A Beautiful Spy by Rachel Hore @Rachelhore @simonschusterUK @RandomTTours @TeamBATC #bookreview #ABeautifulSpy

A Beautiful Spy written by Rachel Hore, publisher Simon & Schuster UK, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and hardcover format.

Book Blurb

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Last Letter Home, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, comes a thrilling novel about a woman with an extraordinary life, based on a true story.
Minnie Gray is an ordinary young woman. She is also a spy for the British government.
It all began in the summer of 1928…
Minnie is supposed to find a nice man, get married and have children. The problem is it doesn’t appeal to her at all.
She is working as a secretary, but longs to make a difference.
Then, one day, she gets her chance. She is recruited by the British government as a spy. Under strict instructions not to tell anyone, not even her family, she moves to London and begins her mission – to infiltrate the Communist
movement.
She soon gains the trust of important leaders. But as she grows more and more entangled in the workings of the movement, her job becomes increasingly dangerous. Leading a double life is starting to take its toll on her relationships and, feeling more isolated than ever, she starts to wonder how this is all going to end. The Russians are notorious for ruthlessly disposing of people given the slightest suspicion. What if they find out?

Full of suspense, courage and love, A Beautiful Spy is a stunningly written story about resisting the norm and following
your dreams, even if they come with sacrifices.

To buy links:

Kindle ebook: https://amzn.to/3bygY3g

Waterstones: A Beautiful Spy by Rachel Hore | Waterstones

Hive: https://bit.ly/3bsVt44

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 Rachel Hore’s latest novel: A Beautiful Spy.

I have often found that fiction brings factual events in history to life and it also gives me a thirst to learn more about the respective subject. This is definitely the case of Rachel Hore’s new novel: A Beautiful Spy, which is based on the remarkable double life of Olga Gray. Olga Gray was a young British woman who was recruited by MI5 to work undercover to gain close access to members of the Communist Party.

Minnie Gray was feeling fed up and bored of the suburban life of 1930’s Edgbaston but all this was about to change when she was introduced to Captain King. An eccentric man who was like the puppet master for numerous operatives working for the government department MI5. Minnie soon became charmed and a little obsessed by this man and found herself embroiled in a double life that put her in the depths of danger and uncertainty.

As time went on Minnie became reliant on the men in her life and she was afraid to upset any of them but as her personal life was spilling into her professional life she had to make sacrifices.

Rachel Hore had me totally gripped with this story. I was impressed with the bravery of the secret agents and Minnie was just one of many that put their lives on hold to help the country. It sounded exciting and thrilling but the constant anxiety of being discovered must have been terrifying.

A thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction that brings to life the remarkability of people.

About the Author

Rachel Hore worked in London publishing for many years before moving with her family to Norwich, where she
taught publishing and creative writing at the University of East Anglia before becoming a full-time writer. She is
married to the writer D. J. Taylor and they have three sons. Her last novel, The Love Child, was a Sunday Times
bestseller.

Website: https://rachelhore.co.uk

Twitter: @Rachelhore

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Second Chances in Chianti by T.A. Williams @tawilliamsbooks @rararesources @canelo_co #PublicationDayPush #bookreview

Second Chances in Chianti written by T. A. Williams, publisher Canelo Escape, is available NOW in ebook format.

Book Blurb

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking…

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

Purchase Link – mybook.to/SecondChancesChianti

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 celebrating and promoting T. A. Williams latest novel: Second Chances in Chianti.

I always look forward to a new book from T. A. Williams as I know I am guaranteed to enjoy it. Second Chances in Chianti was another wonderful escapism read by this bestselling author who knows the right ingredients to captivate his readers:

• stunning locations that are described in so much detail you feel like you are on holiday
• the author enjoys bringing historical and archaeological facts to life in his stories
• the characters are real and relatable
• the food described in the stories leaves you wanting more
• there is a gorgeous blossoming romance
• and last but not least the ever faithful dog that appears in all the authors novels bringing lightness, humour and charm

Second Chances in Chianti is Book Two in the Escape to Tuscany series. Each book is a standalone story but once you have read about the sensory delights of Tuscany you are going to want to continue your holiday reading by enjoying both books in the series.

Alice’s life was all planned out with studying for an Art History degree but halfway through her studies her life is catapulted to the bright lights of Hollywood and she becomes an overnight TV star. However, after a few years of celebrity life Alice is keen to return to some form of normality and get back to her studies.

Several years on and Alice has proved to her critics that she is serious about her new career prospects and has earned her Doctorate and is looking for work in the Art Historian field.

When news from the past sparks interest in her reigniting her TV career Alice has doubts about stepping back in the limelight. Meeting cast and executives in a villa in Tuscany gives Alice opportunity to take stock of her life and think what’s best for her career and personal life.

When she bumps into the villa’s neighbour and his enthusiastic black labrador dog a friendship soon blossoms but Alice senses all is not what it seems with this reclusive stranger.

Another glorious story of second chances in life, love and hopes for the future. T. A. Williams never fails to delight his readers.

About the Author

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

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

The Good Wife by Eleanor Porter @elporterauthor @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources #blogtour #bookextract

The Good Wife written by Eleanor Porter, publisher Boldwood Books, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

Where will her loyalty lead her?

Once accused of witchcraft Martha Spicer is now free from the shadow of the gallows and lives a safe and happy life with her husband, Jacob. But when Jacob heads north to accompany his master, he warns Martha to keep her healing gifts a secret, to keep herself safe, to be a good wife.

Martha loves Jacob but without him there to protect her, she soon comes under the suspicious eye of the wicked Steward Boult, who’s heard of her talent and forces her to attend to him. If she refuses, he promises to destroy the good life she has built for herself with Jacob.

Desperate and alone, Martha faces a terrible decision: stay and be beholden to Boult or journey north to find Jacob who is reported to have been killed.. The road ahead is filled with danger, but also the promise of a brighter future. And where her gifts once threatened to be her downfall, might they now be the very thing that sets Martha free…?

The brilliant follow-up to Eleanor Porter’s first novel of love, betrayal, superstition and fear in Elizabethan England. A story of female courage, ingenuity and determination , this is perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier.

Purchase Link – https://buff.ly/3jveaHL

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating the launch of Eleanor Porter’s latest historical novel: The Good Wife. I have the pleasure of sharing an extract from the novel.

Rain set in before nightfall. A cold thick rain that pressed out light and hope. I knelt by my bed and prayed they had found good lodgings and kindness. Even as I did so, I half expected the light touch of his fingers on my neck, his presence behind me. Such foolishness, it was only two months. Nevertheless, I lay awake a long time, long after the cottages were quiet and there was only the odd owl, the rain on the thatch and the drip where it leaked. It was getting worse, the leak. The ridge needed renewing. They had promised it when we arrived. ‘Not a bad cottage Jacob Spicer,’ they’d said, ‘and the Steward’s man has promised you a new coating of thatch before winter.’ We’d scarcely cared at first, the life here was so much more than we’d dared hope for, but as that winter passed, and the next, we’d grown tired of patching the holes. Last November a storm had threatened to blow half the roof away; we’d had to rope it down, with the gale in our faces. If we were to have another wild night I could not attempt that on my own. Mould spread over our end wall like breath on glass, however often I scrubbed and limed it. If I could be of service to the Steward, perhaps Jacob would come home to a new roof. 

I must have fallen asleep at last, for when I woke the birds were loud and the rain had stopped. I opened the door to sunshine, and to Sally Robbins, my neighbour two doors down. Silly Sally we called her, she was always wittering to fill the empty spaces in her head, or else worrying after things she could not help, as though it were only her fretting stopped the sun from falling down. There was no harm in her, for all that; when her sister had died she had taken the children in, though there was scarce room to stand. It had been the making of her, for it gave her a whole houseful who would worry her forever. She was forever clasping the children to her big turnip breasts and weeping at their faults and falls and they loved her for it and strained to get away. 

I smiled. It felt good to have another’s voice in the house and if I couldn’t have Jacob, hers would do, for it lined the emptiness without my having to make much in the way of response. 

‘Well I didn’t see you all afternoon and I said to my Michael, that poor girl – I know you are a grown woman Martha, but you are a girl to me ever since I saw you arrive thinner than a reed in winter – so I said to myself that girl has gone to be alone to weep. And I expect you didn’t get a wink of sleep did you, all night long?’ 

I smiled to think I was near as feeble as she thought me. ‘I slept quite well Sally, thank you, although the rain was coming through all night.’ 

‘Yes, you look pale as death itself, poor thing. It’s a terrible thing to be lovesick. And you two like pretty doves, if a dove could be as dark as you are dear – if I’m honest you are more brown like mistress blackbird and you have a lovely voice like her too, I’ve heard you singing. And Jacob your ouzel, but golden. Michael said if you think she’s lonely you could send the baby round to her, he’d keep her busy enough!’ 

‘I’d be happy, Sally— ‘ 

‘—And make you pine the more! Well, maybe an hour or two of an evening, I have that much to do I barely eat some nights and the poor babe so sick with the kinkcough he whoops all night. But don’t you worry, you’ll have some of your own before long, there’s nothing like a bit of yearning to quicken you up when he comes home – perhaps if Michael had gone away a bit more we’d have had our own. But see, we’ve plenty.’ 

‘You have, Sally, they’re doing well.’ 

‘Are they, do you think so, you don’t think Jack has taken to stooping? They are working him too hard in the yards and now with Jacob gone – he’ll miss him near as much as you will, always a kind word, Jacob, like a brother he’s been—’ 

‘—Sally,’ I said, for my patience was wearing a little, ‘Roger Boult, the Steward, accosted me yesterday as I was gathering herbs. He wants me to attend to him, I think it must be a sickness of his own, or someone else in the household. Do you know of anything?’ 

Sally pursed her lips together. ‘I won’t hear a word against Sir Thomas, he’s the best master that ever lived…’ 

Author Bio –

Eleanor Porter has lectured at Universities in England and Hong Kong and her poetry and short fiction has been published in magazines. The Wheelwright’s Daughter was her first novel.

Social Media Links –
https://twitter.com/elporterauthor

https://www.facebook.com/eleanorporterauthor

Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/EleanorPorterNewsletter

https://www.instagram.com/eleanorporterauthor/

Beattie Bramshaw Mysteries by Susan A. King Double Review @SusanKing63 @EyeAndLightning #bookreview #cosycrime

Marrow Jam (Beattie Bramshaw Mysteries 1) written by Susan A. King, publisher Lightning Books, is available NOW in ebook format.

Book Blurb

MURDER, MYSTERY…AND MARROWS

Some people would describe Beattie Bramshaw as a pillar of the community. Many would applaud her numerous successes in the bakery competition at the annual village show. A small number might say, if pushed, that they find her a little on the bossy side. And one or two might just whisper the words ‘interfering’ and ‘busybody’ behind her back.

But no-one would have her down as a murderer.

So why is she being questioned in Dreighton police station after being found in the local allotments, at the dead of night, wielding a kitchen knife just yards away from where local lottery winner, Yvonne Richards, was found stabbed to death? And what does all of this have to do with Doug Sparrow’s prize marrows?

Marrow Jam is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of Agatha Raisin. It will have you chuckling all the way through many a cup of tea.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/36VqrjA

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.

Whilst recently scrolling through Instagram I came across a promotion for a new book called Banana Devil Cake by Susan A. King. Banana Devil Cake is classed as a cosy crime comedy novel, which is not one of my usual genres but I liked the sound of the novel so investigated more. I learned that it was book two in a series and although you can easily read the stories as standalone I felt I wanted to give this new to me author and a slight deviation from my usual genre a chance so I read book one: Marrow Jam first.

To my great delight I found myself completely enthralled with this cosy crime caper set in a remote English country village. It’s the late 1990’s and you can feel yourself stepping back two decades to this sleepy village with the most wonderful assembly of quirky characters. The village WI have a strong membership and each year they are relied upon to embrace the competitive spirit and enter the competitions in the Village Summer Fete. Alas this year all matters of mayhem were to ensue and it all started with the judgings of Best in Show.

When a deadly crime is committed and our favourite WI member is caught up in the scandal Beattie Bramshaw takes it upon herself to clear not only her name but that of her nemesis.

Susan A. King has written a wonderful comic crime caper that will have you chuckling with nostalgic glee. I loved this novel from start to finish and I was pleased as punch when I knew I’d got another book in the Beattie Bramshaw mysteries to read. On paper Beattie Bramshaw is one of those characters that appear quite prickly on the outside but once you get to know her she has a heart of gold. The author must have relished writing about Beattie and I could sense that she was a pleasure to create such a multi-layered character.

Banana Devil Cake (Beattie Bramshaw Mysteries Book Two) written by Susan A. King, publisher Lightning Books, is available NOW in ebook format.

Book Blurb

With the murder of last year’s fête judge now but a hazy memory, the village of Elmesbury has retired to its former tranquil existence. That is, until a mysterious newcomer sets in motion a series of events that will see members of the W.I. crossing wooden spoons at dawn.

In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village gets its name, but also having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.

Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of the W.I. is picked off?

Banana Devil Cake is a comedy crime caper in the style of Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2MC6Y0J

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.

It’s a good six months on since the last mystery that Beattie solved and alot has happened to the lives of a few of the villagers. Friendships have blossomed and love is in the air but a newcomer is about to bring mayhem back to the village.

Celebrity Psychic Leo Levine thinks he has escaped from his paparazzi lifestyle by moving to this sleepy village but he didn’t expect the ladies of the WI to welcome him with such relish.

With the fate of a well loved Elm Tree in the village green at risk and with the Summer Fete looming Beattie is once again at the forefront of keeping unjust and crime at hand.

Susan A. King has written another wonderful comic crime caper that I feel is a must read to brighten up your days. I am so pleased I stepped a little out of my comfort zone in reading genres and took the plunge to try a new author and a new genre. I will certainly be looking out for more work by Susan A. King and hope Beattie never tires in keeping her tabs on the comings and goings of the village of Elmesbury.

About the Author

Susan A. King lives with her husband in a quiet suburb in leafy Hampshire.

The inspiration for her debut novel, Marrow Jam, came from her long experience and observation of competitors at the local Romsey Show where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements. Unsuccessful to date, she has been tempted to investigate more underhand methods by which to acquire the trophy, but has yet to sink to the depths described in her novel. Or so she would have you believe!

Marrow Jam, was shortlisted for the Write Here, Right Now novel competition, Bradford Literature Festival and is published by Eye/Lightning Books.

Twitter: @SusanKing63

Instagram: @susan.king63

The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady by Virginia Heath @VirginiaHeath_ @MillsandBoon @rararesources #PublicationDayPush #RegencyRomance

The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady written by Virginia Heath, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The notorious Viscount

And the most gossiped-about lady…

After years as a diplomat in the Napoleonic wars, Lord Eastwood is reluctant to return to London society. His scandalous divorce has made him infamous, not to mention cantankerous! To halt the rumour mill, he should marry a quiet noblewoman – instead it’s bold, vibrant artist, Faith Brookes, who’s caught his attention. They are the least suitable match, so why is he like a moth to a flame…?

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viscounts-Unconventional-Mills-Historical-Monde-ebook/dp/B08CKHQJPM

US – https://www.amazon.com/Viscounts-Unconventional-Mills-Historical-Monde-ebook/dp/B08CKHQJPM

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 Virginia Heath’s latest novel: The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady. If you are feeling a little bereft after watching a certain mini series on Netflix then Virginia Heath’s The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady will certainly satisfy your appetite for all things Regency Romance. I was entranced with this novel and couldn’t wait to find out what happens next with our lovely Lord and Lady.

What I love about Virginia Heath’s writing is that you instantly feel welcomed into this historical period as there is a real sense of time and place. The characters are easily liked and there is a wonderful play of words between the leads.

This is the story of two people who have experienced their fair share of recent gossip mongering amongst the society press and their peers. Both Lady Brookes and Lady Eastwood are both in receipt of battered hearts and their trust in relationships have hit an all time low. However, Faith and Piers form a mutual understanding when they are forced to spend numerous hours within each others company whilst Faith helps out with the art commission for his family. The more time they spend together the more Faith learns that what she has previously thought of the Lord is far from the truth.

When the past hurt returns to them both emotions run high and Faith and Piers start to realise there is more than friendship developing between them but can they learn to let go of the past and trust again?

A glorious Regency Romance that is full of society drama and woes brimming with a beautiful developing love. I hope we get to read more about Faith and Piers in future stories from Virginia Heath as I’ve fallen in love with these two characters.

About the Author

Author Bio – When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links – http://viewbook.at/talkofthebeaumonde1

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

Twitter: @VirginiaHeath_

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady (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.

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