Clover Cottage by Christie Barlow @ChristieJBarlow @0neMoreChapter_ @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #feelgoodfiction #LoveHeartLane

Clover Cottage written by Christie Barlow, publisher 0ne More Chapter (digital division of HarperCollins UK), is available NOW in ebook format.

Book Blurb

A page-turning new cosy novel in the bestselling Love Heart Lane series – perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson!

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Vet Rory Scott inherits ramshackle Clover Cottage in the quaint village of Heartcross, Allie MacDonald just knows this is their happy ever after. A place to call home with the man she loves – it’s her dream come true!

Until Rory drops a bombshell. He loves Allie but he has dreams of his own to follow – to live and work in Africa. Clover Cottage will have to wait just a little longer…

Allie can’t imagine life without Rory, but she loves him too much to hold him back. And as he embarks on his adventure, Allie begins to rethink her own plans. She loves Rory and knows she wants him in her life, but maybe she can follow her own dreams too?

And always there, nestled in the beautiful village of Heartcross, surrounded by the people she loves, will be the place that will always bring them back to each other. Their forever home, Clover Cottage.

 Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07S7TBKP2/

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S7TBKP2/

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 Clover Cottage; Book 3 in the Love Heart Lane series written by Christie Barlow.

Returning to Love Heart Lane and discovering Clover Cottage was such a much needed treat of a read.  I still can’t believe that the Love Heart Lane series is my first introduction to the works of Christie Barlow as she has now become a must read for #feelgoodfiction.

Clover Cottage is Book 3 in the Love Heart Lane series, the book can be read as a standalone but as the characters grow and progress from each novel I would highly recommend reading all the books in order to fully appreciate the setting and characters.  The books in order are:

• Love Heart Lane (you can find my review here)
• Foxglove Farm (you can find my review here)
• Clover Cottage

Clover Cottage is Allie and Rory’s story and as per the author’s writing style there are many emotional obstacles that the characters have to endure to find their happy ever after.

Rory is the local vet and has been working in partnership with his father for a while now but he is starting to feel a little held back at work.  Rory wants to expand the business but his dad is adamant that the practice is fine as it is, so when his parents give him a surprise gift he feels like his life has been planned out stage by stage in front of him and he freaks as he visions a brief glimpse into a life that he feels will remain stagnant.  Allie is totally shocked by Rory’s reaction and starts to wonder is this the end for their relationship?

When a TV celebrity visits the village temptation is put in Rory’s grasp to travel and work overseas.  Also, opportunities for Allie become available opening up dreams that she felt she couldn’t or didn’t want to pursue.

Both Rory and Allie have a lot to think about regarding their dreams for a more fulfilling career but alas sadly another obstacle is thrown in Rory’s direction and one that needs addressing urgently.  Can Rory and Allie make decisions for their careers and private lives that work harmoniously together?

Clover Cottage is another wonderful story set in the Scottish Highlands in a community that instantly makes you feel welcomed and at home.  I fell in love with Love Heart Lane back in January 2019 and I still have pangs of wanting to live in a cosy cottage surrounded by the Scottish hills, wildlife and fauna.  Christie Barlow has written a gorgeous romantic series with characters that are filled with warmth, humour but are still very real and relatable.  I do hope we can have a return to Heartcross and Love Heart Lane sometime in the future, please 🙂

Author Bio – Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Website www.christiebarlow.com

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

 

 

 

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Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Café by Rosie Green @Rosie_Green1988 @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #feelgoodfiction

Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Café written and self-published by Rosie Green is available NOW in ebook and kindleunlimited format.

Book Blurb

Molly Hooper has a secret. It haunts her dreams and casts a dark shadow over life with her gorgeous three-year-old daughter, Eva. Arriving in Sunnybrook has given her a glimpse of sunshine. The Little Duck Pond Cafe crew seem so welcoming and there’s even the chance of a new job. Baking delicious cakes has always taken Molly to a happy place, so the job – at the glorious Brambleberry Manor Cafe – might just be perfect for her. It would mean she and little Eva could finally put down some roots at last. But is Sunnybrook the sanctuary Molly is searching for? Or will the past come back to haunt her, wherever she hides?

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/2slp10U

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 Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Café by Rosie Green.

This is the 9th book/novella in the Little Duck Pond Café series and I wholeheartedly recommend reading the books in order as good story series are built with great foundations with book one bringing forth a wonderful community atmosphere with warm-hearted characters.  As each new layer of characters are formed the instalments grow and grow leaving us with a delightful series that still feels very realistic and relatable.

Book 9 is Molly’s story.  We briefly met Molly and her young daughter Eva in the last book.  Molly has begun to help Fen with the Food Bank deliveries.  Molly is also due to start her new part-time job at the café in the grounds of Brambleberry Manor.  She is so excited and already has ideas for the extra income; savings for a deposit for a new flat.  Molly is desperate to move out of the grotty flat she currently lives in but as money is very tight she fell on hard times and was left with little option but to rent a flat from an unscrupulous landlord.  A landlord that is proving more grotty than the flat, his constant harassment and sneers are making Molly very anxious which is now being noticed by little Eva.

Molly soon makes friends with all at Brambleberry Manor including a handsome young man who has a fascinating skill/trade of bookbinding and book restoration.  With Molly’s confidence at an all time low she is struggling to accept she needs help but the time for acceptance is met with wonderful displays of goodwill.

A story of friendship and kindness in abundance.  Another gorgeous instalment in the perfect feelgood series.

Author Bio –

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all – unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘A Winter Wedding at the Little Duck Pond Cafe’, is out now.

Rosie has also written a full-length, standalone book, ‘Snowflakes over Moondance Cottage’, out now.

Follow Rosie on Twitter – @Rosie_Green1988

 

Mrs Boots by Deborah Carr @DebsCarr #bookreview #historicalfiction @0neMoreChapter

Mrs Boots written by Deborah Carr, publisher 0ne More Chapter (digital imprint of HarperCollins UK) is available in ebook format from 27th March 2020.  The book will be available in paperback in the summer.

Book Blurb

An incredible historical novel inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire.
Jersey 1885
On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…
When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.
Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?

To pre-order/buy link: https://amzn.to/3acpKC5

image courtesy of Google search

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

Mrs Boots is book one in a new historical series inspired by Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boots empire. I devoured this story, it was so captivating, interesting and beautifully romantic. Florence is a headstrong young woman who wants to help those in need. She never wanted to marry but when she met Jesse Boot, the son of the founder of Boots the chemist, she found a kindred spirit with him. However, their friendship was frowned upon by her family. Her mother in particular made her opinions quite clear and as a mother myself I could see her point of view but I also knew to stop the power of love is impossible.

Deborah Carr’s words took me to an era were social etiquette was prevalent, religion and belief were very strong and the beliefs of Florence’s mother were true to her character and faith. The atmosphere of the storyline was perfect, I could sense a time and place. Hearing about the life in the stationery shop in Jersey sounded wonderful and it brought back pangs of nostalgia of visiting small independent shops receiving personal customer service with my grandparents. Just hearing that shop bell indicating a new customer brings back pangs of warm, fuzzy emotions.

The budding friendship between Jesse Boot and Florence was lovely, especially as it took Florence by surprise how her feelings soon changed.  Both Jesse and Florence had a desire to educate those less fortunate and giving them the opportunity to better themselves.  They also want to impart on all classes of society the importance of nutrition and health and make affordable medicine available to all.

When you start a new book series and so wish the other instalments were instantly available to enable you to binge read them all; this is how I felt about Mrs Boots. As soon as I finished reading I felt compelled to research both Jesse and Florence Boot and the legacy they’ve left behind is inspiring.

A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me.

About the Author

USA TODAY best-selling author of The Poppy Field

Publisher: HarperCollins, One More Chapter

Deborah Carr lives on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands with her husband and three rescue dogs. She was described as ‘One to Watch’ by Good Housekeeping magazine for her debut historical romance, Broken Faces. Her book The Poppy Field, published by HarperCollins’ One More Chapter imprint to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, was a USA TODAY best-seller.

The first book in her new Mrs Boots series, Mrs Boots, Book 1 is out on 27 March 2020 with Book 2, Mrs Boots of Pelham Street, being published in May.

Deborah is one third of The Blonde Plotters and Co-Founder of multi-award-winning tech start-up MyVLF.com – the first global virtual literary festival venue platform developed to connect readers and authors.

Follow Deborah:
Website: http://www.deborahcarr.org
Twitter: @DebsCarr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahCarrAuthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/deborahcarr/

A Year in the Chateau by Sarah Long #bookreview #blogtour #AYearintheChateau @ZaffreBooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n

A Year in the Chateau written by Sarah Long, publisher Zaffre, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The new sharp, irreverent and hilarious book from Sarah Long. If you love Dawn French, Sue Townsend and Veronica Henry, this book is for you!

When Nicola’s husband, Dominic, retires they decide not to spend their days finding hobbies to fill the time until Countdown is on. Instead, they fulfil their life-long fantasy of buying a country house and filling it with their dearest friends. Reliving their youth and spending their children’s inheritance.

Joined by seven of their friends they club together to invest in a château in Normandy. Group dinners, fine wine, beautiful scenery – they’re living the dream!

But la vie en rose is harder than it first appears. Is there a reason why only teenagers take gap years?

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Q8QYBG

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 Sarah Long’s latest contemporary romance: A Year in the Chateau.

This is my first introduction to the work of Sarah Long and after reading A Year in the Chateau I am keen to catch up with her other books.

I really enjoyed this novel by Sarah Long; maybe it’s because the idea of living in a historic chateau in France sounds appealing, maybe it’s the small community with the numerous boulangeries, delicatessens and roadside cafes were you can wile away a few hours people watching.  Or is it the romantic notion of France having a more relaxed approach to life?  I didn’t care as I was sold with the dream as soon as the word chateau was mentioned!

Nicola and Dominic are fed-up of the rat-race in London and a dream emerges of escaping to the country and living their very own good life.  This dream evolves into clubbing together with close friends and buying a chateau in France. These nine friends were so diverse in character it made for an interesting story as even though the couples had different backgrounds and interests they blended beautifully as a group.  When life hit an all time low for one of the friends the group sprang into action to offer support where and when needed.

I loved how the author split the story up into seasons and we got to experience the changing sights, sounds and aromas of chateau life for the first time through the eyes of the characters.

A Year in the Chateau is a story of new beginnings and new adventures albeit at a slower more relaxed pace giving the time for our characters to re-evaluate their lives and learn to appreciate the important aspects of life.  But life wasn’t all rosy for our intrepid new chateau owners and life’s struggles and financial upheavals felt so much easier to handle within such an idyllic setting.  But when tragedy strikes life for all of the friends will never be the same again.

I do feel like there’s lots more to learn and look forward to about the characters we’ve grown to love and that the author could run with this storyline for a good few further stories.  I also don’t want to particularly leave the Chateau yet, maybe I’ll be inspired to dream up my own French adventure?!

About the Author

Sarah Long was raised in Essex, educated at Oxford and worked in publishing before moving to Paris with her husband and young children. She now lives in London with the same husband and most of her adult children, at the midlife stage that inspired her new novel Invisible Women.

She is the author of two previous novels, And What Do You Do? and The Next Best Thing, as well as Le Dossier of Hortense de Monplaisir or How to Survive the English, a helpful guide to understanding the ways of the British, as seen through the eyes of her snobbish Parisian alter ego.

Although now back in the motherland, she has failed to leave France behind, and spends as much time as possible at her house in rural Normandy, making jam, digging things up and watching the wildlife which often ends up, uninvited, indoors.

 

**Cover Reveal** – The Summer Island Swap by Samantha Tonge @SamanthaTongeAuthor @aria_fiction #coverreveal #TheSummerIslandSwap

I am so pleased to be involved in the cover reveal for the new upcoming novel by Samantha Tonge: The Summer Island Swap.  Here are all the important details:

Book Title:  The Summer Island Swap

Author:  Samantha Tonge

Publisher:  Aria

Format:  eBook

Release Date:  4th June 2020

To buy/pre-order links:  

Amazon: https://amzn.to/38xIJFD
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2IuyI1q
Kobo: https://bit.ly/333XuPn
iBooks: https://apple.co/39x8VS9

Book Blurb

Sometimes the best holidays are the ones you least expect…

After a long and turbulent year, Sarah is dreaming of the five-star getaway her sister has booked them on. White sands, cocktails, massages, the Caribbean is calling to them.
But the sisters turn up to tatty beaches, basic wooden shacks, a compost toilet and outdoor cold water showers. It turns out that at the last minute Amy decided a conservation project would be much more fun than a luxury resort.
So now Sarah’s battling mosquitos, trying to stomach fish soup and praying for a swift escape. Life on a desert island though isn’t all doom and gloom. They’re at one with nature, learning about each other and making new friends. And Sarah is distracted by the dishy, yet incredibly moody, island leader she’s sure is hiding a secret.

About the Author 

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely. When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women’s fiction with publisher Canelo. In 2019 she was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association romantic comedy award.

Follow Samantha:
Facebook: @SamTongeWriter
Twitter: @SamanthaTongeAuthor

Follow Aria

Website: http://www.ariafiction.com
Twitter: @aria_fiction
Facebook: @ariafiction
Instagram: @ariafiction

AND NOW FOR THE COVER REVEAL …

 

**Cover Reveal** – Take Me Home by Carrie Elks @CarrieElks #CoverReveal #TakeMeHome #ContemporaryRomance

 

I am so pleased to be involved in the cover reveal for a brand new series by bestselling contemporary romance author Carrie Elks.  Take Me Home is the first book in the Heartbreak Brothers series of emotional standalone romances, set in the small town of Hartson’s Creek.  Here are all the important details:

Book Title:  Take Me Home

Author and Publisher:  Carrie Elks

Format:  eBook and kindleunlimited

Release Date:  7th April 2020

To buy/pre-order links:

AMAZON US LINK: https://amzn.to/39mREuT

AMAZON UK LINK: https://amzn.to/2xaCElF

AMAZON UNIVERSAL LINK: mybook.to/TakeMeHome

Book Blurb

A grammy-winning rock star falls for a small-town girl in this all-new forbidden romance from author Carrie Elks.

Gray Hartson is coming home after years of playing to sold-out stadiums around the world. The tattooed singer is determined to build bridges with his sick father and reconnect with the family he left behind.

But then he meets her . . . the beautiful waitress with the smart mouth who makes him laugh more than he has in years.

One small problem. She’s his ex-girlfriend’s little sister. The only woman he can’t have.

Maddie Clark was an awkward teenager when Gray left. Now she slings hash in a backwater diner, her dreams of being a famous concert pianist left in tatters.

Don’t ask her why. She’ll never tell. Strong women do what it takes to keep a roof over their heads.

Until he walks through the door and complicates everything.

Their attraction is wrong.

But foolish hearts never listen to reason.

Maybe he should write a song about that.

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.
To keep up to date with all of Carrie’s books, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter

http://www.carrieelks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAuthor/

Twitter:  @CarrieElks

AND NOW FOR THE COVER REVEAL …

… with a gorgeous teaser!

Double Review – Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café and A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café by Rachel Griffiths @authorRG #bookreview #feelgoodfiction

There are times in your life when you just want to escape from the world by turning off the TV, turn off your mobile and immerse yourself in a book.  I knew from past experience that the writing style of Rachel Griffiths would do just the job.  So I have the pleasure of sharing not one but two reviews of two of her novellas in her The Cosy Cottage Café series.

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café written and self-published by Rachel Griffiths is available NOW in ebook and kindleunlimited.

Book Blurb

Artist Honey Blackwell is happy with her life. Well, almost. She lives in the picturesque village of Heatherlea, has three close friends and a soft spot for local supply teacher Dane Ackerman. If only she could put her past behind her and embrace the present.

Dane is working hard to prove himself at the village primary school and doesn’t really have time for love, but he’s drawn to Honey and hopes she feels the same. When a permanent teaching position is advertised in Heatherlea, he faces stiff competition to secure it.

As Honey and Dane deal with the ups and downs of life, will they be able to find a way to be together, or will they have to accept that sometimes love just isn’t enough?

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

Review

Rachel Griffiths has a proven track record of writing cosy, warm hearted stories that have characters that are real and relatable and her settings are so idyllic that you just want to pack your bags and live within the pages.  Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café is book 4 in The Cosy Cottage Café series.

It’s been over two years since my last visit to The Cosy Cottage Cafe and the gang but as soon as I opened my kindle I felt very welcomed back into their lives. This little instalment is Honey’s story.  Honey is a local artist that is part of the lovely friendship group of Allie, Camilla and Dawn.  Honey has been carrying a heart breaking emotional scar for a long time that she hasn’t shared with anyone.  When her friendship with local teacher Dane becomes more she grows afraid of her past and instantly backs away from what could be a beautiful friendship.

With confusions of the heart and miscommunications from both Honey and Dane can the pair reach out to each other and share their innermost thoughts?

A gorgeous heart-warming story that has left me wanting more from The Cosy Cottage Café and I know I’ve got a wedding to look forward to, but who’s wedding is it?

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café written and self-published by Rachel Griffiths is available NOW in ebook and kindleunlimited.

Book Blurb

When Allie Jones’ daughter, Mandy, arrives at The Cosy Cottage Café in tears one spring morning, Allie is extremely concerned. She’s been worried about her career-driven daughter for a while, and she’s hoping she’ll finally get to find out what’s wrong.

Dawn Dix-Beaumont has her hands full with three young children, a husband who works from home and the guinea pig family that lives in her garden. She’s happier than she’s ever been, but is it too good to last?

Camilla Dix is madly in love with local vet Tom Stone. Being with Tom and cuddling her baby niece have stirred feelings she didn’t know she had, but it’s far too soon to be making long-term plans. Isn’t it?

Honey Blackwell’s boyfriend, Dane Ackerman, has secured his teaching post at Heatherlea Primary School and they’ve decided to live together. Everything seems to be working out well, until a member of Honey’s household expresses a clear dislike for the handsome teacher.

Plus someone has been planning a proposal…

Join Allie and her friends this summer as cakes are baked, secrets are shared and surprises bring smiles and tears at The Cosy Cottage Café.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/3axcNmp

Review

I love a wedding; the romantic proposal and the build up to the big day of celebrations but when you have four loved up couples in the village of Heatherlea which one of our couples is getting married?

This story follows on from book 4 (Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café) to when Allie’s daughter has returned home distraught.  Allie is trying to comfort her daughter and work out what has happened.

Whilst Allie is in talks with her daughter Dawn makes an upsetting discovery which is very sad but the author Rachel Griffiths has cleverly written around this storyline turning it into something quite wonderful.

Camilla also has concerns regarding decisions to her future and is so flummoxed about it all she inadvertently involves another one of our couples which turns into some amusing scenes.

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café is another wonderful instalment in the idyllic setting of The Cosy Cottage Café were friendship, community spirit and love is the key to happiness all washed down with tea and cake.

I would wholeheartedly recommend reading all the books in the series in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the reading experience of this gorgeous cosy romance series.  The books in order are:

• Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café
• Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
• Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
• Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café

A Year at The Cosy Cottage Café – an anthology of the first four books in the series

• A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café

About the Author

Rachel Griffiths is an author, wife, mother, Earl Grey tea drinker, gin enthusiast, dog walker and fan of the afternoon nap. She loves to read, write and spend time with her family.

Twitter:  @authorRG

Instagram:  @rachelgriffithsauthor

amazon Author Page:  https://amzn.to/2PNn7yF

 

 

 

A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanauth @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #Versailles

A Springtime to Remember written by Lucy Coleman, publisher Boldwood Books is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited, audiobook and paperback format.

BOOK BLURB
Let Lucy Coleman transport you to glorious, sun-drenched France, for the perfect feel-good read. Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret.
When work presents the perfect excuse to spend Springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.
In amongst the beauty and splendour of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfolds. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a Springtime to Remember…?

Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/SpringtimeToRemember
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/a-springtime-to-remember
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/a-springtime-to-remember/id1481640123

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 Lucy Coleman’s latest novel: A Springtime to Remember.

This is my first introduction to the work of Lucy Coleman and I really enjoyed this gentle romance set in Versailles, France.  I have to admit I was initially drawn to this story because of Versailles.  I visited the Palace and Gardens back in the Autumn last year and the wondrous sight that I was met with left me mesmerised.  So I was intrigued to read a novel about a historical place that is so iconic and also a place that I’ve recently visited.  I’ve included one of my favourite photos I took from my visit just to give you a small insight into the beauty of Versailles.

You don’t need to have visited Versailles prior to reading this novel as the words from the author take you on a detailed spectacular journey.  Although after reading this novel I think you will want to visit this beautiful property and gardens.

A Springtime to Remember is Lexie’s story who is involved in a new TV production of a documentary on the gardens of Versailles.  Lexie also has a vested personal interest in the gardens as her late grandmother spent a year working on the gardens prior to her returning home in the UK to marry Lexie’s grandfather.  There is mystery surrounding this year that Grandma Vivian spent in France and Lexie is hoping to unearth a little of her past with the help of some old diaries written by her grandmother.

Lexie also finds herself charmed by a young man who is hired as the Interpreter for the show, he too has a vested interested as his late grandfather was heavily involved in the gardens.  Did Lexie and Ronan’s grandparents ever meet?  Will the past reveal any secrets that have been kept hidden for over 50 years?  Will these secrets leave anymore unanswered questions?

Versailles once again dazzled me with it’s beauty and history and the author, Lucy Coleman, cleverly blended fact with fiction with this lovely romance.

Author Bio –
From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton – who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman – says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’
Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels – including Summer on the Italian Lakes, Snowflakes over Holly Cove, The French Adventure and A Cottage in the Country. She is represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.
When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture, working in the garden, or practising Tai Chi.
Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she is an eternal romantic.
Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the SoA and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

Social Media Links –
Website: http://lucycolemanromance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucyColemanAuthor/
Twitter: @LucyColemanauth

Giveaway to Win a signed paperback of ‘A French Adventure’ and a metal leaf bookmark. (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/33c69494352/

From Thailand With Love by Camilla Isley @camillaisley @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #romcom

From Thailand With Love written and self-published by Camilla Isley is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

All Logan has to do is to get the gold and get the girl. Easy, right?

Travel photographer Winter Knowles and archeology professor Logan Spencer dislike each other at first sight. Stuck together on a wild island, these two unwilling teammates will bicker and banter their way through a laugh-packed treasure hunt.

After years of searching, a new mapping technology has given Logan a clue to the location of the legendary Lost City of Gold. A discovery that could make his career. So the last thing he needs on this life-changing expedition is for his team to get distracted by a pair of long legs.

When Winter accepted the assignment on a tropical island she didn’t sign up for a brooding team leader who’d clearly prefer to run a boys-only club. Never one to back down from a challenge, Winter is ready to show him she’s no damsel in distress.

But when a treasure like no other is uncovered and ruthless enemies will want to keep it for themselves, it’ll be up to the two of them to save the day. Left alone to fight in the jungle, they will soon discover their lives might not be the only thing at stake—their hearts could be too.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

A fun read packed with danger, action, romance, and comedy.

From Thailand with Love is part of a series of interconnected romantic comedies but can be read as a standalone novel as all the other books in the First Comes Love series.

Purchase Links:

Amazon http://smarturl.it/FTWL

Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/from-thailand-with-love/id1479292065

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-thailand-with-love-camilla-isley/1133420733?ean=2940163330850

Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9788887269383

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-NytDwAAQBAJ

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 Camilla Isley’s latest novel: From Thailand With Love.

Ohh this was such a fabulous page turner of a read!  From Thailand With Love is book 5 in the First Comes Love series however, each book is a standalone story based around an enemies to lover romantic comedy theme.

I’ve read quite a few of Camilla Isley’s novels now and she writes stories that you fall in love with and you instantly become friends with the characters and are silently cheering them on.

I loved this storyline in From Thailand With Love; we have one feisty, beautiful, talented lady who is confident with her capabilities and then we have a man who’s still feeling bruised from his last break-up when he disobeyed his own ruling of mixing business with pleasure.

Winter Knowles is a photographer and she’s currently in Thailand for her next assignment, an assignment that’s been kept secretive but she feels she’s about to embark on a remarkable journey photographing detailed evidence of something that could become the start of an adventure of her lifetime.

Dr Logan Spencer is an esteemed archaeologist and he has been researching a forgotten hidden city within the depths of the jungle in Thailand.  He’s desperate to prove his theories correct and all his dreams of success lie on this project.  Logan has put together a team of experts to join him on his journey and he’s met all of them apart from his photographer.  Enter Winter Knowles, a vision to the eyes and one Logan believes will become a nuisance and distraction to the team.  So first impressions don’t go down well but as the mission commences Winter proves she is worthy of her place on the team.

However, as the mission takes on a dramatic turn the relationship between Winter and Logan becomes a battle of survival of their lives and of the ever growing chemistry that is sizzling between them.

An addictive, adventure fuelled romcom that will have you turning the pages desperate to know what happens next.  Loved it!

Author Bio – Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley/

https://twitter.com/camillaisley

https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

https://www.pinterest.com/camillaisley/

Giveaway to Win a From Thailand With Love Tote Bag (Open Internationally)

*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/33c69494351/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Orphan House by Ann Bennett @annbennett71 @bookouture #blogtour #bookreview #historicalfiction

The Orphan House written by Ann Bennett, publisher Bookouture, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

As she looks at the baby wriggling in her father’s arms, a bolt of recognition goes through her and she takes a step back. And it’s in that moment that she begins to protect her father’s secrets.

1934, Weirfield-on-Thames. Connie Burroughs loves living in the orphanage that her father runs. Exploring its nooks and crannies with her sister, hearing the pounding of a hundred pairs of feet on the wooden stairs, having a father who is doing so much good. But everything changes the day she sees him carrying a newborn baby that he says he found near the broken front gate. A baby she recognises…

Present day. Arriving at her father’s beloved cottage beside the river, Sarah Jennings is hoping for peace and quiet, to escape her difficult divorce. But when she finds her father unwell and hunched over boxes of files on the orphanage where he was abandoned as a child, she decides to investigate it herself.

The only person left alive who lived at Cedar Hall is Connie Burroughs, but Connie sits quietly in her nursing home for a reason. The sewing box under Connie’s bed hides secrets that will change Sarah’s life forever, uncovering a connection between them that has darker consequences than she could ever imagine.

A heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting tale inspired by the lives of the children who lived at the author’s great-grandfather’s orphanage. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan’s Tale and The Orphan Train will be hooked.

Buy Links:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08283DBP7Social
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2OX1USN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2DOLVQk
Googleplay: http://bit.ly/2Rro4hM

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 Ann Bennett’s historical novel: The Orphan House.

I originally read this novel back in January 2019 when the author self-published the story, the book has been lovingly re-edited with a new title and published by Bookouture and I am so happy for the author to gain the recognition from such a great publishing company.

This is a very beautiful, atmospheric but equally tragic and poignant story set in three different time frames. It is a story about three women who have been linked to an event that is marred by illegal, immoral and devastating circumstances back in 1934. It’s not until the present day that the truth is slowly unravelled and the small link between the women is lengthened.

Ann Bennett’s words completely captivated me in this story. With her atmospheric prose depicting the sensory details of 1930’s India that Anna first experienced when she was travelling to India to escape England and the shroud of gossip surrounding her father. Anna was excited about her future in India but it soon became a lonely existence for her.

Connie is now all alone in the world and following a fall she’s living in an elderly care home. Struggling with her ailments both physically and mentally as she is forced to sell the family home to cover her expenses at the home. Cedar Hall has been her home for over 70 years and was adjacent to an orphanage. Connie is very wary of her past in the Lodge and she is afraid of the Hall revealing the truth.

Sarah stumbles across Cedar Hall on her way to her father’s house following a startling discovery surrounding her husband. Sarah is shocked and angry and very unsure of her future. She realises the place she needs to take stock of her life is at her father’s house in a small village in Berkshire, not far from Cedar Hall. Cedar Hall is up for sale and is looking a little worn and tired but it still holds a presence in the village and after her first sight of the house Sarah cannot stop thinking about it.

Stripping back the walls that have held secrets for a long time reveal a story of greed, a story of tragedy and a story of lost loves. From the sumptuous setting in India to the chilling discoveries back in Berkshire this is a brilliant story that will appeal to historical fans, romance fans and mystery fans. If you love the work of Dinah Jefferies you will appreciate the work of Ann Bennett and the beautiful story that is The Orphan House.

About the Author

Ann Bennett was born in a small village in Northamptonshire and now lives in Surrey. Her first book, A Daughter’s Quest, originally published as Bamboo Heart, was inspired by her father’s experience as a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma Railway. The Planter’s Wife (originally published as Bamboo Island) a Daughter’s Promise and The Homecoming, (formerly Bamboo Road) are also about the war in South East Asia.

The idea for The Orphan House came from researching her great-grandfather, Brice Bennett, who was headmaster of a county school for pauper children in Wargrave, Berkshire. The Orphan House and a further WW2 historical novel will be published by Bookouture in 2020.

Ann is married with three grown up sons and works as a lawyer. For more details please visit http://www.bambooheart.co.uk

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/annbennett71
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annbennettauthor/