A Summer of Surprises Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this mysterious and intriguing new addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series from Rosie Green. 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

When Ruby Watkiss lands a job at the True Loaf Bakery, she feels as if the sun has finally come out. Having been through a traumatic time that wrecked her confidence levels, it’s a joy to be working for Ellie, and now all Ruby wants is to lead a quiet life and support her mum in getting the help she needs.

But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.

Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.

Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit?

With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?

My Review

This was such and intriguing and engaging addition to the series that I adored and could not put down. 

in this book we meet Ruby who has just become part of the team at the Little Duck Pond Cafe. 

Ruby has had some difficulties in her past which have really knocked her confidence so having a new job and making new friends is just the boost she needs, also having just found out her mum is ill Ruby is determined to help her as much as she can alongside working hard at her new job. 

Things however do not go to plan.

Ruby soon finds out that there are some very strange things happening at the Bakery and Cafe and it seems someone is out to try and ruin the business. Unfortunately for Ruby she is being blamed for it all. 

Determined to prove her innocence Ruby teams up with Hudson, another new addition to the village and the pair of them decide to try and solve the mystery and make sure that Ellie's business is not ruined. 

The two of them are soon following strangers and hiding in bushes. They are beginning to really enjoy each others company could romance be blossoming for the pair too?

This was so much fun to read and I found the cosy mystery in the book engaging and different from others in the series. 

It is clear as you begin the book just how much Ruby is trying to help her mum. You also get a good understanding of why she is lacking in confidence as the story progresses. There are some shocking revelations ahead for Ruby too. 

I enjoy reading about the relationship progressing between Ruby and Hudson too. 

It was great to return to Sunnybrook and revisit all of the characters we have grown to love throughout the series. 

This book is a wonderful addition to the series, and I am already looking forward to my next visit. 

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3feTsKn

About the Author

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by 'the baddies'.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all - unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Her series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘Sweet Pastries & Sourdough', is out now.

Look out for more Little Duck Pond Café tales in 2021!

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88 

Thank your visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

 

The Promise of Summer by Bella Osborne

 

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this romantic and uplifting summer read from Bella Osborne. 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

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn't counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.   

 

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

My Review

This is such an uplifting and romantic read that is perfect for the summer. 

Ruby loves her job as a florist and has a great relationship with her boss, Kim.

What Ruby does not have in a her life is love. And after a string of very unsuccessful and terribly unsuitable dates Ruby has decided to take things into her own hands and help her future along the way. 

Ruby is heading to London on the train to start the next part of her plan, she meets a handsome stranger on the train who is telling Ruby he is on his way to London to propose to his girlfriend on the London Eye, But disaster strikes and he accidentally leaves the ring on the train when he gets off. 

After hearing about the romantic proposal Ruby is determined to reunite the ring with its owner, But she isn't the only one to hear the story and Curtis a fellow passenger on the train also thinks he should be the one to find the owner too. 

After much deliberation the pair of them decide to work together to help get the ring back to its rightful owner. 

 Ruby and Curtis are like chalk and cheese but the two of them strike up a friendship and what follows is the summer of adventure with some hilarious outcomes as they endeavour to find the owner and let love find a way. As the two of them become closer could Ruby find her happy ever after too along the way. 

This is such a wonderful and uplifting read that will really put a smile on your face. 

I loved the fun and witty writing style which really draws you in after only a few pages and keeps you absorbed right up until the end. 

There are two strong female leads within the book who's lives blend so well together. 

Ruby is looking for love but all she keeps meeting are the wrong kind of man so maybe she needs to try something different. She is keeping her secrets as to why she is heading to London from everyone and as you get to know Ruby you do realise why she feels this is her only plan. 

Kim is also keeping secrets from her past. It is not something she intended to keep a secret but things have just got to far for her to tell the truth, that is until she has no choice as a face from her past returns. 

My favourite character by far was Curtis, he was such a breath of fresh air to read about. He was quirky and different from all the other men in the life of ruby and the two of them together were so fun and hilarious to read. 

I adored this new release from Bella Osborne and I think it is the perfect escapism this summer. 

A five star read.  

I 

Published by Avon 22nd July 2021

Purchase Links

Amazon UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R6Q4T66/

Universal Amazon Link -  http://mybook.to/ThePromiseOfSummer

KOBO -  https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-promise-of-summer

About the Author

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award. 

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Social Media

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/osborne_bella

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/BellaOsborneAuthor/

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Getting Away with Murder by Joy Wood

 

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this thrilling and addictive release from Joy Wood. 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 

Claire is happily married to the charismatic Max Maric and living the dream in a luxury house in the prestigious Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. She loves her husband and their precious son, Freddy. Her life is perfect. Or so she thinks.

Annabelle is Max Maric’s lover. She’s a wealthy widow and is all set to marry him, just as soon as he’s divorced. Her life will then be perfect. Or so she thinks.

One man, two women, but they can’t both have him.

And he doesn’t get to choose – the schizophrenic decides, with a sophisticated plan to eradicate her nemesis in the most heinous of ways.

The intended victim needs a friend. Fortunately, she has a new one she’s become close to.

But nobody told her that false friends are worse than open enemies.

My Review

This was such a brilliant and addictive read that I couldn't put down and I devoured it in one sitting. 

Claire believes her life is perfect. She has a loving husband, a wonderful son, Freddy and lives in their dream home in the exclusive area of Sandbanks in Poole Harbour. 

Max Maric is Claire's hard working husband. He has built himself a very successful business and is pushing for more. He is always working on something and doing it all for his family, or is it?

Annabelle runs a successful health club and spa business. It was built up by her father and he passed on the hard work ethics to his daughter. 

Annabelle is also Max Marics lover. Annabelle has been making plans so the two of them can get married as soon as his divorce comes through. 

Max needs to make a big decision. 

One of the women is harbouring an even darker schizophrenic side and she is going to decide which woman Max decides to be with he has no say in the matter.

With max working away so much Claire becomes friends with a neighbour called Pippa, but is everything is not as it seems and things are about to get dangerous. 

Wow what an epic and chilling read. This story will have you hooked in from the very first page and keep you absorbed into the story right up until the last page. 

There are some fantastic strong characters within the book who all add to the story and keep you guessing right up until the end. 

It is clear all of the characters all her some secrets in their past and they are trying to keep them hidden.

I really enjoyed the writing style of the book. It was fast paced and engaging throughout. 

This is the perfect addition your summer reading, and one you will not be disappointed with. 

Purchase Links

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Away-Murder-Joy-Wood-ebook/dp/B0968KJ4GW/

US -  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Away-Murder-Joy-Wood-ebook/dp/B0968KJ4GW/

About the Author

Joy Wood has worked as a nurse most of her adult life and turned to writing six years ago to ‘see if she could.’ Her earlier work was adult romance and intrigue, but more recently she has switched genres to romance with a crime element. Joy lives in the small but charming seaside town of Cleethorpes in North East Lincolnshire and her writing ideas come from watching the tide turn daily, of course with the obligatory ice-cream – someone has to support the local economy!

Social Media

Facebook www.facebook.com/joywoodauthor

Website www.joywoodauthor.wordpress.com

Twitter @joywoodauthor

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Jenn Reinvented by Grayson Avery

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this funny and entertaining new release from Grayson Avery. 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 

Jennifer Colby-Kittler is the boss. They even call her The Jenneral. But married life is hard, even when you call the shots. When the sizzle in her and husband Russ' romance goes AWOL, Jenn calls in the big guns. They're going to forge ahead and have a second child whether Russ likes it or not. The only problem is that Russ is leaning toward not. 

 

When the Kittler's new baby mission doesn't go according to Jenn's plan, the tension grows, and a mutiny in their marriage unfolds. Jenn's sister (the lovable Kait from Project Kaitlyn, book one in the Sweet Water Circle series) and friends intervene, forcing her to explore her inner being by attending yoga classes hosted by a dreamy new instructor. Jenn reluctantly agrees, needing to learn to how to let go of control before a civil war leads to divorce. But when the guru falls for her (desperately wanting to also explore her inner being) and an old flame finds out that Jenn's marriage is under attack and attempts to plant his flag, Jenn doesn't know which path to choose.

 

Can Jenn learn to let go before her life spirals out of control?  Should she save her marriage before it's too late, start over with someone new, or go it alone? 

 

With hysterical antics, witty and humorous dialogue, and a strong character arc, you'll love the follow-up to Project Kaitlyn. Jenn Reinvented is the second book in the hilarious Sweet Water Circle series, exploring the relationships, life adventures, and personal growth of a small circle of friends, who you're gonna want to hang out with, which is good, because their stories are ready to be told in the  rest of the Sweet Water Circle series! 

My Review

This is such a fun and witty read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Jenn and Husband Russ have been married for a while and have a son together. The two of them make a great couple, but Jenn is beginning to see flaws in their relationship which is causing her worries. 

Jenn realises just what could be wrong when she see how much all of the the couples around her have and she begins to see that what is wrong in their relationship is that they have lost their sizzle and spark between them.

Jenn being the boss in their marriage decides that the way forward to bring their heat back is to have baby number two. 

Russ however is adamant that he really does not want another child in their family and believes that they are fine the way they are. 

Jenn is determined that the plan will work but when things don't go her way anger and tension grow between the pair and things take a downward spiral. 

Luckily for the pair of them Jenn's sister, Kait decides to step in and help Jenn. Her idea is that Jenn needs to learn to let go a bit more and take care of her inner self. She suggests Yoga could be a good way of doing this and Jenn reluctantly agrees. 

Things seem good to start with but it isn't long before the handsome Yoga instructor reveals that he is falling for her. Things become more complicated when her ex boyfriend also reappears back in town and is looking to rekindle their romance. 

Jenn is thrown into a spin, but she knows that she has to make a big decision, and is her marriage worth saving after all?

This is such a funny and witty read that will really have you laughing out loud. 

There are several strong characters within the book who all add to the hilarious story making its delight to read. 

Jenn is a very strong character and is very much used to being the boss and in control so trying to find herself and calm her inner thought and let go is going to be hard. This does lead to some very funny moments. 

Jenn does have the support of her close family and friends around her from the Sweet Water Circle who all try and help her along the way. 

This book is the second in The Sweet Water Circle series but can be read as a standalone read as you are given enough information from the first book for the story to make sense. 

I loved the writing style of the book. It is fast paced and really keeps you engaged from beginning to end. 

This is a great summer read. 

Published 21st April 2021

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PHV1YWC

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PHV1YWC

https://books.apple.com/us/book/jenn-reinvented/id1543057679?ls=1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jenn-reinvented-grayson-avery/1138383306?ean=2940162679424

About the Author

Grayson Avery is the author of The Sweet Water Circle Series, a romantic comedy series that focuses on childhood friends in their 30's and 40's as they help each other navigate the stormy waters of dating, marriage, divorce, and a whole lot of inappropriate, naughty, and downright hysterical situations.

Social Media

https://facebook.com/GraysonAveryAuthor

https://amazon.com/author/graysonavery

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20888386.Grayson_Avery

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

 

Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan

Today is my stop not the Blog Tour for this wonderful summer release from Fay Keenan. 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

When Kate Harris accepts the job of redecorating her brother Aidan’s house in the picturesque town of Willowbury, she knows it’s just a stop gap before she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life. While her three sons spend the summer holiday with their father, Kate has an opportunity to prove to herself that there is a new life, after her divorce.

Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes. 

But both have secrets and responsibilities, and when the trials of family life threaten their burgeoning friendship, can they overcome the experiences of their pasts? Will Somerset’s most magical town cast its spell on them? Or will Kate and Harry have to concede that their friendship really is just for the summer?

Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect British summertime, with beautiful countryside, an unforgettable romance, and just the right dose of escapism.  Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Fern Britton and Katie Fforde.

My Review

This book is such a wonderful read. It is perfect for the summer and is a book I could not put down. 

Kate Harris has got some decisions to make after her divorce is finalised and she has sold the family home. She is knows she needs to make a fresh start with her three boys but in unsure the best plan of action. 

So when Kate is offered the job of redecorating her brother Aidan's house in the pretty town of Willowbury. She decided this could be the perfect break she needs to decide what to do for the future. 

Kate's three boys are spending the six weeks of the summer holidays with their father so Kate has plenty of time to work and think. 

Kate is soon working hard at decorating her brothers cottage but with her other brother living just next door she is also getting to spend more time with her own siblings too. 

Kate is really enjoying her time in Willowbury and romance could even be on the cards as she gets to know Harry. 

Harry owns the town bookshop, Vale Volumes in Willowbury high street. Harry used to be high flyer in the city but with some setbacks in his life got to him he decided to settle down for a quiet life in the pretty town. Harry and Kate meet in the local coffee shop and once Kate visits the bookshop and offers to help him spruce it up in time for a big visit from a well known author. 

Kate and Harry are soon become close but with Kate just coming out of a divorce and her boys to think of is now the time for romance and after all her stay there is just for the summer, or is it?

This was such a wonderful sunshine filled romantic read that is perfect for some escapism. 

The setting of Willowbury sounds iddilic and I loved the history and how quirky it was too. 

Kate was a great character to get to know. She struggled through her relationship break up with he help of her family and is now feeling so much stronger and excited to be moving her life forwards. She is always putting her three boys first so it was nice to see her able to put herself first while they were away with their father. You do see her self confidence grow throughout the book especially with getting her decorating business up and running. 

Harry was a delight to get to know. He also is lacking in confidence but the more he gets to know Kate the more he begins to share with her about his life. It was nice to read about a man able to show his incredibly vulnerable side. Which also helped him in dealing with issues from his past.

Kate's family all play a part in her stay in Willowbury including her two brothers and her beloved three sons who all adore Kate. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Willowbury. It was like a breath of fresh air to escape with this book full of family, friendship and romance. 

Published by Boldwood Books 15th July 2021

Purchase Links

https://amzn.to/33hwblu

About the Author

Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset. 

Social Media

Twitter Profile: @faykeenan

Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/faykeenanauthor 

Instagram Profile: faykeenan

YouTube Channel: faykeenan

Pinterest Profile: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/faykeenanauthor/

Bookbub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fay-keenan

Blog / website URL: http://www.faykeenan.com

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/FayKeenanNewsletter 

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

 

Secrets on the Italian Island by T.A. Williams

Today I am sharing my review of this sunshine filled new release from T.A Williams. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Her work has got in the way of relationships before – but never like this

Anna’s job as a geologist takes her all over the world, including to the beautiful island of Elba, where she’s sent to look for precious metals. And the island isn’t the only thing that’s gorgeous – she can’t believe her luck when she meets windsurfer Marco and sparks fly.

But Anna must keep her role on Elba a secret to avoid upsetting the locals, which means lying to Marco even as they grow closer. When her old friend Toby visits, Anna suddenly finds herself torn between the attentions of the two men. However, Anna’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Is Marco being entirely honest with her? And why did Toby really come to visit?

A fun and escapist romance, perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

My Review

This was such a wonderful read and one I could not put down. 

Anna loves her job as a geologist. It is a job that has taken all over the world and explored many different places. It does make it hard to build relationships and that is the only thing lacking in her life, she wants to become part of a couple and fall in love but things haven't always worked out.

 Anna is offered the opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Elba. This is to search for new precious metals but has to be done in secret as not to let the locals what is happening on their island. 

While on the island Anna meets the handsome Marco. He is a windsurfer and its obvious from their first meeting that there is a spark of attraction between the pair of them. But Anna finds it harder to get closer to him as she cannot reveal why she is on the island. 

Surprise is in store when her childhood friend Toby appears on the Island too. There is an attraction between the pair but Anna is suspicious of why Toby is really on the island as his answers do seem to be very vague.

Anna finds herself torn between the two men but it soon becomes clear that Anna is not the only one keeping secrets. 

This is such a brilliant and sunshine filled book that will sweep you away for some much needed Mediterranean sunshine. 

I found this book so addictive to read and I loved being transported to Italy and the island of Elba. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Anna. It is clear as you begin reading just how much she adores her job but also how much of and impact this has on her love life. She is not used to being around many people which can leave her lacking in confidence but it is clear that does grow as you read through the pages. 

The setting of Elba sounds simply beautiful with its tasty sounding food and its gorgeous coastlines it is the perfect spot for some romance. 

There is a cast of characters within the book who all add to the story and I loved getting to know George the black Labrador who really takes a shine to Anna. 

The island of Elba is full of secrets as are the characters which make for some really interesting reading as they get revealed. 

This is another fantastic five star read from T.A. Williams, and I cannot wait to see where he will be taking us for our next adventure. 

Published by Canelo Escape 8th July 2021

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/SecretsIsland

About the Author

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

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

Social Media

Website -  www.tawilliamsbooks.com

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

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

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.