Category: Uncategorized

Categories
Uncategorized

The Birdcage by Eve Chase: Gothic thriller, some secrets need to be set free

368 pages G.P. Putnam’s Sons publisher July 19, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the spirit of Lisa Jewell and Kate Morton, an emotional mystery set in the rugged remote landscape of north Cornwall full of dark secrets and twists, about three unusual sisters forced to confront the past.

Some secrets need to be set free…

When half-sisters Kat, Flora, and Lauren are unexpectedly summoned to Rock Point, their wild and remote Cornish summer home, it’s not a welcome invitation. They haven’t been back since that fateful summer twenty years ago—a summer they’re desperate to forget.
 
But when they arrive, it’s clear they’re not alone. Someone is lurking in the shadows, watching their every move. Someone who remembers exactly what they did…

Will the sisters be able to protect the dark past of Rock Point? Or are some secrets too powerful to remain under lock and key?

MY THOUGHTS

Told from alternating points of view and in different time periods. Three half-sisters their connection being their father. Jealousy is rampant amongst the sisters who haven’t seen each other in twenty years.

This Gothic thriller is full of secrets, secrets the women are desperate to forget but they must face once again. Why were the women summoned to the rugged Cornish home where the walls have eyes and someone unseen hears all.

Will desperation force them to do something they would never have thought of doing to keep things quiet? Hard to put down, I had to keep reading this intriguing read.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eve Chase is an internationally bestselling British novelist who writes rich, layered and suspenseful novels, thick with secrets, unforgettable characters and settings. Her latest novel, The Midnight Hour – ‘Her best yet…I loved every word’ – Claire Douglas – publishes June ’24, in the UK. Other novels include, The Birdcage, The Glass House (The Daughters of Foxcote Manor, US) a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club pick, The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde (The Wildling Sisters, US) which was longlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award, and Black Rabbit Hall, winner of Paris’ Saint-Maur en Poche prize for Best Foreign Fiction. She works in the Writer’s Shed at the bottom of her garden, usually with Harry, her golden retriever.

Say hello @evepollychase on Instagram, X, and Facebook

Categories
Uncategorized

Cover Reveal for Bella’s Countryside Christmas

This is a new to me author and when I saw there was a cover reveal for this book, I knew I had to participate. Looking forward to reading this and I hope you’ll enjoy the cover too.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bella’s Countryside Christmas

An uplifting festive romance perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Phillipa Ashley, Trisha Ashley, Sue Moorcroft, Rebecca Raisin and Donna Ashcroft.

Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.

Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.

A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.

But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …

Just look at this beautiful cover. Isn’t this eye-catching?

Pre-order Link – https://mybook.to/BellasCC

Publication Date: 18th September 2024

Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

Social Media Links – 

https://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author

I hope your day is lovely. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Daily Prompt: Long distance travel?

Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.

The furthest I’ve ever traveled was when I was 12 years old. My Mom was tired of the Pennsylvania winters and wanted to move somewhere warm. She looked up the hottest place in the USA and she was determined to move there. We moved from North Versailles, PA to Yuma, Az. My Mom and Grandma drove there driving a Uhaul pulling the car. We were in Yuma for one year then moved to Chino Valley, Az then went back home

Categories
Uncategorized

Book Birthday Blitz for Mistletoe Moments by Stephanie Wood, a festive novella. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mistletoe Moments (Christmas on The Close #5)

You are invited to spend CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE where each of the neighbours are celebrating in their own special way.

Veronica and Owen are looking forward to a happy Christmas on The Close with their friends and neighbours.

Their son, Travis, is due to take some important exams, but will he be able to concentrate when a serious crush derails his schedule?

As their fortieth birthdays approach, some significant celebration will be required, but how can Veronica agree to Owen’s life-changing request?

The fifth standalone episode of ‘Christmas on The Close’ shows how sharing a treasured life with someone does not necessarily result in sharing the same treasured dreams.

MY THOUGHTS

Set at Christmas time though I feel this novella would be a fun read any time of the year. The Close is all about neighbors and this one feature Veronica and Owen and their son Travis. The couple are approaching forty. Though a couple they don’t have the same dreams. Their son Travis is growing up before their eyes, where has the time gone? No longer a child, but not quite grown he’s in a different life stage than them and they’re having a hard time relating to each other. We get a glimpse of life with the other neighbors, and I’m intrigued enough to want to read the other stories in this series now as well. Heartwarming and fun. A great read!

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

ALL THE FUN NOVELLAS IN THE SERIES

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CTFKCDS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Author Bio

I write contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories.

I have two series of linked standalone stories; one is a collection of Greek holiday reads called Aegean Sun and the other is Christmas on the Close which is set in a suburban cul-de-sac and reveals what is happening in each of the neighbours’ houses over the festive period.

I live in Lancashire where I have a large garden which takes a lot of maintenance, but I also enjoy reading lots of different genres and watching the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours because I love character-based stories.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.stephaniewood.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephaniewooduk & https://twitter.com/TheCloseSeries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWoodAuthor/

Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog Tour for Last Christmas by Clare Swatman

ABOUT THE BOOK

Last Christmas

‘Bea was always early for everything. Even, it turned out, when she was running away from her life.’

As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.

Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.

What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?

In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.

MY THOUGHTS

With not much time for Christmas celebrations Bea is off to New York several days after the holidays. Bea’s life is hectic and certainly doesn’t always go as she’s planned.

Decisions………, we all make them every day. How do we know if they’re the right ones, or not. How about those decisions we regret and think on after our choice. Wondering if we could’ve kicked those bad decisions under the rug and chosen again, would things have been better?


There is a show of strong family support and close friendships. On again off again romantic relationships and finding the perfect one to be with.
The New York energetic vibe is strong, covering the early 2000’s from finding that perfect pub to the busy streets and the small flats to the busy rushing about.


A book women can identify with, emotional with strong characters you’ll see a bit of yourself in. A keeper that I’ll be reading again.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

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

ABOUTT THE AUTHOR

Clare Swatman is the author of seven women’s fiction novels, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743024376094142/user/570416996/

Twitter https://twitter.com/clareswatman

Instagram https://www.instagram. Author Bio –

com/clareswatman/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ClareSwatmannews

Bookbub profile: Clare Swatman Books – BookBub

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog Tour for Snowflakes Over the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn

ABOUT THE BOOK

Snowflakes over the Second Chances Sweet Shop

It’ll be a Christmas to remember …

Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who’s growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan.

But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own.

She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans.

They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow…?

A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series

MY THOUGHTS

Having read Hannah Lynn’s previous books in the series I am familiar with her writing style and enjoy her writing very much.
This book is not what I was expecting at all. No matter how much you plan life with all the best intentions it can change just like that, in the blink of an eye.


I’d advise reading the other books in the series, so you have Holly Berry’s backstory. Holly is happy in life, she runs her sweetshop, has a beautiful young daughter and has a strong romantic relationship that is on the verge of engagement.


A tragedy occurs and in an instant life changes for her. The book has a lot of emotions running through it, dealing with loss and uncertainty.
After her tremendous loss she gets a lot of support from family and friends.

Though the book is heartbreaking at times there are heartwarming times as well especially involving her precious daughter who though doesn’t completely understand what has happened has much love wrapped around her. Beautifully and emotionally written and highly recommended.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

Purchase Links

UK – https://mybook.to/snowflakessweetsocial

US – https://mybook.to/snowflakescandysocial

Author Bio –

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres. Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she spent 15 years as a teacher of physics, teaching in the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Austria and Jordan.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynnAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlynnwrites/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HannahLynnNews

Bookbub profile: Hannah Lynn Books – BookBub

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Daily Prompt

What brings a tear of joy to your eye?

After my husband has his surgery every time he gets a scan and it’s always clean this brings tears of joy in my heart though I may not show it outwardly.

Categories
Uncategorized

What have I read in August?

Photo by Enzo Muu00f1oz on Pexels.com

August has only a few hours left in it, and I won’t be able to finish any of the other books I have started before the end of the month. Let’s get on with what I was able to read this month. here in my recap.

Have you read any of these? Are any of these on your tbr list?

Have a super day and thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Daily Prompt: interviewing my cat 🐱🐾

Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.

Me: Hello, can you tell us your name?

Orangey: I’m called Orangey, but really you can just call me handsome.

Me: You certainly are handsome, I will agree with that but have a little modesty.

Orangey: scoffs

Me: So Orangey, tell me about yourself.

Orangey: I was a scared stray cat and took shelter in a garage I found and would hide as soon as I saw or heard people come in. One day I was asleep and the people saw me and decided to give me food and water for which I was so grateful. I became braver and started venturing out into their yard.

Me: Did you let them pet you?

Orangey: It took me awhile and they snuck up on me and started petting me while I was distracted eating. This was about 7 months after I first started hiding in the garage. I decided I really did enjoy the pets and I gave them the privilege of allowing them to pet me.

Me: How did you feel about being outdoors?

Orangey: It was all about survival but I was so scared of loud noises, the chance of fighting with other cats , surviving the cold winter and the heat of the summer and the possibility of getting hit by a vehicle every time I ran out of the yard. Oh yeah and a dog chased me too.

Me: How did you feel when you were picked up and put into a cat carrier?

Orangey: I didn’t know what was going on and was so scared. I meowed loudly and turned in circles frantically in the carrier.

Me: After you were brought in you were put in a cage for a few days to let the other cats already inside get used to your scent . How did you feel then?

Orangey: I was a bit scared getting used to new cats and a new environment. When I was released from the cage I hid under the dresser in the walk-in closet for a few days and had the best sleep I’ve had in a long time without the worries of being outside.

Me: And how do you feel about being inside now? Any thoughts of wanting to go outside again?

Orangey: I’ve been inside now for almost 6 weeks and have my “Mom” wrapped around my paw. I’m younger than she thought. She thought I was about 6 but now she thinks I’m about 3. Now that I’m relaxed I wake her up around five every morning playing loudly with my toys and running around. We can’t forget how I’ll knock things down with a crash because ya know I’m a cat and that’s what we do. My Mom loves me though and just bought me some new toys yesterday. I’ll also admit I’ve gotten rather greedy and beg for treats multiple times a day. I have my Mom trained well and she gives me Temptations cat treats and there’s a picture below of me having some along with my sister Iris. She’s very greedy when it comes to treats too. I also have my Mom trained to give me Fancy Feast but I’m so spoiled I won’t eat the pate just the chunky variety.

Me: Well, sounds like you’re pretty spoiled and get treated like a king.

Orangey: Yes I am I have my humble servants catering to my every need along with the needs of the other two mediocre cats.

I mean look at me. Am I adorable or what? 🐾😻🐾
Categories
Uncategorized

Six Stunning Sirens (Kitchen Witch Mysteries Book 6)

267 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies publication date September 24, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon continues her enchanting Kitchen Witch Mystery series featuring everyone’s favorite, spellbinding kitchen witch Mia Malone.In a triumph for Mia’s catering business and cooking school, Mia’s Morsels is chosen to host a fall festival event in their Idaho mountain town—which means managing a bunch of stage moms and their social-media obsessed daughters as they get ready for the big beauty contest. There’s a lot riding on the results of the Harvest Moon Festival—it’s where the local coven leader is chosen for the following year.But after one contestant is found in a compromising position with a judge, and another drops out when her mother is killed in a freak hiking accident, the coven suspects magical meddling. With a week to go before the coronation of the new queen, Mia must draw on her sleuthing powers to find out what’s going on—and whether this competition has gotten a little too cutthroat . . .

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really enjoyed the author’s cozies, and this is part of the Kitchen Witch series, #6 and I’m glad to see not the end of the series.


Mia, a kitchen witch lives in Magic Springs, Idaho. She’s excited to be catering the Miss Magic Springs Harvest Pageant with her catering business and cooking school, Mia’s Morsels.


When a pageant mom is found dead, and another is hospitalized she must try to solve this mystery in time for a new queen to be chosen. Is magic in use here and can the coven solve this in time before another disaster strikes? Lots of twists and turns that had me guessing right til the end.

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

THE AUTHOR

Award-winning New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon, pens several cozy mystery series including The Tourist Trap Mysteries, The Kitchen Witch Mysteries, Survivors’ Book Club Mysteries, The Farm to Fork Mysteries, The Haunted Life Mysteries, and The Cat Latimer Mysteries. The Bainbridge Island Mysteries will be released in 2025. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride. She lives in a small town in Eastern Tennessee like the towns she loves to write about with her husband and two fur babies.

Thank you for visiting today. Are you ready for Fall, I sure am.