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The Summer Daughter 

322 pages Kensington Book publisher May 31,2022 publish date

SYNOPSIS

In a summer read rich in depth and heart, acclaimed author Colleen French tells a story of love, motherhood, friendship, and family in a picturesque Delaware beach town . . .
 
Each year, the start of summer brings bustle and much-needed tourist dollars to the little town of Albany Beach, Delaware. For Natalie Sullivan, this season is proving more stressful than others. It’s make-or-break time for the Irish pub her husband, Conor, recently bought with his brothers. Their two children are thriving, but she’s experiencing pangs of loss at the end of her childbearing years.
 
When sixteen-year-old McKenzie starts gushing about Bella, the new coworker at her summer job, Natalie suddenly finds her past and present in conflict. Bella, two years older than McKenzie, looks so similar that a customer remarks that they could be sisters. And when Natalie learns that Bella was adopted, she is propelled back into a heartbreaking decision. As a college student, Natalie became pregnant and put her baby up for adoption. Now, the more McKenzie talks about Bella, the more Natalie wonders: could Bella be her daughter?
 
Conor insists it’s a mistake to pursue the matter. Natalie’s child belongs to another family now; that was the agreement in the closed adoption. Still, Natalie can’t resist spending time with Bella. As their bond deepens, McKenzie accuses her mother of caring more for a stranger than for her, and Natalie begins imagining what it would be like to have Bella as a second daughter. What will the impact be if Bella really is her biological child? And if she isn’t, can Natalie embrace the joy and potential in her own family, without always wondering about what could have been?

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MY THOUGHTS

I have so many books on my tbr list to come. Sometimes I wish I could read them faster, like this one.


Natalie Sullivan lives in a vacation town, Albany Beach, Delaware. The locals appreciate the beautiful beach area and the dollars the tourists bring in every year. As a local, Natalie is used to the hustle and bustle of the area and this summer her oldest child, her daughter is working a summer job at one of the local hot spot shops. She befriends the new girl, a teen several years older than her and more outgoing. Natalie is happy her daughter is being brought out of her shell.


When she gets a look at her daughter’s friend a flood of emotions comes rushing over her, see she has a secret she’s only told a few people. Namely her husband, parents and best friend. When she was a teen on a summer trip abroad, she got pregnant and gave up her first child in a closed adoption. At the end of her childbearing years, she is regretting this decision and would like to find her daughter.

Now she’s wondering, is it possible, could it be……. is her daughter’s new friend actually her oldest daughter. They do look very similar she thinks. Then the book progresses as the two girls become close friends and Natalie has so many conflicting emotions wondering if it’s her daughter as she and the girl become close to the dismay of her daughter who thinks it’s weird.

She can’t tell her daughter her secret, her hormones are raging; and her husband is fed up with how it’s affecting the whole family. See, her daughter’s best friend is adopted, is it her daughter? When her best friend’s daughter decides to try to find her birth mother Natalie is afraid of what the results may be. This book had my emotions all over the place. A sure not to miss tension filled summer read.

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

About the Author

Colleen French lives in Delaware, where her family settled more than three hundred years ago. She comes from a long line of storytellers and spends her days, when she’s not writing, running the family farm, reading, and traveling the world. She has four children and seven grandchildren.

I hope you have a sunshiny day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Happy Publication Day and Blog Tour for The Nurse Behind the Gates by Shari J. Ryan

ABOUT THE BOOK

achau, 1942. Emilie has been told she’s here to nurse evil men. But the first patient she sees in the cold, dark room is hauntingly familiar. Her first love is not wicked. He couldn’t be. What is he doing here?

Emilie’s heart stops as she takes in her childhood sweetheart hunched in a tattered prisoner’s uniform, the light lost from his face. Her new husband, Otto, said this was a camp for criminals. He should know, he’s the doctor. But Danner would never have broken the law.

As she looks into Danner’s beautiful brown eyes, she’s transported back to their happy childhood in Munich. The friendship they shared. The way her heart once felt like it beat only for him. Before the Jewish laws were enforced and Danner pushed Emilie away to protect her, breaking her heart.

Now, Emilie rushes to find Otto, desperate for answers. But when she discovers him waiting with confidentiality papers for her to sign, she realizes her husband has been lying. This isn’t a place to treat sick criminals, but to murder the innocent. And Otto tells her if she doesn’t help, they’ll both die.

Her hands shake as she receives her instructions. But as she rushes back to the sickbay, searching for a way to escape, her gaze lands on Danner once more. In his eyes, she can see something that almost looks like hope…

The thought of losing her first love again tears Emilie’s heart in two. She’s determined to keep him alive, and perhaps she can alter the fate of more than just one prisoner. But can she save Danner? Or will she die trying to rescue the man she’s never stopped loving?

MY THOUGHTS

Oh, my heart, this book deserves nothing less than a five-star review. If I could give it more I would.
I was immersed in the characters and their situations as I read.
My heart ached as I read. Why is life so harsh, so unfair to some just because of their nationality, while the “right” people seem to have it so easy in life?


Based on true events, the book is heart wrenching, it brought tears to my eyes more than once.


Growing up in Munich, Emilie has had a happy childhood with many friends to play with, of both sexes. They go in and out of each other’s house like as though they were their own.


Emilie and Danner………. best of childhood friends to young sweethearts. Then he is lost to her as they are separated because he is Jewish and he doesn’t want to see her suffer because of him, and her heart is broken. With her heart broken she marries Otto, a doctor. Nurse Emilie’s patient is strikingly familiar, that voice she knows it. Doctor Otto’s instructions are not just to treat the patient but to do horrible things to the patients that will result in their deaths. She is sickened when she comes to the realization, who is this man she married that has been lying to her?


With her childhood dreams of love fading before her eyes will she be able to do what she knows her heart is calling her to do? Based on truth it’s important to not forget these dark times lest we repeat this time where so many suffered needlessly.


Realistic and poignant, reading this will evoke a variety of emotions. The women are the strong characters in this book, their strength turns the darkness into recovery and positivity. A not to miss read.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ONTHE TOUR

Buy Link(s): https://geni.us/B0CVGX2XYYsocial

AUTHOR BIO

USA Today and International Bestselling Author, Shari J. Ryan, is known for her captivating World War Two Historical Fiction, Women’s Romance Fiction, and gripping Psychological Thriller novels. Each series and standalone contains a wide range of dark suspense and heartbreaking emotions. 

Shari has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University and started her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012 when she discovered her passion for writing books. Since then, she has been captivating readers with her compelling storytelling and has written over thirty-five novels with translated publications in twelve languages.

Shari’s talent and dedication have earned her a place on the USA Today Bestseller List, as well as rankings in Amazon’s Top 100, Barnes & Noble’s Top Ten, and iBooks at number one. She has also received two Rone awards for her outstanding work.

Some of Shari’s bestselling books include: “The Stolen Twins,” The Bookseller of Dachau,” “The Doctor’s Daughter,” “The Girl with the Diary,” “Prison Child,” “The Soldier’s Letters,” and “The Lieutenant’s Girl.” These gripping novels are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Shari, a lifelong Boston girl lives in a small town in the suburbs and has a loving marriage with her adored husband. Together, they have two incredible young sons who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world. 

To learn more about Shari J. Ryan and her captivating books, visit her official website at www.sharijryan.com

Social Media

Website: https://www.sharijryan.com/

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Happy Publication Day and blog tour for Coming Home to The Sunflower Cliffs by Georgina Troy 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Coming Home to the Sunflower Cliffs

Gabriel has returned to the island of Jersey after ten years abroad to help his aging showbiz parents revive their failing Art Deco hotel, The Encore. This proves to be something of a challenge, especially as his singer father and actress mother are more concerned with staying in the limelight than keeping track of the cash-flow. It looks like Gabriel isn’t going anywhere fast. Meanwhile, he’s stunned to find that the hotel’s new receptionist is Daisy, the girl he fell in love with years earlier in Vietnam, and falling in love with someone who is tied to Jersey is the last thing she wants.

Previously published as A Jersey Bombshell

MY THOUGHTS

I read a lot of books that have tough subjects to get through and sometimes I just need an escapist read. A fabulous book to just read in an afternoon, relax and forget about it all. Georgina Troy has books just like this, the afternoon disappeared as I read while sipping tea.

Yes, the characters have problems, just like we all do, and it seems like they won’t be resolved but by the book’s end they are.

I think one of the things I love about reading rom-coms is a guaranteed happy ending. Life is hard so read books that make you happy. I loved the descriptions of the breathtaking island of Jersey.

Life certainly holds surprises, doesn’t it? Gabriel, a former Jersey island resident feels he needs to come home. His parents are having trouble with their hotel, financially and otherwise. He’ll come home make the hotel have a quick turn around and be on his way.

To his shock Daisy, a woman he met while in Vietnam years ago is now the receptionist at his parents’ hotel. He hadn’t been able to get Daisy off his mind, unfortunately things don’t always work out like we plan them too. Will this be the second chance they need or will the extra baggage they are carrying get in the way of this potential sunny island romance?

A breathtakingly delightful summer romance you won’t easily forget.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Author Bio –

Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorginaTroy

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/contributor/georgina-troy/

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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A couple of cozy mystery reviews for you, including: The Twelve Books of Christmas and A Book Club to Die For

319 pages Berkley publisher October 24, 2023 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright and her hunky security-expert husband, Derek Stone, face a locked-room murder mystery during the holidays in Scotland.

In the middle of a wonderful Christmas holiday in Dharma, Brooklyn and Derek receive a frantic phone call from their dear friend Claire in Loch Ness, Scotland. The laird of the castle, Cameron MacKinnon, has just proposed to her! They plan to be married on New Year’s Day, and they want Derek and Brooklyn to be their witnesses. And while they’re visiting, Claire hopes that Brooklyn will be able to solve a little mystery that’s occurred in the castle library—twelve very rare, very important books have gone missing.

Once in Scotland, Brooklyn starts working on the mystery of the missing books but is soon distracted by all of the thumping and bumping noises she’s been hearing in the middle of the night. You’d think the Ghost of Christmas Past had taken up residence. But when one of the guests is poisoned and another is killed by an arrow through the heart, Brooklyn and Derek know this is not the work of any ghost. Now they must race to find a killer and a book thief before another murder occurs and their friends’ bright and happy future turns dark and deadly.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the setting of this one, a wonderful sounding castle in Scotland and even better the description of the library in the castle was swoon worthy.


Though this is the seventeenth book in the series, it’s the only Christmas themed one and I’m all for Christmas books.
Book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright and her husband are enjoying their holidays when they receive a call from Brooklyn’s friend Claire in Loch Ness, Scotland. She is so excited at having just received a proposal from laird of the castle Cameron MacKinnon.

With a New Years wedding to take place they want Brooklyn and Derek to be their witness.
When they arrive, they are tasked with helping to solve the case of twelve missing books, these are rare and irreplaceable books.
If that isn’t enough their sleep is disturbed by loud bumping and crashing noises and several guests have hit their expiration dates a little early.


I want to visit the library in this Scottish castle, especially at holiday time.
The mystery was mostly about the missing books not the murder. The book moved at a decent pace though and I enjoyed the character development. The husband-and-wife team made for an interesting read especially with him being a security-expert and having all the investigative tools needed.

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

300 pages Berkley publisher November 1, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a member of an exclusive book club is checked out, spunky librarian Trudell Becket must sort fact from fiction to solve the murder.

The Cypress Arete Society is one of the town’s oldest and most exclusive clubs. When assistant librarian Trudell Becket is invited to speak to the group about the library, its modernization, and her efforts to bring printed books to the reading public, her friend Flossie invites herself along. Flossie has been on the book club’s waiting list for five years, and she’s determined to find out why she’s never received an invitation to join. 

But not long after Tru and Flossie arrive for the meeting, they’re shocked to find the club’s president, Rebecca White, dead in the kitchen. Rebecca was a former TV actress and local celebrity, but was not known for being patient or pleasant. She’d been particularly unkind to the book club’s host for the evening, who also happens to be the mother of Detective Jace Bailey, Tru’s boyfriend. And Rebecca had made it clear that she didn’t think Flossie was book club material.

With her boyfriend and one of her best friends wrapped up in a murder, Tru has to work fast to figure out who cut Rebecca’s story short before the killer takes another victim out of circulation….

MY THOUGHTS

A cozy mystery series involving a library and a cat? Yes please, sign me up.
Tru, an assistant librarian, runs a secret library checkout room in the libraries’ basement with discarded books because the library has decided to go with digital books only. I hope this never happens to the libraries I go to.
The book checkout doesn’t involve technology just the old-fashioned cards you sign books out with.


The Cypress Arete Society invites assistant librarian, Trudell Becket to speak at their book club. After Tru informs her friend Flossie of this, she won’t take no for an answer and invites herself to the meeting. Now Flossie has been trying to join this book club for five years and there’s never been an opening yet.

In the kitchen, club president Rebecca White is found dead by Flossie and Tru. Not known to be overly friendly she has been rude to Tru and holds steady on her insistence Flossie is not getting into the book club. Is it a matter of sour grapes that has this former TV actress and local celebrity found stone cold on the floor? Fast paced mystery that kept me guessing and enjoying this book.

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

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping in today.

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Blog tour and Publication Day post for This Summer will be Different by Carley Fortune

361 pages Berkley publisher May 7,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A glorious and tantalizing new escape from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.

This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give into temptation. This summer will be different.

Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Lucy and Felix’s chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again.

It’s easier said than done.

Each year, Lucy escapes to PEI for a big breath of coastal air, fresh oysters and crisp vinho verde with her best friend, Bridget. Every visit begins with a long walk on the beach, beneath soaring red cliffs and a golden sun. And every visit, Lucy promises herself she won’t wind up in Felix’s bed. Again.

If Lucy can’t help being drawn to Felix, at least she’s always kept her heart out of it.

When Bridget suddenly flees Toronto a week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to follow her to the island. Her mission is to help Bridget through her crisis and resist the one man she’s never been able to. But Felix’s sparkling eyes and flirty quips have been replaced with something new, and Lucy’s beginning to wonder just how safe her heart truly is.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is such a quick pick me upper. I absolutely loved everything about it. The perfect summer beach read this is one not to leave behind.


Every year Lucy vacations on PEI with her bestie Bridget, there’s the sun, surf and sand, clams and hot guys. Lucy only has eyes for Felix though, he’s her summer hookup every year. She tells herself it’s just a hookup and her heart isn’t in it, he doesn’t really mean anything to her. She knows she’s lying to herself though and she doesn’t know how to stop these feelings.


In crisis mode Bridget leaves Toronto to go back to the island just days from her wedding. Lucy knows she must follow to help her friend in any way she can.

An angsty romance that I just couldn’t stop reading. The chemistry is hot even though the main characters are trying to deny what’s happening, they are undeniably drawn to each other like magnets.


The scenic setting sounds like the perfect summer get away. I loved seeing the personal growth the characters had. I was satisfied with the ending and read this in one day.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of EVERY SUMMER AFTER and MEET ME AT THE LAKE. Her third book, THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT, comes out May 7, 2024. Carley is an award-winning journalist and worked as an editor at some of Canada’s top publications, including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Toronto Life, and The Grid. She was most recently the Executive Editor of Refinery29 Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Instagram @carleyfortune.

Have a marvelous day. Thanks for stopping in.

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With Each Tomorrow (The Jewels of Kalispell Book #2): (A Christian Historical Romance Series by Bestselling Authors set in Montana with Mystery and Intrigue)

391 pages Bethany House Publishers May 21,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Even in the midst of adversity, love and faith can flourish.

As the formation of Glacier National Park takes Eleanor Briggs and her conservationist father on a journey west to advocate for public lands, her heart carries the weight of a painful past. Since the death of her mother, she has spent her life traveling the country with her father and helping him with his work, but now he’s considering settling down and writing a book–and she’s not sure what that means for her future.

Carter Brunswick faces trials of his own when the Great Northern Railway’s departure threatens his family’s livelihood and the entire town of Kalispell. In the visiting conservationist’s daughter, Ellie, he finds a spirited woman who challenges his convictions in ways he never anticipated, and his own dreams for the future begin to change.

When tensions over the railroad’s departure boil over, Ellie and Carter are drawn together on a daring journey that tests the depths of their feelings and their faith in God.

MY THOUGHTS

Over ten years ago Eleanor Brigg’s mother died after terrible suffering, this has made her question her relationship with God. Why as such a Godly woman with her strong faith wasn’t she spared from such suffering she wonders. Her faith in God shattered she doesn’t believe a relationship with him is plausible.


Carter Brunswick owns his family’s flour mill in Kalispell, Montana his family does well and is responsible for employing almost all in town. The land needed to grow adequate wheat for as much flour as they provide for not only the state but out of state is monumentous, thousands of acres.


Elanor and her conservatist father travel to Kalispel to advocate for the land not to be owned privately but to be turned into a public land for all to enjoy and be conserved for generations to come. This was before the National Parks came about, specifically Glacier National Park.


Carter has other things to occupy his mind besides his wheat fields though, the Great Northern Railway due to safety concerns and expenses is ready to pull out and go to a more industrial and profitable area. This will affect the whole town and its employees when they can’t get the product shipped out.


Despite their differences in opinions and initial dislike for each other Ellie and Carter know they must work together for the benefit of all.
I think my favorite character is the mayor’s wife. She works so hard to get the couple together and she is so strong and perseveres in helping Ellie find her way back to God.


Such a beautiful faith filled story, with so many encouraging elements, Ellie’s journey back to God was such a heartwarming read. I did enjoy reading about the conservationist rallying around for large amounts of land to become public lands preserved for all to enjoy.


I enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot. I am looking forward to a continuation to this series and a follow up of the situations we encountered in this book.

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

THE AUTHORS

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in the Poconos with her husband of thirty years. kimberleywoodhouse.com

Find Kim on twitter and facebook:

twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

author fan page Kimberley Woodhouse

Do you have a favorite book(s) by these authors? I’ve been reading both authors for years.

Thanks for stopping in great to see you today.

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The Wedding Gift 

320 pages Random House UK publisher 02 Sep 2021 publish date originally published 2013

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1852, when prestigious Alabama plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah—her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not the proper Southern belle she appears to be, with ambitions of loving whom she chooses. Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. Both women bring these tumultuous secrets and desires with them to their new home, igniting events that spiral into a tale beyond what you ever imagined possible. Told through the alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius’ wife, Marlen Suyapa Bodden’s The Wedding Gift is an intimate portrait of slavery and the 19th Century South that will leave readers breathless.

MY THOUGHTS

The Wedding Gift is a very emotional book and was a hard read. When you’re reading a book about slavery, the owning of another person you say to yourself how is this even possible? You are with your parents until you are grown, if you are fortunate enough. But to be kidnapped or just taken possession of and belong to another person and have no say in your life and what you do? Not much could be more wrong than this.

When you think of slaves and slavery do you think of Civil War times? I know I do but yet statistics say there are more slaves worldwide now than at any other time in history, over 40.3 million people and this was in 2018.
While I didn’t find much unexpected in this book about slavery as I’ve read a lot on the subject, I thought it was a worthwhile read to once again bring attention to it.


This book is a work of fiction though it could mirror the life many slaves had.
From about 6 years old Sarah knew she was a slave, living in the slave quarters with her Mama and older sister. She worked in the kitchen with her mother. Sarah was the half-sister of the plantation owner’s daughter, Carissa. Carissa had the right to tell her she had to play with her, and the girls grew together as sisters. Carissa was given schooling lessons and Sarah would sit in on them and learned to read and write. Of course, learning to read and write was strictly forbidden for slaves back then and punishable by beating to death.


When it’s time for Carissa to marry Sarah is to be given to Carissa’s soon to be cruel husband as a wedding gift.
Sarah in desperation uses these forbidden skills, reading and writing as a way to escape plantation life. With slave catchers and their dogs hot on the trail of her scent, will she make it to freedom where even free people can be taken back into custody in the free states?


The book has a lot in it you would expect of life on a planation filled with slaves. At the end there was a surprising twist though. A quick read, I had trouble putting this one down.

Pub Date 02 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marlen Suyapa Bodden is the international bestselling author of THE WEDDING GIFT and ARROWS OF FIRE. Marlen is a lawyer and activist on human rights and climate change issues.

Thank you for stopping in today. Enjoy your day.

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Catching up, a few Christmas book reviews for you: Winter Fires at Mill Grange and Single all the Way

416 pages Aria publisher November 11, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mill Grange is putting on a show this holiday season!

When young Dylan Harris‘s former babysitter (and soon to be step-sister), Harriet, needs a last-minute venue for her acting troupe’s outdoor production of Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, the staff at Mill Grange throw open its doors, keen to fill their halls with guests over the holiday season… but they may get more drama than they’d bargained for!

With pageants and plays to arrange, a much-anticipated book launch, an unexpected arrival, a heart-warming offer, and a little bit of the manor’s magic, this Christmas is one that Thea, Tina, Sam, Shaun, Helen and Tom – along with retirees Bert and Mabel Hastings – won’t soon forget…

MY THOUGHTS

This is the last book in the Mill Grange series as we’ve read through the seasons with the book titles. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the generations of the family over the series and have seen so much character development.


Will Mill Grange be up for all that’s asked of it? Harriet, Dylan Harris’s former babysitter (and soon to be stepsister) is out of options and is in desperate need of a venue for her acting troupe’s outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale.

With staff more than eager to please they offer their help in any way. Let’s just say, if it can go wrong, it’ll go wrong.

The characters have highs and lows. A welcoming return of characters we’ve met in the other books in the series had me excitedly flipping pages and feeling right at home. Small town charm, sweet romance and community togetherness. This is a fun book not to miss.

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

264 pages Boldwood books August 18,2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Dani’s boyfriend (and boss!) dumps her for a younger model, the only silver lining she can see is to be able to spend Christmas at home with her family after years away.

Determined to surprise them, Dani turns up unannounced in her hometown, excited to see that the festive season in Marram Bay is in full swing with Christmas lights twinkling on every corner. But disaster strikes when she finds her parents’ house is empty and they appear to have gone away on holiday!

Christmas alone and single is not ideal, and when Dani starts bumping into old friends, neighbours and potential love interests, she can’t face telling them the truth. So in a panic she claims to be home to throw a Christmas party for the whole town – easier said than done with 12 days to go before Christmas…

As the fake party approaches, little does Dani know that there may be someone there under the mistletoe for her, if she can just let her guard down and see them…

MY THOUGHTS

I haven’t read many books by Portia MacIntosh but the ones I’ve read have made me chuckle at the predicaments the characters get themselves into.
In this one Dani’s boss/boyfriend dumps her right before Christmas. Haven’t these women learned anything, why they keep continuing to date their boss in these books is beyond me. That’s one thing that’ll never turn out well.

With no dates for the holiday, she’s got it all planned, with her extra time she’ll go visit her parents for the holiday and just show up as a lovely surprise. The surprise is on her though when she finds out her surprise visit is a bust as her parents are not home but on holiday themselves without telling her. Deciding to stay there while they holiday, she runs into old friends and acquaintances.

She’s hopeful a romance may just come knocking this Christmas season for a little kissing under the fairy lights. Cute, romantic seasonal read packed with humor.

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

Have a super day and I’m always so happy to see you here. Thank you!

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Book Birthday Blitz for Maid of Steel by Kate Baker plus UK giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maid Of Steel

It’s 1911 and, against her mother’s wishes, quiet New Yorker Emma dreams of winning the right to vote. She is sent away by her parents in the hope distance will curb her desire to be involved with the growing suffrage movement and told to spend time learning about where her grandparents came from.

Across the Atlantic – Queenstown, southern Ireland – hotelier Thomas dreams of being loved, even noticed, by his actress wife, Alice. On their wedding day, Alice’s father had assured him that adoration comes with time. It’s been eight years. But Alice has plans of her own and they certainly don’t include the fight for equality or her dull husband.

Emma’s arrival in Ireland leads her to discover family secrets and become involved in the Irish Women’s Suffrage Society in Cork. However, Emma’s path to suffrage was never meant to lead to a forbidden love affair…

Giveaway for UK residents. Rules at the bottom of the post.

MY THOUGHTS

I was drawn to the cover of the book and the subject matter sounded so interesting.
It’s 1911 in New York and the adventure starts at the very beginning of the book and continues throughout.


The women involved in the suffrage movement during this time period show such strength. No one’s words or opinions are going to stop them.
Being sent away to Ireland in the early twentieth century is meant to make Emma forget about women’s suffrage, but she becomes more involved than ever with it.

I was swept away in the beautiful description of Cork which just enforces my wish to visit Ireland someday to trace my ancestors.
You’re going to experience a lot of emotions while reading this, this story is so beautifully written.


A gripping story of self-discovery, family secrets revealed and a shocking scandalous love affair.
Glimmering with elegance this page turner will take you by surprise.

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

Purchase Links

Publisher’s link: https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/book/486/maid-of-steel-SMwd/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/191535269X/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/191535269X/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/maid-of-steel/kate-baker/9781915352699

AUTHOR BIO

Author Bio – Maid of Steel is Kate’s first full length novel to be published. She also writes short stories and is presently drafting a second novel.

She writes at a desk covered in to-do lists and lights candles in the hope the lists disappear in the shadows.

She lives in East Anglia in the UK with her husband where they attempt to look after farmland for generations to come.

A small, very small, dog can be frequently found on Kate’s lap. Otis is her first miniature dachshund.

https://www.instagram.com/KateFrancesWrites

https://www.facebook.com/KateBakerAuthor

https://katefrancesbaker.com

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Maid of Steel, candle and lipsil (Open to UK Only)*Terms and Conditions –UK  entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with

third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Blog tour for A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop

Going to the chapel, but will they get married?

After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.

So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?!

Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home.

Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her?

A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland

MY THOUGHTS

Though I’ve only read two books in this series. I already feel as though the characters are friends. I just finished the first in this series yesterday and now here I’ve just finished the sixth book. After finishing this I can see I have some catching up to do with the characters as so much has happened between books. I am really enjoying this series so much.

Each book has so many of the same characters in them, so you know right where you are with the characters and what to expect. Holly is still running her sweet shop she bought from longtime owner Maud.

Previously Holly had been running herself ragged running the shop herself seven days a week. She’s still running the shop but has accepted help from family and friends at times, so she’ll have more time for other important things. The book is so realistic it just makes me smile.

Holly now has a beautiful baby daughter from one of her previous relationships, but they are not together now. The ups and downs continue with the relationship she has with her parents. They are having trouble accepting she is making her own choices in life and think they know what’s best for her still.


She’s so excited a special friend of hers is getting married but when a big snag develops in their wedding plans will things be able to come together in time?


Sweet and charming. I love the characters and recommend the whole series. A magical book that’ll have you experiencing all the emotions and leave you with a smile.

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

Purchase Links

UK – https://mybook.to/summerweddingsweetshop

US – https://mybook.to/summercotswoldssocial

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres. As well as signing a new romantic fiction series, Boldwood will be republishing the first of her bestselling Sweet Shop series, inspired by her Cotswolds childhood, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances in April 2023.

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 visiting my blog today. Have a wonderful day.