Tag: Book Review

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Love and Lattes at Pumpkin Hollow: An autumn small town romance with a pinch of pumpkin spice 

306 pages publisher Boldwood Books Publication date August 4, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Willow Connor has one shot to save her family’s farm – turning it into Birchbrook’s first ever pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem: she has exactly zero pumpkins and only six weeks to make it happen. Everyone in the close-knit town thinks she’s crazy, but she’s determined to prove them wrong.

Enter Dylan Henderson, a hotshot property consultant with a clipboard full of reasons why selling is the smarter choice. Determined to stand her ground, Willow makes him a bold offer – stay and watch her turn the farm around. To her surprise, he agrees.

Now, as Willow throws everything into making her pumpkin patch a success (even if it means buying every pumpkin in the county), she also finds herself learning a thing or two from Dylan – about business, about ambition… and maybe about love?

Will she save the farm and prove everyone wrong? And when the deal is up, will Dylan walk away – or has he found something worth sticking around for?

MY THOUGHTS

What better way to pass a hot day in July than by reading a Fall themed book? Full of all the autumn themes you’d want, Fall leaves swirling, pumpkin picking at the pumpkin patch and oh yes pumpkin spice drinks. If you’re not a fan of those you’re missing out.


He’s a city slicker intent on buying the financially failing farm, she’s a farmer’s daughter, it goes back in her family for generations.
Sparks fly when Willow Connor and Dylan Henderson meet, he’s determined to prove to his brother he can make the sale, and she’s just as determined to keep the farm in the family and prove its worthiness and financially stability.


With six weeks to turn a failure into a win and come up with a big plan to change the landscape of things and show not only the towns people but her father she can do it she better put her thinking cap on quickly. She never thought she’d be dreaming about pumpkins while dreaming about the enemy and how his kisses would be.


Fun, romantic and lots of Fall vibes. Great character development, so charming. Loved the main characters.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes sweet and spicy rom coms set in the book world, and upcoming autumnal small town romance LOVE AND LATTES AT PUMPKIN HOLLOW. She used to work in publishing and a bookshop, and has been a bookworm since childhood.

Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.

Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.

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An Unexpected Grace: A Christian Historical Romance Series set in Montana with Mystery and Intrigue (The Jewels of Kalispell) 

336 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date May 20, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can unexpected grace lay the foundation for a second chance at love?

After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom’s Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can’t help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.

Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God’s distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s wonderful to be back in Kalispell, Montana again. Most of the characters we know and have met in the previous books as this is the third one in the Jewels of Kalispell series, but you always run into a few surprises as well.
As it should be the villain was an all-around unlikeable trouble causer.
I enjoyed reading about the travelling trope of which included Parker Bennett who has returned after a decade away.
Widowed Johanna is raising a toddler, taking care of an ailing father and running a successful millenary shop. She couldn’t possibly have time for a relationship with Parker, her past love.
A novel of second chances, redemption, renewal, faith forgiveness and allowing God his perfect timing. I love the author’s novels and how well researched they are.

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

About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandkids, and research all the history around them. You can connect with Kimberley on her website, KimberleyWoodhouse.com.

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The Secret Christmas Library: A Heartwarming Christmas Romance Tale Set in a Scottish Castle, Featuring Unlikely Alliances in a Mysterious Hunt for Hidden Treasures 

320 pages William Morrow Paperbacks Publication date October 14, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new holiday story set in the Scottish Highlands to warm booklovers’ hearts by Jenny Colgan, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop.

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.

A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read the past few Christmas books by the author and just knew I had to read the latest.
A Scottish castle is just how you’d imagine it to be, dark, drafty and cold with endless hallways lit by wall scones attached to cold dripping stone walls.


Now this isn’t to say I didn’t like the castle because I’d visit it in a heartbeat. This is just how I imagine the inside of a castle to be.
Geeting snowed in at Christmas time in a Scottish castle may not be ideal for some but for Mirren Sutherland it gives this antiquarian book hunter ample time to search for a rare book for the laird of the castle.

Jamie McPherson knows he must have this family book belonging to a past family member if there is any hope in paying for repairs to the crumbling castle.


When another treasure hunter who has quite the reputation for finding things quickly shows up Mirren knows she has to work quickly and efficiently but who will win the race.


It was entertaining reading the clues dispersed amongst the pages, clues around the castle in the most unusual places.
There was a shadow of romance but not the main focus of the story which allowed for the focus on the great character development and of the story.
A fairytale feeling I was swept up in the story and enjoyed it very much.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

enny Colgan (born 1972 in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland) is a writer of romantic comedy fiction, sci-fi and has written for the Dr Who line of stories. She writes under her own name and using the pseudonyms Jane Beaton and J. T. Colgan.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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The Woman Who Met Herself Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Woman Who Met Herself

What would you do, if you met your double?

Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.

Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.

As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.

And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…

MY THOUGHTS

Life can get boring, especially as you age, set in your ways the sameness day in and day out can wear on you. There’s not much to look forward to.
But then, purely by chance two women come face to face with each other, they look identical but didn’t know the other existed even though at one time they developed in the same womb, legs and arms entwined.
These women are similar but yet so different, having been adopted with different upbringings they are trying to adjust to finding each other and the consequences of not having had each other in their lives up until this point.
The storyline is eye-opening and interesting. We get a bit of a backstory, and this is really a very emotional read.
I will be reading more by the author.

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Laura Pearson is the author of the #1 bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @LauraPearson22

Twitter: @LauraPAuthor

Instagram: @LauraPAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22

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Blog Tour for The House Sitter

ABOUT THE BOOK

The House Sitter

She knows what she saw. But can she prove it?

After my relationship breaks down, I agree to house-sit my brother Dexter’s posh apartment whilst he’s out of the country. It will give me some much needed head space.

Sitting on the balcony one sweltering summer’s night in the midst of a power cut, I’m given a secret window into the lives of the residents in the opposite building, and I see more than I should.

I’m drawn to a man in the Penthouse and watch him closely; when a striking woman joins him on the balcony, I can’t tear my eyes away.

The following weekend a woman matching her exact description is reported missing. She’s not been seen since that fateful night.
When I go to the police, the man in the penthouse has a cast-iron alibi and denies she was ever there.

I know what I saw and I can’t let it go.
The deeper I dig, the more dangerous things become.
Someone is watching me too. Just how much can I trust the neighbours?

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

MY THOUGHTS

I haven’t read a psychological thriller in a few months, and this was a great reintroduction to the genre. So many jaw dropping moments as I read, this was really hard to put down.
The action started right away and no slow parts at all. There are a lot of characters here but they’re not hard to keep up with.
A woman is housesitting her brother’s apartment while he’s gone expecting to get away from it all with a little r and r.
It ends up being a bit more than that though.
As she gets to know the other occupants of the apartment, she realizes obsessions are running rampant and not just with one person. Many holy cow, did that just happen moments? A real creep factor you’ll feel, and you may just be looking behind you as you read. A very much of a surprise ending that really took me by surprise. An author you absolutely need to read!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of several psychological thrillers and romantic suspense mysteries, including the very successful Dying to Tell. She sets many of her books in the county of Norfolk, where she was born and still lives and which provides much of her inspiration.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @allaboutbeev

Twitter: @keribeevis

Instagram: @keri.beevis

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

Bookbub profile: @keribeevis

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Blog Tour For The Pop-Up Cake Shop

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Pop-Up Cake Shop

Ever the entrepreneur, Ellie is planning to bring cakes to the people with her Travelling Cake Van! But as she’s ‘expecting’ to make a rather more personal delivery of her own very soon, will Katja be the one to get behind the wheel of this fabulously mouth-watering journey into the countryside?

MY THOUGHTS

Another lovely novella length story in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. I’ve read so many of them and have no plan of stopping now. Each one keeps getting better and better. When I read one, I am instantly transferred back with the characters for a visit and a cup of tea. The characters I easily remember from past stories, and we meet a few new ones in each story as well. This story is warm and welcoming, like visiting with old friends but make sure to have a slice of cake or two with you while reading because talk of cake in the story will surely have you craving some.
The pop-up cake shop started as a way of avoiding fresh cake being wasted and it’s just taken off. Some emotional themes here as well, all realistic, an emotional pregnancy, the breakup of a long-term relationship and the possibility of a new one starting after some time has passed. Sweet, emotional and heartwarming. What’s not to love?

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

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-Up-Cake-Shop-Little-Duck-ebook/dp/B0DKB7679Thttps://www.amazon.com/Pop-Up-Cake-Shop-Little-Duck-ebook/dp/B0DKB7679T 

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for DAYDREAMS & DOUGHNUT CAKE, out in June 2025, and TEACAKES AND TANGOS, which will be published in August 2025!

Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

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Blog Tour for Lessons in Life

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lessons in Life

The Yorkshire village of Beddingfield is home to the wonderful women of the Allen family: teacher Robyn, wannabe chef Jess, teenage tearaway Sorrel and matriarch Lisa, who holds the whole family together. But underneath her warmth and brilliance, Lisa has a secret – she longs to know who she really is.

In Hudson House, the grand manor on the edge of Beddingfield which is now a care home, lives seventy-something Eloise Howard. With film star beauty but memories fading fast, Eloise is slowly taking one foot at a time back into her past. Born into a prestigious family, her father the owner of the local Hudson’s Mill, Eloise’s life was destined to be one of finishing schools and balls. But when her path crossed Junayd Sattar’s, the most striking and kindest man she had ever met, nothing would ever be the same again.

When Lisa begins to spend time at Hudson House and befriends Eloise, the two women form an unbreakable bond. But unbeknownst to them both, they share secrets that, once uncovered, will change everything they believed about their own lives.

In her unmatched warm and uplifting voice, Julie Houston’s funny and profoundly moving tale of forbidden love, friendship and family ties will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page… Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Fiona Gibson and Cathy Kelly.

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

MY THOUGHTS

Once I read my first Julie Houston book, I knew I must read all subsequent books, of which this was no exception. If you want to get lost in a book that is heartwarming with realistic characters, who are not a lot of fluff and nonsense this is the author for you. The characters are relatable, sharing experiences you’re now experiencing or already have. A real pick me upper that’ll have you not wanting to put it down at bedtime, sleep, what’s that. Warm, witty, and an author that you’ll want to keep coming back to.

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

Author Bio –

Julie Houston is the author of thirteen bestselling novels set in and around two fictional West Yorkshire villages.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @JulieHoustonAuthor

Twitter: @JulieHouston2

Instagram: @JulieHoustonauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @JulieHouston

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Blog Tour for Sunshine After the Rain

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sunshine After the Rain

Melanie knows she’s been running away…

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most – her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

But maybe there really is no place like home?

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she’s been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain?

MY THOUGHTS

Sunshine After the Rain is the absolute perfect title for this one. A book I could really get into. I’ve found all of the author’s books to be heartfelt and heartwarming at the same time. If possible, this one even more so. A book I simply could not put down. Dealing with subjects we can all relate to I felt as though the book was talking to me. The characters are ones I agreed with and could also feel empathy for. Though there are sad parts the book has a lovely and happy ending. Themes of second chances, refound romance and just overall good feelings I can highly recommend this book.

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

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

Author Bio –

Jessica Redland is the million-copy bestselling author of novels, including the Hedgehog Hollow and Escape to the Lakes series. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough and the Lake District, she writes uplifting women’s fiction of love, friendship and community.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @jessicaredlandwriter

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Blog Tour for Love Blooms at Hollyhock farms

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love Blooms at Hollyhock Farm

After an amazing year looking after Hollyhock Farm, on the beautiful island of Jersey, pregnant Lettie needs to step back from farming. The problem is, with her family overseas, there’s no one to take over.

But then help comes from two places at once. Handsome fire-fighter Joe needs to escape his small home since his mother and her new husband came to stay; he offers to help run the farm in exchange for board in one of the spare rooms. Then, adventurous newcomer Skye takes the other room, excited to try her hand at farming in such an amazing place.

But managing the farm together may be more than either of them bargained for, especially as each of them drives the other crazy, in more ways than one. Will the tension get too much for Joe and Skye, or could love bloom with the Jersey flowers this spring?

MY THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for a feel-good heartwarming series, you need to look no further than the Hollyhock Farm series.
I’ve read all of the books in this series and other books by the author, and they never fail to make me smile and are the perfect relaxation read.
Taking place on the island of Jersey, the descriptions have me ready to visit and just kick off my shoes.
Once again, we see the inclusion of characters from other books in this series, and this always enriches the story.
This is Skye and Joe’s story, they’ve both ended up at Hollyhock Farm for a different reason and their first meeting wasn’t the greatest, but this doesn’t last once they start to get to know each other.
Skye has always had a supportive granny in her life after her mother passed away when she was a young teen, but she needs some answers about an important issue she’s been dwelling on.
I enjoyed seeing how supportive Joe is in her quest for answers and also enjoyed seeing the fun and supportive interaction between the other characters. I’m always up for reading a wonderful book by the author.

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

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Georgina Troy writes contemporary romance series set on the island of Jersey where she lives with her family and three rescue dogs near two wild and wonderful beaches.

Her latest series is set on a fictional farm on the island. Welcome to Hollyhock Farm and Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm are out now. Love Blooms at Hollyhock Farm is out April 2025 with a fourth book out later this year.

Georgina’s other series:

The Sunflower Cliffs series

The Golden Sands Bay series

The Sunshine Island series

Social Media Links

Facebook: @GeorginaTroyAuthor

Twitter: @GeorginaTroy

Instagram: @georginatroyauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @GeorginaTroy

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B Is for Bonnet (Amish ABCs)

289 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date January 21, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Amish ABC’s series. It’s a heartwarming series and the author’s books always leave me with a smile.
Four English raised siblings are looking for a sense of purpose in life and are considering becoming Amish and coming home to their roots. Their mother was English, and their father is a lapsed Amish man.
As they live with their grandparents, they discover life amongst the Amish is harder than they thought and they will need to experience some unexpected changes. This isn’t deterring them and love just may be in the cards as awareness and self-discovery of what’s really important takes place.
Heartwarming and realistic, the characters and plot kept me reading. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.