The Story of Babushka by Catherine Flores @StoryofBabushka @AuthorFlores @ACLCreative_ @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

 

The story of Babushka written by Catherine Flores, illustrator Ana Beatriz Marquez, publisher ACL Creative Studio, is available NOW in ebook, hardcover, audiobook and paperback format. I would highly recommend purchasing a physical copy either in hardcover or paperback as the illustrations are truly captivating.

Book Blurb

A beautifully illustrated book, with a magnificent story that children and tweens will love.

Babushka wants to find out the meaning of life so she sends her bodies out of the forest and into the world to search for answers. 

WHAT IS A BABUSHKA?

The babushka doll, also known as a matryoshka or Russian nesting doll, is a traditional Russian toy first made over 100 years ago. The doll has come to symbolise Russian folk culture, as well as the complex and beautiful layers of women. There are some babushka dolls with as many as fifty dolls nested inside. This is the story of one very special babushka doll and her five bodies. There was the outermost body, Antonia. She was pure beauty. Everyone who saw her admired her good looks. Beneath that body of beauty hid Loretta, who was richly adorned. She wore gold ornaments, and her green robe was decorated with many different gems that glittered like the ocean on a sunny day. Hidden within the rich body was Paula, the body that held all Babushka’s talents. Whatever Paula did, she was sure to succeed. She knew how to work and always did so with joy and determination. Within the talented body was Viola, the body of wisdom. Viola knew a lot about the world and learned very quickly. She was always full of brilliant ideas and had clever solutions for every problem. The last body, the smallest of all, was Mary, the embodiment of love. Mary had a warm and compassionate heart and was very helpful. She could dry tears and mend broken hearts. Together, these bodies formed the complete Babushka.

Reading this book, you will learn about:

– The value of friendship and love.

– That financial wealth alone cannot make someone happy.

– Not to judge outer appearance.

– To recognize a person’s value and much more

Buy Link:  https://amzn.to/3hNm8JJ

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 and honoured to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Catherine Flores novel: The Story of Babushka.

What first attracted me to this novel was the exquisite illustration on the book cover but this is nothing compared to what is inside the book. The book as a whole is stunningly beautiful with the illustrations perfectly bringing the beautiful words to life.

When my children were little I cherished reading picture books with them and I’ve kept quite a few as I still do love re-visiting these stories that held precious memories for me and my family. After reading The Story of Babushka I do believe it will become a family favourite with children of all ages and even adults will adore the ethos behind the story and will be equally enchanted.

I have admired the Russian nesting dolls for as long as I can remember but didn’t know the folk story behind them. As an adult I enjoy opening my imagination for the magic and myth of fairy stories and this is what I felt whilst reading Catherine Flores story. The story is charming, enchanting and quite thought provoking. It’s a story that would resonate for all ages reminding us of what is important in life. I know it will be a book that I will re-read for the wise words and for the beautiful illustrations. I felt comforted by this adorable book. Thank you Catherine Flores and Ana Beatriz Marquez for a great partnership in bringing this book to life.

Author Bio: Since quitting her full-time job at a branding communication agency in Zurich, Catherine has gone on to become a successful freelance designer and a children’s author. She spends most of her time on the small island of Madeira with her family, spending her time growing vegetables in her garden and working for clients from around the world.

She is currently working on the follow up to the 2020 release of “The Story Of Babushka”

Social Media

Instagram:

Author: www.instagram.com/JourneytoFantastic

Book: www.instagram.com/StoryofBabushka

Twitter:

Author: www.twitter.com/AuthorFlores

Facebook:

Book: www.facebook.com/TheStoryofBabushka

Website

Author: www.catherineflores.ch

Book: www.TheStoryofBabushka.com

YouTube Trailer – https://youtu.be/jKnDGZ2e1VY – Book Trailer

Free colouring in downloads – https://thestoryofbabushka.com/product/the-story-of-babushka-colouring-book-free-download/

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The Runaway Sisters by Ann Bennett @annbennett71 @bookouture #bookreview #historicalfiction

Further to the book promo and extract shared on my blog on the 15th September I now have pleasure in posting my review of Ann Bennett’s latest novel: The Runaway Sisters. A little reminder of all the important details:

The Runaway Sisters written by Ann Bennett publisher Bookouture is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The story of two sisters fighting to survive in the darkest days of World War Two. A heartbreaking tale of resilience and bravery, about having the courage to sacrifice yourself in order to save the ones you love…

Devon, 1940: When fifteen-year-old Daisy is evacuated from her home in London, she knows she must look after her younger sister Peggy. She is the only one who can reassure Peggy that life will go back to normal, holding her close and reading to her from their one battered children’s book.

But when the sisters are taken into the countryside, Daisy quickly realises that not everyone at home is on the right side of the war. Forced to work in fields alongside orphan children, she finds herself drawn to a young boy called John, who has tried and failed to escape many times before. He protects the other children, and his bravery inspires Daisy.

Then Peggy gets sick and Daisy knows that, to save her life, they must run away. But now Peggy is not the only one Daisy is desperate to protect. As the sounds of German engines grow louder above her, Daisy is faced with an impossible choice: escape with just her sister, or risk her life to save others?

Perfect for fans of Lisa Wingate, Diney Costeloe and Shirley Dickson, The Runaway Sisters is a tale of heartwrenching loss and uplifting courage. It’s a story about family, and the light that can be found in the dark clouds of war.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08B65D853Social

Apple: http://ow.ly/MCo950Aa3IP

Kobo: http://ow.ly/bglK50Aa3Ho 

Google: http://ow.ly/TQOn50Aa3GJ

REVIEW

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

The Runaway Sisters written by Ann Bennett is a story that will equally fascinate you and break your heart. The plight of WWII evacuees for many was such a frightening and emotive time as the children were wrenched away from their mother’s arms to a place of safety. But as the conflict grew safety wasn’t guaranteed for many.

This is the story of two sisters who escaped the blitz in London evacuating to south Devon but as the naval docks in Plymouth were close by danger was not far away. However, teenage Daisy and young Peggy were about to face a danger they had never feared.

The Runaway Sisters is such a harrowing story at times with the young girls having to face life in it’s ugliest form but when glimmers of light and warmth are shown it’s a quite beautiful tender moment. It’s one that needs remembering that in the darkest of times light can and will shine through.

My heart broke for the unfairness of life on Daisy and Peggy and it ached for all the grief they had to endure. However, this is a story of secrets and Daisy and Peggy’s life wasn’t to be revealed until many decades later when two sisters Laura and Helen were clearing out their mother Daisy’s belongings. Daisy was now in her 80’s and due to ill health was living in a care home. What her daughters discover is a history that was locked away but never forgotten. A history that shaped the way their mother became and a history that the world should remember.

A timeslip WWII historical novel that will leave your feeling wrung out with emotion. I didn’t want this story to end but sadly when it did I felt like it was a new beginning that I wanted to still be involved in. It was poignant, tragic but had moments of beauty.

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.

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

Author Social Media Links:

Twitter: @annbennett71

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

The Village by Philip Duke @LoveBooksGroup @freshly_press #bookblitz #lovebookstours

I am so pleased to be involved in the book blitz celebrating and promoting Philip Duke’s historical novel The Village based around the wartime history on the island of Crete. Here are some more details:

Book Title: The Village: A Novel of Wartime Crete

Author: Philip Duke

Publisher: Top Hat Books

Book Blurb

A Cretan village confronts the Nazi juggernaut sweeping across Europe. A village matriarch tries to hold her family together…Her grieving son finds a new life in the Cretan Resistance…A naive English soldier unwillingly finds the warrior in himself…And a fanatical German paratrooper is forced to question everything he thought he believed in. The lives of four ordinary people are irrevocably entwined and their destinies changed forever as each of them confronts the horrors of war and its echoes down the decades.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/35VJpqD

About the Author

Philip Duke is a retired professor of anthropology. He and his wife lived on the island of Crete, Greece for five years before returning to the United States in 2015. His first novel, A Terrible Unrest, is currently being turned into a screenplay. Philip now lives in Durango, Colorado, USA.

Website: https://philipduke.com/

**Cover Reveal** Christmas in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May @nicolamay1 @EyeAndLightning @rararesources #coverreveal #festiveread

I am so excited to be involved in the cover and title reveal of Nicola May’s upcoming novel. Here are all the important details:

Title: Christmas in Cockleberry Bay

Author: Nicola May

Publisher: Nowell Publishing (Lightning Books)

Publication Date: 4th December 2020

Book Blurb

Meet old and new characters in the Bay for Christmas fun and frolics.

With both the Corner Shop and Cockleberry Café in safe hands, Rosa turns her attention to Ned’s Gift, the charity set up in memory of the great-grandfather whose legacy turned her life around.

Over at the Ship Hotel, Lucas has his work cut out with his devious new girlfriend and the mystery poisoning of an anonymous hotel inspector. Will the hotel still get its 3-star Seaside Rosette?

Will Mary find true love at last? Can Titch cope with the demands of the shop and being heavily pregnant. And can Rosa, with a baby of her own, pull off the Cockleberry Bay Charity Christmas Concert in time?

Christmas in Cockleberry Bay is a festive delight for fans of Rosa and her cheeky mini dachshund Hot, delivering a feast of unpredictable events and surprises.

Pre-order Links

Kindle – UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JHJKLQF/

Kindle – .com – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JHJKLQF/

Paperback  – http://eye-books.com/books/christmas-in-cocklberry-bay

Publication Date – 4^th December

Author Bio –

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of eleven romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year.

She lives near Ascot racecourse with her black-and-white rescue cat, Stan.

Follow Nicola May

Website – www.nicolamay.com

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

Twitter – https://twitter.com/nicolamay1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/

and now for the gorgeous festive cover …

A Stargazy Night Sky by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites @rararesources #blogblitz #bookreview #ALittleHotelinCornwall

A Stargazy Night Sky written and self-published by Laura Briggs is available NOW in ebook format.

Book Blurb

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Purchase Link – https://smarturl.it/stargazynight

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 invovled in the blog blitz celebrating and promoting the launch of Book 7 in the A Little Hotel in Cornwall series. I would highly recommend reading all the books in order to enjoy a full reading experience. Please visit the authors amazon page for more details of the books:

Author’s amazon page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laura-Briggs/e/B004LY01E6/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

I’ve enjoyed reading this series by Laura Briggs about American Maisie who has dreams and aspirations to be an author. Maisie flew to Cornwall in the hopes of tracking down her favourite author, the last known details she had of the author was at the grand hotel Penmarrow on the Cornish clifftops. Maisie became a waitress at the hotel still in search of her dreams and of the author but she learned to love her job at the hotel and she soon became friends with another outsider to the area, Sidney Daniels. Maisie and Sidney’s relationship has left the readers with food for thought as each new episode reveals a little more about life and loves in Cornwall.

Maisie and Sidney have now taken the next step in their friendship and a courtship has bloomed, I love this tentative steps to a new life for them Sidney shows a new side to Maisie he is sweet and caring but there is still something in his past that Sidney is afraid to reveal.

This instalment in the series sees the hotel in chaos again as an astronomy conference is about to take place with the forthcoming comet due to light up the skies with clear views across Cornwall. Lots of new and interesting characters are arriving but astronomers are not the only interesting guests at the hotel, there’s a revelation or two to be discovered which could change the future for all concerned.

Another lovely instalment in this romantic saga set in Cornwall. Will Maisie’s dreams become a reality and will we get to find out who the reclusive famous author is? There’s intrigue and mystery, warmth and humour and a lovely romance on the Cornish clifftops.

Author Bio – Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, 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 and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea by Jane Linfoot @janelinfoot @0neMoreChapter @rararesources #bookreview

Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea written by Jane Linfoot, publisher 0ne More Chapter, is available NOW in ebook and audiobook format. The paperback version is due out in November.

Book Blurb

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson

Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet!

It’s the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren’t just gearing up for Valentine’s Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it’s also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!

Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly…and not just from the fireworks display!

Purchase Links –

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Little-Wedding-Shop-Sea-ebook/dp/B084L7SJJV

US – https://www.amazon.com/Love-Little-Wedding-Shop-Sea-ebook/dp/B084L7SJJV

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 Jane Linfoot’s latest novel: Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea.

Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea is Book 5 in the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series written by Jane Linfoot. I wholeheartedly recommend reading all the books in the series in order as its a gorgeous, uplifting set of stories. Every time I pick up and read a new book in this series I think it’s the best one yet and yet again Jane Linfoot has written her best story yet (in my humble opinion) with Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea. I galloped through this book as I was desperate to know what hurdle lovely Milla was going to face next and as the end of the story was approaching I wanted to slow down and savour every last word as it was just perfect!

This is Milla’s story; a close childhood friend of the girls from the wedding shop who moved to Bristol five years ago when her mum sadly passed away. Milla has escaped Bristol after a very eventful year when her heart was left in pieces and her working life is also in a precarious position. Milla is going to work with the girls at the wedding shop to give her heart and mind chance to recover. However, what Milla didn’t have in mind was for her heart to be jolted awake by local yachtsman Nic. With her new role she is left working closely with Nic and her heart refuses to calm down whilst he is around.

Can Milla’s heart cope with anymore complications?

This is a story that’s filled with light hearted humour, great banter between old and new friends, nostalgia, warmth and a campervan full of the type of romance that makes your heart sing!!!

Author Bio – I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart. Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up a mountain road in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the domestic chaos. Happily, we’re in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things french. When I’m not on facebook, and can’t find an excuse for shopping, I’ll be walking, or gardening. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

Social Media Links – Follow Jane on Twitter @janelinfoot, or find her on her Author Page on Facebook. She’s also on Instagram, and has lots of Pinterest boards relating to her novels.

The Runaway Sisters by Ann Bennett @annbennett71 @bookouture #bookextract #historicalfiction

The Runaway Sisters written by Ann Bennett publisher Bookouture is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The story of two sisters fighting to survive in the darkest days of World War Two. A heartbreaking tale of resilience and bravery, about having the courage to sacrifice yourself in order to save the ones you love…

Devon, 1940: When fifteen-year-old Daisy is evacuated from her home in London, she knows she must look after her younger sister Peggy. She is the only one who can reassure Peggy that life will go back to normal, holding her close and reading to her from their one battered children’s book.

But when the sisters are taken into the countryside, Daisy quickly realises that not everyone at home is on the right side of the war. Forced to work in fields alongside orphan children, she finds herself drawn to a young boy called John, who has tried and failed to escape many times before. He protects the other children, and his bravery inspires Daisy.

Then Peggy gets sick and Daisy knows that, to save her life, they must run away. But now Peggy is not the only one Daisy is desperate to protect. As the sounds of German engines grow louder above her, Daisy is faced with an impossible choice: escape with just her sister, or risk her life to save others?

Perfect for fans of Lisa Wingate, Diney Costeloe and Shirley Dickson, The Runaway Sisters is a tale of heartwrenching loss and uplifting courage. It’s a story about family, and the light that can be found in the dark clouds of war.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08B65D853Social

Apple: http://ow.ly/MCo950Aa3IP

Kobo: http://ow.ly/bglK50Aa3Ho 

Google: http://ow.ly/TQOn50Aa3GJ

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Ann Bennett’s latest historical novel: The Runaway Sisters. This book is next on my TBR and I will post my review shortly however, today I have the pleasure of sharing an extract with you,

Chapter One
Helen 
As the lane climbed towards the open moor it became narrower and steeper. The high Devon banks on either side closed in, thick with bracken and dripping greenery. Helen drove slowly, but in places the way ahead became so confined that she had to slow the car to walking pace to avoid scraping it on the sharp rocks, obscured by ferns and foliage.

It seemed to Helen that this tiny lane, with its tortured twists and turns as it laboured up the foothills towards Dartmoor, somehow reflected her own mood, even more so as the dark clouds ahead closed in on her and she drew closer to Black Moor Hall.

At last she entered a stretch of dense woodland, where a moorland stream rushed downhill in a gully beside the road, and the entrance to the house came into view. Black wrought-iron gates rusting with age stood between tall, granite pillars. She pulled off the lane, stopped the car on the little bridge that crossed the stream and got out to open the gates. As she did so, she glanced down at her phone lying on the passenger seat. A text was flashing on the screen.

Sorry, going to be a bit late. Something’s come up. See you later. Laura.
Helen sighed, inching the car through the gates. Predictable; typical even. But it didn’t matter really; it would give her a chance to wander around the place alone and get her thoughts together. She needed time to reflect.
She drove along the rough track, through the spinney of evergreens, and as she rounded the final bend, the old house hove into view. It was a grey, overcast day, with mists rolling in from the high moor. The house looked even more forbidding than usual with its sombre granite gables and square bay windows either side of the imposing entrance. Helen pulled the car up on the circular drive and, suppressing a shudder, fumbled in her handbag for the keys.

As she paused on the threshold, she realised that she couldn’t remember a time in recent years when she’d been inside the house alone. As she closed the heavy front door behind her and ventured through the porch into the vast entrance hall, she felt the chill wrap itself around her…

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.

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

Author Social Media Links:

Twitter: @annbennett71

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

The Awakening of Claudia Faraday by Patsy Trench @PatsyTrench @rararesources #bookextract

The Awakening Of Claudia Faraday written by Patsy Trench, publisher Prefab Publications, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

Book Blurb

‘It got better, in time, though to be truthful it always felt more of a duty than a pleasure: a little like homework, satisfying when over, and done well, but never exactly enjoyable. But then nobody had ever suggested it could be otherwise.’

This was the view of Claudia Faraday, 1920s respectable wife and mother of three, on the subject of sex. That is until an unexpected turn of events shakes her out of her torpor and propels her back into the world revitalised and reawakened, where she discovers, as Marie Stopes might have said: Approached in the right way, even homework can be fun.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ClaudiaF

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting Patsy Trench’s novel: The Awakening of of Claudia Faraday. I have the pleasure of sharing an extract with you.

A young stranger has arrived at Claudia’s house unexpectedly.

So Claudia rang for tea, and as they sat together, the young man and the middle-aged woman, in the fading light of an early autumn day, she asked the stranger how he came to be acquainted with her husband.

‘I was working with him,’ he said. ‘In Africa. A great privilege.’

‘And what part of Africa would that be?’

‘Tanganyika, the Olduvai Gorge, you may have heard of it.’

Claudia nodded vaguely. ‘How is he?’

‘Excellent. Yes. You’ve not heard from him recently? No, he did confess as much. He gets very caught up with his work, very dedicated. Single-minded, you could say.’

‘He only made it to one of the three weddings,’ said Claudia.

‘Three weddings?’

‘Three daughters, three weddings, within a few months of each other. He made it to one but was unable to stay for the others.’

‘I see.’

‘And what exactly did he confess?’ said Claudia, trying to keep the archness from her voice.

‘Confess?’

‘“He did confess as much.” Your words.’

‘Ah. He confessed he had a family.’

‘“Confessed he had a family”?’ Claudia’s eyebrows lifted imperceptibly. ‘And did he talk much about his family?’

‘I believe he said he’d been over, yes, he’d been over for a wedding earlier in the year, though he didn’t mention a daughter. A family wedding I gather, I didn’t really ask.’ He flashed her a disarming smile. ‘But I did promise to call in on you,’ he went on. ‘To give you news of him.’

‘Ah, not to see how I was.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Never mind,’ said Claudia. She gave a small sigh.

‘I’m tiring you. Would you like me to go?’

‘You might as well stay for supper,’ she found herself saying.

‘That’s very kind of you,’ said the young man. ‘I accept.’

So he stayed for supper, and they spent the evening talking about Africa, and what it was like living in the wilds, far from civilisation. He described to Claudia in vivid detail the process and the aims of working on an archaeological dig and the excitement of new discoveries – or revelations, as he called them – that stood to alter one’s entire perceptions and understanding of ancient history; and above all to be working alongside a man of such inspirational spirit, such insight. He told the story of the day they came across a piece of blackened rock, no bigger than a child’s fist, which no one but the master thought to be of significance. So while the rest of the party slept, the master worked through the night, by the light of a failing torch, until his fingers were bleeding, and by dawn he had uncovered a portion of the skull of what some time later proved to be Homo Habilis. And while to some extent Claudia had heard it all before – indeed she had herself many years ago witnessed what it was like living under canvas, in the middle of nowhere – such was the young man’s passion and eloquence she felt she was hearing it for the first time.

‘So,’ he said finally, and fell silent. A moment passed and then he added, ‘And what about you?’

‘Me? What about me?’

‘It can’t be a lot of fun, here at home, a woman on her own, no husband.’

He was watching her out of the corner of his eye. She was not disposed to rise to the comment so she said something to the effect that she managed quite well, thank you, as did many other women with absentee husbands.

She wondered what her husband Gerald had made of this forthright, enthusiastic and forward young man, at which point a startling thought came into her head and she said, ‘Did my husband send you on a mission perhaps? To spy on me? See what I get up to while the cat’s away?’

‘Spy on you? Gracious.’ He pretended to look shocked for a moment. ‘What an intriguing thought. So I must unearth your secrets.’

She was about to tell him that that would take no time at all, but deciding a little mystery would do no harm she gave him her best Giaconda smile before realising, to her simultaneous alarm and amusement, that he might think she was flirting with him. So by way of a change of subject she asked her visitor where his adventures were to take him next, at which point the conversation took an unexpected turn.

‘India,’ was his instant and emphatic reply, and in particular a temple in a place whose name Claudia could not quite catch; where, he explained, were to be found sculptures representing the Hindu ‘Four Truths’, among which is Kama, or Desire. He had a specific interest in a set of erotic sculptures which were believed to date back to the eleventh century and which contained, in addition to representations of homosexuality and hermaphroditism, images of self-pleasuring, both male and female.

‘Self . . . ? Oh!’ said Claudia, in such a way, she later realised, that might have given the (mistaken) impression she wanted to hear more. So the young man hurtled on, relating what he knew of the culture of sexual congress through history and at what point it was believed that women, as well as men, had discovered the delights of self-pleasuring. It was his view that the ancients, in this respect at least, were ahead of their time – you only had to look at the Romans and the Greeks – indeed, ahead of our time. Imagine attempting to display such artefacts in modern society!

Quite what all this had to do with archaeology was unclear, and so Claudia sat, silent and perfectly still, until the clock struck ten; at which point the young man at last drew breath and said, ‘It’s ten o’clock, I must be on my way.’

‘Where do you have to get to?’ Claudia asked.

‘London.’

‘Well, you’ve missed the last train.’

‘Really?’ he exclaimed.

‘You will have to stay the night.’

Author Bio –

Patsy Trench lives a quiet and largely respectable life in north London. Claudia’s story shows a side of her normally shy and reserved nature that is little known, even to her friends and acquaintances. Her previous books, about her family’s history in Australia, are entertaining and informative accounts of that country’s early colonial beginnings. She began writing late, and in a previous life she was an actress, scriptwriter, playscout, founder of The Children’s Musical Theatre of London and lyricist. When not writing books she emerges from her shell to teach theatre and organise theatre trips for overseas students. She is the grateful mother of two clever and grown-up children, and she is addicted to rag rugging and, when current circumstances permit, fossicking on the Thames foreshore for ancient treasure.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.patsytrench.com

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

Twitter:  @PatsyTrench

Instagram: claudiafaraday1920

Someday In Paris by Olivia Lara @olilara_writes @Aria_Fiction @rararesources #guestpost

Someday in Paris written by Olivia Lara, publisher Aria, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

‘An epic, sweeping romance about soulmates and second chances’ Holly Miller. 

‘An absolutely unforgettable love story’ Mandy Baggot. 

‘A deeply moving, richly evocative story of love, loss and the power of hope’ Miranda Dickinson. 

Book Blurb

Finding the one is only the beginning… 

1954. Zara is fifteen the first time she meets Leon. During a power cut in a small French museum, the two spend one short hour in the dark talking about their love for art, Monet and Paris. Neither knows what the other looks like. Both know their lives will never be the same. 

1963. In Paris, Leon no longer believes he will ever find the girl he lost that night. After dreaming about him for years, Zara thinks she has already found him. When they meet at an exhibition, they don’t recognise each other – yet the way they feel is so familiar… 

Over the course of twenty years, Zara and Leon are destined to fall in love again and again. But will they ever find a way to be together? 

‘It’s about dreams and taking chances. Missed opportunities and mistakes. Loss and sacrifice. But above all, it is about love. The kind of love that survives time, distance… even death. The kind of love I wish for you.’ 

A magical new love story about star-crossed lovers, perfect for hopeless romantics and fans of One Day and The Notebook. 

What readers are saying about Someday in Paris: 

‘I absolutely adored this book and stayed up late at night to finish it!! I couldn’t put it down. This was a truly epic love story’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Magical, all-encompassing and timeless; an unforgettable romance’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Without question 5.0 Exquisite Stars!! There are not enough magical adjectives to describe the beauty of this story!! Someday in Paris moved me beyond words and to quite a few tears’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Some books leave you a print in your heart which make them difficult to forget … Emotive, sweet and unforgettable … The most beautiful book I’ve read in a while!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘This is a book for hopeless romantics, for those who dare to dream, and for those who believe in true love everlasting … I could not put it down’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘This book left me speechless. I haven’t read such an amazing story in a long time’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘I absolutely loved this book … The story kept me hanging on and reading late into the night’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple US: https://books.apple.com/us/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someday-in-paris-olivia-lara/1136248226?ean=9781838933142

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Oay6DwAAQBAJ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo UK: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple UK: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Olivia Lara’s debut novel: Someday In Paris. I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post from the author with you. The book sounds fascinating and with my love of historical stories and set in Paris this is definitely one to add to my TBR.

Where do I get inspiration for my stories?

I don’t know how it is for other authors, but for me, every story is different in terms of how it all started.

For instance, Someday in Paris, my debut novel, is a story that’s been with me for years.

The first memory of the idea is from many years ago. I was on the high school graduation trip with my classmates, visiting Europe, and I picked up a book by an author I’d never heard of, Marc Levy. I read the story in one sitting, on the bus between Paris and Marseille and once I arrived in Marseille, I scribbled down thoughts for a story. It wasn’t related to what I’d read, but something in it sparked my imagination. Elements of that idea are in my debut novel, many years later…

Meeting my now husband a few months later added to the idea, so did our own love story and all our years together so far. Living in France in my twenties fueled the initial idea and gave me incredible settings (Paris, Colmar). Spending time in European museums, game me their world. So, you see, the answer to where it all started is most likely a sum of things, over the years. And when everything aligned, Zara and Leon’s story emerged almost like a movie and all I could do was to watch that ‘movie’, take mental notes, and hope I won’t forget anything important.

Sometimes I get ideas from articles, people I meet, songs I listen to, even nonfiction books I read. I am inspired by our travels (and can’t wait until we’re able to be on the road again), the places I called home, whether for a year or a decade. Poems I’ve always known or just discovered, and urban legends I remember from my childhood. Reading is an important part of my life and an important source of inspiration as well. I read across genres and I read all the time. Just released books, classics, books in English, Romanian, French. I am also passionate about theater and have tons of vinyl with Romanian theater plays I listen to all the time. And last but not least, I might see an interaction between two people that makes me want to take note. Maybe something they say or how they say it. Maybe a gesture. Even if I’m not consciously doing it, I’m always watching.

And then, just like that, a shiny, sparkly idea comes to me. I don’t write it down. I just let it simmer. If it comes back, if it makes me start to imagine the possibilities, if I begin seeing the ‘movie’ of that story, then I know I’m onto something special. It can take weeks, months or years. One thing is for sure. I’m never without ideas. Some I tried to write, but the ‘movie’ suddenly ended mid-way, so I have decided to shelve them and perhaps come back later. If and when that will actually happen, I don’t know.

Someday in Paris is the book of my heart. It is the kind of story I’ve always wanted to read and I guess I wanted it so badly, I decided to stop waiting and write it. I want to believe that all my stories are like that though, whether the idea came from my own life, from someone else’s, or from a dream…

The author is running a Goodreads giveaway for 50 kindle copies of Someday In Paris, open to US only. Please click on the link to enter.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/311490-someday-in-paris

Author Bio – OLIVIA LARA was born and raised in Bucharest in a family of booklovers and storytellers. Since university she has worked as a journalist and marketer in Romania, France and the United States. She is currently a marketing executive in San Francisco and lives in the Bay Area with her husband, young daughter and four cats. Someday in Paris is her first novel.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @olilara_writes,

Facebook http://facebook.com/olivialaraauthor

Instagram @olivialara.writes

Author website: olivia-lara.com

Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources #festivereading #bookreview

Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage written by Lucy Coleman, publisher Boldwood Books, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds in this perfect festive escape, from the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina. 

Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in. 

When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.  

But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget – for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secrets, log fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft. 

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3fGdGvu

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 Coleman’s latest novel: Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage.

I adored this novel by Lucy Coleman it uplifted my spirits and oozed festive feelgood vibes throughout.

I have a fascination with life on a canal boat but this isn’t a story about living on a canal boat it’s a story about a whole community living within and on the canal side. It is also about a special bond with a granddaughter and her grandfather and of their kindness in sharing their free time bringing the spirit of Christmas on a specially adapted narrow boat that travels up and down the canal hosting Santa cruises to children.

Immie has lived with her grandfather most of her life since her father died when she was younger. It took Immie a little while to cope with her grief and new adjustments but the life she shares now living at Lock Keeper’s Cottage with her grandfather, Tollie, sounds so idyllic.

Immie is happily in a relationship with her boyfriend, Gray, but at the moment they can only see each other at the weekend as Gray helps his mother during recovery from an illness. This long distance relationship brings swings of emotional highs and lows to Immie and she doesn’t know when her love life will become settled.

With the run up to the festive season life for Immie becomes frantic as preparations for the Santa Cruises take shape. A team of willing helpers chin in to make the excursions run smoothly.

Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage is such a cosy, comforting read I felt pangs of nostalgia listening to the children captivated with the Santa Cruises, it was almost magical the spell the Santa Cruise helpers were having on the little ones. I was also heartened to read the strength of the community spirit and the selfless acts of helping one another in times on need. The author Lucy Coleman has written a story of love, family, friendship, a few twists and turns along the way and plenty of festive feelgood factor.

Author Bio –

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @LucyColemanAuth

Twitter:@LucyColemanAuth

https://www.facebook.com/LucyColemanAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/lucycolemanauthor/

lucycolemanromance.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-coleman

http://bit.ly/LucyColemanNewsletter