The Cake Fairies by Isabella May

Today I am sharing with you my review of this delicious new release from Isabella May. 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

1960's Somerset is no fun for cousins Polly and Annabelle Williams. Mourning their non-existent love lives, and the mundanity of village life, their only pleasure is baking - until a chance encounter has them magically transported to the bright lights of London... in 2019!

Promised a chance of love, first they must teach the people of the future about the simpler pleasures of life by becoming Cake Fairies. Over the course of a year they set off on a delectable tour of the UK, dropping off cakes in the most unexpected of places and replacing the lure of technology with much sweeter temptations.

But will their philanthropical endeavours lead them to everlasting love? Or will they discover you can't have your cake and eat it?

My Review

I was really excited to be given the opportunity to read and review this wonderful new release from Isabella May as I have loved her previous releases. Once I saw the beautiful and bright book cover I could not wait to get started on it.

It is 1969 and cousins, Polly and Annabelle are living a quiet life in the countryside near to Glastonbury. The girls both share a love of baking and they run a bakery in the village. They both take part in baking for their local WI but they both feel like their lives are passing them by and they are both unlucky in love. 

The local fair is on so they both head there looking for some excitement. Neither of them were planning for quite the level of excitement they had ahead of them after entering the tent of Amber Magnolia. She explains to the girls why they have been so lucky in love. She tells the girls they have one more chance to find love but they will have a mission to complete before they find it. Their mission is to become the cake Fairies and secretly deliver a cake every day for a year to different locations within the UK.  Both Polly and Annabelle are sceptical about the plan especially when it involves time travel but they both reluctantly agree and they then find themselves thrown into life in 2019!

Things for the two of them are very confusing as they begin to explore their new surroundings  for the year. 

Things are so different for the girls as they try to get used to how different their lives now are. The fashion, the cars and the technology are all new to them and all take a lot of getting used to. 

The girls both seem to be having different experiences within their new lives and with the challenges they have to face. 

With their year of travelling the country Polly and Annabelle meet new people and make friends.

 As their year begins to come to end they both look at where there adventure has taken them and will love have blossomed for the pair. They also have a huge decision to make but what will the pair decide. 

I loved this book from start to finish and could not put it down.

The writing style of this is fun and quirky and I loved the different idea of time travel and cake. 

The setting in 1969 is very well described and gives you a good basis of why things will be so different for both of them when they travel ahead to 2019. 

It is great to read all of the differences and difficulties they both have in 2019 especially with the technology, this really did make me laugh. 

It is clear as you read the book that you realise the differences in Polly and Annabelle but you also understand why they have such a close relationship. They both understand each other so well and do a great job of trying to do what's best for each other even if it doesn't seem that way at the time. 

This is such a wonderful read that is fun and quirky and one I am sure you will love, just be warned this book is full of delicious sounding cakes that will definitely leave you feeling hungry and make you wish you could just jump into the book. 

  

Published 10th January 2020

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cake-Fairies-Because-century-having-ebook/dp/B07Z2S41TZ

US - https://www.amazon.com/Cake-Fairies-Because-century-having-ebook/dp/B07Z2S41TZ

About the Author

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. Having grown up on Glastonbury’s ley lines however, she’s unable to completely shake off her spiritual inner child, and is a Law of Attraction fanatic.

Cake, cocktail, churros, ice cream and travel obsessed, she also loves nothing more than to (quietly) break life’s rules.

The Cake Fairies is her fifth novel.

Social Media

Website - www.isabellamayauthor.com

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

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@IsabellaMayBks

Instagram - www.instagram.com/isabella_may_author

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

Cover Reveal - The Cottage in a Cornish Cove by Cass Grafton

Today I have the absolute pleasure in taking part in the cover reveal for this new release from Cass Grafton. Thank You to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part. 

Book Description

A heart-warming tale of discovering all you never wanted is exactly what you needed.

Orphaned as a baby and raised by indifferent relatives, much of Anna Redding’s happiness as a child came from the long summer holidays spent with an elderly family friend, Aunt Meg, in the quaint village of Polkerran. 

With Aunt Meg’s passing, Anna is drawn back to the West Country, relocating to the Cornish cove where she was once so happy. Filled with memories, she hopes to perhaps open a B&B—and perhaps cross paths with Alex Tremayne again, a local boy she used to have a major crush on and who only had to walk past Anna to make her heart flutter. 

Settling into her new life, and enjoying her work for the older, reclusive and—to be honest—often exasperating Oliver Seymour, Anna is delighted when Alex reappears in Polkerran and sweeps her off her feet. 

The stars are finally aligned, but just as Anna thinks all she’s ever wished for is within reach, a shock discovery brings everything under threat, and she finds herself living a dream that isn’t hers.

Can Anna rescue the new life she has made for herself and, when the testing moment comes, who will be there to hold her hand?

The Cottage in a Cornish Cove is the first in an uplifting series of romances from Cass Grafton. Get to know the locals, wallow in the quaintness of Polkerran, and fall in love with romance all over again.

Pre Order Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083H2Q5V9/

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083H2Q5V9

And now here is the cover .........

Wow. This is such a beautiful cover, giving you a glimpse into what could lay ahead in the story. It is full of bright and vivid colour that is perfect for a springtime read, and will make you want to jump straight in and start reading. 

 Publication Date 11th February 2020 

About the Author

An avid bookworm since childhood, Cass Grafton writes the sort of stories she loves to read – heart-warming, character driven and strong on location. Having moved around extensively and lived in three countries, she finds places inspiring and the setting of her novels often becomes as much a part of the story as her characters.

She leans heavily towards the upbeat and insists on a happy ever after. As one of her favourite authors, Jane Austen, once wrote, ‘let other pens dwell on guilt and misery’.

Cass loves travelling, words, cats and wine but never in the same glass. She has two grown up children and currently splits her time between Switzerland, where she lives with her husband and imaginary cats, and England, where she lives with her characters.

Social Media

Blogs 

www.cassandragrafton.com

www.tabbycow.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cassie.grafton

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@CassGrafton

Instagram - www.instagram.com/cassgraftonauthor

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you are looking forward to reading the new release from Cass Grafton as much as I am.

A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman

Happy New Year and welcome to my first review of 2020. Today I am taking part in the Blog Tour for this fantastic new, sunshine filled release from Lucy Coleman that is perfect for chasing away the January blues. 

Thank you to the team at Boldwood Books for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Let Lucy Coleman transport you to glorious, sun-drenched France, for the perfect feel-good read.Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret. 

When work presents the perfect excuse to spend Springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.

In amongst the beauty and splendour of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfolds. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a Springtime to Remember…?

Let Lucy Coleman sweep you away with this perfect feel-good love story. Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sue Moorcroft and Heidi Swain.

My Review

After reading the previous release, Magic Under the Mistletoe from Lucy Coleman I was excited to be given the opportunity to read and review, A springtime to Remember and I could not wait to start reading it.
Lexie is working hard to develop her career as a film producer and the opportunity to travel to Paris and the Palace of Versailles is something she cannot miss. Her grandmother Viv worked at the palace for a year before she married her grandfather many years ago. Lexie is looking forward to finding out more about Viv's year in Paris. 
Lexie is soon settled in the Capital. She has rented herself a small house in a beautiful courtyard to stay in while she is there and is soon making friends with her new neighbours. 
It is springtime in Paris and it is the perfect time to visit the Palace or Versailles. Lexie is looking forward to learning more about the past of the palace and all of the secrets that it holds. She is also looking forward to see if she can find out more about the year her grandmother had in the city. 
While filming is taking place Lexie is working alongside Roman who is her interpreter for the duration of her trip. The two of them strike up a good relationship from day one and they both enjoy each others company. The amount of time they spend together increases after Lexie's camera man Elliott has to rush back to England as his girlfriend is ill. So Ronan steps in to become her new camera man. 
Romance does begin to blossom between the two of them as they both begin to explore the Palace and it the history it contains. They also have the diaries that Viv wrote while spending a year the palace. 
But the more time the pair spend together the more they reveal the secrets that have been hidden for many years. Could they be strong enough to deal with what happened in the past to both of their families or will it tear them apart before their romance has chance to grow?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.  The story flows well through the pages and will keep you wanting to read more. The description of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens sound absolutely stunning and are described so well you can almost feel like you are there too. 
I really liked getting to know Lexie. She is a strong character that has faced troubles in both her home life with her and with her career both at the hands of her brother, but is trying to move her life forwards. The relationship she has with her mother, sister and her Niece is lovely and is also strong. 
Ronan is also trying to find out more about his past as he believes a different story to the one he has been told about his grandfather. 
I loved this book from start to finish and I could not put it down. It is the perfect choice for this time of year as it will add the sunshine even to the dullest of days. 

Published by Boldwood Books on 26th December 2019

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/2M2gecv

About the Author

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.

Social Media

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@LucyColemanauth

Facebook - www.facebook.com/LucyColemanAuthor

Instagram - www.instagram.com/lucycolemanauthor

Website - www.lucycolemanromance.com

Boldwood Books

Twitter - www.twitter.com/BoldwoodBooks

Facebook - www.facebook.com/BoldwoodBooks

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

Bluebell's Christmas Magic by Marie Laval

Today I'm on the Blog tour for this wonderful festive treat from Marie Laval. 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

A gorgeous new Christmas story from the author of best selling novel Little Pink Taxi

A flick of a feather duster and a sprinkle of Christmas magic …

Cassie Bell is used to mess. Her cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning, is well known in the Cumbrian village of Red Moss. However, now it’s almost Christmas and Cassie has a slightly messier situation to deal with than she’s used to.

She’s been hired to help Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot who’s staying at the local Belthorn Manor whilst he recovers. Stefan resents Cassie’s interference and is definitely not looking for Christmas cheer. But Cassie prides herself on sparkling surfaces – so, can she bring some festive sparkle to Stefan’s life too? 

My Review

This is a fun and light hearted festive read that will have you hooked from the first page to the last. 
Cassie Bell runs the cleaning company, Bluebell Cleaning from the village of Red Moss, a beautiful area in the Lake District. 
Cassie is a member of staff down after her best friend left the village to live with her boyfriend. This means that Cassie has to go to work at Belthorn Manor. This is somewhere that fills her with dread and gives her the chills. She has been employed to work there by the owner who is having a guest stay there over the festive season.  She will not just be cleaning but also helping the visitor there with any day to day requests. What she wasn't prepared for was the guest to be there already before her arrival and give her a fright. 
Stefan Lambert has arranged to stay in Belthorn Manor as a way of escaping the world and try and heal his injuries after being injured while working as an army helicopter pilot. 
All Stefan wants is solitude and the chance to get over what has happened to him. What he wasn't happy about was the fact that with Cassie around he won't get the peace he is craving. 
Cassie and Stefan soon start spending more time together and begin to get to know each other. The pair of them seem to be able to bring each other out of their shells  and this proves to be a great support for Cassie when things in her life start to go wrong. 
Burglaries have been happening and Cassie is the main suspect. Things also change for Cassie when her ex boyfriend appears back on the scene. 
With all this going on will Stefan be able to defend Cassie and help her to prove she is innocent. Will romance spark between the two of them too. Anything is possible at Christmas. 
I loved this book from start to finish as it is perfect for the festive season. 
The characters within the book are so very well written and its great getting to know more about them and their lives. I loved reading the relationship that Cassie has with her grandfather its very touching and the bond they have is amazing. 
The writing style of this book is brilliant it flows well and all the twists and turns are completely surprising.
This book is full of drama, romance and twists turns throughout and will leave you unable to put the book down.  

Published by Choc Lit on 19th November 2019

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluebells-Christmas-Magic-perfect-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B07Y8L5PVB

US - https://www.amazon.com/Bluebells-Christmas-Magic-perfect-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B07Y8L5PVB

About the Author

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire with her family. She works full-time as a modern languages teacher and in her spare time she loves writing romance and dreaming about romantic heroes. She writes both historical and contemporary romance and best-selling Little Pink Taxi was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit. She belongs to Authors on the Edge and writes short stories for the best selling Miss Moonshine’s anthologies. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her native France, as well as her passion for history and research, very much influences her writing, and all her novels have what she likes to call ‘a French twist’!

Social Media

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/marielaval1

Giveaway

Giveaway to Win a small canvas purse and a thick notebook (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK 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.

Rafflecopter

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494316/

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

Snowflakes over Moondance Cottage by Rosie Green

Today I am pleased to share with you my review of this wonderful, festive and heart warming read from Rosie Green. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

When Jess Thornton’s dad was lost at sea, the family coped in different ways, alone in their grief. Now, her mum seems to be going off the rails and her sister, Isla, who moved to France, is now back and determined to get their old family home on the market. But the last thing Jess wants this Christmas is for renovations to start on the house. It’s sure to stir up all sorts of memories she’s desperate to avoid. And to make things worse, Isla appears to have hired the most obnoxious builder in the world to do the work. Jess could ignore the fact that women seem to be putty in his hands. But what she finds harder to ignore is the frisson she gets every time she squeezes past him in the mess that is now their beloved old home! Can the family finally start talking and find a way to move on from the past this Christmas?

My Review

I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read and review this book as I am a fan of Rosie Green and I could not wait to get started on this festive treat. 

Since the disappearance at sea of her father, Jess Thorton has put her life hold. She has found it hard to deal with the situation and grieve for the loss of him. She is not the only member of her family be suffering. Her Mother is convinced that she still sees him wherever she goes, this often causes her to go running after complete strangers at random times when they go out. 

Isla, Jess's sister is also back in their home town for a visit. She has a successful business in Paris with her partner and she is always boasting of her success. However Jess believes all is not what it seems. 

With her sister back and her mum looking like she is going off the rails, Jess has enough on her plate without finding out that her sister has employed a builder to update what was their family home. 

Jess is furious when she finds out after meeting the handsome Seb, at the Moondance cottage.  For the first time in years though Jess feels a spark of attraction to the builder could her heart be about to be broken though as Seb has some secrets like the rest of them. 

With all the secrets they are all keeping from each other and the hurt they are all still feeling this could certainly be a Christmas they will all never forget especially as there are a few surprises in store for them all. 

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. 

It has a fabulous storyline that will keep you absorbed from beginning to end. 

I loved getting to know all of the characters within the book. Jess is still hurting after the disappearance of her father and still feels like she cannot grieve as he could still be alive. She has shut herself away from life as she deals with this but as you read the book she slowly begins to come out of herself and try and enjoy life again. 

Isla is keeping lots of her secrets back from her family but the are all shocked when they all come spilling out. 

There are plenty of twists and turns in the book that will really surprise you and may have you shedding a tear too. 

This is a fantastic and heart warming read that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. 

Purchase Links 

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowflakes-over-Moondance-Cottage-sparkling-ebook/dp/B07XGDZ4Z2

US - https://www.amazon.com/Snowflakes-over-Moondance-Cottage-sparkling-ebook/dp/B07XGDZ4Z2

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.

Rosie's brand new series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, 'Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe', is out now.

Watch out for 'A Winter Wedding at the Little Duck Pond Cafe', which will be published Christmas 2019.

Rosie is also writing a full-length, standalone book for Christmas 2019, entitled 'Snowflakes over Moondance Cottage'.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

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

Coming Home to Merriment Bay part 4 by Emily Harvale

Today I am excited to share with you my review of the final instalment of the Merriment Bay 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 Four 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 is reeling from the unexpected events of Christmas and as Merriment Bay prepares to toast in the New Year, she’s facing choices she never thought she’d have to make. Her head and her heart are pulling her in very different directions.

Bailey is sitting by Viola’s bedside, regaling everyone with tales from the past but is there any chance he’ll get to see a smile on the lips of the woman he still loves?

Having realised she has made mistakes, will Mary finally tell Cat what she really wants to know?

And what will the New Year bring for Kyra? Will she fulfil the plans she made before she came to Merriment Bay?

When distressing events end more than one person’s dream, can Cat find the strength to fight for the Love she deserves? Sometimes it takes a crisis to make someone realise what they truly want. And Cat has decided what – and who – that really is. But is she too late?

My Review

This is the final instalment in the series and after loving the first three parts I could not wait to get started on this final part.
Cat is in shock after all the events that happened over Christmas and is looking forward to seeing in the New Year with all the residents of Merriment Bay. What she was not prepared for where the decisions she has to make and should she follow her heart or her head. 
With the shock of finding out more about Bailey he is now spending time at Violet's bedside hoping that she will wake up so he can express to her what is still in his heart. 
With so much happening in her life will Cat be able to put herself first and realise just who it is she wants in her life and how much she needs them too. 
I have loved reading this series from Emily Harvale. I have loved getting to know all of the characters and have been through all the emotions with them too. 
Cat is such a fantastic character to read about, she gains in strength as the stories move forward and it's amazing to learn more and more about her past and the reason for the broken relationship with her mother. 
The writing style of this book is amazing and flows so well. The story of families within this book is really strong and full of emotion. At times you will feel tearful as the emotions being felt are so raw. There are also times in the book that will fill you full of happiness and will leave you feeling lifted long after you have finished reading the books. 
I found this series so heartwarming and really one that is perfect for the colder months to snuggle up with. 
This is a brilliant series which is also interlinked with the Wyntersleap series so I'm hoping we get to see more from some of the characters from Merriment Bay and I am already looking forward to reading the next release from Emily Harvale. 

Published by Crescent Gate Publishing 25th November 2019

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Home-Merriment-Bay-Starry-ebook/dp/B07Z6QPTZR

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Merriment-Bay-Starry-ebook/dp/B07Z6QPTZR

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.

Social Media

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

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

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

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