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Second Chances at the Cotswolds Candy Store (The Holly Berry Sweet Shop Book 1)

324 pages Boldwood Books 27 April 2023 published date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Starting over never tasted so good

Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories.

Quite literally.

However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project.

After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be?

MY THOUGHTS

This is a really sweet book, and I don’t mean just because it’s about a sweet shop.
Holly worked at Just One More as a teenager and remained close with the owner after she left. After one of the women passed away that owned half of the shop the other owner informs Holly it was not her dream any longer to run the shop and she’s selling up.

After a breakup and needing a fresh start Holly has the brilliant idea to purchase the sweet shop and run it. Letting nostalgia guide her she wasn’t aware of what goes on with the other side of business. It’s so much more stressful being the owner than just the employee.

With Easter candy, creams, twists, gummies and chocolates galore she’s ready to run this business as has become her dream. When inspectors find some things not up to par, costly repairs needing done and customers giving her a hard time she frazzled. Add to this she works seven days a week and can’t afford to hire any help yet.

Will she even have time for a romance, or will these sweet treats be all she has the time for? When things seem to go from bad to worse will her dreams of living in this quaint little village with her charming shop end before all the bon bons are gone?

Sweet, charming and humorous I was rooting for Holly the whole time.
I’m enjoying this series.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Her second book, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus – a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist – went on to win the 2018 Kindle Storyteller Award and the Independent Publishers Gold Medal for Best Adult Ebook.


Born in 1984, Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she spent 15 years as a teacher of physics, first in the UK and then Thailand, Malaysia, Austria and Jordan. It was during this time, inspired by the imaginations of the young people she taught, she began writing short stories for children, and later adult fiction.

With over 20 publications spanning a number of genres and translated into half a dozen languages, Hannah has proven herself to be both an accomplished and prolific author.

Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and horde of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction. Her first historical fiction novel, Athena’s Child, was also a 2020 Gold Medalist at the Independent Publishers Awards.

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Blog Tour for Finding Friends at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

ABOUT THE BOOK

Finding Friends at the Cornish Country Hospital

A fresh beginning…

Esther Hamilton, is finally finding her feet after her split with her horrible ex, and is looking forward to her new single life. She has a job she loves in the busy Accident and Emergency department, a new home and for the first time ever, a chance to just have fun with her good friends. Love is very much off the cards…

An old friend…

Until the arrival of Joe Carter – the brother of Esther’s best friend, Danni. Joe is also newly single and still as gorgeous as ever, but Esther can’t lose her heart to Joe. If it all went wrong, she’d lose two of her best friends.

A second chance at love?

But working together over a troubled patient, the connection between them is undeniable. And when Esther’s parents’ marriage hits trouble, Joe is there for her, offering her support, and Esther knows she’s fallen hard.

Are they brave enough to take a risk on love, or are they destined to remain friends forever?

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

MY THOUGHTS

After just reading the first book in this new series by an author I enjoy reading very much I was more than eager to dig into Finding Friends at the Cornish Country Hospital and get an update on the characters’ lives. Though this is a series it can be read as a standalone, but why would you do that when both books are so much fun.


The first book has Danni’s story and now we have Esther’s story. Esther was going out with Lucas, Danni’s ex but the jerk cheated on her. There is so much going on in this book, so many side stories that I am hoping to see a continuation of one that will develop into out next book in the series. There is also Caroline, Esther’s mom.

They say retirement can be really rough on a couple not used to being around each other all day long. As Caroline tries to engage her husband in activities to spend time together and have a closer bond, he seems to be pulling the opposite way, away from her. It was very realistic seeing Caroline and her husband’s story as often times happens with long married couples. They both has misconceptions about how the other feels and secrets are so damaging in relationships.


Danni’s brother Joe is in town from Australia and working in the same hospital. Things seem to be a great match with Esther but how could things possibly take a romantic turn when he will be here for such a limited time?


Once again, I enjoyed the realistic hospital setting and meeting the patients. There is a bit of a charged atmosphere with the hospital staff dealing with mental illness, as kindness is thought to be so much more. It had me feeling creeped out a bit.


The author does such a great job of drawing the reader into the character’s lives and having you right there with them. Such a strong story line, it kept my attention and had me eagerly reading it. I am hopeful there will be more in this series because I am not ready to let these characters go quite yet.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Bartlett was born a stone’s throw from the English Channel and still lives near the sea in Kent. Jo has had numerous bestsellers in the UK, Australia and Canada, including a UK Top 10. Since joining Boldwood Books in 2021, Jo has had a further eight bestselling novels in The Cornish Midwife series.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_B_Writer 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo_bartlett123/

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

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Blog tour for The Sunshine Sisters: Aurora by Rosie Green

I apologize for posting so late today. The past few days I’ve been feeling under the weather.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Sunshine Sisters: Aurora (Little Duck Pond Café)

This is the first book in an exciting new trilogy (‘The Sunshine Sisters’, part of the Little Duck Pond Café series) about three sisters, who are all – in their different ways – searching for something missing in their lives. They haven’t been close since a shocking incident years ago sent them spinning off in different directions. Will the village of Sunnybrook work its magic and finally reunite the family?

In this first story, Rori has escaped a desperate situation by fleeing to the village. But can she really leave her past behind, or will it come back to haunt her, as she fears it will? Can she find the peace and happiness she craves in Sunnybrook?

MY THOUGHTS

What a wonderful series. It always makes me so happy to see another book in this series. This is book one of the trilogy of the Sunshine sisters. This is Aurora’s story and we also have joining her in this book and in their own stories’ sisters, Skye and Blossom.


Aurora has gotten out of a bad relationship and was unsure of where to go because she thought her ex would find her. The ladies from the Little Duck Pond Cafe have a solution as there’s an empty place above the cafe for her to live and be safe.

Things are going along well for her here; she feels safe in Sunnybrook and she’s at the start of a new relationship with a wonderful guy. Before she can relax too much strange things start happening to her and she’s on edge again. Has her past found her again?

I enjoyed meeting Aurora’s sisters and can’t wait to read their stories too. With a mystery to solve can she figure out what’s going on before it’s too late? The ending was a surprise to me that I just didn’t see coming. I enjoyed this book so much and can recommend the whole series.

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

Purchase Link – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C6B1Y1KW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosie’s series of Little Duck Pond Café novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. ‘A Winter Wonderland’ is out now. Look out for Skye’s story and Blossom’s story, completing ‘The Sunshine Sisters’ trilogy – out in April and June!

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

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Blog tour for Notes from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley

Notes from the Cove: An addictive, emotional and heart-wrenching page-turner (Sand Dollar Cove)

ABOUT THE BOOK

The cozy café on the bustling beach welcomes tourists and locals for steaming coffees and delicious homemade cakes. But when Brittany receives mysterious notes from a customer will they lead her to the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

Brittany Thompson has spent her whole life in peaceful Sand Dollar Cove lonely, loving the wrong men and mourning the loss of her beloved older brother Paul—the only guy she’s ever been able to trust—when they were just teenagers. Her one escape is her café, Safe Harbor, where customers can gift meals to strangers along with handwritten notes of encouragement.

That is until a familiar face returns to town: rugged, brooding Ryan Osborne—the man Brittany had a schoolgirl crush on when they were young. And who was once her brother’s best friend… Ryan’s arrival brings back painful memories, and bumping into him at the charming café sends Brittany’s emotions all over the place.

Brittany can’t forget the way Ryan skipped town after Paul’s death, leaving her to grieve alone, though as she watches him struggle to readjust to life in the cove, her heart softens just a little. But just as she and Ryan start to grow closer, bonding over their shared past, mysterious notes begin appearing. The messages encourage Brittany to think about the person she is and how her past led her here…

But when Brittany uncovers a secret about the night she lost Paul that changes everything, can she and Ryan come together to finally heal and find a happier future together? Or will the truth of what really happened tear them apart forever?

Escape to the beautiful coastal town of Sand Dollar Cove in this heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of long-buried heartbreak, the journey to loving yourself, and learning to forgive. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Mary Alice Monroe and Liz Eeles will fall hard for this gripping novel.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the fourth book I’ve read in the Sand Dollar Cover series and the third full length book. You get a novella length book in the series when you sign up for the author’s newsletter.

Sand Dollar Cove’s description sounds so peaceful and relaxing. Taking place in the Pacific Northwest, with the water lapping serenely against the shore and shells to be found while walking along the beach you’ll surely want to spend the day here.

The water isn’t always this calm though and one night a fierce storm caused lifelong resident Brittany Thompson‘s older brother to lose his life in a boating accident back when they were in high school. Brittany has always blamed his best friend Ryan Osborne as they were together that night.

I really enjoyed how the series continues right from the last book with the same characters, so we already know them and their personalities.

How will Brittany react when she sees Ryan inside of her new cafe, she’s opened that has been a long-time dream of hers? To make matters worse she realizes he has moved back to the area.

Brittany really has a lot to deal with, Ryan moves back to town, her teenaged son has been having some emotional struggles and then a secret is revealed that changes what she thought she knew about something so important.

As the two spend more time together she sees he’s struggling to readjust to live in the cove again and has a teenaged daughter that is going through her own struggles. Despite her struggles I liked his daughter’s character, and it shows her vulnerability. I was glad to see her persevere, standing up for herself and making friends. It’s not easy as a teenager moving to a new area and not knowing anyone.

Just like the other books in the series, there is a lot going on with parents, teens, adjusting to a move, relationships, learning to trust again comes into it. I fully recommend this series.

There are family dynamics, misunderstandings, reacquaintances, forgiveness, reconciliation and just plain compassion and at the end of the day after all they’ve been through, they are there for each other with family love.

A must read series!

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https://geni.us/B0CRDV83HCsocial grab it here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and two children. Jennifer’s column, ‘I Brake for Moms’, has appeared in the Everett Herald every week since 2012. When Jennifer is not writing books or experimenting with her latest kitchen appliance, you can find her walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets. 

Social media

Website

https://jenniferbardsley.com

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferBardsleyAuthor

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbardsleyauthor

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Blog Tour for The Sapphire Daughter by Soraya Lane.

I’m always so happy to read this author’s books. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Sapphire Daughter: A completely gripping and emotional page-turner (The Lost Daughters Book 4)

Lake Geneva, 1951: Delphine looked up at Florian, her fingers grazing his cheek as she pressed her mouth to his, the sapphire tiara sparkling beside them. “Yes,” she whispered against his lips. “I will marry you. If you can find a way, then I promise you. I will marry you.”

London, present day. Georgia holds the rare pink sapphire in her hands, watching it glitter in the morning light. It was left for her at Hope’s House, a home for unmarried mothers whose babies were adopted. But how is it connected to the secrets of her family’s complicated history?

Georgia tries to forget about the sapphire, her heart too bruised by past hurts. But when she discovers the gemstone was part of a priceless tiara owned by the Italian royal family, she is drawn in by the mystery surrounding it. Her only way of finding answers is to travel to Lake Geneva to meet with the man who inherited the stunning tiara from his grandfather.

When she arrives at the breathtaking lakeside city, handsome Luca tells her he’s been searching for the missing stone for years and is eager to piece together how it arrived at Hope’s House. As they spend sun-drenched days together, Georgia and Luca grow closer and uncover the passionate, forbidden love story of Delphine and Florian, whose tragic romance forced Delphine to make a heartbreaking decision with devastating consequences…

As Georgia comes to terms with the decades-old secret, will it shatter everything she thought she knew about herself? Or will Delphine’s courage inspire her to open up her own heart and build a new life with Luca?

A completely gripping and escapist read about family mysteries and true love that lasts a lifetime, that will leave you spellbound. The perfect read for fans of Lucinda Riley, Victoria Hislop and Santa Montefiore.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CKW3Q7W8social

MY THOUGHTS

This is an incredible time slip historical novel.


Busy, modern woman Georgia has been summoned to receive a package that has come from Hope’s House, a home for unwed mothers. Upon opening it she finds a stunning pink sapphire. She knows she must discover how this connects to her family and the significance of this gem.


I enjoyed being swept away by the author to exotic locations as Georgina travels to Lake Geneva to discover how the pink sapphire came to be in her family’s possession.

Such an intriguing story, the book held me captivated as I read, to find out the gem was part of a priceless tiara owned by the Italian royal family. What connection could her family possibly have to it?
An escapist read I simply couldn’t put down, the backstory with its romantic forbidden love story.

It’s so emotional, one decision takes a second to make but the consequences will last a lifetime. I so wanted the outcome to be different. I am captivated every time I read a book by the author. I highly recommend this must-read book.

Pub Date 08 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Soraya Lane graduated with a law degree before realising that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, including the #1 Kindle bestselling novels The Last Correspondent and The Secrets We Left Behind. 

Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.

Author social media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor

Twitter:

Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor

Website: www.sorayalane.com

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2 Bookish Valentine’s Day reviews: A Valentine’s Day Return and Snowed in on Valentine’s Day

226 pages Love Inspired January 23,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

They thought love was in their past…

But could it be their future?

After completing rehab, Mark Rivers returns to his hometown to make amends with his ex-wife, Kylie, and their daughter. But he doesn’t expect to stick around beyond seeking her forgiveness. So when helping Kylie run her coffee shop after a health crisis draws them closer together, Mark is forced to decide—a career in Nashville or a second chance with the family he thought he’d lost forever…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Sunset Ridge

Book 1: Reunited by the Baby
Book 2: A Valentine’s Day Return

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoy reading the Love Inspired romance. Clean reads that are a short story, but each read is a full story.


Our two main characters Mark Rivers and his ex-wife Kylie. The couple also has a young daughter.
Mark is a singer who devoted his time to his career with the time it took building it up. In the process he lost his wife and daughter to divorce because he devoted his time to what was important to him at the time. It wasn’t his family.

After getting counseling and rehab he knows what he needs to do, apologize to his family and make it right. While there it seems to be a little too easy for this family to fall back into the routine they had while married without Mark running off to his musical obligations.

When Kylie has a medical emergency Mark steps right up and Kylie is enjoying his strength. The couple is starting to have feelings for each other again, but they are both afraid and they have a daughter to think about her feelings too. Mark has made his intentions clear he’ll be leaving in a few weeks when Kylie no longer needs him.

Kylie doesn’t want to need Mark and fall for him if he’ll put his career first again. Mark is afraid to develop feelings for Kylie and his daughter again because he knows he messed up once and feels he isn’t deserving of a second chance at this happy family life. A beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances.

Pub Date 23 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

191 pages  Shipsvold Press publisher February 6,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

From Alana Highbury, Amazon bestselling author, comes a slow burn Valentine’s romance in a snowy small town.

It was hate at first sight.

After a run-in with the rude best man, Peter, at her best friend’s wedding and a subsequent meltdown on New Year’s Eve, Hazel is ready to make major changes. Realizing she’s a serial dater, she vows to take a break from dating and focus on reinventing herself in her career—and putting down roots for once in her life.

But when the jerk from the wedding moves in next door, Hazel can’t believe her bad luck. She does her best to avoid Peter, until a massive blizzard forces her to take shelter at his house. The icy tension between them starts to thaw as they get to know each other, but when they’re still snowed in four days later—on Valentine’s Day—tempers flare as passions rise.

Confused and unsettled, Hazel has no idea what to do with her conflicting feelings, and avoiding him doesn’t seem to be an option.

Can she find love with this enigmatic man amid the winter storm brewing within and between them?
This is a sweet romance without explicit scenes, but it contains some profanity and adult themes.

MY THOUGHTS

Light and easy read. I read it quickly and it put a smile on my face because who doesn’t need a good relaxation read once in a while.


Hazel really doesn’t like Peter, she met him at her best friend’s wedding, and he’s been a bad memory ever since. Swearing off men for now she knows she’ll be new and improved focusing on her career and personal issues.

A little snow is so pretty to look at but what happens when a blizzard swoops down and you lose power? Well, that means, no heat, no cooking and gasp, no internet. Going next door to get a little help sounds reasonable but when it turns out Peter has moved next door this enemies to lover’s story takes an interesting turn.

With forced proximity for several days Hazel and Peter are actually able to talk things over. While they don’t agree on everything, things are looking a whole lot better relationship wise by the time this is over than when it started.

While they both have their own little quirks, tempers flare and passions rise. Valentine’s Day may just be something for these two to look forward to this year.
This is a sweet romance without explicit scenes, but it does contain some profanity and adult themes.

Pub Date 06 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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

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Come Rain or Shine Blog Tour

Good Morning, I am so excited to invite you onto my blog today for the blog tour of Come Rain or Shine by Sarah Bennett. Her books are just lovely, and I’ve read almost all of them. Now I need to do a catch up with the rest.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come Rain or Shine

There are worse fates than growing up knowing that you will one day inherit a vast and magnificent Cotswolds country estate, but for Rhys Travers it has always felt like a huge responsibility.

Juniper Meadows is home to much of his extended family, not to mention the many local businesses that operate on the estate, so there’s no time to sit back and enjoy the view. Juniper Meadows is a full-time job, and that doesn’t leave much time for romance…

Tasha Blake’s career leaves no time for romance either – much to her mother’s chagrin. Tasha’s sister Danni has kindly provided two grandchildren, but Victoria Blake is keen for more! When her job takes her to Juniper Meadows for an extended project, the slower pace of life, the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the Travers family, soon has Tasha in its thrall, and the future Lord of the Manor Rhys Travers is rather easy on the eye too.

As the busyness of life on the estate sweeps Tasha and Rhys along, they are both able to ignore the secrets and silences that are growing between them. But when the future of Juniper Meadows hangs in the balance, loyalties and love are tested to breaking point. When the chips are down, can Rhys and Tasha see a future together, come rain or shine…

Sarah Bennett is back with her signature blend of warmth and joy, plot and pace. A Sarah Bennett book is a ray of sunshine and a huge hug, guaranteed to brighten any day, perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

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

MY THOUGHTS

Sarah Bennet’s books are go to reads for me, I can’t resist reading them when the latest publishes.
It’s hard to believe the third book in the Juniper Meadows series is already here and I’ve read them all from the start.


It’s been so exciting to read about Juniper Meadows and the archeologists running the dig and finding historical ruins. In each book in this series, we’ve found out a little more about it. I’m all for series and having the same characters in the books and getting updates on them but also meeting new characters in each book.


Running Juniper Meadows is a huge time consumer for Rhys Travers, also the future Lord of the Manor. Hiring someone to manage the manor and draw in customers while making major changes is going to help Rhys quickly get things under control.


When Tasha Blake swoops in like a ray of sunshine getting the manor on track with changes that draws in the customers and gives Rhys some breathing room, he’s relieved and oh so grateful.


Love may be blossoming for this couple if only a few pesky secrets she’s hiding don’t hinder that path to love. Fabulous, fun, you won’t be able to put it down until you get to the end. Warm a charming, a must read.

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

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Sarah Bennett writes feelgood romantic fiction set in beautiful locations you will fall in love with. Her bestselling series include Butterfly Cove and Mermaids Point. Her latest series is based in the heart of the Cotswolds on a country estate known to the locals as Juniper Meadows.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sarahlou_writes

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

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

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Black History Month Read: My Name Is Ona Judge: An absolutely gripping historical novel 

322 pages Bookouture publisher 06 Sep 2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

New Hampshire, 1796. “My name is Ona Judge, and I escaped from the household of the President of the United States. I was the favored maid of George and Martha Washington, but they deemed me a slave and thought me property, and I hear ten dollars is offered as reward for my capture. Now I must write the truth that I have lived, and tell my story…”

Chincoteague, Virginia, present day. Rain soaks Tessa Scott as she runs from her car to the old, vine-covered property she has been called to survey. She’s too busy to accept a new job, but doing this favor for the grandmother of her childhood sweetheart delays a painful decision she must make about a future with her controlling boyfriend.

But when Tessa finds a tattered journal carefully hidden inside the house’s ancient fireplace, the tragic story of how Ona was ripped from her mother’s arms to live and work in the palatial Mount Vernon, and the heart-shattering betrayal that led her to risk her life and run, has Tessa spellbound. Could discovering this forgotten scandal at the heart of her nation’s history force her to confront her own story? As she races to reach the final page, will anything prepare her for the desperate moment when Ona’s captors find her again? Will it inspire Tessa to take ownership of her own life and set herself free?

MY THOUGHTS

This will be my last book I read this month for Black History month.
I’ve read some incredible books this month for it, and this is one of them.
The book is so well researched, the author vividly brings Ona Judge’s story to life.


This wonderful book honor’s Ona Judge, a black woman born into slavery, as she became old enough, she was the Lady’s Maid to Martha Washington, President of the United States wife. Even amongst the slaves there is a pecking order. When she displaced a slave a few years older than herself to become the president’s wife’s personal maid there was jealousy, threats and bodily harm done to herself.


The book follows the daily life of Ona as she is at Washington’s home Mount Vernon, always on call as a lady’s maid, following every whim Matha has and even having to bow down and answer to the grandchildren of Martha that were younger than her. It was disheartening to see the violent behavior the slaves were subject to in Washington’s care. Though most tried to please you couldn’t defend yourself with words and had to demurely keep the eyes lowered and heaven help you if you were learning to read or write. This was punishable by beating to death.


Having more than her fill Ona Judge makes an escape to freedom but will she be caught, and freedom taken away?


This dual timeline has in modern times Tessa Scott in Chincoteague, Virginia, surveying a property of the grandmother of an old boyfriend as a favor. Ready to leave she spots an old diary stuck in the fireplace and she grabs it to look at later.

Upon further inspection she realizes it’s details of Ona Judge’s life, her struggles and ultimate betrayal. The book gives her the courage to find the help she needs to leave a controlling relationship.
The book fascinatingly is based on actual people and events and gives the respect and honor Ona Judge deserved.

Pub Date 06 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. Harrison prefers happy endings, but loves creating flawed characters and storylines with intricate layers and depth, offering readers unexpected plot twists. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.

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Let’s Connect: https://www.sdhbooks.com/

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Black History Month Read: A Nurse’s Tale: An extraordinary and moving historical novel inspired by a true story of WW2!

384 pages One More Chapter publisher 07 Jul 2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Born Nigerian royalty, Princess Adenrele Ademola trained as a nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London and stepped up to serve the people of Britain when war broke out – facing both the devastation of the Blitz and the prejudice of some of the people she was trying to help.

80 years later, Ade’s great-niece Yemi arrives in London clutching the Princess’s precious diaries and longs to uncover the mysteries they hold…

MY THOUGHTS

Another beautiful read I’ve read for Black History month.
I find it so fascinating to read historical fiction book based on actual people and events such as this one is. Richly detailed, I’ll admit to having never reading about Nigeria and knew very little about its customs, people and foods and I found the learning process interesting.


This dual timeline effortlessly blends past and present this debut novel is one not to pass up.
Princess Adenrele Ademola was born Nigerian royalty, but you would not know by her actions. She only wants to help the people of Britan, training at Guy’s Hospital in London as a nurse, she receives no special treatment. She faces the devastating effects of WWII and prejudice behavior of some of those she is trying to help. She won’t let this stop her though.


Through diaries Yemi who also comes from Nigeria to London, the great niece of Ade and her friend Mike who’s relative was a friend of Ade are able to find out more about their families.


The story is magnificent and unique, I’ve never read a story taking place during WWII like this.
Though Adenrele Ademola faces many adversities she is strong, and she shines, not letting anyone hold her back.

Pub Date 07 Jul 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ola Awonubi was born in London to Nigerian parents. She grew up and attended school in Brighton and lived in Nigeria before returning to England in 1992. She now lives in London. An avid reader, she nursed the idea of getting back to writing – something she had enjoyed doing as a child and enrolled in some writing classes and went on obtain an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East London.

In 2008 her short story The Pink House, won first prize in the National words of colour competition. This was followed by another story – The Go- slow Journey, winning the first prize in the Wasafiri New writing prize 2009. Some of her short stories feature on blogs and journals and anthologies such as African writing.com, Afreada, The Ake Review, Brittle Paper, Wasafiri Magazine as well as various literary magazines, journals and on blogs.

Author of 7 books – Love’s Persuasion was published by Ankara Press – the Romance imprint of Cassava Press, Abuja. Nigeria in 2015. Her second book for the imprint – I love You Unconditionally was published in 2017. Her third book – an anthology of short stories – Naija Love Stories was published by Conscious Dreams Publishing in October 2018.

Her 4th book 14 Days and Other Stories is a romance novella and her 5th book Reasons Why I Need to Get Married Yesterday and Other Poems was published in 2019.

Her 6th book – Lovers, Leavers and Keepers was followed by her Christmas Novella – The Keresimesi Wish in 2020.

Her current historical fiction manuscript – ‘A Nurses Tale’ has been published by One More Chapter Books; an imprint of Harper Collins and is due for release in July 2023.

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Black History Month Read: The Personal Librarian

352 pages Berkley publisher June 29,2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.

But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

When I read The First Ladies by Marie Bendict it was my first read by this author though I have heard of this author before.
Based on actual people and events, The Personal Librarian opened my eyes like never before.


When Belle da Costa Greene’s, a black woman’s father left the family, she was forced to do the unthinkable, as was the entire family and “pass” as white to avoid the racial prejudice.
A woman of intense intelligence, she is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library.


Bold and shrewd, she is oftentimes the only woman at these book and art sales, and she also knows if a piece is authentic. The men often backdown when they see she wants a certain item.


Because she is J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, she must not only put in many hours each day, but she must travel abroad to curate these one-of-a-kind pieces for him. Her important work has an expensive lifestyle as appearances must be kept with her bedecked in fancy ball gowns and jewelry. Her family benefits greatly from this as they have more money than they would have each brought in individually combined and they have a fancy house. I was very impressed with the intelligence of Belle as she goes about the buying of certain old manuscripts and Gutenberg bibles and as she goes about authenticating certain art pieces.

When J. P. Morgan dies, she is kept on by his son to continue as his librarian.
I had never heard of this woman before and was busy looking up more information about her.
The book was fascinating and enriching and I enjoyed learning about the lives of the characters involved.

Pub Date: 29 Jun 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHORS

Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels. Her novels, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, which she co-authored with Marie Benedict were both Instant New York Times bestsellers and her novel, Stand Your Ground won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction. Four of her novels, Lust, Envy, Wrath and Greed have been made into TV movies for Lifetime. Visit her at http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com.

Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring to modern day issues. She embarked on a new, thematically connected series of historical novels with THE OTHER EINSTEIN, which tells the tale of Albert Einstein’s first wife, a physicist herself, and the role she might have played in his theories. The next novel in this series is the USA Today bestselling CARNEGIE’S MAID — which released in January of 2018 — and the book that followed is the New York Times bestseller and Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, the story of the brilliant inventor Hedy Lamarr, which published in January of 2019. In January of 2020, LADY CLEMENTINE, the story of the incredible Clementine Churchill, was released, and became an international bestseller. Her next novel, the Instant NYTimes and USAToday bestselling THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE, was published on December 29, 2020, and her first co-written book, THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, with the talented Victoria Christopher Murray, will be released on June 29, 2021. Writing as Heather Terrell, Marie also published the historical novels The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts?

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe.