The Knight’s Convenient Alliance by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks @rararesources #bookreview #HistFic

The Knight’s Convenient Alliance written by Melissa Oliver, publisher Mills and Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The only man who’s tempted her…Now poses as her husband!

When an injured knight arrives on Brida O’Conaill’s doorstep, the village assumes he’s her long-lost husband. But her only previous connection to Sir Thomas Lovent was an intense shared moment at a tournament years ago. Brida maintains the pretence while she nurses him, yet once he’s back to full, virile health, she cannot reveal Thomas is not her husband—or that she’s unmarried!—when everyone is expecting them to act like husband and wife…

Purchase Links

@MillsandBoon – https://bit.ly/3txlhol

@HarlequinBooks – https://bit.ly/3jNRAvO

Amazon UK- https://amzn.to/3haohBT

Amazon US- https://amzn.to/3kWAMlL

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 Knight’s Convenient Alliance is Book 4 in the Notorious Knights series and it is also Melissa Oliver’s fourth published book in just 17 months. Melissa Oliver has burst onto the Medieval Romance scene and has left her readers wanting more … You can find my reviews of the author’s previous books by following the link: https://kraftireader.wordpress.com/?s=melissa+oliver

This is the story of Brida O’Connaill and Thomas Lovent and their rather unconventional tale of love overcoming a history that left a guilty feeling within oneself, of a dramatic heroic mystery and a humorous game of ‘will they, won’t they.’

We briefly met Brida and Thomas in book 3 however, you do not need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy any of the stories in the series as they are easily read as a standalone. But characters from previous stories do crop up in later instalments making it lovely to see progression in their lives and it is also a wonderful series.

Brida and Thomas have a brief history but 3 years have passed and they have seen ‘hide nor hair’ of each other until Thomas is found collapsed in her home nursing a wound. For the last 3 years Brida has kept up a pretence that she’s married and her husband works away so when Thomas turns up the villagers are jubilant for his return leaving Brida with some explaining to do for a very smug knight who finds the whole situation hilarious and he thoroughly laps up all the attention.

Thomas Lovent has a secret double life and he’s brought danger inadvertently to Brida’s door. A dramatic escape ensues with a limited timescale to reach a pivotal event that is imperative to run smoothly for the peace of the kingdom. Danger is afoot and no-one is to be trusted. However, what fears both Brida and Thomas is their own past which has indented a guilt within each other that has shaped the way they live their lives now.

Melissa Oliver has written an entertaining medieval romance with danger around every corner which includes the temptation of each others hearts. Gorgeous!

Author Bio – Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.

Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. 

When she’s not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.

Social Media Links – Twitter @melissaoauthor or Facebook @melissaoliverauthor

https://www.instagram.com/melissaoliverauthor/?hl=en

Giveaway to Win 3 x PB copies of The Knight’s Convenient Alliance  (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/33c69494460/

Advertisement

Snow-Kissed Proposals by Jenni Fletcher and Elisabeth Hobbes @JenniAuthor @ElisabethHobbes @MillsandBoon @rararesources #festiveread #PublicationDayPush

Snow-Kissed Proposals: The Christmas Runaway written by Jenni Fletcher and Their Snowbound Reunion written by Elisabeth Hobbes, publisher Mills and Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

A snowy Victorian Christmas – Two festive short stories!

In The Christmas Runaway by Jenni Fletcher: wilful, independent heiress, Fiona MacKay, impulsively runs away to a remote Scottish tower where she’s trapped in the snow with equally headstrong, deliciously dishevelled Angus Drummond.

In Their Snowbound Reunion by Elisabeth Hobbes: fifteen years ago, Amy Munroe and Anthony Matthews were cruelly parted, and each blames the other. When Amy becomes Anthony’s new housekeeper, their passion is reawakened!

Purchase Link – getbook.at/SnowKissedProposals

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.

Snow-Kissed Proposals is a gorgeous two-for-one festive feast of a read from authors Jenni Fletcher and Elisabeth Hobbes.

THE CHRISTMAS RUNAWAY – I adored this novella by Jenni Fletcher it has put me in a cosy mood reminiscent of sitting by the fire with a hot drink and a good book.

Fiona wasn’t happy with her father, how dare he consider marrying again and to a woman 18 years his junior? Feeling so off kilter with this news Fiona, with the help of her maid, head to the hills of Aberdeenshire to visit her old school friend Mhairi. Aberdeenshire is not like her beloved city of Edinburgh, it’s wild and vast and now that she’s left the warmth of the train and making the rest of the journey on foot Fiona is feeling cold, miserable and lost. Bumping into a very unkempt looking stranger Fiona is now wishing she ignored her stubborn ways and stayed with her maid at the station.

The Christmas Runaway is a fine example of a Victorian romance, perfect to escape with. I loved witnessing the blossoming friendship between our leading lady and gentleman and seeing how their personalities developed with each other.

You will marvel with the bleakness of the setting with it’s rugged landscape and it’s wild, unpredictable weathers. The romance will surprise you, just like the characters and bring warmth to your heart.

THIER SNOWBOUND REUNION – Another thoroughly enjoyable Victorian romance brought to you by author Elisabeth Hobbes and is set in the rural landscape of the Peak District in Derbyshire.

Amy and Anthony were childhood sweethearts and were destined to be together always but alas it wasn’t to be and they went their separate ways.

15 years later Amy accepts the position of Housekeeper at a house that once belonged to her old sweethearts Aunt. Many years have passed since Amy and Anthony saw each other and their lives have changed considerably but this first love hasn’t left each others hearts and they were both left wondering why it had to end so abruptly.

I adored the setting of this festive read, a beautiful house in the Derbyshire countryside. It sounded so idyllic but also quirky with it’s unusual artefacts.

Meeting each other again brought back so many emotions, questions and fond memories. I could feel the tension between the pair when they are reunited. I also felt the profound loss they had to endure and it was sad to hear that other influences had thwarted a beautiful friendship.

A nostalgic, beautiful, festive, feel-good read.

Author Bio –

Jenni Fletcher is the award-winning author of 15 historical romances. She has been nominated for 4 RoNA Awards and won the Libertà Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award in 2020. She lives in Yorkshire with her family and can be contacted via Twitter @JenniAuthor.

Elisabeth’s writing career began when she finished in third place in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest in 2013.  She was offered a two-book contract and consequently had to admit secret writing was why the house was such a tip.  She is the author of numerous historical romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon covering the Medieval period to Victorian England, and a Second World War romantic historical with One More Chapter. She lives in Cheshire because the car broke down there in 1999 and she never left.

Social Media Links –

@JenniAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/JenniFletcherAuthor

@ElisabethHobbes

https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHobbes

The King Who Didn’t Like Snow by Jocelyn Porter @FullMediaLtd @rararesources #childrenspicturebook #bookreview

The King Who Didn’t Like Snow written by Jocelyn Porter, illustrated by Michael S Kane, publisher Full Media Ltd, is available NOW in paperback format.

Book Blurb

King Mark is a higgledy-piggledy king and he gets into a pickle every day. “Do something, Bert!” he shouts, and Wizard Bert, and his sidekick, Broderick the bookworm, always save the day. When snow fell on Windy Hill Castle, everyone was delighted – except for King Mark! King Mark didn’t like snow and he started to sulk. Will Bert and Broderick save the day again? Will King Mark walk into trouble? Do the children of Windy Hill Village have the answer…?

Purchase Links

https://full-media.co.uk/product/the-king-who-didnt-like-snow-jocelyn-porter/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Who-Didnt-Like-Snow/dp/1916896820/

http://www.amazon.com/King-Who-Didnt-Like-Snow/dp/1916896820/

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 two picture books recently published by Full Media Ltd, today I have the pleasure of sharing my review of The King Who Didn’t Like Snow.

This was such a lovely story filled with magic, fun, surprise and joy but it also held an important message of finding happiness on days you don’t find comfortable.

Jocelyn Porter has written a lovely child friendly story with characters that will capture the imagination. The text is big and in a clear font, perfect for young readers to enjoy by themselves. The story is bought to life with illustrator, Michael S Kane’s colourful illustrations.

A very enjoyable fun read that will delight children of all ages.

Author Bio –

Jocelyn’s writing career began when she was asked to write a story for a preschool magazine. That story was the first of many. Jocelyn became the writer/editor of several preschool magazines and continued in that role for 15 years. Writing one new story every month, plus rhymes and activities was a tough gig, but very exhilarating.

Time is the big difference between writing for a magazine and writing a book.  You see your work on the supermarket shelves within a few weeks of completion. A book takes longer – a lot longer. Jocelyn has to be patient now – not something she’s good at.

Before becoming a writer, Jocelyn work in higher education as International Students Officer. It was a rewarding and interesting job even though she was on call 24/7.

Jocelyn also trained as a counsellor and volunteered at drop-in centers. She never knew who would arrive for counselling and had to be prepared for anything. This work gave her insight into some of the darker corners of life.

Motor sport was one of Jocelyn’s early loves, she had spine tingling thrill of taking part in a 24-hour national rally as navigator – those were the days when rallies were held on public roads!

Jocelyn work as an au pair in Paris in her teens. Having visited the city on a school trip, she fell in love with it, and always wanted to return.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/jmpbooks

A Bookshop Christmas by Rachel Burton @RachelBWriter @HoZ_Books @Aria_Fiction #ABookshopChristmas #bookreview #festiveread

A Bookshop Christmas written by Rachel Burton, publisher Aria, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

Book Blurb

A Snowstorm. A stranger. A Spark. It should be the perfect start to the perfect love story.

But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor’s family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.

When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place.

Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…

Order links:

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XPdMNT

Buy from Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3pMm1WN

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.

A Bookshop Christmas is a delight to read from beginning to end.  It's one of those books you settle into with ease and find yourself prolonging the story as you just don't want it to end.  Blissful.

When stories are set in a bookshop you know as a reader you are on to a winner, we love bookshops!  This is Megan and Xander's story and if it wasn't for the bookshop their story wouldn't have begun.

Megan lives and works at the bookshop which is nestled amongst the cobbles of York city centre and has been in Megan's family for two generations.  Megan loved growing up amongst the books but she was pleased to grow her wings once married and move to London for work.  Sadly, life hasn't been kind to Megan and the sanctuary of the bookshop has been helping Megan the last 3 years since the death of her husband.  The bookshop comforts her and York holds many poignant memories of their courtship.

Christmas is approaching and the bookshop is gearing up for the Christmas sales and a Christmas Eve party with a festive bookish theme.  However, before that there's a big book launch event to look forward to.

Xander Stone is the current big name in literature with his last book becoming a best seller.  Anticipation for his new release is building and it is such a privilege for the bookshop to be involved in the launch.  Megan and Xander's first introduction doesn't go to plan and Xander comes across as rude and obnoxious.  However, as we get to see his vulnerable side we learn he has shared similar personal emotive events like Megan.

A mutual understanding is reached between Megan and Xander but events in the past constantly battle with their conscious.

Rachel Burton has written a gloriously romantic festive story that will have you swooning and sighing.  However,  in amongst the blossoming love we witness two people coming to terms with grief, anxiety and new beginnings.  There is humour, warmth, sensitivity and a lovely feeling of hopefulness.  I also appreciated catching glimpses of Ellie and Ben who we met in The Tearoom on the Bay.

About the author

Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. Now she writes from a small bedroom looking out over hydrangeas, lavender bushes and rambling roses, in a little house in Yorkshire that she shares with her husband and their three cats. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order).

Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter or follow her blog at rachelburtonwrites.com.

Follow Rachel:

Twitter: @RachelBWriter

Facebook: @Rachelburton74

Instagram: @RachelBWriter

#ABookshopChristmas

Follow Head of Zeus:

Twitter: @HoZ_Books

Instagram: @headofzeus

Facebook: @headofzeus

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

*** 12 Days of Christmas Blogtour*** I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson @millyjohnson @simonschusterUK @ed_pr #ChristmasEveryDay

I am thrilled to be involved in the 12 Days of Christmas blogtour for the paperback launch of Milly Johnson’s bestselling novel: I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day. I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson is published by Simon & Schuster on 11^th November 2021 in paperback, priced £8.99.

Book Blurb

It is the day before Christmas Eve, and deep in the snow-covered
Yorkshire Moors in a tiny hamlet called Figgy Hollow, an idyllic, cosy inn
becomes a much-needed haven for six strangers stranded by a blizzard.
Charlie and Robin were on their way to Scotland for a luxury festive
break, Jack and his PA Mary were heading to an important business
meeting, and Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to finally
settle their divorce – but Figgy Hollow has other plans for them all. . .

To buy links

The paperback is available to purchase from all book retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith, independent bookshops and certain supermarkets. It is also available online from all of the above and also amazon, bookshop.org, Hive.

amazon link: https://amzn.to/3BQSyND

REVIEW (Source: purchased copy, review originally published 29 December 2020)

I always look forward to a new Milly Johnson book as I know I’ll be guaranteed a fabulous read. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day is such an apt story that seems so much more perfect in the unprecedented circumstances we are all living in at the moment. We want stories to escape to, stories to charm us and warm our hearts but we also want relatable stories. Milly Johnson’s latest novel is all this and more.

When six travellers from all walks of life find themselves stuck in the worse snow storm for years they find shelter in an inn in the midst of the Yorkshire countryside. With no landlord or staff around the wary travellers have no option but to make themselves at home. And they did as the snow continued for a few days the six soon found themselves learning more about each other and forgetting about their lives outside of the four walls of the inn and just concentrate and enjoy the present.

This story is full of the author’s wonderful Yorkshire charm and wit that her readers have become accustomed to. It is beautifully sad and poignant but I also experienced joy and warmth throughout. At the end of the novel I felt tingles of emotion running through me and for some time after I could still sense the feelings I felt.

Just simply brilliant and the air of magic and wonder of Figgy Hollow has left me spellbound.

MILLY JOHNSON was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
A Sunday Times bestseller, she is one of the Top 10 Female Fiction authors in
the UK with millions of copies of her books sold across the world. In 2020, she
was honoured with the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Outstanding
Achievement Award and was a featured author in the Reading Agency’s Quick
Reads and World Book Night campaigns.
A writer who champions women and highlights the importance of friendship
and community, Milly’s characters are celebrations of the strength of the
human spirit. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day is her eighteenth novel.
Her nineteenth novel, The Woman in the Middle, is published 14th October 2021 in hardback.

The Boy Who Breathed Underwater by Izzy Rees @FullMediaLtd @rararesources #childrenspicturebook #bookreview

The Boy Who Breathed Underwater written by Izzy Rees, illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

Book Blurb

When lying in his bed, a boy is visited by a genie. He is given a week to try out different superhero powers. What adventures will he have, and which power will he choose to keep?

Purchase Links

https://full-media.co.uk/product/the-boy-who-breathed-underwater-izzy-rees/

https://izzyrees.co.uk/product/the-boy-who-breathed-underwater-izzy-rees/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Who-Breathed-Underwater-ebook/dp/B09GMDBHS2

http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Breathed-Underwater-ebook/dp/B09GMDBHS2

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

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour for two new books from publishers Full Media Ltd, today I have the pleasure of sharing my review for The Boy Who Breathed Underwater.

I’ve always adored picture books and sharing them with my three children when they were younger was such a joy for all. Now that my children are older and I am blessed with a grandchild the anticipation of introducing story time to a new little one is beyond thrilling.

My grandson is 5 months old and is starting to notice the world around him. I always find it best to introduce a new activity with babies when they are in a good mood so whilst he was playing on the floor I got to his level and read to him, pointing out the pictures and emphasising words. As you can see from the picture he was engaged in the activity and I can’t wait to read the book again to him and seeing him progress with the activity.

The Boy Who Breathed Underwater is such a lovely story with a wonderful positive ethos. The text has a great rhyme to it’s prose making it very easy for older children to learn the words and repeat them. The illustrations are bright and cheerful bringing the words to life. A picture book that is an enjoyable read perfect for one to one time or in a classroom situation. The ethos behind the storyline gives the adult and child starting points to expand on the subject. Enjoyable, educational and fun.

Author Bio – Izzy Rees was born in West London, but has spent the last thirty years living in Derby. Ten years ago, when her three girls were young, she began work on a series of rhyming picture books, created in snatched moments, and initially written on small scraps of paper or whatever was available. She always intended to revisit them, and Covid and lockdown presented the opportunity; unable to continue her work as a neurophysiotherapist, working with vulnerable patients, she decided it was now or never! She has written six books so far in the ‘The Boy Who’ series, The Boy Who Breathed Underwater being the first one. The others will be published in the near future.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/izzyreeschildrensauthor

The Way We Weren’t by Phoebe Fox @PhoebeFoxAuthor @BerkleyPub @penguinrandom #TheWayWeWerent #bookreview

The Way We Weren’t written by Phoebe Fox, publisher Berkley Publishing Group (an imprint of Penguin Random) is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

An unlikely friendship between a septuagenarian and a younger woman becomes a story of broken trust, lost love, and the unexpected blooming of hope against the longest odds.

“You trying to kill yourself, or are you just stupid?”
 
Marcie Malone didn’t think she was either, but when she drives from Georgia to the southwestern shore of Florida without a plan and wakes up in a stranger’s home, she doesn’t seem to know anymore. Despondent and heartbroken over an unexpected loss and the man she thought she could count on, Marcie leaves him behind, along with her job and her whole life, and finds she has nowhere to go.
 
Herman Flint has seen just about everything in his seventy years living in a fading, blue-collar Florida town, but the body collapsed on the beach outside his window is something new. The woman is clearly in some kind of trouble and Flint wants no part of it—he’s learned to live on his own just fine, without the hassle of worrying about others. But against his better judgment he takes Marcie in and lets her stay until she’s on her feet on the condition she keeps out of his way.
 
As the unlikely pair slowly copes with the damage life has wrought, Marcie and Flint have to decide whether to face up to the past they’ve each been running from, and find a way to move forward with the people they care about most.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/3mVH9rG

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.

You know you’ve read a good book when you can’t stop thinking about the characters. The Way We Weren’t by Phoebe Fox is a wonderful story of two lost souls who stumble upon each other and an unlikely friendship is formed. As this duo begin to learn from each other about their losses, their vulnerability and their loves they begin to accept the situation they find themselves in and draw positives out of a negative situation.

Marcie Malone has loved and lost a few of her dreams along the way, this latest loss almost breaks her and she feels the need to escape the life she is currently living. Because of what was and what is might not be where she wants to be anymore.

Herman Flint has lived by the beachside most of his life. He’s had a tough journey with many hurdles to jump over but when he loses the most important thing in his life he becomes a recluse.

As Herman and Marcie stumble into each others lives the community of the beachside resort and the simplicity of this life brings a new perspective to both of them.

Phoebe Fox had me captivated with her storytelling and I found myself rooting for all the characters in this small coastal town. A town that felt like time had stood still and the outer world had forgotten them.

I adored the inclusion of the sea turtles and their plight of survival. It was wondrous, fascinating and very humbling to read about.

You will fall in love with Marcie and Herman and they will hold a little piece of your heart for a long time.

About the Author

Phoebe Fox is the author of the Breakup Doctor series (The Breakup Doctor, Bedside Manners, Heart Conditions, Out of Practice) and has been a contributor or regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications, including the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and SheKnows. A former actor on stage and screen, Phoebe has been dangled from wires as a mall fairy; was accidentally concussed by a blank gun; and hosted a short-lived game show. She has been a relationship columnist; a movie, theater, and book reviewer; and a radio personality, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.

Christmas by the Coast by Mandy Baggott @mandybaggott @Aria_Fiction @HoZ_Books #ChristmasByTheCoast #bookreview

Christmas by the Coast written by Mandy Baggott, publisher Aria, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited, audiobook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

This Christmas, find out if love letters from the past can pave the way to a brand-new future …

After a terrible heartbreak, Harriet Cookson worked hard to build her life back up. Now she has a dependable boyfriend, a great job and a decent flatshare. But when her beloved grandmother passes away, Harriet drops everything to fly out to the Hamptons to comfort her grieving grandpa.

Christmas is coming and as she arrives on the sandy beaches of her childhood in Montauk, Long Island, Harriet spots someone she never expected to see again – her ‘one that got away’, ex-soldier Mack Wyatt. Now, Mack is determined to win Harriet back and show her that the life she’s been living might be the wrong happily-ever-after.

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

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 absolutely loved this novel by Mandy Baggott, it gave me all the feels and more!

Mandy Baggott takes the reader to Long Island, just off the coast of New York, in this festive, fun read. Not only has the author injected so much festive jollity in the story making us feel so nostalgic but the author has also touched on some serious issues of grief, loss, PTSD all dealt with grace and sensitivity.

Harriet is devastated to learn of the sudden death of her beloved grandmother, who lives overseas in Long Island. A place that Harriet has spent many summers with her grandparents enjoying all that the area has to offer whilst wrapped in the comforting love of her family. Feelings of grief are mixed in with guilt and regret for having not visited in the last 3 years. Harriet’s life over the last few years has been difficult, her heart and dreams had been broken and she fell into a steady business/relationship with Iain. This new relationship helped a little in mending parts of her heart but there are still pieces of her heart that remain with a long distance love she had for an American soldier.

Arriving in Long Island with Iain to help her grandad at such a sad time brings back all the love she had for this wonderful place. The locked door to her dreams feel like they want to emerge once more but does she dare to dream again?

Mack has lived on his boat moored in Long Island for a few years now following his medical discharge from the army. He’d remembered this place of Montauk, off Long Island that had been so warmly spoken of by the penfriend he hoped would one day become more. but since his traumatic accident whilst on tour of duty overseas he’s left with both physical and mental scars. so when he sees a young woman that had plagued his dreams for so long he questions whether he is of right mind.

Harriet is shocked to discover Mack is living near her grandparents and is consumed with a myriad of emotions.

Christmas by the Coast is such a beautiful story leading up to the festivities of the season which bring a warmth back to the hearts of many that are dealing with life’s many emotional challenges.

About the author:

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer.

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy’s books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:

Twitter: @mandybaggot

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor  

Instagram: mandybaggot

#ChristmasByTheCoast

Never Fall For Your Fiancee by Virginia Heath @VirginiaHeath_ @rararesources @StMartinsPress @SMPRomance #PublicationDayPush #bookreview

Never Fall for Your Fiancée written by Virginia Heath, publisher Headline Eternal, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

The trouble with lies is they have a tendency to catch a man out.

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, wants is a wife.

But since the only way to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay is the promise of

impending nuptials, Hugh takes the most logical action: he invents a fake fiancée.

It’s the perfect plan – until Hugh learns that his mother is on a ship bound for England to meet his ‘beloved’. He needs a solution fast, and when he collides with a mysterious beauty, he might just have found the answer to his prayers.

Minerva Merriwell is desperate for money to support her sisters, and although she knows that posing as the Earl’s fiancée might seem nonsensical, it’s just too good an offer to refuse.

As the Merriwells descend upon Hugh’s estate, the household is thrown into turmoil as everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight. And with Hugh and Minerva’s romantic ruse turning into the real thing, is true love just one complication too many?

‘Filled with fabulously British banter, wit, and heart,

this delightful book is one of my must-read rom-coms of the year’

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/neverfalluk

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.

This was fan-bloomin-tastic!

Never Fall for Your Fiancee by Virginia Heath is book one in a new trilogy called The Merriwell Sisters, published by Headline Eternal an imprint of Headline publishing.

Virginia Heath is known for her great characterisations with fabulous leading ladies and gentleman creating duo acts with quick witted banter and sizzling chemistry. With this new series we are treated to what the author does best and the leading lady, Minerva, is a perfect match for our leading man, Hugh, it’s just that they don’t know this yet!

Hugh has a dilemma, he’s trying to think of ways to stop his lovely but interfering mother play at matchmaking. Hugh doesn’t want a wife, he doesn’t think with his lineage that he has the right qualities for a husband. He doesn’t want to upset his mum so invents a fake fiancee! All was going well on paper but when his mum intends to visit soon to meet her future daughter-in-law panic sets in.

On his latest trip into the city of London Hugh helps a damsel in distress and when he discovers her name is the same as his fake fiancee he can’t help but plot a scheme to keep his ruse alive.

Minerva Merriwell has been struggling for a few years providing shelter, food and warmth for her sisters and herself since their no good father left them. So when a gentleman offers to pay her a princely sum to act as his fiancee for a few weeks she feels like all her prayers have been answered.

What follows is a crazy couple of weeks were life for all is definitely not the norm. Lies and acts are in abundance and it’s hard to learn what is real and what is not. Hugh’s simple, advantaged life is about to become confusing and chaotic but when he starts to feel emotions he’s not felt before he questions whether he is feeling quite well.

A myriad of characters in a comical, calamity filled adventure for all. I did kind of feel sorry for Hugh at times as he was digging himself a hole that was becoming deeper each minute! Fun, entertaining and filled with a glorious romance.

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. Twenty-two books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links –

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

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

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

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Never Fall for Your Fiancée (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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The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan @SarahMorgan_ @HQstories #bookreview #festiveread

The Christmas Escape written by Sarah Morgan, publisher HQ, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas escape – a dream trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband, Seb. Her solution? Alix, along with Seb’s oldest friend, Zac, can take Christy’s daughter on the planned Lapland trip, and they will all reunite there for Christmas Day. After all, what are friends for?

There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy, but Christy’s plan to save Christmas is testing their friendship. Especially as Alix and Zac have a difficult history of their own.

As long-held secrets unravel, and unexpected romance shines under the Northern Lights, can Christy and Alix find the courage to fight for the relationships they really want? And could this Christmas escape save the precious gift of each other’s friendship?

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

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.

I absolutely adored this latest novel by Sarah Morgan. Sarah Morgan knows the formula for a successful festive story and you just know that you will be whisked away filled with a heart-warming Christmas glow, just like the characters in The Christmas Escape.

Christy has planned the perfect Christmas holiday visiting her distant Aunt who lives in Lapland. However, with all good plans you cannot foretell life’s little bumps in the road so when her marriage to Seb hits a rocky patch Christy looks to her best friend, Alix, to help with the holiday but she omits telling Alix that she will have the added help of Seb’s best friend Zac.

We join Alix and Zac as they journey to Lapland with a very excited four year old. Christy and Seb are left at home for a few more days to try and regroup and work out their issues. Aunt Robyn is in Lapland anxiously awaiting the arrival of her family, which she hasn’t seen for over two decades.

Sarah Morgan has created a story filled with lots of hidden history and unresolved emotions between the characters. There’s plenty of drama that needs to be unravelled before Aunt Robyn and her niece Christy can think of developing a future relationship.

As we learn of the struggles of the past and present there are plenty of injections of warmth added to the storyline bringing welcome distractions to all but it also gives all the characters perspective in the real importance of life.

I loved the stunning wintry setting for this novel, I think we all have dreams of visiting Lapland and witnessing the northern lights. I also enjoyed the cosy vibes that were emanating from the pages. There’s always a wonderful feeling of nostalgia, magic and make believe leading up to Christmas and making it extra special specifically for the eyes of four year old and also living out the dreams of your own childhood. All of this teamed with fun, frolics and banter between friends and enemies makes for a gorgeous, feel-good story.

There was much merriment to be had whilst in Lapland which brought out a different side to the characters personalities and the simplicity of enjoying the moment was wonderful to see.

Romance wasn’t far away and it was adorable to see characters struggling with their true feelings.

A gorgeous, feel-good festive treat of a read.

About the Author

Sarah Morgan is a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of romance and women’s fiction. She has sold over 18 million copies of her books and her work has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist.

Sarah lives near London, England with her family and when she isn’t writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking or riding her mountain bike.

Join Sarah’s mailing list at http://www.sarahmorgan.com for all book news. For more insight into her writing life follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook/AuthorSarahMorgan and on Instagram at @sarahmorganwrites Contact Sarah at sarah@sarahmorgan.com