Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?
You never will know all the struggles someone is going through. That smile could be hiding such pain. Be as kind as possible to everyone. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Luke 6:31 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Poignant and Humorous Journey of Self-discovery, Resilience, and Redemption
Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She’s single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.
Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kateβs wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.
As Lukeβs persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing sheβd sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Lukeβs hearts in the process?
Jamie Anderson, author of the hilarious and heartwarmingΒ Someone to Kiss, is back with another witty, acerbic, and relatable story.Β Love, JulieΒ is a richly emotional tale of recovery, forgiveness, and romance that readers have praised for βnailing the humor and snarky nature of our generation.
MY THOUGHTS
Before I even knew what this book was about, I was drawn to the cover. This is such an eye-catching cover. After focusing on the cover, I’m so glad I decided to explore the book further and read the contents. The book is real, transparent and can be a very relatable subject. Intertwined with humor, jokes and good times is a serious matter, addiction. The addiction focused on here is alcoholism.
Julie is in her mid-forties and still doesn’t have it all together yet. This isn’t at all how she envisioned her life when she was in her twenties. The way the author portrays the stops and starts, fails and wins sounds realistic in Julie’s journey to sobriety. From self-help classes, to winning it and then falling off. The elations and falling low.
My son is a police officer and has told me of some very sad cases where people were not able to get the help they needed with such sad results. Admitting you need the help and taking that first step is so important to your road to recovery. There is no smooth sailing, there will be good days and bad.
I really loved Luke’s character, he and Julie are working on wedding planning her best friend’s wedding together. Luke is Julie’s biggest supporter in her recovery journey, so incredibly supportive. When she doesn’t believe in herself, he’s there to pick her up. She’s not looking for romance her recovery journey is her main focus. Luke has a daughter he’s raising so he has to be completely sure of who he hooks up with and how she will perceive them.
Will his sense of humor, understanding and kindness break down her fences as she continues her healing journey? I loved this impressive and moving story. One to remember.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Links
https://mybook.to/lovejulie https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D135N3R8
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D135N3R8
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D135N3R8
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D135N3R8
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie Anderson is based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. A proud Canadian and Saskatchewanian, she wanted to set her first two novels in the place she was born and raised.
Sheβs been writing for as long as she can remember, and has been reading for longer than that. She lives happily with her mountain of books, her TV and her two plants.
You can read Jamieβs first novel Someone to Kiss here: https://mybook.to/someonetokiss
Social Media Links β https://linktr.ee/jamieandersonwrites
Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in today.
Welcome to Pepper Bay, where youβll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight β Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
Silver Wish Farm: After Rhett left Heath on their wedding day, things were never the same for them, but because they have a daughter, theyβve always tried their best to keep the peace. But then life changes for Heath, and he suddenly wants answers about their past and the future he believes he should have had, but will Rhett tell him the real reason she left him all those years ago?
MY THOUGHTS
The Pepper Bay series is one of my favorites and I’ve read quite a few in it though not quite all yet.
It makes for comfortable reading to be able to return to this series time after time and feel familiar with the setting and characters that many we’ve met before in other books in the series. Not a problem if this is your first read in the series though as it’s a delightful story all on its own.
We were introduced to Heath and Rhett, and you’ve got to love their names in another book in the series. They have a backstory, Rhett never showed up for her wedding with Heath many years ago and she broke his heart. They keep it civil though because they have a child together and coparent her.
We do see a lot of differences in their families and how they were raised and how it affected each of them and still does. As Rhett spends more time with Heath with and without their daughter those old feelings come rushing back but their newfound second chance romance is anything but rushed.
Through many heart to heart and emotional talks they must decide what is right for them, their daughter and the farm. A beautiful second chance romance and a man who wants to open his heart back up to the possibility of a second chance love but is afraid to.
I really enjoyed how this wasn’t rushed they thought of their daughter’s wants and needs and how she would feel about the chance of her parents reuniting for good.
The author writes a fun and realistic book from the heart. Family relationships are important, and the characters draw you in to care about them.
Looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Links
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Author Bio β Hello, Iβm K.T. Dady. Iβm the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. Iβm also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and Iβve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When Iβm not writing, Iβm reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.
Social Media Links β
https://www.instagram.com/kt_dady
https://www.facebook.com/ktdady
Have an awesome day. Thanks for stopping in today.
I don’t really have a favorite holiday. I believe every day has potential and is a day to celebrate being alive, thankful for health and life. It’s all in your attitude and what you make of the opportunities given to you.
379 pages Berkley publisher April 30,2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
These childhood best friends swore theyβd never speak again. But a surprise summer reunionΒ changes everything when it gives them the chance to turn up the heat.
Β
Effie OlsenΒ thoughtΒ sheβd never live on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but sheβs returning from sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer only. Her hometown boasts one of the best restaurants in the US, and lucky for her, Brown Butter needs a sous chef. Effie’s eager for a chance at redemption after her last job went up in flames, but reluctant to set down roots in a place that reminds her of the ghosts of her past.
Until, that is, she runs into Ernie Callahan, her onetime best friend who now works in the very same restaurant. Early morning swims and late-night games of truth or dare with Ernie remind her of what sheβs been missing while traveling the world. He knows her better than anyone, and it doesnβt hurt that his smile lights her up brighter than the lighthouses dotting the craggy coastline.
But their restaurant has a secret thatβs bursting at the seams, and if Effie doesnβt keep it, her job will vanish into the foggy Maine air. As summer draws to a close, her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. Her salty seaside hometown might be the key to Effieβs sweet ending…if she can learn to let her heart lead the way in time.
MY THOUGHTS
Absolutely delightful foodie summer romance set on an island off the coast of Maine. So realistically descriptive, I could hear the water crashing against the rocks, see the seaweed as the low tide lapped, hear the gulls cawing looking for breakfast and see the lobster boats out with their traps set as they watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Though I don’t live in Maine I have had the privilege of visiting the beautiful and charming state multiple times in summer and fall. I’m ready to return.
Effie left the tiny Maine island and her best friend Ernie sixteen years ago, right after high school, thinking never to live there again. She had high aspirations for herself, become a professional chef and travel to foreign countries. She accomplishes both but her latest restaurant job doesn’t work out so well and she’s home again on the island after all this time, just for the summer she tells herself.
Ernie, he’s a lifer, he still lives on the island and is satisfied to not have the travel bug. Island life has treated him well. Effie knows it’s inevitable on the small island she’ll eventually run into Ernie. You can’t plan these things, it’ll just happen. Will it be awkward after all this time?
Working at an island restaurant, Brown Butter, Effie is satisfied and it’s a popular spot for the locals and tourists alike. Behind the scenes there are things going on and Effie feels she must speak up. Once she speaks up how will her job security hold up though? I loved how so much of the book took place in the restaurant and got a real feel of the professional restaurant scene from the servers to the line prep to the dishwashers. The desserts sounded amazing and the dinners divine.
This was a slow burn romance that had Effie and Ernie reuniting in a surprising way, talking things out and taking it slow with their romance. Will Effie’s mind be changed about staying just for the summer or will she be trotting off on her next adventure when the leaves start to change? Such a fun summertime beach read I’ll be on the lookout for more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Buy Here
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
rochellebilowwriting@gmail.com
Have a marvelous day. Thanks for stopping in.
Have you ever been camping?
I went camping when I was in Girl Scouts. I remember being eaten by mosquitoes π¦ and being served nasty food π½οΈ and feeling like I waited forever for it. π . This was a several day trip, it was hot, we swam in stagnant water π the campfire π₯ had trouble starting.Β Yeah I was glad to get home. Good thing I never got sent to one of those summer camps ποΈ
270 pages Belinda Sikes publisher May 01,2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
1908, the height of the British Empire. Clara’s autonomy is shattered when her long-absent husband summons her to join him at his eerie sect’s headquarters, insulated on a sparsely inhabited island in the Bahamas.
After a harrowing sea voyage, Clara and her children disembark into an unfamiliar landscape and climate. The children explore the marvels and mysteries of Andros Island and develop friendships with a Bahamian family, while Clara struggles to find her place as a woman within the cult.
But what seems at first to be a spiritual haven for Clara reveals itself to be a monster-worshipping cult intent on draining her family of more than their fortune.
ο»Ώο»ΏMust Clara give up her quest for independence to protect her children from the cult’s depraved attempts to consume their life essence?
Grab a copy here
MY THOUGHTS
The genre this book is labeled under is a historical gothic horror. I enjoy all of these genres though I haven’t read horror in a while. I really enjoy gothic and historical fiction though and was eager to read a combination of these.
Set in the Bahamas in 1908, we have a woman with two children, living near Bath, England her husband has been away for some time, and she is stunned to receive word he summons her to travel to the Bahamas with the children who don’t even know him. Now their relationship is not what you would term as a “happy” marriage. Given the time period, women are expected to obey their husband so off she went to the Bahamas with the children.
After a rough ocean voyage things haven’t gotten any easier for the mother and children. It’s a totally different environment, climate, way of life, food etc. The husband is involved in a cult and wants his wife and children there not because he misses them but to get them involved in and accustomed to the workings of the cult to serve it as well.
I found the customs of and beliefs of the Bahamians fascinating. I found the book to be so well researched involving the beliefs of the early Bahamas people.
I’m wondering if the “monster” belief is one they had at the time in history the book takes place and is it a belief still today? I believe each culture has their own beliefs and truths and just because I may not know, believe or understand a culture’s beliefs it doesn’t make their beliefs wrong, and we need to appreciate the differences.
I also am appreciative of their healing knowledge with herbs that can be used for so many natural healing properties. I have always appreciated the natural healing but have never explored it but would like to.
The book took my breath away as I read it. I was absolutely intrigued and greatly look forward to reading more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from London, England, I currently reside in Northern California with my family. I write historical and futuristic fantasy, often with a steampunk twist and an underlying theme of female independence.
I am the Author Head for Clockwork Alchemy, a steampunk convention in the San Francisco Bay Area. For anyone who loves sci-fi with an alternate history spin, Clockwork Alchemy presents three days of immersive entertainment. I happily wrangle the cats called authors who share their amazing knowledge at the event.
In my day job, I write and edit scientific publications for a university. Iβm married to a novelist/freelance editor and our children are composing their own fiction in the NaNoWriMo Young Writersβs Program.
I like words.
I also like tea, chocolate, cats, and chickens, not necessarily in that order. When I am not playing with words, you might find me mucking about in the garden or making herbal concoctions in the kitchen.
Contact Β bjsikesauthor@gmail.com
Blog Here
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The Rutland Identity by Michael Dane
Publication Day: 29th April
Genre: Crime Thriller
Publisher:Β The Book Guild Ltd
Invite Collaborator – All Handles
@RutlandsMichaelDane
@lovebookstours
#PublicationDay #Thriller #CrimeFiction #LBTCrew
Blurb
Rutland 1998. When George Bowman, the publican of Leighton Parvaβs Old Volunteer Inn is found dead at the bottom of his cellar steps the police dismiss it as a tragic accident. But Frank McBride and Bernard Taylor arenβt so sure.
Teaming up with their neighbour, Ron Godsmark, their suspicions centre on Joachim and Hannah Keller, the Swiss couple who manage Leighton Hall, the wedding venue just outside the village.
Bernard sends his granddaughter, Emma, on an undercover mission, working at the hall as a waitress. Together they stumble upon a web of intrigue involving fraud, smuggling and murder.
Frank believes that he can persuade his old colleagues in Customs and Excise to investigate, but Bernard has something else entirely in mind.
Crime deserves justice. Murder requires revenge.
When do you feel most productive?
I am a morning person all the way. Unless I’m not feeling well, I get out of bed and start on morning chores and then will do a 3 mile walk. All without the benefits of coffee because I can’t stand the taste of hot coffee (sorry Susan β) I also don’t eat until 10 because I do intermittent fasting . I’ve noticed I like the benefits of intermittent fasting, more energy. My fasting schedule is 6 p.m. til 10 a.m. but what works for me may not work for you. Just letting you know how I get my energy to feel productive.
Have a great π thanks for stopping in.
What are your favorite emojis?
Who thinks up these questions π€β Must be AI πΎ. Emojis, my favorite? π― Well I don’t really have a favorite π―. It just depends on the situation. Sometimes I use them, if I’m in a hurry πββοΈI don’t . Here’s some I use π€π―ππ§οΈβππͺ·πΈπβοΈπ±πΎππ€£π₯°ππ.
Have a great π night and thanks ππ» for stopping in. π
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