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The American Queen: An Award-Winning Historical Fiction Novel about the Real-Life Black Woman Who Ruled a Kingdom on American Soil

366 pages Publisher Thomas Nelson Publication date January 30, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 – 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.

Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there’s no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.

But when William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people off the plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.

Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness–and fight for the freedom and dignity of all.

The American Queen weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.

MY THOUGHTS

This book I’ve just finished is incredible.
Up until a few years the majority of what I read was history, both fictional and nonfiction but yet I’ve never seen what happened in this book mentioned anywhere.
Why have black history records disappeared or never been recorded at all. Is it because they are felt to be less important, and just fallen to forgetfulness? Their stories and history are very important, and their strength today comes from not only within but their strong ancestors.
At one time there was an American queen named Louella, she along with her husband, King William ruled a kingdom in North Carolina called Happy Land where they and other blacks lived and worked. They were provided a house and work and taken care of. These people dared to want better for themselves and had a dream.
Though the king and queen had enemies and opposition from the whites, they not only survived but thrived.
Queen Louella went from an enslaved child on the plantation whose mother was sold away and father hung and because of this was filled with doubt and hate to a self-confident woman marrying a preacher who taught her how to forgive and love herself and others.
I will be doing more research myself on this time in history myself.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

About the author

Vanessa Miller is a celebrated USA Today bestselling author, whose prolific body of work spans over 50 titles that explore deep themes of redemption, resilience, and faith—often spotlighting strong Black women during pivotal moments of history.

Miller’s book, The American Queen won the prestigious Christy Award, the Audie Award and was the 2024 American Fiction Award winner for Historical Fiction. The American Queen was a North Carolina Reads pick for 2025 and an Alamance Countywide read for 2026 and Our State Magazine book club pick for February 2026.

Her novel, The Filling Station, has received starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist. It is a Positively Charlotte book club pick, an Oklahoma County Big Red Read and was an instant USA Today Bestseller.

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Her novel, The Filling Station, has received starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist. It is a Positively Charlotte book club pick and was an instant USA Today Bestseller.

Vanessa’s books have received countless favorable reviews. The American Queen has been featured in GMA, Washington Post and Essence Magazine roundups.

“Stirring… quintessential story of brave people fighting for what they know they

deserve.” [The American Queen]—Washington Post.

“This powerful story must be told and retold.” [The American Queen] –GMA.

“Miller captivates with a propulsive historical based on a true story.” –Publishers Weekly.

“A novel that should be required reading.” [The Filling Station] -Library Journal starred review.

Vanessa also wears the hats of playwright and motivational speaker and retreat host, channeling her storytelling gift across multiple creative platforms. She is currently published through HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas with the Queen

384 pages Publisher William Morrow Publication date November 19, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch in this captivating piece of 1950s Christmas fiction, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change. 

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends―Jack Devereux and Olive Carter―are unexpectedly reunited. In a friends to lovers story perfect for the holidays, Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously. 

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, this second chance romance sees Jack abandon his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition. 

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, their slow burn romance sees them grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything. 

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver… 

MY THOUGHTS

What a beautifully and elegantly written book.
So well researched that I could easily picture all I was reading.
Full of English traditions and authentic foods there’s no other way to say it except, this is a very English book.
Based on the Queens traditional Christmas speech she gave each year we see her as she is unexpectedly thrust into duty. As the book progresses, she gains her natural confidence full of grace, poise and kindness along with her sharp wit.
Of course, several of her many Corgis were included in the book.
Also, a second chance love story in this delightful royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk is included and it will pull at your heartstrings.
An uplifting winter romance not like all the rest. Refreshing in its originality.

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

About the Author

Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award, her work has since been shortlisted for multiple awards in the UK and Ireland. Her latest novel, The Last Lifeboat, was a Times of London historical novel of the month, shortlisted for the 2023 Irish Book Awards and recipient of the 2024 Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator. Hazel’s work has been translated into twenty languages and is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family.

Heather Webb is the award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of ten historical novels, including her most recent The Next Ship Home, Queens of London, and Strangers in the Night. To date, her books have been translated to eighteen languages. She lives in Connecticut with her family and two mischievous cats. 

Thank you for stopping in today. If you’re in the path of this upcoming storm, stay warm, safe and may your power not go out but if it does may it come back on quickly.

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The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts 

336 pages publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA Publication date October 1, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Sparkles with warmth, wit, and a sweet helping of holiday charm! The perfect stocking stuffer for readers who crave all the holiday feels and a happy ending!” —Rachel Linden, bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie

Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, this joyful Christmas romp tells the story of a woman who can’t stop trying to help everyone around her find their happily-ever-after—even when her help leads to disaster.

Frankie Lane knows what’s best for just about everyone but herself. Her divorced sister, Stef, who is too young to give up on love; her shy employee, Elinor; and her daughter, Natalie, who works in Frankie’s shop, Holiday Happiness, and really needs to start her own business selling the delectable chocolates she makes at home; even her best friend, Viola, who is trying to renovate her old Victorian. Frankie knows she could help all of them, if they’d just let her—and if all of her help didn’t end in utter disaster.

Then there’s Mitch Howard, the owner of the local hardware store. They’ve been friends ever since Frankie opened her store, nine years earlier. He got her through the nightmare when she lost her husband in a freak accident, and he’s her favorite shoulder to cry on. He’s been divorced for years, and it’s such a waste of man! Mitch is the fittest, finest man Frankie knows. He’s easygoing, wise and kindhearted. Mitch needs someone. And she’s determined to help him find that someone—whether he likes it or not.

MY THOUGHTS

The author has so many books out but this is actually my first read by her. Hard to believe I know.
Lots of charming family moments. We explore family relationships, friendships and that meddling family member that’s “just helping.”
Small town charming holiday romance which is just what I needed right now.

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

With more than fifty books to her name, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller – and a fan favorite. Her Christmas perennial “On Strike for Christmas” was made into a movie for the Lifetime Channel and her novel “The Nine Lives of Christmas” was made into a movie for Hallmark. Hallmark also made a sequel, titled “The Nine Kittens of Christmas.” Her most recent novel to hit the small screen was “Christmas on Candy Cane Lane,” which aired on the Great American Family Channel in 2022. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she’s not traveling, she splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.

Happy almost weekend. Hope you’ve had a great day.

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Blog Tour for The Secret Twins of Paris by Suzanne Kelman

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Secret Twins of Paris by

@suzkelman is out now!

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https://ow.ly/PtS850XZwFX

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UK: https://ow.ly/Fq0L50XZwFY US: https://ow.ly/T5iS50XZwFZ

‘You must find her, my darling girl.’ Lily’s mother whispers, pressing a small brass key into her palm. ‘You must find my twin sister, before it is too late…’

Paris, 2011: Lily Tremaine’s hands shake as she opens the envelope addressed in her mother’s hand. The faded letter inside reveals the long-buried family secret that her mother had a twin she was separated from during The Second World War. A tear slides down Lily’s cheek, knowing the loss of a sister caused her mother so much heartbreak. And now, after all these years, her mother needs Lily to find her…

As Lily begins to piece together the fragments of her mother’s story, she meets Julien, a photographer whose research contains the clues she needs to unlock the past. As they pore over faded black and white photographs together, a warm feeling begins to stir in Lily’s chest. But she knows she can’t bury her own recent heartbreak just yet, not until she has fulfilled her mother’s wish.

When the truth of what happened to the young twins is revealed, it is more shocking than Lily could have ever anticipated. And with her mother’s health failing, she is running out of time to find her mother’s missing sister. Can Lily piece together long-buried family secrets from the war in time to reunite the lost twins of Paris before it is too late?

This heartbreaking and page-turning novel in the Paris Sisters series tells a story of resilience and hope in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the fourth book in a row now I’ve read by the author.
I am very impressed by her writing style and very obvious love of writing, research and getting the word out about the courage so many women displayed during WWII, very many behind the scenes that we’ll never know about.
As with many historical fiction books this one taught me so much about the time period. I’ve read many WWII books but never fail to learn new and interesting facts each time I read one.
A dual timeline, many WWII books focus on men and their part during the war, but I really enjoy the author giving women the credit they so rightly deserve for their risk taking and courage.
A focus on the arts, this time through ballet and though the theater was taken over by the Germans the show must go on.
From crew members to seamstresses to the ballerinas who led a secretive double life doing what they believed was right.
Tragic sadness, twins separated through no fault of their own, a lifetime of searching. A journey never ending.
A beautiful ending, I just loved reading this book. Through all the trials and darkness, you could feel that spark, that beating of hope. Just waiting, sure to come.
I will be reading many more books by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.

Thank you for stopping in today.

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The Pursuit of Elena Bradford: (A Southern America Historical Romance with a Love Triangle)

352 pages Publisher Revell Publication date May 6, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.

At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities–including dances almost every evening.

As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.

When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.

With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.

MY THOUGHTS

I just love the author’s books, and this is one of her absolute best.
Books based on actual events like this one, yes please!
I’ve heard of the springs for bathing and mineral water purposes and its many benefits.
Graham Springs, Kentucky has the beneficial springs and health spa with the doctor there insisting all guests partake of the nightly dancing for the health benefits.
When Elena Bradford’s father dies her mother insists she and her two daughters visit the springs, portray themselves as high society ladies and find themselves a rich gentleman to marry, love not required.
The daughters don’t hold out the same hopes, as they want to marry for love, an emotion of the heart.
While there they meet a guest around the same age as the oldest daughter, very mysterious and not open about herself. At the dance that evening a tragedy occurs and she passes away at the dance under unusual circumstances. The book is very intriguing, and I suggest you read the notes in the back of the book by the author as this actually did happen there.
I kept saying, one more chapter, just one more as I had trouble putting this one down.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at http://www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anngabhart.

Right now I’m really enjoying reading historical fiction. I may or may not move on to another reading genre soon. Thanks for stopping in and have a lovely evening.

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Garden of Secrets: A heartbreaking WW2 historical novel about an unforgettable wartime secret


376 pages Bookouture Publisher Publication date April 8, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

1940, England: A heart-breaking, unforgettable and powerful story about love, wartime secrets, and betrayal. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen’s The Victory Garden and Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.

When Anya is sent to rural England to work as a spy, she’s glad to escape a terrifying situation at home in war-torn Russia. But as she settles into life as a land girl, she fears she’s made a terrible mistake.

With her life at risk every day, she can only turn to her fellow informer, Nikolai, who she finds herself impossibly drawn to. They both desperately want to join the fight against the Nazis and when they are told Russia has switched allegiance, they start to believe their love might stand a chance.

But no one can ever know their secret history, and being together puts them in the gravest danger. So they devise a plan. If they’re ever separated, they will find their way back to each other. They just have to follow a series of secret coded messages. Clues no one else could possibly understand.Starting with a small key, left in the place that has become most precious to them: the secret garden.

Now, England: When Laura agrees to restore a beautiful garden in the grounds of an English stately home she sees the opportunity for a new start, away from heartbreak. But when she finds a box buried under the weeping willow tree, she is spellbound by its contents – a key and a cryptic note. As she begins to piece together the fragments of a love story that stretches across wartime Europe, Laura doesn’t realise it, but she is embarking on an unforgettable journey. One which will change her own life forever.

MY THOUGHTS

A secret garden, a walled garden, it conjures up thoughts of secrets long buried, of secret trysts happening long ago.
I am once again captivated by the author’s portrayal of WWII and the courage of the women of that time period.
The love story found within the page’s spans seventy-five years, and the garden plays a pivotal role in the story in both the past and present times.
Oh how my heart ached reading this, the emotions it evoked, as though I knew the characters personally.
This historical fiction dual time span absolutely captured me once again. Spies putting their lives on the line, secret identities, plans changing at the drop of a hat. Having to live life on the edge and be prepared for anything at any time.
WWII fiction by an author you’ll want to read.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Last Day in Paris: A totally heartbreaking WW2 historical novel (The Paris Sisters #1) 

360 pages Publisher Bookouture Publication date February 26, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paris, 1940: All over Paris, families are being pulled from their beds in the middle of the night. And ever since her husband was shot in cold blood, Brigitte Goldstein has known she is running out of time. She and her daughter Sophie are Jewish, so it won’t be long until the Nazis bang on their door.

But before she leaves, Brigitte must find her beloved husband’s painting, which was seized by the Nazis. She desperately hopes that if she saves it from destruction, then a piece of him will live on forever. And perhaps one day her daughter will uncover her father’s legacy, and the secret hidden inside…

Working in a museum under a false identity is Brigitte’s only hope. Until she meets Isabelle Valette, who confides in hushed tones that she is part of the Resistance. And when her new friend tells her of a train leaving Paris that can take children to safety, Brigitte knows her daughter must be on it, even if it breaks her heart.

But getting Sophie onto the train is dangerous. If they are caught smuggling a Jewish child out of Paris, they will be killed. And with the enemy closing in, can Brigitte get her beloved daughter to safety before it is too late?

MY THOUGHTS

The Last Day in Paris is the first book in the Paris Sisters series though I have read a few of the other books in this series first. Being each story is a standalone I’m not missing anything.
As with quite a few historical fiction books this is a dual timeline that all comes together nicely in the end though it does have some loose end that need tidying up that lead right into the next book in the series.
This one features WWII and the Nazis and stolen art. One factor I enjoy reading about in the author’s books is her featuring women during WWII and their courageous nature.
The past and present mesh delightfully through art, galleries where it is showcased and we see our characters pouring out such love as they are painting.
The women put their life on the line daily for what they feel is right and you can’t help but admire them.
I greatly look forward to reading more books by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

Happy almost weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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When the Nightingale Sings: An absolutely heartbreaking WW2 novel based on a true story 

412 pages Publisher Bookouture Publication date October 21, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

1939, Berlin, Cambridge, Paris, California. The world is in the grips of a terrible war. Can two young women change the course of history?

As war is declared in Europe, shy young Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University. She never thought she’d be friends with someone as beautiful and glamorous as Hedy Lamarr, a young Jewish woman who has fled the Nazis, but Judy can’t ignore her brilliance.

It is a time when women are expected to stay at home, but as bombs tear apart the country she loves, Judy knows she must act. With Judy’s unparalleled knowledge of how the world works, and Hedy’s flair for invention, Judy is sure they can find a way to keep their loved ones safe.

But in war, impossible decisions must be made, unthinkable sacrifices must be suffered, and their work puts them in grave danger.

As they journey down a dark, uncertain path together, Judy realises her next step could tear their friendship apart. But the fate of the world is in her hands. Tragedy is inevitable, but can Judy solve the puzzle she has set herself, save millions, and put an end to this terrible war?

MY THOUGHTS

When the Nightingale Sings is such an emotional book. Though fiction it mirrors quite a few real life people’s lives.
Namely Hedy Lamarr, as she became known by, a young Jewish Austrian woman who made it big in the movies.
More than just a pretty face and sex symbol she was an inventor, and we are still using many of her inventions today. Women back then were not taken seriously in roles seen as men’s work, not getting the credit they deserved or the pay the deserved. Equal work, equal pay. Unfortunately, this is still going on to a certain degree today.
I very much appreciate the author writing this book taking place during WWII and seeing women getting the credit they are deserving of.
We are seeing the effects of the war and the devastation it’s causing, such a celebration when it is finally over.
In times of gloom hope brilliantly shines through if you search hard enough for it.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

Share a smile with someone today. Thank you for stopping in.

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All I Want Is You

256 pages Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publication date September 24, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Exes. Professional rivals. Just one bed. What could go wrong?

All Jessica has ever wanted is her own happily ever after. But until that happens, she spends her days as a small-time romance writer, penning satisfying Happily Ever Afters to soothe the heartache left by her ex-boyfriend Nick—also a romance writer and now her biggest rival—who has found success writing love stories without happy endings. It’s what he’s good at, after all . . .

So when their professional obligations bring them to a remote inn a few days before Christmas, they’re a little more than peeved, especially when they get trapped sharing a room in a snowstorm. But what’s more fitting for two romantic writers in a slump? Realizing the friction between them might be the only cure for their writer’s block, they decide to turn their frustration into fiction . . . and the pages start flying. But will Jess’s heart soar, too? Nick is the last guy on earth she should love . . . but what if he is really all she wants for Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS

This is my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last.
Romance author ex’s are at a romance convention to promote their books and after one mix up after another she hasn’t been booked a room mistakenly during this promotional convention.
Fighting romantic feelings these ex’s trying to keep their cool but when their agents suggest they do a romantic collaboration all bets go out the window.
A second chance romance involving being snowed in and in close proximity these two romance authors have just the romantic words on paper and in real life.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

alon Ballard loves to write about love! She also has an undying affection for exclamation points and isn’t ashamed to admit it! When she’s not writing fictional love stories, she’s helping real-life couples celebrate, working as a wedding planner in Southern California. She has a deep appreciation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is a Disneyland devotee, and is a reality TV aficionado. In addition, she’s the cohost of the romance novel podcast, Happy to Meet Cute. If she’s not busy wrangling her kiddo, you can probably find her drinking wine and posting a picture on Instagram while simultaneously snarking on Twitter, because multitasking!

Have a lovely day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas People

304 pages Publisher St. Martin’s Griffin Publication date September 30, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Seven Year Slip meets Hallmark with a dash of sass and a sprinkle of sexiness in this sparkling Christmas rom com…with a speculative twist!

Some people are Christmas people, but Jill Jacobs is most certainly not. She hasn’t been ever since her hometown love broke her heart on Christmas Eve three years ago. After that, Jill moved to L.A. to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. She hasn’t been home in years to avoid her ex, but this winter she finds herself back in drab, suburban Illinois for the holidays.

After one very hazy night, Jill wakes up to a hometown that’s filled with jolly neighbors, covered in pristine white snow, and seasoned with the smell of peppermint. She realizes that this is more than just a bad hangover… she’s stuck in a Heartfelt movie. One set in her town, starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush (uber perfect, owns a bakery, and definitely a Christmas Person), and of course, her ex ―handsome as ever and now exclusively clad in plaid flannel.

The only way out of this bizarro world is to complete the plot of the movie, including a holiday bake off and a cookie-sweet love story. To get home in time for Christmas, Jill must act out a picture-perfect holiday romance with the one that got away, all while her ex watches on. Fa la la la freaking la….

MY THOUGHTS

Some people love Christmas; you can’t say that about Jill Jacobs though. Three years ago, she and her ex had a fight right before Christmas and it led to their breakup.
Visiting her parents isn’t something that has happened in the past few years because she doesn’t want to accidently run into her ex.
Taking a leap, she decides to visit and sure enough they run into each other.
When this screenwriter somehow ends up in an alternative reality cozy winter wonderland Christmas Hallmark movie, she’s grumpier than ever.
It’s all to perfect, too Christmassy and it even has a Christmas cookie baking competition.
This second chance romance had me laughing out loud at a lot of the parts even though I didn’t overly like the main character.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Despite being born on the first day of summer long before too much sun was considered bad for you, Iva-Marie Palmer possesses no capacity to achieve a decent tan (or its cousin, the sun-kissed glow). Still, she relocated from her native Chicago to sunny southern California nearly ten years ago and only regrets the choice on the rare occasions when she forgets to apply sunscreen. A former journalist who oversubscribes to periodicals, she loves books, running, cooking and eating elaborate meals, classic screwball comedies, food sold off carts and trucks, old movie palaces, word games and crossword puzzles, adventures large and small, indulging her curiosity and overextending herself. She lives with her husband, two sons and a seeming inability to take her sunglasses off her head when indoors. You can find her online on Facebook, Twitter (follow @ivamarie), and Instagram (ivamarie), as well as seldom updating her site, http://ivamariepalmer.com.

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