Saturday, 27 June 2020

Tell That to my Heart by Eliza J. Scott




Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heartwarming and uplifting new release from Eliza J. Scott. 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

Jemima Dewberry wears her heart on her sleeve. Her weakness for bad boys, coupled with her track record for making bad decisions has led to endless heartbreak. The only trouble is, she can’t seem to kick the habit.

On top of that, her “dream” job at Yorkshire Portions magazine hasn’t turned out to be what she’d hoped, and she seems to have developed the knack of annoying her boss without even trying. It doesn’t help that the new girl seems to have taken an instant dislike to her. All that’s keeping her there are her best friends Anna-Lisa and Aidey, who have picked up the pieces of her shattered heart more times than they care to remember.

When Jemima’s latest boyfriend turns out to be no better than the rest, the hurt and humiliation is almost unbearable. She declares she’s finally through with love, and swears off men for life. But when charismatic Caspar De Verre walks into the office with his dangerous good looks and mesmerising smile, she’s utterly captivated, and her promises to Anna-Lisa and Aidey not to let her heart rule her head are soon forgotten.

But is Caspar all he seems? Anna-Lisa and Aidey have their doubts. And Herbert, the happy-go-lucky black Labrador Jemima’s looking after, doesn’t seem to like him either.

As Jemima falls for Caspar’s charms she finds herself being forced to confront the struggle between her head and her heart. But which one will prove the most powerful?

And will Jemima get the happy-ever-after she so desperately craves?




My Review
Jemima Dewberry (or Mim to her friends) works at Yorkshire Portions magazine. Mim thought it would be her dream job but that hasn't been the case as she seems to not get on with her boss. Things get worse at work with the new recruit Honey, taking a huge dislike to Mim too and starts to make life difficult for her. Mim does have some amazing work friends, Anna-Lisa and Aidey, who has always been there for her picking up the pieces after each heartbreak. 
Mim does have a habit of falling for the wrong guy every time and it always ends badly. So with the help of her friends has decided that she does not need a man and is just going to focus on her career.   
That is until the incredibly handsome new addition at work catches her eye. 
Casper De Verre is the new addition, with his handsome good looks and a winning smile he soon bowls over Mim. 
Mim is keen to get to know Casper better and when he offers her a lift home from work she jumps at the chance. 
Aidey and Anna-Lisa are worried about Mim and feel like this could end badly with Casper as there is something about him that worries them. They are not the only ones as Herbert, Mims beloved black Labrador does not like him either. 
Casper sweeps Mim of her feet and boosts her confidence, but is he too good to be true. Things come to a head when he asks Mim for favour and she has a big decision to make. Will she go with her heart or head and is she about to get her heartbroken again.
Will Mim ever find her one true love. 
This is an absolutely fantastic read that had me completely absorbed from beginning to end.
Set in the beautiful area Yorkshire, and with some areas people may recognise, this is the beginning of another wonderful series from Eliza J. Scott.
The writing style flows well making this a delightful easy read. 
This book is full of lots of different characters, not all of them are likeable but they do all add to the story. 
I found Mim a really interesting character to read about. She has not had a good history with men and has always had her heart broken. This is something that comes from her childhood and watching her mum act around different men. This is why her friends are such a big support to her. It is great to see her confidence grow as the story unfolds. 
Aidey and Anna-Lisa are the best friends a girl could ask for. They are always there for Mim even whey they have their own issues. I am hoping we get to see more of them as the series progresses. 
Casper De Verre at first sounds like a wonderful man and you can see why Mim is attracted to him. I found that my opinion of him changed quickly as the story moved forward though. I also had an instant dislike for the bosses at the Yorkshire Portion.
The storyline in this book is really uplifting and really focuses on friendship, and solidarity. It is one I couldn't put down and I am already excited to read more from the series. 








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About the Author

Eliza is proud to be a member of the RNA. She lives in a 17th-century cottage in a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden, fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

When she's not reading or gardening, Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Her biggest weakness is ginger biscuits dunked in tea.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. She enjoys exploring the dynamics of female friendship, with a key feature of her books being how women pull together and support one another when things get tough.

Eliza's novels will always have happy endings.



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






Wednesday, 24 June 2020

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay by Katie Ginger




Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this sunshine filled new release from Katie Ginger. 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

Grab your strawberries and cream and get ready to return to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!

Summer is in full swing and the locals are getting excited for the launch of the Swallowtail Bay strawberry food festival. But will all run smoothly when festival organiser Hetty’s heart is torn between lord of the manor John Thornhill and successful bakery owner Ben?




My Review
This is such a brilliant summer read and perfect for some escapism.
Hetty enjoys her running her own business as a party and event planner and is looking for the next challenge and a way to build her business. 
Hetty decides that one way she can help herself and the community is to revamp the Strawberry festival. 
The festival has been held in Swallowtail Bay for many years but over recent years it has got smaller and smaller and with less people attending. Hetty decides this needs to be changed and takes it upon herself to try and organise a way to bring it back. She decided it would be better to make it a food festival instead and begins making plans. 
The first issue that Hetty has to overcome is finding a venue for the event, but She has a plan and is determined that she will be able to get it sorted. 
Her plan is to visit Thornhill Hall and ask if they can use one of their fields surrounding the property. The family that live at the hall are in need of money to repair the Hall and Hetty is sure they will say yes to her suggestion of the making some money. 
At first Lord of the Manor, John Thornhill refuses to let Hetty and the town use the field. He is sure that it will cause all sorts of upset for his family and he does not want to get dragged into helping. 
But Hetty can be very persuasive and it does not take long for John to change his mind. 
Soon the two of them are in full swing with planning the festival and things are getting organised well. John has event suggested they use some more of the space and make the event even bigger. 
As the festival draws closer both Hetty and John get closer together and sparks do fly between the pair of them. Is Hetty still hung up on Ben after all the hurt in the past or is she ready to open her heart to someone new. Only time will tell.
I loved this story from beginning to end and could not put it down.
This is such a well written and easy book to read. The setting of Swallowtail Bay is sounds beautiful and seems to be the perfect place to hold a food festival. 
I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters within the book. 
Hetty is such a hard worker and is determined  that the festival will be a success. She has been hurt and let down in the past which is stopping her from moving on with her future. Especially as her ex boyfriend, Ben is living in the bay too. 
Ben is a character I was not so keen on. I found him to be arrogant and at times childish, especially with how he was with Hetty.
John is a very complex character. He just wants what is best for his family. He does finds it difficult being the head of the family and making the decisions with how best to repair and restore the Hall with the small amount of finance available to him. He does seem to enjoy helping with the organising of the food festival, and it is clear to see how much he likes Hetty. 
The food festival does sound very entertaining and humorous at times. 
I also found the storyline of Hetty's parents really added to the overall story too. 
This was such a fun, and romantic summer read and perfect addition to your summer reading.






Published by HQ Digital 24th June 2020



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About the Author

KATIE GINGER lives in the South East of England, by the sea, and she really wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay is her fifth novel. The first, Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay is available now. Her debut novel The Little Theatre on the Seafront was shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and her stand- alone Christmas novel Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage was a US Amazon bestseller. 

When she's not writing, Katie spends her time drinking gin, or with her husband, trying to keep alive their two children, Ellie and Sam. And there's also their adorable King Charles Spaniel, Wotsit (yes, he is named after the crisps!). 

For more about Katie you can visit her website: www.keginger.com, find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatieGAuthor, or follow her on Twitter: @KatieGAuthor

Instagram: @katie_ginger_author






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






Saturday, 20 June 2020

One Day in Summer by Shari Low




Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heartwarming and intriguing new release from Shari Low. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and to Boldwood Books for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 



Book Description
 

Coming soon from #1 bestseller Shari Low, an emotional roller-coaster, that keeps you guessing...


One day in summer, three lives are about to change forever.
After two decades of looking after others, this is the day that Agnetha McMaster is reclaiming her life. It's her turn, her time but will she have the courage to start again?
Ten years ago, Mitchell McMaster divorced Agnetha and married her best friend, Celeste. Now he suspects his second wife is having an affair. This is the day he’ll discover if karma has come back to bite him.
Thanks to a DNA test, this is the day that Hope McTeer will finally meet her biological father. But will the reunion bring Hope the answers that she’s looking for?

Three people. Twenty-four hours. A lifetime of secrets to unravel.





My Review

Agnetha McMaster is celebrating her 45th birthday. With her twin daughters now all grown up and with her beloved mum passing away only last year Aggs now has no-one she needs to give care to and has decided that now is the time to reclaim her own life. 

Her daughters have some surprises up their sleeves for the birthday girl, but Aggs has a few surprises for them too.

Mitchell McMaster is the ex husband of Aggs. Ten years ago he divorced from Aggs and married her best friend Celeste. Things are not all rosy for him though as he does suspect that she is having an affair.

Hope McTeer is desperate to find out who her biological father is, and after taking a DNA test today is the day that she will find out. She has lots of questions to ask, but will she get all of the answers she needs. 

This is such a wonderful story, and one I was engrossed in from beginning to end. 

The setting of the book is Glasgow and features the events that happen in one day in the summer. The writing style of this book flows well and is easy to read. I liked that the ending wasn't too obvious and the story kept me intrigued all the way through. 

I liked how each chapter was told to you from a different person, and that the story was set over a timeline and goes back and forth from the present to the past, This shows you infidelity and betrayal and does give you an insight into how their lives became the way they are. 

I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and found them all to be relatable. Although I wasn't so keen on Mitchell and Celeste. 

Aggs has obviously been hurt in the past and that is why she is not so confident in sharing her secret. She does have the twins who both adore her but the two of them could not be more different. 

There is a wide range of emotions felt within the book that at times you will find hilarious and at other times feel sad. 

This is such a heartwarming and poignant read, and one you will not be disappointed with. 




Published by Boldwood Books 11th June 2020



Purchase Link




About the Author

Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 20 novels, including One Day In Winter and My One Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So.  She lives near Glasgow.




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




Friday, 19 June 2020

The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin




Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this exciting and enchanting new release from Julie Caplin. 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

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?




My Review
This is such an interesting and heartwarming read that I devoured in one sitting. 
Fiona works as a travel blogger and is excited to have won the trip of a lifetime to Japan. It is an all expense paid trip where she will be mentored on photography. Fiona is so excited for this opportunity, that is until when she lands in Japan and finds out that there has been a change of plan and she will now be mentored by a face from her past, the handsome photographer, Gabe. Ten years ago he broke her heart and Fiona never got over the humiliation. 
Gabe seems to be a different man from all those years ago and he also does not seem to remember Fiona either. 
Fiona is determined that this will not ruin her trip so she throws herself into the lifestyle and culture that Japan has to offer her. 
With the two of them spending so much time together exploring they do become closer. Is it time for Fiona to let go of the past that haunts her, or will she get her heart broken again?
this will turn out to be a trip that neither of them will forget. 
The writing style of this book is just delightful and is such a brilliant story set in Tokyo. It is full of examples of the history of the capital but also tells you about modern day and how the two fuse together so well. it shows you the hustle and bustle of the city but also the calm and relaxing side too.
I enjoyed getting to know Fiona and seeing Japan through her eyes. She is obviously lacking I confidence when she arrives and its clear why. It's great to see her blossom and bloom under the guidance of the family she is staying with and she begins to see life in a different way. 
Gabe has lost the joy he gets from his work as a photographer this is due to the heartbreak he has had, and is still dealing with. Fiona does make him see a different way and his passion for photography does begin to emerge again. 
The sparks of chemistry between Fiona and Gabe can be felt throughout he pages of the book. 
I found the culture and customs of Japan fascinating to read and it is clear that they have all been well researched. 
The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and does feature many points from the story. 
This book is the perfect form of escapism and is definitely Julie Caplin at her best.





Published by One More Chapter 11th June 2020





Purchase Links




About the Author

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands, taking journalists on press trips to awful places like Turin, Milan, Geneva, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and occasionally losing the odd member of the press in an airport. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to eat amazing food, drink free alcohol, hone her writing skills on press releases and to research European cities for her books. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for HarperImpulse.

Under her pen name, Julie Caplin, her thirteenth novel, The Little Teashop in Tokyo will be published in ebook and paperback this June.




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Thursday, 18 June 2020

Up Close and Personal by Kathryn Freeman




Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this exciting and romantic new release from Kathryn Freeman. 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

British actor Zac Edwards is the latest heartthrob to hit the red carpets. Hot, talented and rich, he sends women wild…all except one.

Close protection officer Kat Parker hasn’t got time to play celebrity games.  She has one job: to protect Zac from the stalker that seems to be dogging his every move.

Zac might get her hot under her very starched collar, but Kat’s a professional – and sleeping with Zac is no way part of her remit…




My Review
Zac Edward is a British actor that has made it big in movies. He is a very talented man who also happens to be incredibly handsome too, which makes all of his fans swoon. 
Unfortunately for Zac being famous does come with some issues too. Like the fact he has a stalker watching his every move. The production company that he is currently working with are incredibly concerned about his safety and have decided to supply him with his own Close Protection officer to try and keep him safe.
Kat Parker has a history of working I the army which has set her up well for the job she now does as a Close Protection Officer. Kat takes her job very seriously and will do whatever it takes to keep people safe. 
Zak is shocked when he finds out that his security will be a woman and voices his concerns, however Kat is confident in her abilities and tells him so. 
The two of them are soon getting to know each other as they begin to spend more and more time together. There is no denying that Kat is attracted to Zak, and there is definitely an attraction from Zak too however being the professional she is, she will never step over that line, or will she?
This is an absolutely brilliant read and one I could not put down. 
The writing style flows well and the twists and turns in the book will really make you keep reading. 
The character of Kat has had a difficult past and that is stopping her from moving forward with her life, but this does give you more of an understanding of why acts the way she does. You also see why she is so protective of her family too. She does slowly start to tell Zak more about her life and that does help her come out of her shell. 
Zak has not always had the lifestyle he currently has but he keeps his past so well hidden from everyone. As he gets to know Kat he does start to lower his guard and you do see a different side to his life and it is one that will really surprise you. 
The chemistry between both Zak and Kat literally sparks from the pages, and the will they won't they will keep you in suspense right up to the end. 
This is such a fantastic book and one I savoured from beginning to end. 






Published by One More Chapter 12th June 2020



Purchase Links




About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. 

I’ve two sons and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), so any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.



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Cover Reveal - Summer at my Sisters by Emily Harvale




Today I am excited to take part in the cover reveal for the new release from Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part. 



Book Description

Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. They aren’t identical twins. Perhaps the only things they have in common are agreeing their mother can be a nightmare – and their birthdays. This summer they’ll be thirty-five.
 
Diana has the perfect husband, two talented youngsters, and an adorable dog. She runs a successful business from home, a popular book club, and hosts sparkling parties for her wealthy husband. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends, and always looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge. She loves Diana, deeply, but each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she hiding something too? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance. And it all begins with a phone call from their mother.



Preorder link



And now here is the beautiful cover for this up coming new summer read .......





What a beautiful cover. It is so bright and colourful and fills you with sunshine. 
I cannot wait get started on this summer adventure. 


Published 31st July 2020


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, 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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Tuesday, 16 June 2020

The Summer of Taking Chances by Lynne Shelby



Today I am excited to take part in the Blog Tour, and share with you my review of this heart warming and uplifting read from Lynne Shelby. 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

Would you take the second chance you’ve always dreamed of?


It’s been ten years since Emma Stevens last laid eyes on Jake Murray. When he left the small seaside village of South Quay to chase the limelight, Emma’s dreams left with him.

Now Emma is content living a quiet and uneventful life in South Quay. It’s far from the life she imagined, but at least her job at the local hotel has helped heal her broken heart.

But when Jake returns home for the summer to escape the spotlight, Emma’s feelings quickly come flooding back. There’s clearly a connection between them, but Jake has damaged her heart once already – will she ever be able to give him a second chance?




My Review

This is a wonderful summer read that I enjoyed from beginning to end, and did not want to put down. 

Emma is happy with her life in the quiet, seaside village of South Quay. She works as as an assistant event planner and enjoys taking part in the village players productions throughout the year too. 

Ten years ago Emma had bigger dreams of heading to drama school. These dreams all got shattered the day Jake Murray left the village, leaving her broken hearted. 

Now Jake has returned to South Quay for the summer. He is taking the summer off to get away from the spotlight for a while. Emma's feelings for Jake begin to resurface. It becomes clear that the two of them do have a connection but Emma is determined to keep it as just friends between them as she cannot risk getting her heart broken again. 

With the summer heating up in South Quay, and Emma spending more time with Jake their connection only gets stronger. Could Emma give Jake a second chance, or will the risk of heartache  be too much for Emma to take? 

I think it is going to be an interesting summer. 

This is such a wonderful read that is perfect for the summer. 

The setting of South Quay sounds like the perfect spot to relax in over the summer and a great setting for romance. 

The writing style of this is light and the story flows well keeping you absorbed as you go through the pages. 

The character of Emma was interesting to read. She obviously had her heart broken when Jake left which is why she never felt the need to move away from the security of South Quay. She has a wonderful best friend she lives with who has helped and supported her too. It is lovely to see her blossom and more confident as the book progresses. 

Jake is a superstar actor who left the amateur dramatics far behind him. As he spends more time away from the spotlight he does begin to see why his roots are what made him become such a hit. 

I really enjoyed reading the chemistry between Emma and Jake throughout the book. It really sparks from the page and will keep you guessing right up until the end. 

There is also a cast of quirky characters who all bring something to the story. They are all mainly in the cast of the players upcoming play and they all have their own ideas on life in South Quay too.

This is a brilliant summer read and one you will not be disappointed you purchased. 



Published by Headline Accent 4th June 2020




Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Taking-Chances-Lynne-Shelby-ebook/dp/B0849NF6KD/


US - https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Taking-Chances-Lynne-Shelby-ebook/dp/B0849NF6KD/




About the Author


Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance. Her debut novel, French Kissing, was published when it won a national writing competition. She has worked at a variety of jobs from stable girl to child actors’ chaperone to legal administrator, but now writes full time. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre watching a musical, or exploring a foreign city – Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Athens – writer's notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult children who live nearby.




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Twitter: @LynneB1

Instagram: lynneshelbywriter

Website: www.lynneshelby.com 






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...