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Christmas, Actually Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Hollythorpe, a quaint village in the Cotswolds, where the locals are stringing lights around their village tree. And meet Clara as she pulls her suitcase through the snow, hoping for a new start…

This isn’t the Christmas that Clara was hoping for. Twenty-four hours ago, she was engaged, a shiny diamond on her wedding finger and a gorgeous husband-to-be by her side. Only now, the ring is gone and so is he. She’s almost given up on Christmas magic completely – until she arrives in Hollythorpe.

Clara waits outside her kindly godmother Eleanor’s red front door, knowing that a warm welcome will help heal her aching heart. Snowflakes are falling gently on her long dark hair when a car sprays her with slush and then, unexpectedly, stops to help. Clara lays eyes on Liam stepping out of his car, six feet of gorgeousness. She realises maybe there could be upsides to a cosy Cotswolds Christmas…

Except Liam is closed off to everyone and Clara knows she should be protecting her heart too, so she tries to put him out of her mind. When the village’s usual Mrs Christmas calls in sick before Hollythorpe’s winter fair, Clara steps into the role to help her godmother. Only, she hasn’t realised who Mr Christmas is… none other than Liam himself.

As the two are thrown together to bring Christmas to Hollythorpe, Liam’s icy exterior starts to thaw. And Clara can’t deny she’s falling for him. But then the past comes back to haunt them, changing everything…

Will Clara and Liam end up lonely this Christmas? Or can the most wonderful time of the year bring them together, actually?

Publication date 11 September 2026

Buy here: https://ow.ly/tOvc50ZLLRF

MY THOUGHTS

Isn’t Christmas supposed to be the best and happiest time of the year?
So then why is Clara feeling so glum?
Just yesterday she was happily engaged, enviable sparkling ring on her finger with a handsome man by her side.
Keep in mind, that was yesterday. That was before she found out what he was really like and before he was gone.
A new start in the Cotswold’s and a quaint little village of Hollythorpe gives her a feeling of hope back.
Staying with Aunt Elanor is just the perfect place to be. she’s so kind and encouraging.
The Christmas spirit is hitting and a chance meeting with gorgeous Liam kicks her interest in being in this festively decorated small town another notch.
Warm, welcoming, festively decorated with softly falling snow will kick your Christmas reading off the right way in this charming seasonal read.
Relationships take center stage here, we see several romances bloom and kind and supportive friends and family there for each other as well.
Five star read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Donna has had sixteen books published in total. Four have been in the Amazon top 100 and one even made it to number seven in the UK and US Kindle charts, another made it to number one in the UK, US and AU free Kindle charts. She was also shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019.

She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids who pop in occasionally and two grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for The Secret Castle in The Highlands

The Secret Castle In The Highlands

Prepare to escape to Scotland with a gorgeous feel-good romance this summer…

Returning to the Scottish Highlands was never part of Poppy Summers’ plan. But life had other ideas.

With her parents’ cherished holiday cottages losing money, Poppy is determined to carry on their legacy and save the business before they’re forced to sell.

Revamping the cottages is Poppy’s priority until she meets Mason Cooper, a charming historian drawn to the highlands for research. As their newfound friendship grows, is it possible that something more might be enough of a reason to make Poppy stay for good?

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Castle-Highlands-feel-good-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0FT1S9NHY/
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Castle-Highlands-feel-good-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0FT1S9NHY/

MY THOUGHTS

This is another automatic read author for me. With her books feeling so warm and welcoming with such friendly characters I can’t miss out.
Set in the Scottish Highlands I always look forward to these books.
Poppy has her life planned out and it doesn’t involve returning to the Scottish Highlands. With her parent’s vacation cottages losing money she has to step in and help out with the family business though and she has a plan for turning around the cottages.
Mason is a historian and he’s in the Scottish Highlands for research. As he and Poppy work together, she’s drawn to his good looks and the interesting historical information he provides.
I really enjoyed the tale of the highwayman and the history of the castle, forbidden love and the roses. There is a lot of fascinating old history to uncover, and I was there for all of it.
History, mystery and romance. You really can’t go wrong. with this intriguing story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio –
Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to
write feel-good romance.
As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies.
Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags.
She has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper.
The Secret Castle in the Highlands is Julie’s fifteenth novel.

Social Media Links –
Julie Shackman Author
Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter
Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos
(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

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The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: Blog Tour

The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop
Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future.
Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.
Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.
As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

MY THOUGHTS

This is one of the author’s that I’m always going to say yes to a chance to read one of her books.
Wonderful relaxation reads, not a heavy read but it puts you in a fun place where you know you’re going to enjoy what you’re reading.
The author’s books, I’m so glad I discovered them several years ago and add in one of my favorite genres, Christmas and we have a true winner.
Isla Stewart absolutely loved to read so who better to have a lovely publishing career and she does it so well. When she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she has a dilemma on her hands, least of all she doesn’t know how to tell her parents.
Licking her wounds she heads home to the Cotwolds and picks up the pace helping out at the Finche’s family bookstore where she worked as a teen. She loves them like family and with them getting older and having health problems they do rely on her.
They know they can’t keep running it and retirement calls and they also can’t keep up the steady pace required in the shop.
When they suggest it be put up for sale and contact a property manager for advice and help, she’s devastated as she feels so at home and the thought of it being sold isn’t setting well with her.
She really wants to dislike property manager, Guy but he’s charming and handsome and not really a bad fella.
We follow along as she has a totally unexpected offer and see how things are progressing at the lovely bookshop at Christmas time.
So charming, the customers are wonderful and love the camaraderie Isla has with them. She makes all the customers feel special and always has just the right book recommendation for them.
I enjoyed the romance and the Christmas vibe, it’s a warm feeling and such a sweet, clean romance.
It all comes down to will her future take her to London away from the bookshop and Guy or will her hometown win out and be just what she’s looking for in this wonderful small-town romance?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jill-Steeples-Untitled-Book-4-ebook/dp/B0F4VHRP45
https://www.amazon.com/Jill-Steeples-Untitled-Book-4-ebook/dp/B0F4VHRP45

Author Bio – Jill Steeples is the bestselling author of feel-good, escapist fiction. Her stories are perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Cathy Bramley. Set in the close communities of cosy English villages, her books explore the themes of starting over, friendship and love across the ages, as well as the healing properties of nature and the great outdoors.
Her novels are described as heart-warming and uplifting, designed to leave a smile on your face.

Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/jillsteepleswriter
https://x.com/JillySteeples
https://www.instagram.com/jill.steeples/

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Blog Tour for Love Song at the Music Festival

Love Song at the Music Festival
From Heartbreak to Harmony
After young music teacher Mirren Elphinstone’s entitled boyfriend dumps her and walks out on local band Tavrach, Mirren has a score to settle. Despite her usually sunny, helpful nature, she decides auditioning for the vacant lead singer role is the perfect way to get payback.

Tavrach’s enigmatic frontman, Adam Cormac, is desperate. With the Autumn Gold Festival fast approaching, the band needs a new lead singer – and fast. When only one hopeful turns up – a golden-haired beauty with the voice of an angel – Adam takes a chance.

He soon discovers Mirren is the ex of the sneaky band member who not only abandoned them but stole some of Adam’s compositions. Tempers flare, until the tension between Adam and Mirren turns electric. What began as revenge quickly explodes into an attraction as powerful as their duets – but Adam’s been burned too often to risk his heart lightly.

If they want a chance to turn heartbreak into harmony, Adam must believe he’s more than a stopgap, while Mirren must choose love on her own terms. Only then can they strike a lasting chord before the curtain falls.

Purchase Link –  https://mybook.to/lovesongmusic

MY THOUGHTS

I’m wondering how I’ve never heard of this author before I read this book. I will now need to catch up on the series she has because I really enjoyed this book.

I loved the couple featured in this book. They had true chemistry.

She is a music teacher, and her former boyfriend never treated her right or introduced her to anyone, always thinking he was better than her and bossing her around. He never even introduced her to the members of the band her was in. Then he ditched the band as well.

Sad and lonely and quickly running out of money she auditions for the band he used to be in and shocking herself she makes it as a singer. She’s thrilled. Shortly after the sparks begin to fly between her and the band’s guitar player, Adam.

I just loved the chemistry they have singing and playing together. It’s truly a singing love song that becomes the real thing.

The book has so much heartfelt emotion you can really feel it coming off the pages. This author is now on my radar and I can assure you I’ll be reading more of her books.

Recommended!

Author Bio –

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned, including a spin-off series in 2027.

Margaret also has two books out in the Love on the Edge – Barra series, set in the Outer Hebrides.

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor/shop

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Under the Golden Sun

352 pages Pub Date Mar 15 2022 Publisher St. Martin’s Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1941. The world is at war. London is under siege as the German blitz pounds the city without warning, without mercy. Rose Hamilton did her part as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force until she was unfairly discharged following a tragic loss. Working as a secretary on a Devon farmland, Rose is out of harm’s way, but she needs to contribute to something greater than herself to truly recover.

Answering a newspaper advertisement for a companion to accompany an orphaned child to Australia, Rose becomes enchanted with four-year-old Walter Lucknow. Shy, imaginative, and kind, the boy lost his parents and has been living in near seclusion with his elder great aunt. As heir to a wealthy Australian cattle station, Walter must return to his homeland and his mother’s family.

Leaving her own family―and fiancé―Rose braves the long, dangerous voyage across Pacific waters where war is imminent to see Walter safely home. But upon arrival, Rose learns the truth about Walter’s relationship to the Lucknows and the land he’s supposed to inherit, a truth that haunts the boy’s Uncle Max, a wounded pilot scarred inside and out. And as Max opens his heart up to Walter, Rose is drawn to the man’s strength and compassion, finding herself torn between returning to England and staying with the child and man she’s grown to love.

MY THOUGHTS

Under the Golden Sun is a gripping story of love and loss. Of fighting battles on the fields but also within ourselves.
Taking place in England and Australia the time period has been extensively researched by the author, and it shows in her writing style.
I really loved the book, not having read many books taking place in Australia it was easy to visualize all that was going on while reading this.
The characters are well thought out and developed.
Set in the Australian Outback during WWII. I’ve not read any books set here during this time period and I enjoyed the author’s take on it.
Very informative historical fiction that will pull on your heartstrings as the journey to Australia with the child, Walter begins.
Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Thanks so much for dropping by my Amazon author page. My first novel came out in 2014, and since then I’ve written nine more, with another in the works. I write mostly as Jenny Ashcroft, although I’ve also published Every Lifetime After as Jennifer Ross, and have a contemporary novel coming out in summer 2027 as Rosie Morton. For me, there’s no better escape than curling up with a story that whisks you off to another place, in another time, and I love that I get to spend my days writing them. I studied history at Oxford and have always had such a passion for the past – it really does offer the most incredible inspiration for transportive, page-turning tales.

My novels have been set in locations across the world, all of which I’ve been lucky enough to either travel to, or live in. Island in the East is a dual timeframe novel set in Singapore, which my family very happily called home for many years; Meet Me in Bombay is set between England and India during the First World War; Beneath a Burning Sky is a historical mystery set in Egypt; Under the Golden Sun is the story of a soul-searching nanny who, during World War Two, escorts her charge back to his family in Australia; The Echoes of Love is set largely on the beautiful island of Crete during the Second World War, and was inspired by my Greek grandmother who survived the Nazi occupation and met my grandfather at the liberation of Greece; Secrets of the Watch House is another mystery, this time set on a remote Cornish island during the 1930s; Every Lifetime After, my novel as Jennifer Ross, is set in England, and sees the boundaries of time blurring between a modern-day movie set and a WW2 bomber base; The Bureau of Second Chances, which is coming in January 2027 – under Jenny Ashcroft again – is all about a top secret organisation that grants the world’s sliding doors and groundhog days, and the unexpected love story that develops between a bureau agent, and the man she’s been sent to help; finally, The Lost Gardens of Solstice House, coming in June 2027, follows three generations of women as they move into their inherited house in Cornwall, and discover all manner of secrets.

It’s been a joy to write every one of these novels, the characters have become like family to me, and it’s always so amazing to think of you, the reader, spending your time with them. I love nothing more than hearing from you, so please do get in touch. You can find me on Instagram: @jennyashcroftauthor.

Thank you for stopping in.

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The Cat Cafe Book Club

341 pages Publisher Hodder & Stoughton Publication Date Aug 20 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Brenna has moved to the countryside looking for peace and quiet with her many black cats. But Brenna is keeping a secret she can’t share with anyone…

Matt, the cheerful barista behind the counter at Catpurrcino, runs a monthly book club for locals to bring people (and cats) together.

When Matt and Brenna both reach for the same book at the library he invites her to come to the next meeting.

Brenna is wary of letting anyone new into her life, but she can’t say no to her two favourite things combined – cats and books – or Matt’s gorgeous smile.

Just as Brenna starts to think she has finally found a haven in the warmth and friendship of the book club they are rocked by terrible news: a big developer is threatening the future of not only the café, but the whole town.

Brenna and Matt vow to do all they can to save it. As they battle against the odds, Brenna begins to let the town, and Matt, into her heart.

Has Brenna finally found a place to call home? And what will happen when her past finally catches up to her?

🐈☕📖🧁🧁🧁📖☕🐈

Tropes:
🐈 Secret millionaire
☕Opposites attract
📖Books about books
🧁Small town
🐈 Found family

Six cats relaxing on blankets beside a window overlooking an autumn park
Several cats lounge on blankets in a warmly lit café overlooking a colorful autumn park.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ll admit I was drawn right in by the adorable cover. I love reading romance and a cover such as this decked out in Fall was just too much to pass up.
If you love cats, cafes, books and coffee you’ll want to snuggle up with your favorite cat(s), and a pumpkin spice iced coffee and spend the afternoon reading away.
When our main female character wins the lottery, she knows it’s time to get out of a bad situation (her boyfriend) and make it out on her own. With a new mansion house far away from him and multiple black cats she’s adopted she’s in a new town, but no one can know who she is, so her boyfriend doesn’t find out she’s here.
Befriending the friendly barista, Matt at Catpurrcino she discovers he also runs the monthly book club.
They are both hiding secrets, and he feels he could never measure up to her standards if only he knew she understands him all too well.
Working together towards the betterment of the cat cafe and saving the animals seems to be a losing task especially after the get rocked with some shocking news.
Can they put their heads together and figure out who is trying to sabotage their well thought out plans?
The book had me holding my breath a few times, not only is it a sweet and lovely romance but a bit of intrigue mystery.
Really sweet, charming and I was thrilled to see how so many not only came together for the cat cafe but also the betterment of the cats.
Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachel Rowlands lives in Manchester, England, with her husband and two cats. She grew up devouring any book she could get her hands on, and after earning her degree in English and Creative Writing, she built a career as a freelance editor while working on her own stories in her spare time. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys playing video games and crying over romance Kdramas.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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A Witch in Notting Hill: A Novel – A Whimsical Paranormal Romance of Spells Gone Wrong and Unexpected Love in London

343 pages Publisher Avon a Pub Date Aug 11 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When rising Hollywood actress and secret witch Willow James accidentally turns her manager into a cat while trying to escape her contract, she’s sure she’s hit her magical low point. Determined to fix her mistake, she journeys to London in search of a rare spell hidden within the famed occult bookstore, Coven & Codex. The last thing she expects? The shop’s brooding, handsome owner, Oliver Hadley, who’d rather avoid magic altogether.

Together—with a ragtag group of friends (both human and feline)—Willow and Oliver must scour every corner of the city, from museums to festivals to bustling street markets, to find the missing pieces of the spell. Along the way, Willow’s unpredictable magic and Oliver’s skeptical heart will face the one thing they can’t escape… love.

Filled with enchanting adventures, sparkling romance, and a dash of mischief, A Witch in Notting Hill is a sweet and spirited tale of discovering magic where you least expect it.

MY THOUGHTS

t’s always a great idea to break out of a reading rut and try a new genre once in a while and it paid off. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
Secret witch and American actress, Willow James fumbles the bag this time and accidently turns her manager into a cat with one of her spells when she refuses to do a romantic movie.
The only thing is to be able to reverse the spell she has to travel to England to an Occult bookstore to find a certain rare spellbook. To make matters worse the owner, her age has no belief in the spells and such as it’s an inherited bookshop.
This was such a fun book, the Fall vibes were right on, a slow burn romance, quite the adventure and witchy magic sprinkled throughout this book.
Quite the read, so enjoyable!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Alexandra Paige is a novelist and a marketing copywriter. Her debut novel was Weekends with You. She currently writes in an apartment she shares with her boyfriend in a cozy NJ suburb or in the coffee shop down the street, though her stories are always taking her elsewhere. She has a BA from Moravian University and an MFA from Lindenwood University.

Black cat with orange bow sitting on autumn book stack next to jack-o'-lantern and pumpkins
A black cat relaxes on a stack of autumn-themed books surrounded by pumpkins and fall decor.
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Autumn at the Cat Cafe: A Novel

304 pages Publisher Thomas Nelson Publication date August 4, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Via Dalton has sworn off men to focus on the two things she loves most: her quirky cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her peaceful world is shaken when Earl Brewster, the owner of the beloved Second Chapter Books next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the shop and preserve Earl’s legacy, but her plans hit a snag in the form of a tall, handsome, and completely unexpected heir.

Leo Brewster’s life is thriving in LA, and the last thing he needs is an inheritance in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. But the alternative–letting his estranged mother inherit–has him packing his bags to receive the inheritance, quickly sell it off to the highest bidder, and hightail it back to LA. What he didn’t count on was the list of stipulations in the will that has him staying in the small town for a month. Oh, and the determined, sunny café owner next door who refuses to let him destroy the town’s heart without a fight.

Desperate to convince Leo the bookstore is vital to her community, Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List. As they navigate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, Leo begins to see the magic in Pecan Corner–and in Via. Despite her vow to stay single and his plan to leave, the attraction between them simmers like hot cider.

Can a season of small-town charm convince a city boy to stay, or will Via lose both the bookstore and her heart?

Grab a warm drink and curl up with this delightful grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract story of unexpected love and small-town charm.

People sitting with cats in an autumn-themed café with cozy furniture and large windows showing fall foliage
Visitors enjoy coffee and cats in a warm autumn-themed café

MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book I’ve read by the author in years. I believe this is her first non-Amish book.
I was greatly looking forward to the book and enjoyed it very much
I very much enjoyed the cozy Autum setting, the pumpkin patch, Fall Harvest festival and the holiday decorating.
I also enjoyed the cat cafe and how realistic the descriptions of the cat’s wanting attention and the antics they get up to are.
The author is talented and I love her writing style and hope to see more books like this in the future.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

With over two million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: @kathleen_fuller_writes; Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller; X: @TheKatJam.

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The Secret Bookshop in Ireland: An uplifting and completely gripping Irish romance (Sisters of Cherrywood Book 1)

265 pages Bookouture Publisher Publication date

July 31, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

‘It devastates me that this will be the first you’re hearing of the bookshop. But it’s yours now, and I hope it can heal you despite everything you might hear about our family. Good luck, dear Ciara, and remember to never give up…’

Standing amongst the wildflowers that border the abandoned bookshop, Ciara’s heart begins to swell. She never met her mysterious distant relative Martha, but there’s no denying that this place, filled with beautiful old books, is captivating. Trapped in a dead-end job and a tiny apartment in Dublin, this inheritance could change everything for her.

As visitors from Cherrywood village arrive to welcome Ciara, and she learns to love each priceless edition she now owns, it’s Ronan, the handsome lawyer with hazel eyes and husky voice who makes a lasting impression. Can he help her learn more about Martha? Why was Ciara chosen to protect the bookshop’s legacy, and why all the secrecy? The only certainty is the butterflies Ciara feels every time she locks eyes with Ronan. Is it crazy to imagine herself re-opening the bookshop and staying forever?

But nothing prepares Ciara for the letter she finds hidden high on the rickety shelves, for the heart shattering story of an abandoned baby and a devastating family secret. The truth about Martha could mean Ciara loses the bookshop forever.

Ciara is faced with an impossible choice: close the doors of her new home and return to her old life in Dublin, or stay to find out the truth and risk everything for a new life in Cherrywood…

Wildflowers blooming on green coastal cliffs beside a rocky shoreline and blue ocean
Colorful wildflowers bloom along rugged sea cliffs overlooking the ocean

MY THOUGHTS

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is the first exciting book in the Sisters of Cherrywood.
A young woman is shocked when receiving her daily post she opens it to learn she has inherited a house from someone she had never met.
A life changing event happens to a young woman and she visits the house and sees so much potential in it and her dog loves the area too.
The small town has declined in people living there and property value as the older folks living there have died off and no one younger wants to live there and improve the houses.
Through her solicitor she learns about the woman she has inherited the house from and her father’s family history. I loved learning about the past lives of the characters she researched that lived in the small town many years ago. Their lives were not easy and tragedy paid them a visit more than once. At first I didn’t like her mother’s character she seemed to want to take control of her daughter’s life but then she became more likable and was a big help to her daughter.
There may be a romance brewing but with several men seeming to be interested who will be the best fit?
I absolutely loved the idea of bringing the bookshop back to life in Cherrywood and there are several older characters who remembered how it was in the past and they are willing to help bring it back the way it was.
I also enjoyed getting to know the solicitor and his mother, both pleasant characters.
I greatly look forward to seeing how things are progressing in the next book and hopefully there will start to be a regeneration of the small town now. Excellent read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Open window showing green cliffs, ocean, and remote houses.
A cozy window sill overlooks a stunning green coastline and ocean waves.

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She’s been inspired to write about people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

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Summerween: Celebrate Halloween in summer in this small-town spicy romcom with a side of supernatural! (Halloween Town)

349 pages Publisher One More Chapter Publication date July 16, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Solstice Springs … where it’s Halloween year-round, pink skeletons wear beachwear, and the town’s biggest debate is whether the ghosts are real or just good for business.

Wren Dunlop’s summer plan was simple:

Hide from viral infamy ✓

Drink rosé by the lake ✓

Avoid all men forever ✓

Too bad her godmother (part-time witch and full-time Mayor) has other ideas.

Now Wren’s teaching dance for the Summerween spectacular, in a studio that might be haunted, and trying very hard not to notice the mysterious new guy in town, Dane Trafford.

Between bonfire wishes and midnight confessions, fairy lights and watermelon jack-o-lanterns, Wren and Dane might just discover that Solstice Springs’ real magic isn’t supernatural…

Tropes:

Friends to lovers

Forced proximity

Halloween in summer

Small-town setting

MY THOUGHTS

This book! It’s fabulous! Halloween Town or H-Town as the locals call it is full on Halloween vibes 24/7 365 days a year and I loved the romance in it.
Solstice Springs is where you’ll want to put up your cutout pumpkin decorations while sipping a pumpkin spiced latte and eating watermelon.
Will grab the second book as soon as it comes out!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Joss Wood writes romances featuring messy emotions, simmering attraction, sharp banter, and the kind of happily-ever-after that makes all the emotional damage worth it. Her books set in Solstice Springs feature a very quirky small town, lovable chaos agents, nosy neighbours, invested ghosts, all-year-round Halloween energy, and enough spice to fog up a window or two.

She’s been writing stories forever and has written more than eighty books for various publishers. She strives to create characters who are flawed, funny, emotionally vulnerable, and deeply relatable. When she’s not writing, she’s usually over-caffeinated, under-exercised, planning her next trip, or being emotionally manipulated by her two cats and her enormous, spectacularly badly behaved dog.

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