A Whisker in the Dark by Leighann Dobbs @leighanndobbs @bookouture #blogtour #bookreview #cosycrimemystery

 

A Whisker in the Dark written by Leighann Dobbs, publisher Bookouture, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link: https://geni.us/B07RKCWRPRSocial

Book Blurb

Discovering the 300-year-old skeleton of shipping tycoon Jedediah Biddeford in the ballroom wall is a big old hassle for Josie Waters, owner of the Oyster Cove Guesthouse. Especially when Biddeford’s descendants turn up, certain that a family legend about treasure buried nearby must be true.

Josie is too busy dreaming up the perfect cake for the Oyster Cove’s 250th anniversary celebration to worry about the Biddeford family – plus half the town – digging up her yard… until one of her guests is murdered in the guesthouse garden.

With worries that her guesthouse will get a reputation for being the kind of place you only leave in a body bag, Josie must put her detective skills to work to find the killer. Lucky for her, Nero and Marlowe and their gang of cat sleuths are also on the case.

From the old wharf, to the town common, to the guesthouse itself with its many nooks and crannies, the cats are sure to sniff out the killer… but can they help Josie stop the person behind the mysterious murder before they strike again?

A fantastic page-turner from a bestselling author, purrfeect for fans of Agatha Christie, Adele Abbott, cat lovers and everyone in between!

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 the launch of Leighann Dobbs latest novel: A Whisker in the Dark.  A Whisker in the Dark is book two in The Oyster Cove Guesthouse 2 book series.  This was my first introduction to the works of Leighann Dobbs therefore, I read the book with open eyes and an open mind as this is a novel a little out of my comfort zone but I have to admit I was drawn to the cosy cover with the bookcase and the cats; I’m a lover of books and cats so I thought I was destined for a good read and I was.  A Whisker in the Dark can easily be read as a standalone story but after reading this delightful novel I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending reading both books in the series to gain an all round reading experience and enjoyment.  The books in the series are:

• A Twist in the Tale
• A Whisker in the dark

A Whisker in the Dark is a charming whodunnit set in a small American town were the resident cats of the local guesthouse kept their eyes peeled, their ears alert and their whiskers clean for any unsavoury business that may occur.  It was like a story of two half’s were the proprietor of the guesthouse, Josie, with the help of her mother and friends would investigate any wrong doings and then we have the cat’s story who seem to pick up the pieces that the humans have left and put everything together making their master, Josie, know who is top cat!  The cunning cats knew a thing or two about sleuthing and were soon weighing up suspicious individuals.

The cats felt very much an extension of the characters in the storyline and they were so clever and witty, I loved their thoughts of the suspects and of their master Josie, the author had created some lovely charming scenes that made me smile.

There’s a definite cosy crime mystery to the story with a myriad of characters/suspects.  It’s quite an endearing and comforting story and I quite liked the secret sleuthing by the feline members of the guesthouse.  Chaos may have taken hold but the cats have kept their cool!

A Whisker in the Dark is a nice, gentle easy read that will charm and entertain you and have you eyeing up your own feline friend wondering what their inner thoughts are!

About the Author 
USA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.

Her book “Dead Wrong” won the “Best Mystery Romance” award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.

Her book “Ghostly Paws” was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.

Social Media links
Website: http://www.leighanndobbs.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/leighanndobbs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighanndobbsbooks/

 

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Instructions For Falling In Love Again by Lucy Mitchell @Blondewritemore @BOTBSPublicity #bookreview #romcom #debutnovel

 

Instructions For Falling In Love Again written by Lucy Mitchell, publisher Red Book Publishing, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Y7UJxd

Book Blurb

What would you do if your late husband left you a list of instructions on how to fall in love with someone else?

Pippa Browning is faced with this exact dilemma, three years after the death of her husband, Dan.

Buried at the bottom of a drawer are a collection of notebooks full of Dan’s advice on how to live without him.

Pippa’s notebook is red and contains his instructions on how to fall in love again.

But Dan doesn’t just want Pippa to fall in love with anyone – Dan’s crazy suggestion is that Pippa should date his handsome friend, Mikey Stenton, a known thrill-seeking ladies’ man.

Reluctant to follow Dan’s advice, Pippa enters the world of dating. She embarks on a humorous journey of self-discovery, with the help of her children and two best friends.

It isn’t long before Pippa is finding it hard to ignore Dan’s instructions and Mikey Stenton.

Is Mikey really the man that everyone thinks him to be? Or was Dan right, and Mikey’s simply been misunderstood?

A heart-warming romantic comedy about motherhood, friendship and finding love, the second time around.

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 the launch of Lucy Mitchell’s debut novel:  Instructions For Falling In Love Again.

I absolutely and utterly adored this debut novel by Lucy Mitchell.  It was such an accomplished read that ticked all the boxes for a heartfelt romcom that I am excited for the future for Lucy Mitchell’s writing career.

Instructions For Falling In Love Again is such a bitter sweet love story as Pippa Browning had to endure the worst of heartbreaks and begin a healing process with the added strength and guidance from the words by her late husband Dan.  Dan sadly passed away three years ago and he loved his wife and family so much he gave them all little notebooks with instructions on how to cope with life without him.  It’s been three years since Pippa and her three children received their respective notebooks and life for the four of them without Dan has continued in a fashion but Pippa feels a strength within her now to read and acknowledge the words that Dan left her.

Mikey Stenton is a lovable rogue who is known for countless shenanigans with the opposite sex.  He’s a fun loving guy and jack the lad but when life throws a crushing blow to him he feels it’s time to step up and take responsibility of his life.  Can Mikey prove to others there’s more to his character than what social media portrays?

I adored Pippa and her family they were all different in personality and provided much chaos to the humdrum of the Browning household.  My heart ached for the tragedy of life they’ve endured and the underlying ethos of this storyline was so heart-warming and filled with hope.  The author, Lucy Mitchell, has packed this heartfelt story with so much warmth with scenes that make you chuckle that bring lightness to a story that has experienced so much sadness.  I honestly didn’t want this story to end and could continue reading about the journeys that Pippa and Mikey take alongside their family and friends who had great stories to tell.  I’m looking forward to what lies next for Lucy Mitchell, an author to watch.

About the Author

Instructions For Falling In Love Again is the debut novel from Lucy Mitchell. She lives in South Wales with her husband, her two teenage daughters, a giant labrador and a gang of unruly cats.

Lucy is the author of the award winning blog, BlondeWriteMore and was a Featured Romance Author on Wattpad.

When she’s not working or writing, Lucy can be found listening to audiobooks in a muddy field with her dog or sat outside her local pub in the sunshine enjoying a glass of wine.

Instructions For Falling In Love Again is out in June 2019.

Website: https://lucymitchellromanceauthor.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucymitchellauthor/

Victory for the East End Angels by Rosie Hendry @hendry_rosie @LittleBrownUK @littlebookcafe @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #WWIIsaga #familysaga

 

Victory for the East End Angels written by Rosie Hendry, publisher Sphere (an imprint of Little, Brown Books) is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2YagK9T

Product Details

The war is almost over – and it’s up to the East End Angels to keep the home fires burning!

Frankie‘s fiance, a doctor, is away looking after the troops in Europe – will he return safely home?

Winnie has a happy secret – but can she carry on at Station 75 when she’s going to have a baby?

Bella is intrigued by her new friend, a Polish airman.

As the war ends and victory is in sight, what next for the girls of Station 75?

A gorgeously uplifting saga for fans of Ellie Dean and Donna Douglas

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 Rosie Hendry’s latest novel: Victory for the East End Angels.  This was my first introduction to the work of Rosie Henry.  Even though Victory for the East End Angels is Book Four in the series the author managed to captivate me with her characters and I was fascinated with how the social dynamics had changed in wartime with many women taking on the roles that were formerly destined for men.  Although the book can be read as a standalone, as I have proved, there were moments that I wished I knew the history more of the characters and storyline so I would whole-heartedly recommend reading all the books in the series in order to get the full enjoyment and overall reading experience.  The books in the series are:

• East End Angels
• Secrets of the East End Angels
• Christmas with the East End Angels
• Victory for the East End Angels

Winnie, Rose, Frankie and Bella are four friends that for the last few years have been working as ambulance crew for the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service – Station 75 in the heart of London.  During their time they have experienced many traumatic scenes first-hand but the valiant work that these brave men and women volunteers do has unfortunately been a necessity of war.

Victory for the East End Angels is a story of friendship and love.  It’s also a story of survival in a world of uncertainty.  There’s a real sense of camaraderie during wartime periods and you can appreciate and acknowledge that the ‘make do and mend’ and ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitudes helped tremendously and are a perspective in life that we need to remember and replicate.

Rosie Hendry has written a wonderful family saga set in WWII, there were some highs and lows of life during conflict and our hearts were battered with the separations of our loved ones but the warmth spread within the community helped those in need at the time.  I felt a gentleness with the authors writing but I was conscious of the authentic atmosphere of the times.  A lovely heart-warming, honest and tender read.

About the Author

Rosie Hendry lives by the sea in Norfolk with her husband, two children, chickens and a snake. She’s worked in a variety of jobs from fruit picking, waitressing, teaching and as a research scientist but has always loving reading and writing. Starting off writing short stories for women’s magazines, her stories have gradually become longer as her children have grown bigger.

Listening to her father’s tales of life during the Second World War sparked Rosie’s interest in this period and she’s especially intrigued by how women’s lives changed during the war years. She loves researching further, searching out gems of real-life events which inspire her writing.

When she’s not working, Rosie enjoys walking along the beach, reading and is grateful for the fact that her husband is a much better cook than her.

Website: www.rosiehendry.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RosieHendrybooks/

Twitter – www.twitter.com/hendry_rosie

 

 

In the Swim of Things by Tracie Banister @traciebanister #bookreview #romcom #summerreading #indieauthor

 

In the Swim of Things written and self-published by Tracie Banister is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

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

Book Blurb

Ocean-loving Kyra Goodwin had to give up her dream of becoming the female Jacques Cousteau in order to take care of her father and brother, but being a mermaid at the Cape Cod Aquarium is pretty fintastic as far as alternative careers go.

Of course, life as a half-fish/half-woman isn’t all sunken treasure and Ariel twirls. Kyra has to deal with perpetually pruney fingers, eyes irritated by saltwater, and bratty kids on the daily, plus her glam alter ego can make dating really weird. (So many men have pervy siren-of-the-sea fantasies!) When she meets hunky surfer Cade, and he’s into her without knowing what she does for a living, Kyra thinks she’s finally won the romance lottery.

Unfortunately, Kyra’s plans for a carefree summer of catching waves with her new boyfriend run aground when Sea Star Beach, a place that holds great sentimental value for her, is taken over by a big-city developer who wants to build an exclusive resort. Kyra’s crusade to save her beloved beach threatens both her job and her relationship with Cade as does her growing closeness with her irresistibly broody merwrangler, Declan, whose precocious daughter is intent on playing matchmaker.

When a new family drama arises just as Kyra receives an offer that would turn her greatest desire into reality, she’s torn. Will she do what’s expected of her, or dive in and follow her heart?

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.

In the Swim of Things is such a cute, sexy, fun read.  It is like the perfect blockbuster romcom but in book form so ideal to relax with over the summer period.

This is a story that keeps you fully entertained throughout.  Kyra Goodwin, one of the mermaids at the local aquarium is a lifelong resident of Cape Code and the seafront with it’s rock pools full of seascape wildlife, sea glass and stunning beach holds many heartfelt memories of time spent with her late mother.  When Kyra hears of a big new hotel complex taking over the beach she is outraged that the area’s natural beauty will no longer be available to the local residents and only the paying guests of the hotel will have access to it.  Kyra with her friend Casey start campaigning against the development.

Whilst all the campaigning is happening Kyra’s heart is swayed by a handsome newcomer but Cade has secrets that could threaten many aspects of Kyra’s life.

In the Swim of Things is such a fun story; not only do we get to hear of the antics of ‘mermaids’ performing at the aquarium bringing a touch of magic to the delights of visitors of all ages but we get to enjoy a tidal wave of emotions and drama that Kyra’s life becomes.

You can’t help but be dazzled with this mermaidesque story with charming surfers, cheeky pirates, troublesome friends and friends that no matter what will always be there for you.  With an adorable, sexy romance thrown in it’s a perfect romcom for the summer.

About the Author (gleaned from the author’s website)

An avid reader and writer, Tracie Banister has been scribbling stories since she was a child, most of them featuring feisty heroines with complicated love lives like her favorite fictional protagonist Scarlett O’Hara. Her work was first seen on the stage of her elementary school, where her 4th grade class performed an original holiday play she penned. (Like all good divas-in-the-making, she also starred in and tried to direct the production.)

Tracie’s dreams of authorial success were put on the backburner when she reached adulthood and discovered that she needed a “real” job in order to pay her bills. Her career as personal assistant to a local entrepreneur lasted for 12 years. When it ended, she decided to follow her bliss and dedicate herself to writing full-time. She is the proud winner of the 2017 Independent Press Award (Romantic Comedy) and a Bronze Medal in the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Awards (Chick Lit).

In the Swim of Things is Tracie’s sixth novel and thanks to this book, she can now check another occupation off her fantasy list. She has no doubt that writing about a mermaid is much easier than actually being one!

Website: https://traciebanister.blogspot.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traciebanister/

**Cover Reveal** – The Summer of Going Topless by Liz Davies @lizdaviesauthor @rararesources #bookcoverreveal #summerreading

 

I am so pleased to be involved in the book cover reveal for Liz Davies latest novel: The Summer of Going Topless.  Here’s all the important details:

Title:  The Summer of Going Topless

Author:  Liz Davies

Publisher:  Lilac Trees Books

Release Date:  22nd August 2019

Format:  eBook

To pre-order/buy links:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V72XKWP
US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V72XKWP

Book Blurb

Candice Summerville is invisible. No one seems to notice her – not really. Heck, she often doesn’t notice herself, except for her monthly scrutiny in the mirror to check on her body’s steady slide towards middle age.
But when her ancient, practical estate car is consigned to the scrap heap, Candice falls in love with a cute, purple convertible, and from that moment on her life begins to take on a whole new meaning. Strangers wave at her and people stop to talk, and suddenly she isn’t invisible any longer.
Life seems to be looking up, especially when she meets silver fox and handy-man, Paul. There’s just one fly in the ointment, one thing she that has her second-guessing herself.
Is it the car that Paul sees – or is it her?

About the Author
Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.
She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.
She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.

Social Media Links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

Now without further ado here’s the gorgeous cover for what sounds like the perfect summer holiday read:

Meet Me in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May @nicolamay1 @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #romcom

 

Meet Me in Cockleberry Bay written and self-published by Nicola May is available NOW in ebook format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.  The paperback version is due for release in September.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2NXyi9y

Book Blurb

The cast of the runaway bestseller, The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay, are back – including Rosa, Josh, Mary, Jacob, Sheila, new mum Titch and, last but by no means least, Hot, the adorable dachshund.

Newly wed, and with her inherited corner shop successfully up and running, Rosa Smith seems to have all that anyone could wish for. But the course of true love never did run smooth and Rosa’s suspicions that her husband is having an affair have dire consequences.

Reaching rock bottom before she can climb back up to the top, fragile Rosa is forced to face her fears, addiction and jealousy head on.

With a selection of meddling locals still at large, a mystery fire and Titch’s frantic search for the real father of her sick baby, the second book in this enchanting series will take you on a further unpredictable journey of self-discovery.

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 for Nicola May’s latest novel: Meet Me in Cockleberry Bay.

I really enjoyed my trip back to Cockleberry Bay, I’d forgotten how much fun Rosa was.  You can find my review for book one in the series here.  I’d highly recommend reading all the books in the series in order to fully appreciate the back story behind the characters and the setting as book two does follow on with the characters journey.

Life has moved on for Rosa she’s now happily married and her little Corner Shop is doing well however, Rosa’s insecurities and vulnerability in her past rears itself again bringing a whole heap of trouble, anguish and heartache her way.

Once again Rosa deals with troubled waters in her own unorthodox way but Rosa’s way isn’t always the best way and it’s not until things in her life reach a crisis point that she starts to take stock of her life and her emotional wellbeing.

During all this turmoil a few other catastrophes are sent to try Rosa’s resolve and the poor lass has had an awful lot to deal with.

With her generous, kind and unique friends and with the introduction of new characters Rosa’s life is slowly put together again.

Nicola May has written another fabulously, funny, flirty romance.  You can’t help but love Rosa with her imperfections and her gorgeous little sausage dog, Hot.  This series is a perfect pick-you-up read that will have you chuckling, smiling, crying and swooning over the pages.

About the Author

Award winning author Nicola May lives in Ascot in Berkshire with her rescue cat Stanley. Her hobbies include watching films that involve a lot of swooning, crabbing in South Devon, eating flapjacks and enjoying a flutter on the horses. Inspired by her favourite authors Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews, Nicola writes what she describes as chicklit with a kick.

 

Follow Nicola May
Website – http://www.nicolamay.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMayAuthor
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/nicolamay1
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/

 
Giveaway to Win a signed copy of The Corner Shop on Cockleberry Bay (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494243/

I Will Follow Him by Holly Tierney-Bedford @HollyTierney @rararesources #PublicationDayPush #bookreview #OceanicDreams #summerreading

 

I Will Follow Him written and self-published by Holly Tierney-Bedford is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy links:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QVB2XS7/
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QVB2XS7\

Book Blurb

A bachelor party on a cruise ship. What could go wrong?

When private detective Francie is hired to spy on a groom-to-be as he and his bachelor party set sail for the Caribbean, she thinks she’s landed herself a week of paid vacation. Between lounging in the sun and sipping margaritas, she just needs to–best case scenario–report back that he’s on the up and up, or–the unfortunate, more likely scenario–snap a few photos of her target in compromising positions, buy a box of sympathy chocolates for her client, and then collect her pay along with a nice golden suntan.

Blame it on the island breezes or the alcohol, but within hours of setting sail, Francie’s leisurely vacation gets complicated when she starts making careless mistakes. Like accidentally becoming friends with the groom and falling for his best man.

Can she get herself and her mission back on track, or has she blown her cover and possibly even her career?

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 Publication Day Push for Holly Tierney-Bedford’s latest book: I Will Follow Him.

I Will Follow Him is Book 5 in the Oceanic Dreams series that I showcased back in June, you can view this blogpost here.  Each book in the series is novella in size and can be read as a standalone story.  All the books are centred around a cruise ship, so they sound like the perfect escapism reads to me.

What I enjoy about novellas is that they are a story you can read in one lazy afternoon.  They are far more in-depth than a short story and you can get a real sense of the characters and storyline.

I Will Follow Him was such a fun, flirty read.  When struggling Private Investigator Francie is offered a dream job to spy on a bride-to-be’s fiancé on his boys holiday on a cruise ship it would have been foolish to refuse.

However, Francie is a shy, unassuming young woman and hasn’t travelled much further than the town she grew up in so to go on a cruise ship is a big thing for her.  I loved Francie’s character, she was a little clueless at times with her personal and professional life but it made for some fun reading.

This is a story that will entertain you, make you smile and whisk you away to life on a cruise ship (warts and all).  I’m looking forward to reading all the other stories in the series.

About the Author
Holly Tierney-Bedord is the author of over twenty books including Kindle Unlimited All-Star winner Sweet Hollow Women.

Links:
FB https://www.facebook.com/HollyRecommends/
Twitter:  wwwtwitter.com/HollyTierney
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorhollytierneybedord
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/holly-tierney-bedord
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6433388.Holly_Tierney_Bedord
Website http://www.hollytierneybedord.com
Follow on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Holly-Tierney-Bedord/e/B00M3C9W3E

Oceanic Dreams Series
Set sail for love and laughs aboard the Oceanic Aphrodite.
This series of stand-alone romantic comedy novellas releases throughout the summer of 2019.
To learn about the contributing authors and each book, watch our trailer, here: https://oceanicdreamsbooks.com/series-trailer/ and visit our website, here: https://oceanicdreamsbooks.com/

The Oceanic Dreams series is a collection of romantic comedy novellas by eight award-
winning, bestselling, and critically acclaimed authors from around the globe.
Meet Holly Kerr, author of I Saw Him Standing There.
Meet Laura Heffernan, author of Time of My Life.
Meet Tracy Krimmer, author of Circle in the Sand.
Meet Kirsty McManus, author of I Thought it was You.
Meet Holly Tierney-Bedord, author of I Will Follow Him.
Meet Delancey Stewart, author of Take a Chance on Me.
Meet Monique McDonell, author of Shut Up and Dance with Me.
Meet Sophie-Leigh Robbins, author of The Best of You.

Giveaway to Win a $10 Starbucks card (Open to US Only)
*Terms and Conditions –US entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494251/

The Nanny at Number 43 by Nicola Cassidy @ladynicci @PoolbegBooks @annecater #blogtour #bookexcerpt #TheNannyatNo43

 

The Nanny at Number 43 written by Nicola Cassidy, publisher Poolbeg Press, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2G5kMdp

Book Blurb
Wanted, a respectable woman to care for a motherless child.
When William D. Thomas’s wife dies in childbirth, he places an advertisement in his local newspaper seeking a nanny for his newborn child.
He is thankful when an experienced nanny arrives at 43 Laurence Street and takes over from his frazzled housekeeper Mrs McHugh.
Mrs McHugh confides in her bedridden friend Betty, who has a bird’s-eye view of all the happenings on Laurence Street, that the Nanny is not all she seems. Betty begins her own investigation into the mysterious woman.
When the bodies of twin babies are discovered buried in a back garden, by a family who have moved from their tenement home into a country cottage, a police investigation begins.
But it is Betty who holds the key to discovering who the Nanny really is … and the reason she came to 43 Laurence Street.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Nicola Cassidy’s latest novel: The Nanny at Number 43.  I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt with you all:

Slowly, she counted the numbers, looking at each door as she passed.
She walked by a house painted pale blue and came back to read the black iron numbers on the door: 43.
She was early. The door was grimy. Two low windows were set in the facade, white windowsills turned grey. It wasn’t the most attractive house. She could see up ahead that there much finer buildings, with railings and steps and basements. Her gloved finger lingered on the button doorbell. Changing her mind, she lifted the large knocker, knocked three times and stood back.
No answer. She waited for another few moments. Impatiently, she tapped her boot on the pavement, curling her lip slightly, thinking. She lifted the knocker again and was about to try another rap when she saw the curtain twitching at the front.
Within seconds, the front door swung open, a frazzled woman holding it, hissing, “You’ve wakened her! Can’t you read?”
She pointed to a small white card pinned below the knocker, printed in capitals, emphasising the commands.
NO VISITORS. NO DOORBELL. KNOCK GENTLY.
“I’m here about the advertisement. About the baby.”
“Oh,” said the woman, her face softening. “Oh, of course. Come in.”
She crossed the limestone step and stood in the hallway. It was tiled in tiny small squares, a patterned mosaic in beiges and browns. The woman led her into the front room where the white net curtains blocked the light from the street.
“I’m Mrs. McHugh, the housekeeper,’ she said. ‘Please, take a seat.”
The room had a high ceiling and two low Queen Anne velvet couches. She sat down, perching her behind on the edge of the couch, looking round her when the woman left the room. Two vases of decaying flowers stood on the hearth. Their scent filled the room, an acrid smell. A cabinet filled with china and ornaments was placed near the door, the surface covered in dust. In the corner near the fireplace was a small writing bureau, in the same colour wood as the cabinet. Its lid was open, papers stuffed in the pockets, newspapers, pens, ink and string piled up in a mess. Everything needed a good clean. She expected there hadn’t been time.
Minutes passed. She kept her posture, not allowing herself to sag. She could hear movement upstairs, but still no one came to attend to her.
A cry rang out. A newborn cry. It hung in the air, sharp, painful.
After some time, she got up from the couch and walked around, her heeled boots digging into the light-blue wool rug. It was pretty, a soft pink rose woven into it. Black streaks nestled in the fibres.
The door opened behind her and she turned to find a man standing there. He was tall, his face thin, his shock of black hair wetted and smoothed on his head. He looked dishevelled and tired.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice low. He had a large black moustache, a small gap between it and his sideburns. “I’m sorry for the wait. Do sit down.”
She returned to her seat and perched gently, leaning forward, keeping her chin up.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said.
He sat down, pulling his trousers up slightly to allow his long legs to bend.
“Yes,” he said. “A terrible loss.” He paused, no emotion showing on his face.
“Can you tell me about yourself … Miss …?”
“Miss Murphy,” she said. “Margaret Murphy. Well, I’m from Dublin. The south side. Rathmines. I worked as a governess for the past three years. They’re gone to boarding school now. Lovely girls. I was sad to leave. Before that I was with another family in Dublin. And before that I worked in Wicklow.”
“And babies?” said Mr. Thomas, “What experience do you have with babies?”
“Oh, I adore babies,” she said. “My family in Wicklow had a wee one who I was very attached to. The baby is three weeks old, sir?”
“Four,” he said. “She’s four weeks now.”
“And how is she doing?”
He paused. “Not very well, to be honest,” he said. “She is crying. Hunger, I think. Mrs. McHugh tries her best, but she cries day and night.”
“Ah,” she said. “That can happen with the bottle, you know.”
“Can it?” he said.
“I have a lot of experience with bottle-feeding. My family in Wicklow decided on the same thing, not to go with a wet nurse, so I am well used to making up bottles. It causes extra wind in the child, you see, so you need to give gripe water, something to ease the poor little mite. Yes, I have plenty of experience with that.”
He looked relieved. “Well, that’s good then. And references, have you brought any?”
She picked up her case and put it on the couch, clicking open the locks. She sifted through the papers inside and produced her references, one stamped with a wax seal.
She rose and handed them to him.
“Yes,” he said quietly to himself as he studied them. “Very good.”

Well I hope the excerpt has whet your appetite for more, the story sounds very intriguing and mysterious.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicola Cassidy is a writer and blogger from Co. Louth, Ireland.
She started her writing career early, entering short story competitions as a child and became an avid reader.
Encouraged by her English teachers, she chose to study journalism at Dublin City University and while working in political PR and marketing, studied a series of advanced creative writing courses at the Irish Writers’ Centre.
Later she set up a lifestyle and literary blog http://www.ladynicci.com/, which was shortlisted in the Ireland Blog Awards in 2015 and 2016 and finalist in 2017 and 2018.
She signed with Trace Literary Agency in 2016.
December Girl is Nicola’s debut historical fiction novel and is set in the mystical and ancient Boyne Valley, Co. Meath, famed for its stone age passage tombs. Elements of the story are inspired by true events.
Her second novel The Nanny at Number 43 is published by Poolbeg Press.

She lives with her husband and two young daughters in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth.
Follow her at http://www.ladynicci.com/, on Twitter @ladynicci or http://www.facebook.com/ladynicciblog.

Five Steps to Happy by Ella Dove @EllaRoseDove @TrapezeBooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n @orionbooks #blogtour #bookreview #debutnovel

 

Five Steps to Happy written by Ella Dove, publisher Trapeze Books (an imprint of Orion), is available NOW in ebook, hardcover and audiobook format.

The hardcover will be available from all good book retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith, Foyles and amazon.

To buy link (Waterstones): https://bit.ly/2UQ0Vnl

To buy link (amazon kindle): https://amzn.to/2NL8GfT

Book Blurb

Life can change in a heartbeat…
When struggling actress Heidi has a life-changing accident aged 32, her world falls apart. Stuck in hospital and unable to walk, her only companion is Maud, the elderly lady in the bed next to hers. Heidi misses her flatmate, her life, her freedom – surely 32 is too young to be an amputee?
But when Maud’s aloof but attractive grandson Jack pays a visit to the ward, Heidi realises that her life isn’t over just because it’s different. It might not look like the life she dreamed of, but it’s the one she’s got – and there’s a lot she still wants to tick off her bucket list. With Jack at her side, will Heidi take the first step back to happiness? Or is there one more surprise still in store…?
A feel-good read based on the inspiring true story of journalist Ella Dove. Sometimes all it takes is one small step…

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 the launch of Ella Dove’s debut novel: Five Steps to Happy.

Five Steps to Happy is one of those WOW books; it’s a story that is so full of hope, encouragement and warmth that it leaves your whole body, heart and soul fuelled with emotion.

This is a story for anyone who’s life has changed irrevocably whether through illness or circumstance. When our lives change a course we had never envisaged there are a whole host of emotions that run through our minds.

Ella Dove, the author, has written a story that will keep you transfixed. She has pooled all her own thoughts and feelings and drawn strength from her own experience and written from the heart. There’s a rawness that you can feel with the depth of emotion that the author has drawn out of her characters.

Five Steps to Happy is Heidi’s story; following a traumatic accident that was to change her life decisively Heidi’s life was to become a battle she had never in her wildest dreams envisaged. Her dreams were put on hold for an undetermined time and she saw life in a different perspective.

When Heidi’s life changed she made friends with people that wouldn’t normally cross her path as the life she has been thrown has no barriers of age, sex or race. With her journey of recovery a new comradeship is born and you can’t help but champion all of these warriors. I adored the new friendships Heidi made especially the one with Maud, they complemented each other perfectly and a bond that was so beautiful was made.

Five Steps to Happy is a story about loss and grief, it’s a story of fight and encouragement, it’s a story of hope and inspiration but ultimately it’s a story of love; a love of your family, a love of new friends and new opportunities but most of all a story of a love of who you are. Five Steps to Happy will be a book you will devour and cherish and re-read. It’s a perfect book for gifting for sharing and for loving.

Ella Dove has written a fantastic debut novel and I have high hopes of a glittering literary career ahead of her. I wish her all the best in all her endeavours.

About the Author

Ella Dove is Commissioning Editor at Good Housekeeping, Prima and Red magazines. Originally from Kent and now based in Stratford, East London, Ella studied English and French at the University of Southampton, where she did her dissertation in Creative Writing. In 2015, she completed the Curtis Brown Creative three-month novel writing course.

In 2016, Ella became an amputee following a freak running accident. She is now an ambassador for the Limbless Association, Barts Health charity and The London Prosthetic Centre, and regularly leads talks, takes part in events and speaks to patients and their loved ones about trauma.

In her spare time, Ella reads, swims and sings in her local choir – and writes, of course!

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

Publisher’s Author Page: https://www.orionbooks.co.uk/contributor/ella-dove/

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows by Jenni Keer @JenniKeer @AvonBooksUK @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #romcom #MaisieMeadows

 

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows written by Jenni Keer, publisher Avon, is available NOW in ebook format.  The paperback is due for release in September.

To buy link: http://bit.ly/UnlikelyLife

Book Blurb

When Maisie Meadows finds herself single and jobless on New Year’s Day, she resolves that this will be the year she focuses on bringing her scattered family back together. Romance is all very well, but it’s the people you grew up with that matter the most.
But a new job working at an auction house puts her in the path of Theo, a gorgeous but unattainable man who she can’t help but be distracted by. As their bond begins to grow, Maisie finds herself struggling to fulfil the promise she made to herself – but the universe has other ideas, and it’s not long before the Meadows family are thrown back together in the most unlikely of circumstances…
Can dealing with other people’s treasures help Maisie to let go of the past, and teach her who she ought to treasure the most?

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 the launch of Jenni Keer’s latest novel: The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows.

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is such a charming, quirky story about a disjointed family. Maisie is the youngest sibling in the Meadows family of six. The family have had an eventful upbringing and with the myriad of personalities, that often clash, the siblings are all grown up and are living in various locations across the globe. Maisie has fond memories of an idyllic family Christmas and she has a vision of bringing the family back together to try and recreate this picture perfect family.

After an unexpected end to a relationship and job Maisie was on the lookout for new employment. With a new job comes new opportunities and new friends. Life for Maisie takes on new directions. Her new place of employment is full of colourful characters, each with their own stories to tell. Maisie takes it upon herself to help two individuals at work who appear a little lost.

I loved how the author Jenni Keer developed a dysfunctional family, it made them more relatable and realistic as a family are individuals that are forced to live together by bloodline. The introduction of new friends who were as unique and individual as some of the items brought into the auction house made for some great endearing and comedic scenes.

Maisie’s quest to bring her family together was eventful to say the least and was joined by another hunt to bring a special tea set back together.

I loved this story so much especially the interactions between the characters young and old. The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is charming and fun with an air of mystery and is filled with plenty of romantic promise.

 About the Author
Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women’s fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker was published in January 2019.

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is out in July 2019.
Social Media Links –
FB Jenni Keer Writer
Twitter @JenniKeer
Instagram jennikeer
Website – https://jennikeer.co.uk/

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker, pack of Scratbag notelets, pretty purple pen and a Maisie bookmark (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494245/