I will talk with you about almost anything but some of my favorite topics are history, books, plants, animals, vegetarianism. Animal rescue, spaying and neutering dogs and cats, animal rights, traveling, healthy eating, different types of tea and their health benefits and more.
Have a wonderful evening.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Welcome to Hollyhock Farm
Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley…
When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale.
Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breathe in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.
But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.
But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…
MY THOUGHTS
After having read multiple other books by the author and enjoying them so much I was excited to start reading a new series.
Hollyhock Farm sounds like such a delightful place. These rom coms can have some quirky characters in them but not in a bad way, a good way. The characters are fun, outgoing and keep you entertained.
We have Lettie and her brother at their parent’s farm, Hollyhock Farm in Jersey. The parents need to tell them something, they are selling the farm and retiring. Lettie grew up there and she never expected this to happen. She wanted a career in fashion in London but not quite working out like she wanted it to she’s back on the farm and shocked at her parents’ announcement, she and her brother both.
The farm is in Lettie’s blood, she can’t just let it go and sets out to prove to her parents on a trial run of three months she is capable of running it herself though she has no idea of the ins and outs of farm work. Now I do like the thought of an organic produce farm with a few animals but it’s not something I’d want to do day in and day out.
I give Lettie all the props, she works her tail off basically day into the night running this farm while her parents are on a cruise to prove to them, she’s got what it takes. Will it actually be enough to keep the farm in the family and convince her parents it should stay?
With two men competing for her attention, the town’s new veterinarian and a firefighter, who will she choose? Does she even have time for a romance right now?
The book is so heartwarming, the characters are charming and likable, the situation has a bit of tension that has you holding your breath. The book is warm and invites you in to get to know the characters and I’m looking forward to reading more installments in this series and meeting back up with all the animals again.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/welcomehollyhocksocial
VISIT THE OTHER LOVELY BLOGS ON THE TOUR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorginaTroyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorginaTroy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georginatroyauthor/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews
Bookbub profile: Georgina Troy Books – BookBub
Thanks for stopping in today.
344 pages Bethany House publisher April 9, 2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women–generations apart–discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.
In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.
A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame–the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.
MY THOUGHTS
I think the reason this author’s books are so popular are because they are based on fear. A childhood fear, that we still have a fascination with though we may not admit it to ourselves. In reading these books we can explore this fear in a way but through a safe medium, a book. It’s a book we can completely get lost in as we enter this world of creepiness and whatever the author wants to convey to us but safely at any time, we can leave it.
With a dual timeline we find ourselves volleying between 1910 and modern times. Rumors can destroy or accentuate something. With rumors still running amuck about the house on Predicament Avenue that started over one hundred years ago the curious among us still gather. Rumors are usually started by something being true and adding on to it, an embellishment of sorts until it gets out of hand and can become dangerous.
A purported murder of a woman taking place long ago has the curious gathering. Is Predicament Avenue haunted or is it just the eerie descriptions messing with our mind?
The characters were exactly as the author wanted them set up to be, The unknown is in full force in this book and if you listen closely, you will hear the dead whispering a message to you.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author–including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards–is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes – providing an exhilarating amount chaos.
Visit her at: http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com and listen to her podcast MadLit Musings on your favorite podcast player or at http://www.madlitmusings.com
Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.
When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out?
Everyday can be a risk even if you don’t know it at the time. My husband has had a dry hacking cough for 4 days. He’s not a smoker. Today we took him to the doctor and they said he has bronchitis. Unknowingly I’ve been taking a risk every day being around him because it’s contagious. I’ve been feeling okay but tonight my throat feels sore and I’m coughing. Sure hope nothing develops. Now he’s wearing a mask all the time in the house and quarantining.
When I was in about 20, I still lived at home and my mom was pretty strict. I had a boyfriend named Thamer that had a motorcycle, of course she didn’t allow me to ride it. She was out one day, and I did. He told me to wear a jacket and the helmet and for a first-time rider I’ll say it was scary swaying with the bike turns. I was glad to get off of it. I’m glad I tried it though.
Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived here on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below……….
I always enjoy doing these bookish memes but seem to have not had time recently. I hope to start up again with them regularly soon.
The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Note: For users of Blogspot blogs, I’m unable to comment on your posts as a WordPress blogger unless you’ve enabled Name/URL comments. This is a known WordPress/Blogspot issue. Please consider enabling this to participate more fully in the community.
What are you CURRENTLY READING
As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women–generations apart–discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.
In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.
A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame–the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.
What did you recently finish reading?
DESCRIPTION
Can she finally find the home she’s always wanted?
Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.
As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?
Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…
What do you think you’ll read next?
In twenty-four hours, marriage, mystery, and mayhem.
After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring seamstress Daisy Harper is determined not to rush into a hasty and quarrelsome marriage, a mistake her parents made. To avoid choosing the wrong man, she creates a rigorous list of ten requirements for a potential husband.
Mapmaker Seth Ryann moved to the colony to assist his partially blind brother, a local missionary. They’ll soon return to Ireland, but first, Seth is tasked by a friend to find a treasure of gold hidden in the mountains. Seth has the map to the treasure, but he’s missing the key.
When he discovers Daisy somehow has the key, the two agree to search for the treasure together. They’re left with little choice but to quickly enter a marriage of convenience. As they venture into the wilderness and work together to overcome danger, an undeniable attraction grows. But will they find the treasure only to lose what matters most?
Thanks for stopping by today. What’s on your upcoming reading list?
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.
Freida McFadden is an author I have read 2 books by. I was gripped in the book’s clutches as I read as it had some pretty crazy twists and turns I hadn’t seen coming.
Pub Date Jun 11 2024
ABOUT THE BOOK
“You must be our new neighbors!” Mrs. Lowell gushes and waves across the picket fence. I clutch my daughter’s hand and smile back: but the second Mrs. Lowell sees my husband a strange expression crosses her face. In that moment I make a promise. We finally have a family home. My past is far, far behind us. And I’ll do anything to keep it that way…
I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve.
Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills…
The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.
Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here?
I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?
From New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Freida McFadden comes the next installment of the unbelievably twisty, tension-packed and globally bestselling Housemaid series. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone read: and once you start, it will have you up all night racing through the pages until the final explosive twist.
Is this one you’ll be reading as well?
Have a good day. It’s getting closer to the weekend.
Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?
When I was in school there was a shy girl who never talked to anyone and just talked to the teacher when she was beside her and in a whisper. I wish I had tried to help her feel better and bring her out of her shell.
Heights make me nervous; this is why I’ve never been on an airplane. I’ve had dreams of being on an airplane and it’s taxiing down the road in the middle of a major city, but it hasn’t taken off yet. As I’m anticipating it taking off, I can feel myself start to have a panic attack and I wake up shaking.
Sorry I am posting late. I read the wrong book for the tour, it had a very similar name and I had to scramble to read this one quickly.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.
As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?
Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…
Can Emma and Judith save the village? And will Emma build a future with Miles? Or will she lose the only place that has ever felt like home…?
A page-turning and life-affirming novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of community and the magic of second chances. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Mary Alice Monroe.
MY THOUGHTS
Where to even start with this review.
I’ve read other books by the author but none quite like this one.
My emotions were on an absolute roller coaster while I read this one and I do wish the book could have gone on longer or maybe a sequel it.
Not many books can capture my heart and soul such as this one set in Killcawley, a small fictional village in Ireland.
Emma, escaping from an abusive marriage runs as far as she can where she thinks her husband won’t find her. The description of Killcawley Estate took my breath away. Sprawling, spectacular I want to go there right now.
Owner, Judith is a quirky seventy-five-year-old woman who enjoys doing fun Instagram videos of all her spectacular vintage fashions. It works out well as Emma is hired as a personal assistant to Judith who in turn gets someone to shoot her Instagram videos. Though Judith enjoys her fashions her videos also have a more serious side to them, help save the manor from a buyout and destruction.
The longer Emma is there the more she gets to know the other staff of the estate and Judith’s friends. Judith considers all her staff as family including Emma. I enjoyed seeing the tight bond the characters have with each other. The book had a bit of suspense and a feel of danger to it that was revealed as time went on.
Emma and Judith both have secrets they have kept for various reasons, and it really brought the story into a clearer picture when they were revealed. Reading this I felt close to the characters as though I were part of the family observing the going on’s firsthand.
I could barely put this down and I’m off to see what I’ve missed by the author I’ve yet to read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0CXJTTZL8social
VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annoloughlinbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annolwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annoloughlinbooks/Newsletter: https://www.bookouture.com/ann-oloughlin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.
Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.
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