Wednesday 27 November 2019

Coming Home to Merriment Bay part three by Emily Harvale


Today I am sharing with you my review of this latest instalment from Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 




Book Description
Part Three of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.


Cat and Kyra have finally traced the man in the photo they found in Viola’s trunk – thanks to Amias. But Bailey Mitchell lives thousands of miles away and is almost ninety-eight, so meeting him in person is never going to happen. Which is just as well. Exchanging Christmas cards and chatting on social media leads to revelations Cat had not expected.

At least Christmas is looking promising. It may be freezing outside but things have definitely thawed between Cat and her mum, Mary. They’re actually getting on, especially now that Mary is dating Jeremy Stone, the builder working on Viola’s house.

Cat’s also hopeful that Viola’s situation may improve. And when a surprise visitor brings more than just well wishes, Cat’s Christmas takes a delightful turn.

With the festivities in full swing, and snow falling on Merriment Bay, the future’s looking bright. Christmas is a time for miracles and Cat believes she may get one of her own this year if she’s prepared to put the past behind her and open her heart to Love once more.





My Review
It is Christmas time in Merriment Bay and things are looking up for Cat, and her daughter Kyra as they now know the identity of the man in the photograph they found amongst her grandmothers things thanks to Amias. They only issue they have is that Bailey Mitchell, the man in the photo lives thousands of miles away and he is ninety eight years old. Meeting up will not be an option for either party so they have been sending Christmas cards and talking via Social Media. It is while the chats are happening that Cat finds out some new information that surprises her. 
Christmas this year will be a happier time for Cat and her Mother, Mary as they both seem to be getting along together even with Mary's new man on the scene. 
This Christmas with magic in the air and snow beginning to fall Cat is hoping the magic will create miracles and that she will be able to put the past behind her and maybe she will be ready to fall in love. 
I really enjoyed reading this third instalment from Merriment Bay. It is great to read about the change in season and all of the Christmas feelings are amazing. It is lovely to read that Cat and Mary are really beginning to rebuild their relationship after everything that happened in the past. It is also lovely to read that love could finally be in the air for Cat. 
I really enjoyed all of the series so far and I am already looking forward to reading the final instalment. 




Published by Crescent Gate Publishing 12th November 2019




Purchase Links






About the Author


Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.




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Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 









Monday 18 November 2019

Country Lovers by Fiona Walker



Today I am excited to share with you my review of this fantastic country read from Fiona Walker. I would like to thank Head of Zeus for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 



Book Description
They say you should never go back, but glamorous Ronnie Percy did just that, to the home she ran away from with her lover.
But not everyone is finding it easy to forgive and forget.
Daughter Pax, fighting for custody of her small son as her own marriage disintegrates, is furious to have to spend New Year's Eve waiting for some stranger her mother has invited to help run the family stud farm.
Even more annoyed is the staunchly loyal stud head groom, Lester. Does Ronnie think he's lost his touch with the horses? And anyway, who is this so-called Horsemaker, Luca O'Brien? Why does he seem to be running away from something? And what is the true story of his relationship with grey stallion Beck, once destined for the Olympics, now broken and unrideable, screaming his anger from the Compton Magna stables.
Passionate, sexy, gripping, laced with her trademark wisdom and humour, this is bestselling Fiona Walker at her dazzling best.




My Review
I was so excited to be given this opportunity and I could not wait to start reading.
Ronnie Percy has returned back to her family home to run the stud business her father had. This was not easy for Ronnie as she left home with her lover many years before. He family are still full of anger for how she behaved all those years ago and are finding it hard to forgive what she did. 
Pax has returned home to her mother though, she has been having troubles in her marriage, not helped by her drinking and she is hitting rock bottom. She is determined to get her son back. Her cause is not helped when, on New Years Eve Pax finds her self stranded at the airport awaiting the arrival of horseman,Luca O'Brien who her mother has employed help turn the stud farm around. Pax turns to drinking while she waits and things turn from bad to worse for her relationship with her husband when he finds out she has spent a night away in a hotel with another man. Pax is determined to prove her husband wrong that she does not have a problem with alcohol and she is desperate to have her son back where he belongs. 
head groom, Lester is not happy to hear about the new arrival at the stables. He is disappointed that Ronnie feels he can't run things on his own, he has also heard all of the stories about Luca O'Brien and how he treats his horses. 
With the stud farm to run they all grudgingly work together. But they all have secrets they are hiding, some that they are desperate to keep to themselves and some they share to help themselves. 
This is a story full of passion and is a gripping read. 
I am a big fan of Fiona Walker and I could not wait to start reading this, once I started I could not put it down as it had me gripped to the story. 
Ronnie is back in the family home and she is determined to make a success of her fathers business, just like it used to be. She is also wanting to repair the fragile relationship she has with her family, especially Pax as she can see just how unhappy she is. Pax is determined to get her son back and her mother is trying to help her and its great to read about the passion and anger the two of them have between them. As you read through the book you become more aware of the secrets between the pair of them. This is written so well that you really do understand their relationship. 
The character of Luca is a very different one as he is a closed book and doesn't share his life history with the others. He has suffered in his past and that becomes more apparent as you read through the book. 
There is also a cast of extra characters within the book that really help with the story lines that flow through the book. They all bring some humour and wit to the book too. 
I love the writing style of Fiona Walker, it flows well and always keeps you wanting to read more.
 This book is full of fun, passion and all the wit we have grown to love from her and this is a book you will never be disappointed in purchasing. 
  




Published by Head of Zeus on 14th November 2019



Purchase Links

Google Play - https://bit.ly/2N8sMik





About the Author

Fiona Walker is the author of eighteen novels, from tales of flat-shares and clubbing in nineties London to today’s romping, rural romances set amid shires, spires and stiles. In a career spanning over two decades, she’s grown up alongside her readers, never losing her wickedly well-observed take on life, lust and the British in love. She lives in Warwickshire, sharing a slice of Shakespeare Country with her partner, their two daughters and a menagerie of animals. fionawalker.com @fionawalkeruk facebook.com/fiona.walker.16568




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Head of Zeus

Website - www.headofzeus.com










Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 



Saturday 16 November 2019

Coming Home to Merriment Bay part 2 by Emily Harvale




Today I am pleased to share with you my review of the second part in the series from Merriment Bay from the wonderful Emily Harvale. 
Thank you to Rachels Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and form copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 



Book Description
Part Two of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.




Cat Devon knew she couldn’t avoid Amias Wells for long. She also knew sparks would fly the moment they came face to face. They never did get on and nothing has changed in eighteen years – except that Amias is even more annoying. So why does Cat still catch her breath whenever he looks her way?

The fact he flies a vintage Spitfire for the Merriment Bay WWII Museum doesn’t interest Cat, but his knowledge of the former RAF pilots stationed there certainly does. She wants to find out all she can about the man in the photo in Viola’s trunk. And what with hospital visits, dealing with her mum, and sorting out problems with Viola’s house, Cat could use more than just Kyra’s help.

But Kyra makes it clear she thinks Cat and Amias should spend more time together. Which is ridiculous. Apart from the fact they don’t get on, Amias wasn’t interested in Cat before the accident that left the ugly scars on her face and body, so he definitely won’t be attracted to her now. Besides, Cat’s not looking for romance. She’s happy with her life just the way it is.





My Review
I was really looking forward to reading the next part of the story and I wasn't disappointed.
Cat and Kyra have made a decision to stay in Merriment Bay for a while to help Cat's mum sort out the huge house. It also means that she will be able to visit her grandmother more and also start to build a better relationship with her mum. All that Cat needs to do is try and avoid Amias, too much has happened between them in the past. However Kyra feels she should start to get to know him again as she doesn't understand all that has happened in the past between the two of them.
When Cat and Amias do meet up though sparks do fly between the pair of them, they are  both so full of anger for what happened eighteen years ago, but the attraction for both of them is still there even though they are both trying to deny it.
Amias has been working on who the man is in the picture that they found within her grandmothers belongings and he thinks he has found a match but will Cat be happy with him helping them,  Kyra is determined that Amias can help them even if it means that even more sparks will fly between the pair of them.
This is such a great instalment to the story and with all of the chemistry flying between Cat and Amias its certainly entertaining. I am really enjoying learning more about the past between them both and how their lives changed on that fateful day. I am already looking forward to reading part three of the series.



Published by Crescent Gate Publishing on 23rd October 2019



Purchase Links





About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.




Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.



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Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 


Saturday 9 November 2019

The Wedding on Mistletoe Island by Sophie Pembroke




Today I am excited to take part in the Blog Tour for this wonderful winter read from Sophie Pembroke. Thank you to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 



Book Description

Welcome to Mistletoe Island, where dreams can come true...

The snow is falling and Fliss's friends have arrived to celebrate her wedding for a week at Holly Cottage. It's the perfect way to kick off her brand-new life, isn't it? 
Except Ruth wishes she was anywhere other than a remote Scottish island, Caitlin is keeping a secret from her friends, Lara is suddenly facing her ex a decade after turning down his proposal and even the bride has something to hide... 
But as the friends prepare for a week to remember, will Fliss's dream wedding go off without a hitch, or will the secrets they've been hiding change everything?
The perfect cosy Christmas romance to curl up with this holiday season about family, friendship and love. For fans of Jill Mansell, Sue Moorcroft and Heidi Swain.


My Review
After reading the blurb for this book I was really excited to get started on reading. I have not read a book from Sophie Pembroke before but I could not wait to get started. 
It is the week before Christmas and Fliss and her closest friends from University are all meeting up and staying on Mistletoe Island in Holly Cottage, just like they 10 years ago after they had all graduated. They are all there to celebrate the wedding of Fliss to Ewan and its great for them all to be back together again. 
A lot has happened to the seven of them in the last ten years but they have all remained in touch with each other. They have been there for each other so much since they all started university together and of course the wedding of Fliss is not one that any of them would miss out on. 
However things are not all they seem between them all as they are all harbouring secrets that they haven't shared with each other over the years and ones that could all be about to come out.  Will Lara and Jon be able to sort their differences,  will Caitlin and Neal be able to sort out their marriage and will Ruth and Alec be able to move on from their devastating loss. 
But most of all will Fliss get the wedding of her dreams?
I loved this book from start to finish and I could not put it down. 
I really enjoyed how the story was told through the eyes of Fliss, Lara and Ruth. Each of them giving their perspective of what's happening between all of the friends and how each others lives are working out. You also get an insight into some of the secrets the friends are keeping from each other. They tell you the story from 2009 as well as 2019 so you get to see what their last visit to Holly Cottage was like too. 
I thoroughly enjoyed they writing style as it flowed well and the setting for this book sounds like such a romantic place, perfect for a winter wedding. This book is set at Christmas time but does not revolve around Christmas. It is more about the friendship and relationships that the group share and how they all need each other too. 
I loved my first book from Sophie Pembroke and I am already excited to read more. 





Published by Orion on 31st October 2019



Purchase Link



About the Author
Sophie Pembroke writes very British romance for Orion, Mills & Boon, Avon and HQ. She has been dreaming, reading and writing romance ever since she read her first Mills & Boon as part of her English Literature degree at Lancaster University, so getting to write romantic fiction for a living really is a dream come true!

Born in Abu Dhabi, Sophie grew up in Wales and now lives in a little Hertfordshire market town with her scientist husband, her incredibly imaginative ten-year-old daughter, and her adventurous, adorable little boy.

In Sophie’s world, happy is for ever after, everything stops for tea, and there’s always time for one more page…

Get all of Sophie’s latest news first at www.SophiePembroke.com.




Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 



Wednesday 6 November 2019

Coming Home to Merriment Bay part 1 by Emily Harvale



Today I am also excited to share with you my review of the first part of this fabulous new series from Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 



Book Description
Part One: A Reunion
Merriment Bay series

After eighteen years apart, reclusive Cat Devon still recognises her mum’s handwriting. Plucking up the courage to open the letter, its contents send Cat racing to Merriment Bay, the seaside village where she grew up.

On arrival, Cat and her teenage daughter, Kyra are shocked to find the situation is worse than expected. But despite everything, Cat considers herself to be an optimist at heart and Kyra takes after her. Looking on the bright side may not improve the situation, but it definitely can’t make it worse.

When clearing out the house that, even now, Cat fondly thinks of as home, she stumbles upon more than just memories in the battered leather trunk in Granny Viola’s bedroom. She discovers a faded photo of an RAF pilot, a pile of unopened letters, and a mystery waiting to be solved. Who is the man in the – clearly treasured – photo? Cat didn’t know her grandad. Could this be him? A man even her mum never met. 

Cat and Kyra are intent on finding out. But that’s not all Cat’s determined to do. It’s time she came to terms with the issues in her past, and made peace with her mum and her gran. All the while avoiding bumping into the one man she never quite got over … and keeping a few secrets of her own.




My Review
This book is a brilliant start to a series. I loved it from the first page to the last and I'm really looking forward to reading the next part.
Cat Devon is spending the day with her daughter Kyra who is celebrating her 18th Birthday, when an envelope drops through the door with handwriting that Cat instantly recognised its one she definitely had not been expecting. The letter is from her mother with whom she has had no contact since Cat left home 18 years ago. 
The two of them read the letter together it is decided that they both need to head to Merriment Bay and get to the bottom of what is happening. This is a big decision for Cat to make as it will bring back so many memories of a difficult past. 
The two of them arrive in Merriment Bay and Kyra is shocked to found out just how big the family home is, she is also exited to meet the grandmother she has never met.  Cat is more nervous as things have happened in the past with her mother and there are people within the town that Cat is not keen to see again.
It soon becomes apparent what is going on and what her mother is asking her to do. She needs Cats help to clear the family home so it can be sold. Cat agrees and is soon deep in helping her mother. It is while she is clearing out the house that she finds a leather trunk. In the trunk is a photo of a man in RAF uniform and a stack of letters. Who is this man and what part does he play in all of their lives. Cat and Kyra are determined to find out. 
This is a fantastic start to the story and one that will have you gripped from the first page. 
I really enjoyed meeting both Cat and Kyra who have a brilliant relationship. Cat has got plenty of secrets she is really trying to keep to herself, ones she is trying to protect her beloved daughter from. Kyra at 18 is really enjoying getting to know more about the past of her mother and understand more about their relationship. 
I really like the writing style of Emily Harvale. it flows well and keeps you entertained throughout the book. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.  





Published by Crescent Gate Publishing on the 8th October 2019



purchase Links







About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.


Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.



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Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 






Christmas at Wynter House by Emily Harvale


Today I am on the Blog Tour for this dramatic and romantic Christmas read from Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 




Book Description
After a frosty welcome, things soon heat up at Wynter House.


Neva Grey is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with her family in the cosy cottage they’ve rented in the picture-postcard village of Wyntersleap. Nestled between rolling hills and a gently burbling river, it’s going to be idyllic.

Except it’s not. Torrential rain causes the river to burst its banks and the quaint little village isn’t quite so cosy with water lapping at the doors. Add to that a power cut and a sudden blizzard and Christmas is looking bleak ... until gorgeous Adam Wynter invites them all to Wynter House.

Although not everyone is happy to share the ancestral home. Adam’s elder brother, Rafe is less than pleased. Their grandmother, Olivia extends a grudging welcome. And for Carruthers, the oddly arrogant butler, unexpected guests are a Christmas surprise he could do without. Especially one as troublesome as Neva’s eight-year-old niece.

But something’s not quite right at Wynter House. What is Rafe intent on hiding behind the locked doors of the old barn? And what really happened to his first wife? It’s a good thing Neva has a sense of humour. She’s going to need it this Christmas at Wynter House.

This is book one in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.




My Review
This is a brilliant and feel good read that will leave you with a warm glow ahead of the festive season. 
Neva Grey is excited to be spending Christmas with her family in a beautiful cottage in the village of Wyntersleap. Neva has made some huge decisions with her future and things have been hard to plan so she is really looking forward to being able to relax and take it easy within the idyllic setting. 
What Neva and her family was not prepared for was the the torrential rain that began to fall shortly after their arrival and showed no signs of stopping. It turned what was normally a small river into a huge one which then burst it banks and the water was heading for the row of cottages that the family are staying in. 
Luckily for the family and other residents of the village the very handsome Adam Wynter invites them all to seek refuge in his family home, Wynter House, much to the disgust of his brother, Rafe and their grandmother Olivia. 
The Grey family and the other residents are delighted to be given the opportunity to visit the big house and they all accept the offer. 
Once everyone is all settled at the big house decisions are being made and Neva and her family will be heading home the next day however the weather has other ideas and the torrential rain then turns to blizzards and it's not long before they are all snowed in, and with only two days until Christmas  The Wynter Family then make a big decision to invite all of their guests to spend Christmas with them at Wynter House. All of the guests are delighted and all soon start helping out. However things are not all they seem and with plenty of secrets surrounding the Wynter family will they all be having a happy Christmas after all. 
This was such a charming and feel good read that was full of drama too and kept me totally absorbed from start to finish. 
The setting of this book sounds amazing and the perfect place to spend the festive period. 
I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Neva and her family especially her eight year old niece Sasha who is always causing mischief and mayhem. 
The Wynter family are very secretive. They all enjoy living at Wynter House but it does come with its difficulties. Brothers Adam and Rafe Wynter are very different. Adam is very open and cheerful where as Rafe is more of a closed book. As he gets to know Neva more he does begin to open up and she helps him with this, and sparks of romance begin to fly between the pair them. 
 I really enjoyed my first visit to Wyntersleap and I'm looking forward to the next adventures there.  





Published by Crescent Gate Publishing on 25th September 2019


Purchase Link




About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.


Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.



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Giveaway 

Giveaway to Win Christmas at Wynter House themed cushion (size 18 x 18 inches) a Wrendale Designs Christmas shopping pad and a Yankee Candle tealight holder and Winter Glow tealight (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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Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Summer at Blue Sands Cove by CP Ward

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this uplifting summer release from CP Ward. Thank you to Rachel's  Random Resources for inviting m...