rowen Coleman. To catch up with Scarlett Bailey please visit her via the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scarlett-Bailey/114529108652745?fref=ts

http://rowancoleman.co.uk/

Reasons to Leave and Reasons to Stay by Lisa J Hobman

Reasons to Leave (Reasons 1) and Reasons to Stay (Reasons 2) by Lisa J Hobman are available now to download.

amazon uk link:
Reasons 1 – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reasons-Leave-Lisa-J-Hobman-ebook/dp/B00RY32IX8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1423163580&sr=1-1&keywords=lisa+j+hobman

Product details (as seen on amazon page)
The daughter of a single mother, and abandoned by her father, Stevie thought she had finally found a man she could trust.

Aged eighteen she thought she would be with Jason forever.
Everything between them was perfect until the night of the leaver’s ball when he disappeared without trace.

Ten years on, can Stevie ever learn to trust again enough to give her heart?
Or are the ghosts of her past determined to stop her from ever finding true love?

Reasons 2 – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reasons-Stay-2-Lisa-Hobman-ebook/dp/B00T6TC27A/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1423163580&sr=1-2&keywords=lisa+j+hobman

Product details (as seen on amazon page)
Just when she has learned to trust again Stevie’s life is once more thrust into uncertainty. Left with only the memories of her deeply passionate relationship she tries to piece together what is left of her heart.

Shocking news leaves her reeling once again as she tries to help her first love Jason’s brother, Dillon, to rebuild his life.

Will Stevie’s heart ever be mended? And if so who will be the man worthy of her trust? And will she ever get her happy ever after?

I would like to thank the publishers for a beta copy of these two ebooks in return for an honest review.

I loved how this mini series was split into two novels separating an important part in Stevie and Jason’s journey. Book 1 – Reasons to Stay saw you introduced to Stevie and Jason who were childhood sweethearts and had their whole lives planned out together. However, Stevie’s heart was shattered when Jason suddenly disappeared out of her and his family’s lives. Life carried on for Stevie but her heart remained cracked after this. 10 years later and an unexpected trip to Scotland with her job sees her bumping into Jason. What follows are heart wrenching moments from the pair as flames are ignited amongst feelings of anger and despair. Why did Jason leave? Can they carry on from were they left? Lisa J Hobman definitely takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with this first novel and leaves you gasping for more.

Book 2 carries on with the emotional journey for Stevie and Jason. We learn more about Jason’s reason for leaving and further discoveries from the past are revealed which will alter and question the feelings they have for all concerned.

After completing book 1 and book 2 in the series I can honestly say my emotions have been in turmoil. I felt every high and every low with Stevie and Jason. The author, Lisa J Hobman, knows how to engage her audience. The characters involved in the storyline are written with warmth, humour, compassion, there is angst, turmoil and tragedy. There were heated times of lust and longing and wonderful romantic times of love to melt anyone’s heart. As always Lisa takes you on a journey and shares her love for her beloved Scotland. My heart can now return to a steady beat after this overwhelming, emotional read. A heartwrenching, beautiful 5/5* read for both ebooks in the Reasons mini series.

Whilst I was reading these ebooks a certain phrase Lisa used really touched me which I’d like to share with you:

‘But I think it’s what we do once we realise we’ve made mistakes that counts.’

To find out more from Lisa J Hobman visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LisaJHobmanAuthor?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisa-J-Hobman/e/B00C27D7KY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5?qid=1423165967&sr=1-5

http://www.lisajhobman.co.uk

Just One More Day by Jessica Blair

Just One More Day by Jessica Blair is available from tomorrow, 5th February, as an ebook or hardcover.

amazon uk link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-One-More-Jessica-Blair-ebook/dp/B00LTUCAFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423078701&sr=8-1&keywords=just+one+more+day+jessica+blair

Product Details (as detailed on amazon)
When Britain declares war on Germany in 1939, Carolyn Maddison is still a schoolgirl. Her elder brother Alastair wastes no time in joining the RAF as a flying officer, and Carolyn decides that when she is eighteen she will follow him into the service by joining the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.

While reporting to the Air Ministry in London she meets a good-looking, charismatic pilot, Charlie Wade, currently employed in propaganda work. He believes that with her calm demeanor and resilience, Carolyn should work as an Intelligence officer, and suggests she serve on an active bombing station. At her side throughout the courses and postings that follow is Lucy Gaston, naturally quick-witted and sparky, a perfect foil for her friend.

The young WAAFs both obtain prestigious postings in 5 Group Bomber Command, where they perform the vital tasks of briefing and debriefing aircrew returning from operations over Germany. Lucy, an incorrigible optimist, falls head over heels for a member of a Lancaster bomber crew while Carolyn resists her feelings for its dashing pilot. She decides it’s not worth the risk of loving a man in wartime. . . only to wonder if she has done the right thing when a new WAAF on the station sets her cap at him.

For Lucy and Carolyn, life on a WWII bombing station brings drama, heartbreak and suspense in this touching love story.

I’d like to thank the publisher, Piatkus, for a copy of this novel for an honest review.

Firstly, I have to admit that I am not a fan of war related movies but I have now read a few novels based around the lives of people living in war torn Europe and have found them an interesting insight into how people cope under these conditions. When I read the synopsis for Just One More Day I knew I wanted to open the book and find out more about the characters.

The storyline was very sympathetic to the woes of WWII. I was instantly warmed to the main female character, Carolyn. Her desire to volunteer to become a WAAF and help the country as much as she can was very commendable. She started out as quite a shy young woman but with the knowledge and skill she learned during her training her confidence grew and she blossomed into a lovely young lady. However, her start to her career was soon marred by tragedy and Carolyn had to gain an inner strength to continue with her chosen career.

Friendships made in the military, especially during times of conflict, played an important part to all concerned. These friendships became a new extended family.

I found it fascinating to learn of life in war torn Britain. Life as a WAAF was very different than life as a civilian. The author, Jessica Blair, drew you into this story and kept you enthralled with the highs and lows. My heart was racing many a time during the novel as I was awaiting news of a certain aircraft to be returned. You certainly felt like you were amongst the characters in the book. This story was also about experiencing and finding love and there were some beautiful moments of warmth and friendship.

This was a charming, romantic WWII story that is worthy of a 4/5*

2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the cessation of the
Second World War and it is very fitting that the book should be released this year. It is also interesting to learn that the author, Jessica Blair, was revealed in 2013 to be WWII veteran Bill Spence. Bill has been writing for many years and has written over 60 books under various pseudonyms. To find out more about the novels by Jessica Blair please visit the following links:

http://www.jessicablair.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Blair-Books/259307814083952?ref=ts&fref=ts