Tag: Book Review

Categories
historical fiction

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

384 pages Gallery Books Publication date July 6, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

The New York Times bestselling author of the “heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism” (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as “sweeping and magnificent” (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), and “gripping” (Tampa Bay Times).

MY THOUGHTS

My heart just aches for these characters. Another WWII book heavily researched based on facts. This one takes place mainly amongst the forest of Poland.


Yona was just a babe at two years old when she was stolen from her crib in her nursery from her wealthy German parents by an old woman of the forest. As she grew, she only knew living off the land and spent her life with only her kidnapper who trained her up in her ways. The woman was Jewish but not overly religious.

It was fascinating reading how they lived in seclusion in the woods moving from spot to spot often so as to stay undetected. Eating mushrooms, berries and drinking from freshwater streams sometimes two miles away. The forest animals were her playmates. She was trained in herbal healing and how to defend herself with a knife if needed.

Asking about her parents her kidnapper only tells her that her parents were evil. After her captor dies, she is curious about human company and goes to the edge of the forest where she sees Jews from the ghetto, some are hurt. She has healing powers and knows her herbs. This group is fleeing for their lives from the Nazis, and she promises to teach them all she knows as they escape into the forest. Feeling kinship with the Jews as she was raised by one though German herself.


I have never read a book with so many wilderness aspects, the book was absolutely mesmerizing, and I couldn’t put it down. Being in isolation for so many years she makes some unexpected discoveries about herself as she helps this group of people.

Will she ever want to return to civilization though? Once again, I learned so much from the author’s notes in the back of the book about the Polish people and their struggles during WWII. Such heroes selflessly giving of themselves for the good of all. Just amazing!

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.

Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.

March is a great month to read historical fiction, and I hope you’re enjoying the books I’m choosing. Have a wonderful day.

Categories
historical fiction

The Librarian of Saint-Malo: A WWII Novel by Mario Escobar

371 pages Thomas Nelson publisher Publication date June 1, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

Libraries are being ransacked. France is torn apart by war. A French librarian is determined to resist. Told through smuggled letters to an author, an ordinary librarian describes the brutal Nazi occupation of her small coastal village and the extraordinary measures she takes to fight back.

Saint-Malo, France: August 1939. Jocelyn and Antoine are childhood sweethearts, but just after they marry, Antoine is drafted to fight against Germany. As World War II rages, Jocelyn uses her position as a librarian in her town of Saint-Malo to comfort and encourage her community with books. Jocelyn begins to write secret letters smuggled to a famous Parisian author, telling her story in the hope that it will someday reach the outside world.

France falls and the Nazis occupy Jocelyn’s town, turning it into a fortress. The townspeople try passive resistance, but the German commander ruthlessly begins to destroy part of the city’s libraries. Books deemed unsuitable by the Nazis are burnt or stolen, and priceless knowledge is lost.

Risking arrest and even her life, Jocelyn manages to hide some of the books while desperately waiting to receive news from her husband Antoine, now a prisoner in a German camp.

Jocelyn’s mission unfolds in her letters: to protect the people of Saint-Malo and the books they hold so dear. Mario Escobar brings to life the occupied city in sweeping and romantic prose, re-creating the history of those who sacrificed all to care for the people they loved.

Includes discussion questions for book clubs, a historical timeline, and notes from the author.

World War II historical fiction inspired by true events.

MY THOUGHTS

I have read many of the author’s books. They are incredible. Incredible sounds like such a lame word to use to describe the author’s books though, they are just that great and I highly recommend all of them.


World War II historical fiction inspired by true events. Many of the characters are also based on actual people just with the names changed.
There are thousands of WWII books, and this is one of them but no matter how many I read I find deep satisfaction in them because I love history and always learn something new about this subject as each book seems to cover a different angle of the war and it’s going on’s.


Saint-Malo, France: August 1939: With her husband away at war against the Germans, French wife Jocelyn is meticulously dedicated to her position as a librarian in her town of Saint-Malo. She encourages others to find comfort in the books as their librarian when they’re not in shelters as the bombs rain down.


As with all wars there is a madman in charge, Hitler who commands his puppets to do his dirty work. They feel so powerful abusing commoners and kidnapping the Jews. They think nothing of abusing women and children. There really are a lot of heartbreaking scenes in the book, but it’s all based on fact and is something we should never forget as we honor those who gave their lives in one way or another during the war or just helping others out around them.


Librarian Joycelyn writes letters of her life to an author of her ordinary life before and after the Nazi occupation so though she may not escape the terror her letters will, and others may know how she fought for all and the importance of her library.


It also broke my heart to read of the brutality she faces many times over by the Nazis as she tries to protect the books banned by the Germans. These books faced being ripped up, bombing and fire.
The author really brings these troubling times to life as we see terror but also so much bravery despite knowing what they would face. Excellent!

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mario Escobar has a master’s degree in modern history and has written numerous books and articles that delve into the depths of church history, the struggle of sectarian groups, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. Escobar, who makes his home in Madrid, Spain, is passionate about history and its mysteries.

Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.

Ganador Premio Empik 2020

Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia

Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en profundidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.

Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.

Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.

Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)El libro más exitoso en España es El Círculo (Top 10 de Amazon).

http://www.marioescobar.es

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
historical fiction

Letters Across the Sea -WWII-Canada

384 pages Simon & Schuster Canada publisher Pub Date Apr 27 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

Inspired by a little-known chapter of World War II history, a young Protestant girl and her Jewish neighbour are caught up in the terrible wave of hate sweeping the globe on the eve of war in this powerful love story that’s perfect for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

If you’re reading this letter, that means I’m dead. I had obviously hoped to see you again, to explain in person, but fate had other plans.

1933

At eighteen years old, Molly Ryan dreams of becoming a journalist, but instead she spends her days working any job she can to help her family through the Depression crippling her city. The one bright spot in her life is watching baseball with her best friend, Hannah Dreyfus, and sneaking glances at Hannah’s handsome older brother, Max.

But as the summer unfolds, more and more of Hitler’s hateful ideas cross the sea and “Swastika Clubs” and “No Jews Allowed” signs spring up around Toronto, a city already simmering with mass unemployment, protests, and unrest. When tensions between the Irish and Jewish communities erupt in a riot one smouldering day in August, Molly and Max are caught in the middle, with devastating consequences for both their families.

1939

Six years later, the Depression has eased and Molly is a reporter at her local paper. But a new war is on the horizon, putting everyone she cares about most in peril. As letters trickle in from overseas, Molly is forced to confront what happened all those years ago, but is it too late to make things right?

From the desperate streets of Toronto to the embattled shores of Hong Kong, Letters Across the Sea is a poignant novel about the enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest of times—from the #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child.

MY THOUGHTS

Letters Across the Sea is an incredible historical fiction book based on actual events in history. We start off in 1933, Told from the point of view of Molly Ryan’s family and mainly Molly herself. Molly’s family is Protestant, but she has many friends and neighbors who are Jewish.

Times are carefree with her brother’s playing baseball and her best friend’s brother Max having caught her eye. This carefree time doesn’t last long and Molly longs to be a journalist but must take any low paying job she can get her hands on as the Depression settle in. Signs warning the Jews not to apply for a job there litter Toronto’s city streets.


Hitler’s hateful ideas have filtered in and unrest has run rampant with disastrous results for both Max and Molly’s family.
The ill-equipped and unprepared Canadian military was sent to Hong Kong without proper training or ammunition. Those who didn’t die were to become prisoners of war.


I have read many WWII books but none that have so completely covered this angle of it. Finely researched the sacrifices these men and women made are heartbreaking, but we see such resilience from them. I learned so much from this book.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Genevieve Graham is the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, and USA Today bestselling author of several novels, including #1 INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLERS Letters Across the Sea and The Forgotten Home Child—which was #1 across Canada for 11 weeks in 2020, and became the #5 bestselling Canadian fiction novel of 2020.

Genevieve graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music, worked in advertising, marketing, and fundraising, then became a stay-at-home mom. In 2007, Genevieve decided to try writing a book using everything she’d learned from years of reading, focusing on historical fiction. Upon moving to Nova Scotia, she was suddenly surrounded by Canadian history she knew nothing about. Alarmed by what she’d never learned, she has made it her mission to bring Canadian history to life, writing one book per year. Bluebird, publishing April 2022, will be her 7th novel. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
historical fiction

Lost in Paris by Elizabeth Thompson

351 pages Gallery Books April 13, 2021 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a deed to an apartment in Paris turns up in an old attic trunk, an estranged mother and daughter must reunite to uncover the secret life of a family matriarch—perfect for fans of The Little Paris Bookshop and The Beekeeper’s Daughter.

Hannah Bond has always been a bookworm, which is why she fled Florida—and her unstable, alcoholic mother—for a quiet life leading Jane Austen-themed tours through the British countryside. But on New Year’s Eve, everything comes crashing down when she arrives back at her London flat to find her mother, Marla, waiting for her.

Marla’s brought two things with her: a black eye from her ex-boyfriend and an envelope. Its contents? The deed to an apartment in Paris, an old key, and newspaper clippings about the death of a famous writer named Andres Armand. Hannah, wary of her mother’s motives, reluctantly agrees to accompany her to Paris, where against all odds, they discover great-grandma Ivy’s apartment frozen in 1940 and covered in dust.

Inside the apartment, Hannah and Marla discover mysterious clues about Ivy’s life—including a diary detailing evenings of drinking and dancing with Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, and other iconic expats. Outside, they retrace her steps through the city in an attempt to understand why she went to such great lengths to hide her Paris identity from future generations.

A heartwarming and charming saga set in the City of Lights, Lost in Paris is an unforgettable celebration of family and the love between a mother and a daughter.

MY THOUGHTS

Lost in Paris is one of those books that languished on my to read shelf for four years. I’m so glad I finally got a chance to read it.
This is historical fiction with a time split and it finally makes itself know with a connection between each time period for a nice wrap-up.


In modern times Hannah Bond is estranged from her mother. Does her mother even deserve the title of mother, pregnant as a teen she wasn’t ready for motherhood and Hannah’s grandmother raises her giving her what her mother can’t, a warm home, parental guidance and more.

Her mother shows back up unexpectedly with some news after not seeing Hannah for years when her grandmother passes away. By this time Hannah has moved out and is in an apartment of her own. Her mother brings shocking news, the both of them have inherited a Paris apartment they knew nothing about from the family matriarch.


This long-deserted apartment and trying to sort it with a mother not in the best mental shape who can barely take care of herself after always being dependent on others is not what Hannah needs now or any time in her future.


As a diary from the 1920’s is discovered and clues given to a long-forgotten time period we see family matters coming together. I really enjoyed this time period of the story; it seems like such a marvelous and exciting time.


A reassessment of family and how an absence and rediscovery can lead to astonishing and heartwarming results.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris past and present and the characters, some pretty quirky add to the authentic flavor of the story. I’m glad I got a chance to read this finally.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Thompson is a lifelong Francophile with a degree in journalism. She loves food, books, and art. Lost in Paris is her first novel for Simon and Schuster‘s Gallery Books. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband and their Pembroke Welsh corgi, Luna.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
historical fiction

His Perfect Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages Book 3)

284 pages February 18, 2025 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sage Rhodes is eager to escape Manchester, England, and leave behind the pain of a broken engagement. When she’s offered the job as a lady’s maid to Augusta Lennox, who is traveling to Vancouver Island to visit her brother, Sage happily accepts the position.

Not so long ago, brilliant engineer Jackson Lennox faced a terrible tragedy during the building of a suspension bridge in the Fraser River Valley and becomes a recluse in his fine home in Victoria. When his sister and her beautiful lady’s maid arrive on his doorstep, he’s reluctant to welcome the visitors.

Organized and efficient, Sage starts to bring order not only to Jackson’s home but also to his life. Even though at first they clash, the attraction between the beauty and the beast is undeniable. Still, they do their best to ignore it. But when Augusta goes missing and they’re thrust into a dangerous adventure together, circumstances require them to pretend they’re married.

Will the charade—and their forced proximity—change their hearts…or ruin them both forever?

Forced proximity

Broken past engagement

Beauty and the beast

Different social classes

Reclusive hero

Opposites attract

Fake relationship/marriage

MY THOUGHTS

Having read the other two books in the Bride Ships: New Voyages series I was so excited to read another book in this series. I love that it continues on with characters and situations we’ve met in past books and also introduces us to new characters as well.


The characters are genuine and realistic and it’s well plotted as you could picture these things actually happening.
The descriptions make it easy to visualize the going Ons as they happen.
This is another lovely and exciting book taking place in the Pacific Northwest as we take another trip there.


I enjoyed setting sail once again and personally I couldn’t imagine myself being onboard for such a long trip but sometimes things become of the utmost importance that you don’t think you could possibly have done.
The love story was sweet and moved at a realistic pace. I enjoyed how protective her was of her and how she put such a priority on finding her sister.


A true Beauty and the Beast story as she discovers the true beauty behind the gruff outer appearance. A real winner and I can’t wait to read the next book in the story as it’ll continue this exciting series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean historical romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Blog Tour

Blog Tour for Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage by Della Galton

ABOUT THE BOOK

Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage

Can love conquer all?

Jade and Finn are idyllically happy in their little corner of rural Wiltshire. A rescue centre jampacked with animals keeps them super busy. With Finn’s art going from strength to strength, Jade can’t believe they’re living the dream until an arrogant property developer with questionable motives jeopardises their perfect lives and the future plans of the rescue centre.

Jade and Finn both have trust issues and they’ve promised there’ll be no more secrets. But keeping promises is harder than either of them imagined, especially where Finn’s past is concerned.

Living with Mr Spock the potty-mouthed parrot and Mickey the dog who barks at TV baddies there’s never a dull moment at Duck Pond Rescue. But will the humans get their ‘happy-ever-after’ too?
Can they lay the ghosts of the past to rest and find a bright new future together?

MY THOUGHTS

Simply fantastic. This is a series I try not to miss any of the stories in it and I’ve read quite a few by this author. I’ve read quite a few romance books and though this is one, I love that this series focuses on animal rescue as I am a big animal person. I really hope this series inspires others to help animals in some way even if by volunteering, donating goods, time or money, or even adoption or fostering animals.


We have our lovely couple Jade and Finn living in rural Wiltshire. Each are settled in with their own things to keep them busy, he’s an artistic painter, she runs the animal rescue with the help of some lovely volunteers and Finn as well.


I do have to say I did find humor in Mr. Spock; the rescue center resident parrot who would say things at the most inconvenient times.
Jade and Finn promised each other no more secrets but things have come up they’ve found hard to talk to each other about.


As the book progresses, we are introduced to some quirky characters and a turn happened I just didn’t see coming. Heartwarming and emotional I greatly look forward to reading more by the author.

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

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Della Galton writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @dailydella

Twitter: DellaGalton

Instagram: dellagalton

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DellaGaltonNewsletter

Bookbub profile: @dellagalton

Have a pleasant day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Blog Tour

Blog Tour for The Forever Home by Rosie Green

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Forever Home

What happens when a romantic Victorian pile that was meant to be your ‘forever home’ turns out to be a disaster in disguise? One Little Duck Pond Café pair are about to find out. Could the fall-out wreck their relationship? One thing’s for sure – it will take nothing short of a miracle to turn this turkey into the house of their dreams . . .

MY THOUGHTS

The Little Duck Pond Cafe is a series I try very hard not to miss any of the stories in it. I love that we meet new characters in it each story but that some of the regulars are there too.

Definitely a comfort series the whole way. I just love this series and wish I could have a nice sit down with the characters over a cup of tea.
This is a very emotional and special story dealing with love lost and the consequences of that.

I enjoyed reading about the characters passion for painting as a hobby.


There’s so much more I could say about this fabulous book, but I don’t want to give anything away.

My recommendation, just take an afternoon and read this or any of the author’s other books. I know you’ll enjoy them.

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

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Home-Little-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B0DHQXSLWZ

Author Bio

Rosie Green burst onto the writing scene at the age of nine, anonymously penning a weekly magazine for her five-year-old brother (mysteriously titled the ‘Willy’ comic) and fooling him completely by posting it through the letterbox every Thursday.

Rosie’s continuing love of writing saw her study English at Dundee University and spend her twenties working on various teenage magazines, including Jackie and Blue Jeans, and meeting pop stars. Then she got serious and worked as a newspaper sub-editor at the Dundee Courier before moving to Surrey and setting up an organic veg box delivery business. 

These days, she lives with her family in the beautiful county of Northumberland and has finally realised a life-long dream of becoming a published author. She currently writes the Little Duck Pond Cafe series of novellas, which is centred around life in a village cafe. Each book can be read as a stand-alone story.

Rosie has also written traditionally-published books under the name Catherine Ferguson. 

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

Categories
Romance

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez 

424 pages Publisher Forever Publication date April 2, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work. 

Emma hadn’t planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.

It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected–including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?

MY THOUGHTS

The author has done it again. Each story is so realistic, you could believe you are there observing it all.
I felt so many emotions reading this, it’s all so real. The heartbreak, the vulnerability, the need for reassurance, the love, the feeling of abandonment.
The character development is superb. Many tough subjects are brought up and handled with respect and understanding. Looking forward to more by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Abby Jimenez is a New York Times bestselling author and Food Network champion living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international following. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Blog Tour

Blog Tour for The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood

ABOUT THE BOOK

The House of Light and Shadows

An atmospheric and captivating old-house mystery, layered with romance and secrets.

Secrets lurk in the shadows at Rookswood House…

When Kate goes to look after her estranged sister’s children in their creepy old house, she takes a photo of what seems to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate undertakes to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters who lived there over a hundred years before.

But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters’ strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.

With a potential developer circling around, her teenage niece in danger from an unseen force, and new love on the horizon, Kate must unravel the secrets and lies of her own and Rookswood’s past before she loses everything she holds dear.

If you like historical mysteries by Eve Chase, Rachel Burton and Harriet Evans, you’ll love Lauren Westwood.

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

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed engaging with the story. Brilliantly written. I feel as though I was one of the characters in the book experiencing this for myself. The author brings the story to life as I could vividly imagine every scene played out in my head.

The characters are believable and the descriptions of the House of Light and Shadows incredible. Taking place in two time periods but yet seamlessly combined.

The long-forgotten mystery brought to life was every bit as intriguing as the modern-day time period. I need to read more of this author right away.

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

Author Bio –

Lauren Westwood is an author of emotional women’s fiction and intelligent romance novels.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @Lwestwoodbooks

Twitter: @lwestwoodwriter

Instagram: @lwestwoodwriter

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

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.

Categories
Blog Tour

Blog Tour for Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering

ABOUT THE BOOK

Andi Glover loves nothing more than a good book.

Any book in fact because when you’re raised by unconventional parents who think school’s for squares, alongside a deeply conventional sister who escapes home as soon as she can, fiction is eminently preferable to reality.

The only problem is that fiction isn’t the best way to learn about the real world. When Andi starts her new live-in job at Templewood Hall for the eccentric Lady Dawe and her enigmatic son Hugo, it’s tempting to think she’s fallen into the pages of one of her favourite gothic novels.

But the plot twists at Templewood Hall are stranger than fiction and it’s not long before Andi questions if she’s living in a romance novel or a whodunnit. Bumps in the night, a missing heir, ghostly apparitions and secrets that have been kept for generations – the mysteries mount up. Then there’s the inscrutable gardener who seems to appear when needed – is Andi right to hope for a happily-ever-after end to her story?

MY THOUGHTS

A bit different than the usual book I’ve read by the author.
A gothic mystery with a different vibe to it. I wouldn’t quite call it a romance. The book has a slow start and picks up the pace towards the ending.

A group of quirky characters makes up the lot here and a lovely cat rounds them out. A bit of drama, some unusual twists and turns and a few bumps in the night keep new caretaker Andi on her toes.


Andi Glover loves books and always has a book in hand, but will she find the answers to what really matters including love in the pages of her books?
An entertaining story about second chances and the possibility of growth when you just accept yourself for who you are then others will also.

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

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/happilyever

Author Bio –

Jane Lovering is a bestselling and multi-award winning romantic comedy writer. Most recently Jane won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @jane.lovering

Twitter: @janelovering

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

Bookbub profile: @janelovering

Thank you for stopping in today. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend.