The Book Lovers Series by Victoria Connelly @VictoriaDarcy @rararesources – Scenes from a Country Bookshop #bookreview #blogtour #thebooklovers

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting Victoria Connelly’s The Book Lovers series.  This series is a set of four standalone stories centred around the Nightingale family in a small town in the English countryside.  The family adore books and have dedicated their personal and working life around them.  Each book can be read as a standalone story as they focus on one of the Nightingale family members however, the characters lives do develop from each story and crop up in future stories.  I would highly recommend reading the books in order to gain a complete reading experience of this gorgeous set of stories.  The books in the series in order are:

Book 1: The Book Lovers
Book 2: Rules For a Successful Book Club you can read my audio book review here
Book 3: Natural Born Readers
Book 4: Scenes from a Country Bookshop

I have the pleasure of sharing a review of Book 4: Scenes from a Country Bookshop.

Scenes from a Country Bookshop written by Victoria Connelly, publisher Notting Hill Press, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

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

Book Blurb

Love can sometimes be really complicated…

Josh Nightingale has always been married to his books. Happy to run his bookshop in the small town of Castle Clare, he’s never really had time for romance and truly believes that he’s never going to fall in love. But, when April Channing opens a new shop opposite his, everything changes.

Sweet and attentive one moment, abrupt and aloof the next, Josh really can’t understand April at all. What exactly is going on? Josh is pretty sure that the answer can’t be found in a book.

Join the Nightingale family once again for this deliciously heartwarming novel, the forth in The Book Lovers series, by the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and A Weekend with Mr Darcy.

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 really enjoyed returning back to The Book Lovers series and reading Scenes from a Country Bookshop, I intend to read the other two books I haven’t yet read in the series before the summer is out.

There were moments of idyllic delight whilst reading Scenes from a Country Bookshop that had you all wistful for a life surrounded by books and art but then the author changes the scene and your emotions become heightened with the unfairness of life.  A truly beautiful story that I devoured.

Josh Nightingale loves his job running the bookshop in Castle Clane he’s happily committed to his bookshop and relationships have never been in his game plan.  However, when the vacant shop across the road is opened the new owner catches his eye.  Josh is endearingly shy and his gentleman ways are so refreshing to read about.

April Channing has just moved to the area and is so excited about her new venture opening up her shop.  April has an air of bohemia about her and her style of dress is unique but reminiscent to the artists of The Bloomsbury Group.  When she meets Josh she is delighted to find a mutual interest in the love of arts and literature and a friendship soon blossoms.  However, April is holding back a few secrets in her life that she is fearful of revealing and having her heart broken.

Scenes from a Country Bookshop is such a lovely read.  I enjoyed the interactions within the family group and with the older members of the community.  Josh has a wonderful friendship with an elderly customer and I enjoyed this partnership as much as the other character interactions.  Victoria Connelly has cleverly woven a story within a story and I found myself captivated and touched by both.

Delightful, poignant and beautifully romantic.

About the Author

Victoria Connelly is the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.

With over one million sales, her books have been translated into a dozen languages. The first, Flights of Angels, was made into a film in Germany. Victoria flew to Berlin to see it being made and even played a cameo role in it.

A Weekend with Mr Darcy, the first in her popular Austen Addicts series about fans of Jane Austen has sold over 100,000 copies. She is also the author of several romantic comedies including The Runaway Actress which was nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Best Romantic Comedy of the Year.

Victoria was brought up in Norfolk, England before moving to Yorkshire where she got married in a medieval castle. After 11 years in London, she moved to rural Suffolk where she lives in a Georgian cottage with her artist husband, a Springer spaniel and her ex-battery hens.

She’s written about her experience of country life in three volumes of autobiography: Escape to Mulberry Cottage, A Year at Mulberry Cottage and Summer at Mulberry Cottage.

You can get a heart-warming novella, A Dog Called Hope, when you sign up for her newsletter at: victoriaconnelly.com

You can find her on Twitter @VictoriaDarcy and at facebook.com/victoriaconnelly

 

 

 

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One Last Summer by Victoria Connelly @VictoriaDarcy @rararesources #blogtour #bookpromo #rararesources #contemporaryfiction

 

One Last Summer written by Victoria Connelly and published by Lake Union is available NOW in ebook, paperback, audiobook and audio CD format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

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

Book Blurb
They have the whole summer ahead of them. Is it enough to rekindle the friendship they once shared?
Harriet Greenleaf dreams of spending the summer in a beautiful ancient priory on the Somerset coast with her two best friends—but her dream is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s a chance to reconnect three lives that have drifted apart; on the other, she has a devastating secret to share that will change everything between them forever.
First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the happy-go-lucky flirt who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Ever the optimist, can Harriet remind them of the joy in their lives and the importance of celebrating good friendship before it’s gone?
Through the highs and lows of a long, glorious summer, these three women will rediscover what it means to be there for each other—before they face the hardest of goodbyes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour with a promo celebrating and promoting the launch of Victoria Connelly’s latest novel: One Last Summer.

Author Bio
Victoria Connelly studied English literature at Worcester University, got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and now lives in rural Suffolk with her artist husband, a young springer spaniel and a flock of ex-battery hens.
She is the author of two bestselling series, Austen Addicts and The Book Lovers, as well as many other novels and novellas. Her first published novel, Flights of Angels, was made into a film in 2008 by Ziegler Films in Germany. The Runaway Actress was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Comedy Novel award.
Ms Connelly loves books, films, walking, historic buildings and animals. If she isn’t at her keyboard writing, she can usually be found in her garden, with either a trowel in her hand or a hen on her lap.

Her website is http://www.victoriaconnelly.com, and readers can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaDarcy and on Instagram @VictoriaConnellyAuthor.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312085782631729/
Twitter: @VictoriaDarcy
Instagram: @VictoriaConnellyAuthor

 

Audible book review: Rules for a Successful Book Club: The Book Lovers 2 by Victoria Connelly

Rules for a Successful Book Club: The Book Lovers 2 written and published by Victoria Connelly, narrator Jan Cramer is available NOW on audible.

To buy link:

http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Rules-for-a-Successful-Book-Club-Audiobook/B01CPUH6NG/ref=a_search_c4_1_15_srTtl?qid=1465140959&sr=1-15

Product Details (as per audible page)

Polly Nightingale never meant to fall in love again, especially not with a biker 13 years her junior. But then Jago Solomon enters her life with a guitar strapped to his back, and Polly and her six-year-old son, Archie, know that they’ve never been happier.

But what happened three years ago when Polly’s husband, Sean, went missing? And what will it mean for Polly and Jago if her past ever catches up with them?

Join the Nightingale family once again for the second in The Book Lovers series by the best-selling author of The Rose Girls.

I’d like to thank Victoria for an arc of this audible book in return for an honest review.

I’ve read and listened to quite a few of Victoria’s books and have loved them all.  Such beautiful, stunning English countryside settings with wonderful characters that soon become your friends.

This is the 5th audiobook by Victoria I have listened too.  I love Jam Cramer’s narrative, her tone of voice is very calming and she draws you into the story.  However, when the storyline took an intense, dramatic turn I felt the change of direction in Jan’s voice and could feel the tension within the characters.

I haven’t read the first book in the Book Lovers series, although I do have it patiently waiting on my tbr list.  This book can be easily read as a standalone but to fully enjoy and appreciate the full characters I would encourage you to read The Book Lovers.

This story focuses around Polly Nightingale, who is still heart broken following the sudden disappearance of her husband Sean 3 years ago.  However, after Jago Solomon starts helping her son with music lessons a friendship between Polly and Jago soon starts blossoming.  However, Jago has more than platonic feelings for Polly and doesn’t see the 13 year age gap as a problem although Polly does and she has other intentions for Jago’s heart.

I love how the story is also focused around the new book club which has been set up in the local secondhand bookshop owned by Polly’s brother Sam.  On the opening night of the bookclub we are introduced to some wonderful, quirky characters all of them loving a variety of different book genres.  I can imagine some fun and interesting nights to be had with the bookclub.

The story continues on Polly’s journey coping with her growing feelings for Jago.  When the grosts from Polly’s past threaten her new life can she forgive and forget the hurt she has been feeling or will she find the strength to admit what she really wants and stop being manipulated?

I loved Jago’s character, for someone so relatively young he was level headed and kind and knew just what he wanted in life to make him happy.  I also loved the name of Polly’s dog, Dickens, such an apt name for a family of book lovers.

This was a lovely story of friendships, new beginnings, new loves and lots of mutual appreciation for reading.  5/5*

Audible books are such a lovely way to enjoy a story.  Most of my reading is done via kindle or printed books but now and again I like to don my headphones and be swept away with a story.  You can listen away while cooking, cleaning, walking or just relaxing in a chair.  To trial audible books you can listen to a book for free, I can highly recommend Victoria’s audible books as an ideal choice.

To find out more about Victoria Connelly and her books please visit the following links:

http://victoriaconnelly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Victoria-Connelly-335816876315

https://twitter.com/VictoriaDarcy

 

Christmas at the Castle by Victoria Connelly audible review

Christmas at the Castle by Victoria Connelly, narrator Jan Cramer is available now in audible download format and ebook format including kindle unlimited.

To buy links:

audible: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Christmas-at-the-Castle-Audiobook/B017HV7822/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1447680947&sr=1-1#publisher-summary

ebook:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Castle-Book-Victoria-Connelly-ebook/dp/B0150QXVP4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1447680895&sr=1-1

Product Details (as per amazon page)

Life at Caldoon Castle in the Highlands of Scotland isn’t easy for Catriona Fraser and her two children, especially since her husband died. So, when Iain MacNeice and his two daughters book the castle for the Christmas holidays, Catriona’s prayers seem to be answered.

But the MacNeices arrive with a whole host of their own problems and it’s going to take time, patience and a little bit of Christmas magic to make this holiday a happy one.

I am grateful to Victoria Connelly for sending me an audible download copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

I’ve listened to a few books now on audible and I must admit its an enjoyable past time.  Its so easy to slip on your headphones and relax and enjoy a story.

Christmas at the Castle is set at Caldoon Castle in the Scottish highlands where Catriona and her two children are struggling to survive emotionally and financially following the death of her husband.  The castle has been in the Fraser family for generations and Catriona would love to continue this tradition so she lets out part of the castle to bring in some income.  This particular Christmas the castle is booked out to Ian MacNeice and his two daughters.

Ian MacNeice has been divorced from his daughter’s mother for three years now, his daughters really miss having their mother around and this Christmas in particular Lexi the eldest is very keen to be with her mother.  When Ian informs his girls of the Christmas getaway to the Scottish highlands he is met with teenage grumblings.  However, they do manage to get away.

When Ian first arrives at the Castle he is instantly drawn to Catriona with her striking auburn hair and her easy manner with her children and his.  The children from both families have adjustments to make with the Christmas arrangements.  Two very different families living under one roof (albeit a very large roof); one with little money to spend on luxuries but has time to spend with family.  The other with copious amounts of money but little time.  Christmas doesn’t go to plan but the time away from work responsibilities and spending time with someone living a different lifestyle gives Ian ‘food for thought’. Can money really buy happiness?

I enjoyed the audible version of this little novella.  I was enthralled with the description of the castle and the setting.  The tree and decorations sounded so nostalgic and idyllic.  The narrator, Jan Cramer, was very clear and her voiceovers of the different characters was great.  I would totally recommend this lovely novella set at Christmas time showing you what is really important in families.  I would have loved the story to be longer and would like Victoria to write more about the characters we were introduced to. 5/5*

To find out more about Victoria Connelly and her books please visit the following links:

http://victoriaconnelly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Connelly/335816876315

Audible Book review – The Secret of You by Victoria Connelly

I’ve read many books by Victoria Connelly and love her style of writing. When Victoria was asking for help with reviews on Audible for the audio version of her latest book, The Secret of You, I was happy to help out as I was intrigued to try audio books.

So here I am listening to my first audio book. I’ve learn’t that you can multi-task while listening to an audio book, how cool is that? While doing mundane cleaning around the house my mind is taken to the delights of Fox Hill Manor and the stories it holds within its walls.

Product Details from Audible –
Journalist Anna McCall has never understood people who collect things. So, when she’s asked to interview local collector and eccentric, William Kitson, she isn’t exactly looking forward to the experience.

But she soon falls under the charm of Fox Hill Manor as well as its owner, even though she thinks there’s something very strange about the collection there. What exactly is William hiding in the unused wing of the manor house? And is it a story Anna could sell?

Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, The Secret of You is a novel about love, trust and antiques from the best-selling author of A Weekend with Mr Darcy and Wish You Were Here.

This was a lovely story filled with warmth and humour. It had a sort of magical, ethereal quality to it. I loved hearing about all the antiques and collectables. It was also interesting finding out about Meg’s background. Meg is now one of my favourite characters from Victoria’s books. It was a wonderful story with moments of joy and sadness, fun times and inspiring words. Victoria’s description of the location was perfect, I felt like I was transported to the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds and I could picture the culture and history of the streets of London. A great 5/5* story.

This first step into audio books was very enlightening. I thought it would be difficult to pick the story up but the narrator did a good job and I found myself dipping into the story during lots of quiet times in a day. It was nice to transport my mind to a different world and was quite relaxing at times. I will definitely listen to another audio book and would use Audible again. I must admit I was a little confused when first downloading my audio book onto my iPod nano but I soon worked out how to do it with a little help from Audible online chat. Within 30 minutes I had the book downloaded ready to listen to.

The Secret of You by Victoria Connelly is available to listen to free on a 30 day trial of Audible. To apply for this offer click on the link below, and then click on ‘free on 30 day trial’ box.

http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/The-Secret-of-You-Audiobook/B00RREFOLW