My Perfect Brother-in-Law by Cristina Hodgson @HodgsonCristina #bookreview #romcom #indieauthor

 

My Perfect Brother-in-Law written and self-published by Cristina Hodgson is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link:  https://amzn.to/2T0ZrdC

Book Blurb

Where rom-com meets reality…

Online dating by proxy. No one would know, right?

Zara isn’t looking for love. She already has that covered—Nigel is her perfect husband. All she needs to do now is find the perfect man for her twin sister Emmy, too. To protect her sister (and surprise her), Zara throws herself into online dating with gusto.

Shawn Taylor, undercover detective, returns home on a private assignment. It is the perfect chance to see Zara again and explain why he’d left so suddenly twenty years ago. Ultimately, he is here to protect her. His brief says she is in serious danger.

But something doesn’t add up. Why is Zara going out with scores of men when hubby is out of town? What kind of twisted game is she playing?

And why, when the castle of cards collapses in a messy heap, is she standing, wielding a whip, over a villain with an erection the size of the Eiffel Tower and his hands tied behind his back?

Pick up this hilarious rom-com to find out.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I’ve become a huge fan of Cristina Hodgson’s work and I can’t praise her writing enough.  Cristina Hodgson creates a leading lady who’s life faces a turbulent time, she’s quite strong-willed and focused but goes about her latest project in a crazy, madcap way.  Our leading lady in this novel is Zara Hamilton.  However, behind all the fun and bravado we have a lady that is suffering in silence, a lady that hasn’t felt like her true self in a long time.

Zara Hamilton has come up with a crazy idea to find a ‘perfect brother-in-law’ for her twin sister Emmy who sadly lost her husband a few years ago.  Zara sets up dates and auditions would-be contenders herself as she is Emmy’s identical twin.  Zara has plenty of time on her hands as her husband works away a lot so going on dates posing as her sister is a perfect use of her time!

Whilst Zara is auditioning would-be suitors for her sister behind the scenes the foundations of Zara’s life is crumbling and is set to take an unexpectant turn and a love from her past holds the key to the mystery that is now unravelling.

With her life unravelling as fast as a ball of wool with a playful kitten Zara’s life is about to take a dramatic, dangerous turn.

This was a hugely entertaining read full of fun and frolics with twists and turns to leave you guessing what’s going to happen next.  It also has a lovely romance tangled up amongst the chaos and it will make your heart sing.

About the Author

Cristina Hodgson, mother of two, born in Wimbledon, London, currently lives in southern Spain. Cristina had a long career in sport, reaching national and international level and still actively participates in Triathlon races and enjoys outdoor activities. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and writing. She won a sports scholarship to Boston College. After a period in Boston, she returned to the UK and graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Sports Science.
A Little of Chantelle Rose is her debut novel. Amazingly, it has nothing to do with running!

Website: http://cristinahodgson.com/

Twitter:   http://www.twitter.com/HodgsonCristina

 

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Mr One-Night Stand by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 @MillsandBoon #DoYouDare #MrOneNightStand #blogtour #bookexcerpt

 

Mr One-Night Stand written by Rachael Stewart, publisher Mills and Boon Dare, is available NOW in ebook format.

To buy link (amazon UK): https://amzn.to/2EukzjL

To buy link (Mills & Boon UK): https://bit.ly/2EsrTMx

Book Blurb

One night only.
Just think of the possibilities…
The second she sees Mr Oh-So-Delicious, Jennifer Hayes knows she needs one night of crazy. No names, no strings, no rules. Except that Jennifer’s naughty one-nighter is actually Marcus Wright—her new business partner! Now they’re mixing business with all kinds of pleasure. But when it comes to falling in love her sexy Mr Wright is either Mr Wrong or the best mistake of her life…

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Rachael Stewart’s latest novel: Mr One-Night Stand.  Mr One-Night Stand is from the Mills and Boon Dare series and they are all stand-alone stories.  From the Mills and Boon website Dare is quoted as “Sensual love stories featuring smart, sassy heroines you’d want as a best friend, and compelling intense heroes who are worthy of them.”

I am delighted to share an excerpt from Mr One-Night Stand:

PATIENCE – HE WASN’T known for it.  Why should he be when he’d worked his entire life to ensure he got everything he wanted, when he wanted it?

Flicking his wrist, he checked the time.  Eight twenty-five.

Where the hell were they?

If being late was a last-ditch attempt at angling for more money, then Tony Andrews was an even bigger fool than Marcus had had him pegged for.

He waved away the approaching waitress who was eyeing his empty glass.  He’d already indulged in a whisky and filled his one-drink-while-on-business quota.  He wasn’t fool enough to indulge in more.  Although the girl’s perfect parting pout made clear that it wasn’t just a drink being offered.

Not tonight.  He smiled back.

He might be considered an arrogant ass by many, but no one could accuse him of lacking in manners.  Even his questionable childhood hadn’t beaten those out of him – much as his father might have tried.

It was hardly her fault he wasn’t up for it.  She had appeal aplenty, if surgically enhanced assets and peroxide hair were your thing.

But tonight was about work.

And work was work.

Sex was sex.

Never should the two be mixed.  Not if you wanted to stay focused and come out on top.

He watched as she weaved her way back through the intimate arrangement of tables, breaking his gaze to scan again the people occupying the circular floor space of the exclusive rooftop venue.  Andrews had chosen it for convenience, it being located only two blocks down from his London HQ.

Very convenient for Andrews – not so sodding convenient for him.  He rolled his shoulders and re-checked his watch.

What the hell was he doing?

He should’ve left ten minutes after the hour, not sat there like some obedient monkey.

But then, he wasn’t there simply to catch up with the man he was in the process of buying out.  He was there to be introduced to Andrews’ business partner – soon-to-be his partner – Jennifer Hayes, before they signed on the dotted line.

About the Author

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heartwarmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

She’s been writing since she could put pen to paper as the stacks of scrawled on A4 sheets in her loft will attest to, and the lovingly bound short stories that her father would run off at work and proudly share out with his colleagues. Thinking it was a pipe dream to be published one day, she pursued a sensible career in business but she was really play-acting, achieving the appropriate degree and spending many years in the corporate world where she never truly belonged. Always happiest when she was sat at her laptop in the quiet hours tapping out a story or two. And so here she is, a published author, her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Social Media Links:
Twitter: @rach_b52
Facebook: rachaelstewartauthor
Website: http://www.rachaelstewartauthor.com

The publishers have kindly given me an extra proof copy of the book to giveaway, please enter the rafflecopter link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/baeaa5ef11/?

 

Good Luck!

 

Dreaming of Tuscany by T.A. Williams #blogtour #bookreview @TAWilliamsBooks @canelo_co @ElliePilcher95

 

Dreaming of Tuscany written by T.A. Williams, publisher Canelo, is available NOW in ebook format.

The ebook is available to download for kindle, kobo, Google and iBooks.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2NpDaQU

Book Blurb

The glamour of Hollywood. The magic of the Tuscan countryside. One big decision…
Beatrice Kingdom (Bee to her friends) wakes up in hospital in Tuscany. After an accident on a film set leaves her burned and scarred, she feels her whole life has been turned upside down.
Bee is offered the chance of recuperating in a stunning Tuscan villa in the company of a world-famous film star, the irascible Mimi Robertson. Here amid the vines and olive groves, Bee quickly finds there’s more to the place than meets the eye, not least a certain Luca(and Romeo the dog).
As she comes to terms with her injuries and her new life takes shape, Bee will have to travel a road of self-discovery… and make a huge decision.
A joyous, funny and moving tale, Dreaming of Tuscany is a triumph, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant, and Jenny Oliver.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting T.A. Williams latest novel: Dreaming of Tuscany.  I always look forward to a new release from T.A. Williams as I know I will be treated to a read that’s both atmospheric and heart-warming and his latest novel, Dreaming of Tuscany, did not disappoint.

T.A. Williams has a wonderful ability of transporting his readers to stunning, idyllic places. This time we travel to Tuscany and with the author’s wealth of knowledge regarding the history, architecture and culture of Italy we are soon made to feel very welcome.

Dreaming of Tuscany is a contemporary romance filled with warmth, charm and romance. We follow our leading lady, Bee Kingdom, who has been providing historical research and support for a movie set in Tuscany. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and Bee is seriously injured during an accident on set. Waking up in hospital with uncertainty regarding her wounds Bee is feeling very nervous. She is given the chance to recover at a remote Tuscan villa alongside movie star, Mimi Robertson, who was also injured in the accident.

The villa is so remote and so different to the hustle and bustle of her home back in London but Bee soon finds herself a rhythm of a routine walking and admiring the views and natural habitat of rural Italy and finds herself company with a black Labrador called Romeo. Yes, we have our trusted furry friend in this story which is one of the beloved trademarks in the author’s work. Rest, sun and a chance to unwind soon start to get Bee back on the road to recovery.

Dreaming of Tuscany was such a lovely read and I felt like the author dealt with the seriousness of Bee’s injuries in a very sensitive but also positive manner. The storyline was captivating and charming and although it was a little predictable in places it still had all the attributes to a perfect feel-good read.  I hope there are more Dreaming of stories from T.A. Williams.

About the Author

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Website: https://tawilliamsbooks.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

A Vintage Year by Rosie Howard #PublicationDayPromo #RosieHoward @AllisonandBusby @SarahWaights #Havenbury

 

A Vintage Year (Havenbury Book Two) written by Rosie Howard, publisher Allison & Busby, is available NOW in ebook, hardcover, audiobook and audio CD format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Ip2Qy9

Book Blurb

It started with ‘happily ever after’, yet just three years after Bella’s fairy-tale wedding to irrepressible Charlie Wellbeloved, her best friend, Maddy, is expecting a baby, while Bella’s own weight gain is purely from comfort eating. Only her little Labrador, Dolly, can boost her spirits as she gloomily surveys her failing marriage and fledgling interior design business.
Dovecot Farm is just a rainstorm away from ruin, but Charlie is hoping against hope his family vineyard will produce a vintage year, saving his business, his childhood home and – most of all – his marriage…
When handsome Rufus appears in the tight-knit Havenbury community, he quickly charms Bella and makes himself indispensable to Charlie. But is he really too good to be true…

I’d like to wish the author Rosie Howard, a Happy Publication Day for the second book in the Havenbury series: A Vintage Year.  

I’m hoping to start my reading journey to Havenbury and be welcomed into it’s community very soon.  Book One in the series; The Homecoming is available to purchase at the link here: https://amzn.to/2TXy00L.

I look forward to sharing my reviews of book one and book two in the not too distant future.

About the Author

After obtaining a degree in music Rosie Howard pursued a career in public relations, campaigning, political lobbying and freelance journalism but realised her preference for making things up and switched to writing novels instead. She lives in a West Sussex village with her husband and two children in a cottage with roses around the door.

Website: http://rosiehoward.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SarahWaights

 

Let Me Burn (Angel Sands Book 1) by Carrie Elks Release Day Blitz #bookreview #PublicationDay @CarrieElks #LetMeBurn

 

Let Me Burn (Angels Sands Book One) written and self-published by Carrie Elks is available NOW in ebook format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber

To buy link: mybook.to/LetMeBurn

Book Blurb

She isn’t looking for love. He’s not planning on staying around. But when they meet, sparks fly…
As a big city firefighter, Lucas lives for his job. Forced to take extended leave following an accident, he returns to his small hometown to stay at the beach cottage his grandparents left him. The problem is, he’s not used to having so much time on his hands.
After a broken engagement, Ember isn’t ready for love right now. Though her heart might be mended, she prefers to keep herself busy with her family and work; that way she won’t get hurt again. But she didn’t count on meeting a handsome firefighter with that dimpled smile. After Lucas saves her from one awkward situation too many, she can’t stop thinking about him.
Ember finds Lucas impossible to resist. And he’s determined not to let her. As long summer days melt into sultry, passionate nights what begins as a fling develops into something much deeper. Until the day Ember’s ex-fiancé returns to town and threatens to destroy the fragile connection that’s building between them.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the Release Blitz for Let Me Burn, book one in Carrie Elks new contemporary romance series; Angel Sands.  I’d like to thank the author for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.

Carrie Elks is known for writing contemporary romances with a sexy edge and Let Me Burn didn’t fail to have you a little hot under the collar.  This is a story of two people; one that has been burned by love and is still healing and the other who is afraid to let love in as they fear for the work life balance.

From the moment you read about Lucas Russell, totally committed and hardworking fireman, with his brooding good looks, you can sense there’s a serious side to his nature and also a vulnerability that he’s afraid to let it be shown.  Being forced to take time off his hectic schedule and give his body and mind time to rest Lucas goes back to his home town, Angel Sands, and decides to start the renovations to a cottage on the beach front that was left to him and his sister by their late grandparents.  Angel Sands is such a different atmosphere to his normal everyday life in the city, for starters everyone in this small beach resort know each other and if they don’t the village ‘grapevine’ will soon help you out.

Ember Kennedy is still grieving for the two most important men in her life; her father and her ex.  She’s been holding up strong especially for her mother who’s emotions are still very raw.  Ember was burned so badly with her ex and wasn’t looking for love but when she keeps bumping into Lucas Russell the instant attraction is difficult to resist.

I loved this romance by Carrie Elks, we were treated to a lovely community spirit within the tranquil and idyllic location of Angel Sands.  The attraction building up between Ember and Lucas was like a slow burning flame that stayed strong and bright.  The storyline was charming in places but emotions were keenly felt when life grew serious for the pair.

A gorgeous, sexy story and a great start to a hotly anticipated new series.

About the Author

Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAuthor/
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarrieElksWaterCooler/
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/CarrieElks
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/e4u8i8
WEBSITE: https://carrieelks.com

 

*Cover Reveal* – A Little Hotel in Cornwall by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites @rararesources #BookCoverReveal

 

I am so pleased to be involved in the Book Cover Reveal for Laura Briggs latest novella: A Little Hotel in Cornwall.

Here’s the all important details:

Title:  A Little Hotel in Cornwall

Author and Publisher:  Laura Briggs

Genre:  Contemporary fiction/Short Story

Release Date:  30th April 2019

To pre-order/buy link:   http://smarturl.it/alittlehotelbook1

Book Blurb

Struggling American waitress and aspiring novelist Maisie Clark dreams of becoming a full-time writer — even though in real life she’s just lost her chance at an exclusive writer’s mentorship program that would give her novel its big break. Desperate, she decides to take a chance and ask her favourite writer, a celebrated but reclusive English novelist, to help her find a second chance.

When she receives the author’s reply in an envelope with a Cornish postmark, Maisie decides not to take the writer’s half-hearted ‘no’ for an answer. With nothing to lose, she takes off for the author’s last known location, a beautiful hotel on Cornwall’s western coast. But when the hotel mistakes her for the latest applicant for a maid’s position, Maisie finds herself given an opportunity too good to lose … and a chance for a summer adventure far bigger than she ever imagined.

Surrounded by breathtaking Cornwall and working in an elegant hotel, Maisie’s world becomes one of secret identities, quirky friends, and unintentional mishaps — and despite reminders of past relationship disasters, a certain handsome, charming local resident Sidney Daniels has her conflicted about her heart’s desires, too.

Will Maisie find the chance she’s been waiting for — and a possible new romance — in her perfect Cornish summer?

And here is the gorgeous cover …

About the Author

Laura Briggs is the author of several chick lit and romance stories, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family, caring for her pets, going to movies and plays, and trying new restaurants.

Social Media Links –
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PaperDollWrites
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurabriggs/

The Migraine Relief Plan: An 8-Week Transition to Better Eating, Fewer Headaches, and Optimal Health by StephanieWeaver #BookBirthdayBlitz

The Migraine Relief Plan: An 8 week transition to Better Eating, Fewer Headaches and Optimal Health written by Stephanie Weaver publisher Agate Surrey is available NOW in paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Dy1njm

Book Blurb

In The Migraine Relief Plan, certified health and wellness coach Stephanie Weaver outlines a new, step-by-step lifestyle approach to reducing migraine frequency and severity.

Using the latest research, her own migraine diagnosis, and extensive testing, Weaver has designed an accessible plan to help those living with migraine, headaches, or Meniere’s disease. Over the course of eight weeks, the plan gradually transitions readers into a healthier lifestyle, including key behaviors such as regular sleep, trigger-free eating, gentle exercise, and relaxation techniques. The book also collects resources—shopping lists, meal plans, symptom tracking charts, and kitchen-tested recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner—to provide readers with the tools they need to be successful.

The Migraine Relief Plan encourages readers to eat within the guidelines while still helping them follow personal dietary choices, like vegan or Paleo, and navigate challenges, such as parties, work, and travel. A must-have resource for anyone who lives with head pain, this book will inspire you to rethink your attitude toward health and wellness.

I am so pleased to be involved in the Book Birthday Blitz celebrating two years since the launch of Stephanie Weaver’s book: The Migraine Relief Plan.

Stephanie Weaver has kindly offered to share a recipe from her book and it looks and sounds delicious and definitely one I will be trying.

Roasted veggie quinoa casserole
Serves 8

1 cup (175 g) quinoa, any color
1 butternut or other fall squash, 1.5-2 lbs (680-900 g)
2 large carrots
3 stalks celery
1/2 cup kale stems, chopped
1/2 cup cooked black beans, no-salt-added or low-sodium, drained, optional
6 large or 12 tiny cloves garlic
1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp medium curry powder, no salt added
1-1/2 cups (375 ml) low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock

• Cover the quinoa in 1 cup (250 ml) filtered water and set aside to soak.
• Wash the vegetables and place them in a large mixing bowl as you prep them.
• Peel the squash, cut in half, remove the seeds and strings, and cut into a 1/2″ dice.
• Scrub the carrots and celery, remove the tips and ends, and cut into a 1/2″ dice.
• Wash, shake dry and chop the kale stems.
• Finely mince the garlic.
• Add the black beans to the bowl.
• Drizzle the oil over the vegetables and toss together. Sprinkle with curry powder and toss until evenly coated.
• Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/gas mark 6.
• Drain and rinse the quinoa.
• Spray or oil a large casserole dish that has a lid, or can be covered with aluminum foil.
• Add the drained quinoa and stock. Gently agitate the dish to distribute the quinoa evenly, while keeping it submerged in the liquid.
• Gently add the vegetables evenly on top, spreading with a spatula. put on the lid or cover tightly with foil, and bake for 35-45 minutes, just until the vegetables are fork-tender.
• Remove from oven, uncover, and let sit a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient notes: You must use a casserole dish with a lid, or cover it tightly with foil, or the quinoa will dry out and not cook properly. Choose pre-prepped or frozen butternut squash to shorten prep time. You can prep all the vegetables a day ahead.

Prep time: 50 minutes
Cooking time: 60-75 minutes
Passive time: 10 minutes

Budget friendly: Very

“It was easy to prepare and the end product was delicious. I liked the way of cooking the quinoa with the vegetables, which was a new method to me.”  Julie F.

Photo credit: © 2017 Laura Bashar.
Recipe from The Migraine Relief Plan: An 8-Week Transition to Better Eating, Fewer Headaches, and Optimal Health, Surrey Books 2017. Used with permission.

Many thanks to Stephanie Weaver for sharing this recipe.

About the Author

Stephanie Weaver, MPH, CWHC, is an author, blogger, and certified wellness and health coach. Her recipes have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, Parade, and more. She lives in San Diego, CA.

 

Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/stephanieweavermph
Twitter.com/sweavermph
Instagram.com/sweavermph

The Hourglass by Liz Heron #blogtour #bookreview

 

The Hourglass written by Liz Heron, publisher Unbound, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2SznW1q

Book Blurb

Spring 2000. Paul Geddes visits Venice to research the fin-de-siècle opera singer, Esme Maguire, seeking out a cache of papers held by Eva Forrest, the widow of a collector. What he reads begins in the 1680s, moving through the city s later history of Enlightenment and Revolution, describing a life stretched beyond human possibilities.
She travels across Europe to sing in Regency London and Edinburgh, then Belle Epoque Paris, always returning to Venice, its shadows and its luminosity, its changes and its permanence.
What would it be like to live for nearly 300 years, as an exceptional being who must renew herself time after time, as those she has loved age and die? Could this story be grounded in reality or be merely the product of an ageing woman s delusion, as Paul suspects.
Warily, Eva and Paul fall in love, their tentative emotions bringing them closer until, on a trip to the Dolomites, Eva s past catches up with her.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating Liz Heron’s latest novel: The Hourglass.

The Hourglass is quite an unusual, imaginative story that spanned centuries.  Our minds visit Venice and it’s opulence and we discover the world of operatic theatre.  The extravagant venetian masks proved a useful aid to hide oneself both physically and emotionally from the world beyond the mask.  It is a historical time-slip romance that has a paranormal feel to it.  You can sense an eerie chill whilst reading and learning about Eva.  The sand in an hourglass doesn’t stay still for long as something will disturb it’s balance and set if flowing again.

Paul Geddes research on the opera singer, Esme Maguire, takes him to Venice and to Eva Forrest who holds many papers on the subject.  The papers are very captivating and enlightening and you are soon swept away to the 1600’s and to a world that became that little bit more awe inspiring with the beautiful voice of a young girl, Esme Maguire.

It is quite a beautiful love story that has had so many highlights but the lows are debilitating and almost unbearable.  For our leading lady who has outlived all her loved ones and has to constantly flee in fear of her secret to be revealed.  At times we have thoughts of living forever but forever is such a long time without your loved ones by your side.  What appears as a gift of hope and wonder became a never ending emotional drain.

I love the cover of this novel it is very opulent with the stunning masks but also shows signs of darkness and mystery.

When I was reading this novel I quickly wrote this note:  an author can take you to the unimaginable, they will break down the barriers in your mind.  Liz Heron has done this and more with The Hourglass her words have bewitched me and were quite thought provoking.  Liz Heron brought Venice alive with her atmospheric prose and I was moved and captivated by this imaginative tale.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Heron grew up in Scotland and studied at Glasgow University. After living in Paris, Madrid and Venice, she embarked on freelance life in London, contributing arts and literary journalism to Spare Rib, The New Statesman, The Listener, The Village Voice, New Society, The Guardian and many other publications. Her literary translations from French and Italian range from Georges Bataille and Giorgio Agamben to the novels of Paola Capriolo. Her own books include Truth, Dare or Promise, a compilation of essays on childhood, and Streets of Desire, an anthology of women’s 20th-century writing on the world’s great cities, both published by Virago, as was her short-story collection, A Red River (1996).
Liz began researching her novel, The Hourglass, during her second spell of life in Venice.
Her website is lizheron.co.uk
She writes a blog, mainly on film: lizheron.wordpress.com

Apple Island Wife: Slow Living in Tasmania by Fiona Stocker #blogtour #bookexcerpt

 

Apple Island Wife: Slow Living in Tasmania written by Fiona Stocker, publisher Unbound, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2E6EFQI

Book blurb

What happens when you leave city life and move to five acres on a hunch, with a husband who s an aspiring alpaca-whisperer, and a feral cockerel for company? Can you eat the cockerel for dinner? Or has it got rigor mortis?
In search of a good life and a slower pace, Fiona Stocker upped-sticks and moved to Tasmania, a land of promise, wilderness, and family homes of uncertain build quality. It was the lifestyle change that many dream of and most are too sensible to attempt.
Wife, mother and now reluctant alpaca owner, Fiona jumped in at the deep end. Gradually Tasmania got under her skin as she learned to stack wood, round up the kids with a retired lady sheepdog, and stand on a scorpion without getting stung.
This charming tale captures the tussles and euphoria of living on the land in a place of untrammelled beauty, raising your family where you want to and seeing your husband in a whole new light. Not just a memoir but an everywoman s story, and a paean to a new, slower age.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating Fiona Stocker’s travel memoir: Apple Island Wife.  Fiona Stocker has kindly chosen a great excerpt from her book:

I developed a repertoire of mood-enhancing substances to help me raise a family thousands of miles away from my own. A small white tablet upon rising. Coffee at ten or eleven. Dark chocolate mid-afternoon, often taken in the private space of the pantry. I did more research and added omega three with boiled eggs and salmon for breakfast. With dinner, I had a glass of chilled white wine.

Most of all, I made sure the children and I stayed connected to the outside world, every day. Part of the daily routine for Daisy, Kit and myself was a walk along the road. It was a slow affair, sometimes bordering on torturous, with every blade of grass and wildflower having to be admired along the way. A toddler’s concept of a walk is a very different thing from an adult’s, and doesn’t necessarily involve walking at all. It could take half an hour to get out of the house, being dependent upon the stars of sleep and feeding aligning for Kit, and the pram, scooter, helmets and sunhats being located for the rest of us.

But once out in the fresh air and making our way incrementally along the verges, everything took on a different hue. There is much to be said for allowing the cobwebs of the mind to be swept away by a spring breeze, for the kiss of the sun upon the skin. Whether we were wrapped up warm against the winter cold, or in hats and shorts in the early morning or late afternoon summer sun, allowing our bodies and souls exposure to the elements was restorative and joyful. It was something I knew in theory to be important, but I had to make a conscious effort and remind myself to get out there.

In Brisbane, our walks with Daisy around the neighbourhood had been an inquisitive peek into other people’s gardens and lives. We once spent a day watching a backyard swimming pool being craned into place over the house behind ours.

In country Tasmania, a whole new repertoire of neighbourhood sights was rolled out before us, of nature, farming and the weather. We came to understand our neighbours’ endeavours better by the season. In early springtime there would be calves in Jacko and Barb’s sweeping paddocks, hovering by their mothers’ sides, their coats glossy and black. Later they would be replaced by lambs, woolly and frisky, bleating and scampering away from us. The children loved to spend time by the fence watching them all.

‘What is dat thing on the cow’s tummy, Mummy?’ asked Daisy one day, of a creature with a calf at foot.
‘That’s its udder,’ I replied. ‘That’s how it can feed its calf lovely milk and help it grow.’
‘So it will grow into a big girl, Mummy? Like me?’ Daisy was sorting a lot of things out in her mind at this point. And she liked milk.
‘Yes, and then into a lady with a calf of its own,’ I continued, not sure about this mixing of species.
‘I am growing into a lady too. I have just got flat boobies, dat is de problem.’ She patted her tiny chest through her fleecy jacket.

It was the first inkling I had that living in the country was going to be marvellous for teaching my children how life worked. It was playing out in the paddocks all around us. As I listened to their thoughts, and stood at the fence line, breathing in the summer air with its salty tang from the Bass Strait, or bracing against the winter winds from the central mountains, I had a strong sense of how this place would nourish our lives. Being out in the midst of it made me feel I was in a place closer to where we were intended to be.

Late one afternoon at the end of winter, a white-bellied sea eagle crossed our paths, clearing the treetops beside the road suddenly, circling slowly, its wings outstretched. Unbidden, the children stopped in their tracks. We all watched soundlessly as it landed on a fence post at the side of the road metres away from us. Suddenly it looked back towards us and we regarded each other, equally astonished. Its white head and chest were pristine, its wings buff brown, its eyes keen, although not that keen as it had failed to see us even from its vantage point in the sky. It was in its prime, a picture of strength and agility, every feather in place, the ultimate example of what the environment around us could support. For that brief moment it made all our hearts beat a little faster, and inspired us.

Over the years, I continued to walk daily along my piece of ribbon through the landscape, with the children, with Oliver, with a dog or alone. The sights and sounds, and all the other sensory experiences of the outdoors, never fail to galvanise me.

Thank you so much to the author for sharing this excerpt it sounds a fascinating read and such a comparison to urban life.

About the Author

Fiona Stocker is the author of travel memoir Apple Island Wife – Slow Living in Tasmania, published by Unbound in 2018.

Raised in England, Fiona Stocker now lives in Tasmania where she writes freelance for magazines, newspapers and online publications, and runs a niche farm, food and tourism business in partnership with her husband.

She occasionally works as a ghost writer and editor, and was a judge in the Tasmanian Short Story Competition in 2016. Her first book, A Place in the Stockyard, a history of Tasmanian Women in Agriculture featuring its members, was published in 2016.

Read more and subscribe for a quarterly newsletter at http://www.fionastocker.com/ or read Fiona Stocker’s blog at http://www.appleislandwife.com/

Fiona Stocker lives in the Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania, with her husband, two children and around forty-five pigs.

Apple Island Wife is her first travel memoir.

Twitter @FionaCStocker

Smooth Talking Cowboy by Maisey Yates blogtour book review @maiseyyates @MillsandBoon

 

Smooth Talking Cowboy written by Maisey Yates, publisher Mills & Boon, is available NOW in ebook, paperback, audiobook and audio CD format.

The paperback is available from all good book retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith and amazon.  The book is also available direct from Mills & Boon website.

To buy link (amazon UK): https://amzn.to/2SO049K

To buy link (Mills & Boon): https://bit.ly/2thdLPO

Book Blurb

Olivia Logan has a plan: win back her ex by making him see what he’s missing!
First she needs to find a man who’s willing to play along. With his laid-back cowboy charm, Luke Hollister is an unlikely hero―but he wants her help convincing her father to sell him land, which means he needs her as much as she needs him.
Good girl Olivia has always been off limits to Luke.So why does she get to him like no one else? Luke ‘s supposed to help her win back another man…not keep her in his arms. But now that he has her there, he’s not sure he wants to let go.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting Maisey Yates novel: Smooth Talking Cowboy.  Smooth Talking Cowboy is a standalone novel and is book one in the Gold Valley Novel series.

This is my first introduction to the work of Maisey Yates and it sizzled in all the right places.  Don’t most girls dream of living on a ranch with their own cowboy?  Well, Olivia Logan had dreamed of this picture for the last few years.  She’d got the perfect candidate for the role but after a year of dating Bennett Dodge Olivia was no closer to receiving the illusive marriage proposal so she ended the relationship.  However, Olivia wants to prove to Bennett what he’s missing and hatches up a plan with smooth talking cowboy, Luke Hollister to win back Bennett’s heart.

Luke Hollister is your Instagram image of a cowboy with his ruggedly handsome good looks and a cheeky, charming persona to go with it.  Luke was happy to oblige Olivia with her madcap plan.  Olivia Logan was known as the good girl of the town, the girl that was serious and reliable and Luke thought it would be fun to play his part in her plan.

However, the plan was not fool-proof and Olivia and Luke were soon to realise they had a chemistry between themselves, one that had been lain dormant for nine years.  One that as soon as it started fizzing was difficult to keep under control.

Olivia and Luke had known each other for quite a while but they had both felt like the other was out of bounds or untouchable and they had to witness them getting close and personal to others.  All through these years the pent up feelings the pair had successfully kept hidden have now been let loose and control is soon forgotten.

Can Olivia and Luke trust their self-control and the new fire in their hearts?  Will hurt from their past that held the key to their fear of love deny them of any future happiness?

A story of a sweet love that soon simmered with desire.

About the Author (taken from author’s website)

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.
In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Website: http://www.maiseyyates.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/maiseyyates