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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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For a Lifetime: (An Inspirational Historical Time-Travel Romance Novel) 

400 pages Bethany House publishers May 7,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever–no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father’s tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother’s mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives–or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents’ orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives–and loves–that are best for both of them?

MY THOUGHTS

Another absolutely incredible time-travel book by this author.
After I finished the previous book in the series and saw her next book would feature twin daughters, I was so excited to see how this would play out. The times featured here are 1692 and 1912. Now the girls are able to go to sleep-in one-time period and wake up in the other time period without any time having passed.


In 1692 they live and work in their father’s tavern. It is the time of the Salem Witch trials, mass hysteria, afflicted citizens. Who can you trust? I found the information about the Salem witch trials informative and fascinating and as coincidence may have it, I was just in Salem this past October and found out a lot of fascinating historical information about this time period.


In 1912 as times are more progressive one of the twins is a journalist and the other aspires to become the first female pilot in America.
I loved seeing the growth the girls go through, each has a love interest in a different time period and has established such an important bond with people and events in this time period.


The girls have promised each other to be together forever but when an unimaginable tragedy happens how will this affect their future? The pacing of the story felt right, the characters kept my attention with excitement. I enjoyed reading the alternating viewpoints of the girls and seeing how they came to the conclusions they have.

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

EXCITING NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES

384 pages Bethany House publisher November 5,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at http://www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Pinterest at http://www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/, Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, and her Website at http://www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Do you enjoy reading time travel? What are some of your favorites?

Have a marvelous weekend and thanks for stopping in.

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Blog tour for The Berlin Wife’s Vow (German Wives Book 4) Happy Publication Day

ABOUT THE BOOK

She kneels by her husband, his face contorted with pain. “You must get yourself to safety,” he tells her. She grips his hand tighter as a tear tracks down her drawn, pale face. “I promised to stay beside you. I will keep that vow to the end.”

Berlin, 1944. Edith Falkenstein weeps with joy when the crowds of brave women protesting on Rosenstrasse manage to save their Jewish relatives, including her husband Julius, from deportation to the camps.

Julius once believed abiding by the rules would shield him and his wife. But now he knows better: there is no such thing as mercy from the Nazis, and they must do all they can to save others. Their apartment, long stripped of its luxurious furnishings, might offer little protection from the frigid winter air, but it has become a place of secret shelter—though it puts all their lives at risk.

As bombs rain a thunder of devastation on the city and Soviet soldiers close in from the east, the Nazis have only become more desperate, and more deadly. For the inhabitants, their only option is to flee. But when another raid leaves Julius critically injured, Edith realises he is far too frail to make the perilous journey. She closes her eyes and prays for a miracle.

The final days of the war are here, but there is no cause for celebration in Berlin, where death lingers on every corner. Their love has been the source of their strength and survival all these long years, but will either of them live to see the end?

MY THOUGHTS

This is the final book in the Berlin Wife’s series, and I have diligently read and followed along with it all.

Being fascinated with learning about past history especially WWII history I enjoy reading this author’s books so much for what I learn from them. Exceptionally well researched which I always appreciate she makes the stories come to life on the pages. It’s as though she’s there back in time and writing about her observations in day-to-day life, amidst the fear, danger, courage, blood, sweat, tears and shocking realizations.


I have read most of the books the author has written and was pleased to see a return of characters from other books in the series and even a few characters made it into the book I remember from other series. If I had to choose my favorite characters would be David and Roxie. Roxie has really come a long way from the time we were first introduced to her.


Such resilience in the face of darkness. We meet new characters, see failures but despite these, the human spirit is strong.
I am so impressed with the way the author portrays each character, so realistically, the struggles and hardships are real. Despite all this I felt the strong family love the characters have for each other. I greatly look forward to reading the new series the author is writing.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marion Kummerow writes historical fiction that explores the dark side of human history. A USA Today Bestselling author, she has received rave reviews from readers and critics for her novels about the German resistance during World War II. Her books feature characters who face moral dilemmas, make difficult decisions, and fight for what is right. She also infuses her stories with humor and undying love, because she believes that love is what makes the world go round.

Born and raised in Germany, Marion has lived in various countries before returning to Munich with her family. After writing several non-fiction books, she felt drawn to the past and the subject of resistance to the Nazi regime. It took her years of courage and hard work to turn the true story of her grandparents Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow into a trilogy: “Love and Resistance in the Second World War”. UNRELENTING is the first book in this series.

Bringing history to life through her books is Marion’s passion. She visits museums, travels to memorials and the locations in her books, reads original source material, and consults experts to meticulously research the historical facts and details in her novels.

Her stories are authentic and immersive, transporting readers to another time and place. She writes with the conviction that we must never forget the past, so it won’t repeat itself.

When she’s not writing or researching, Marion likes to travel, do yoga, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading books by other historical fiction authors.

If you want to get a taste of her writing, you can download a free short story about a downed British airman here: https://kummerow.info/

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog tour for My Husband’s Ex: A totally addictive psychological thriller packed with twists!  by Rosie Walker

‘Hello, stranger,’ says the beautiful woman on the doorstep. Pushing past me, she throws herself into my husband’s arms while I stand frozen in shock. I’ve never seen this woman before in my life… but how does she know the man I married?

The colour drains from my husband’s face as she releases him. When Ted says her name – Alice – my blood runs cold. Because I’ve heard her name before. Alice is the woman who broke my kind husband’s heart. Ted told me she vanished from his life after their breakup, but has he been lying this whole time?

I stare at him in disbelief, but he swears he never invited her. Can I believe him? Whatever actually happened, I want her out of my house… but as thunder cracks and the sky turns dark, a huge storm sets in. We’re stuck here: is this my chance to discover the truth?

***

I stare out of the rain-streaked car window, trying to see the Scottish landscape as the car whips past rust-coloured heather and mud.

MY THOUGHTS

Sadie and Ted’s marriage needs a sprucing up, together for over a decade, things just haven’t been the same recently. Sadie is convinced renting a huge mansion in the middle of nowhere in the Highlands for the Christmas holiday is just what they need.

Along with their two daughters the holiday house appears perfect for their little family, and they get inside just as the car runs out of gas and the raging storm starts.


Now as I’m reading this psychological thriller I’m thinking, okay this is pretty tame when is the action starting? As you read you absorb the words you’re reading and have a belief in them, this is how the story will go, you’re walking along minding your own business and then an anchor drops on top of you. You reel back, staggering under the weight of your assumptions and realize, they’re just that and you should never make assumptions as you read because you really never know.


Shocking twists and turns, I felt like I am teetering on the edge of a cliff, one exhale too much and I’d be over the edge!
A must read not to miss. It took my breath away!

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

THE AUTHOR

Rosie Walker is a novelist of four psychological thrillers: ‘My Husband’s Ex’ (2024), ‘The Baby Monitor’ (2024), ‘The House Fire’ (2022), and ‘Secrets of a Serial Killer’ (2020).

Her books mostly explore dark domestic themes: secrets, lies, affairs and revenge. But in real life Rosie is a cheery person who loves rom coms, beach holidays, reality TV, and dog walks by the sea. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, daughter, and their dog.

Rosie has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Lancaster University.

Thank you for stopping in today. Enjoy the weekend.

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LBT Blog tour for The Photograph by Diane Clarke

ABOUT THE BOOK

Caryl Hunter believes she lost her brother during the wartime evacuation of 1939. Her adoptive mother denies his existence and Caryl was too young to remember with certainty.

When she finds a black and white photograph of her family standing on a London station, in
the company of a mystery boy, her determination to find him reignites.

In 2020, Caryl’s daughter, Megan, takes up the search for her missing uncle. Confronted by
her own secret, will she ignore it or will she remember Caryl’s lifelong torment and avoid the
mistakes of the past?

Handles/Tags

X (Twitter)

@KellyALacey 

@lovebookstours 

#Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview

Instagram 

@dianeclarkesauthor

@wings_epress

@lovebookstours 

#Ad  #LBTCrew #Bookstagram  #FreeReview #FreeBookReview

My THOUGHTS

I knew this one would be an enjoyable read as soon as I started it. I was intrigued as I read. First, we start off 3-year-old Caryl Hunter evacuated with many other children from London during the start of WWII to Wales. Her host, Gwen becomes her adoptive mother who is dealing with her own grief at the loss of her husband to the war. Told she was an only child Caryl always had a sense of loneliness growing up that continued into her adulthood. Searching for answers, she feels as though she remembers a brother but doesn’t remember the details. Wanting answers about her biological mother her adoptive mother is no help and shuts her down when she questions her. I could feel Caryl’s pain as she diligently and fruitlessly searches for answers as her life feels so incomplete.
The book is a dual timeline as it features Caryl’s daughters and the struggles they have as well. We revisit the pandemic and how the world shut down for a while as we quarantined and the struggles, we all went through. A secret buried so deep she thought it would never see the light of day, now she realizes her choices she made so many years ago have been laid bare with possible devastating consequences. Family secrets, lifelong searching, betrayal, a need for answers. A book I simply couldn’t put down! The characters faced a lot of adversities, so well written. I enjoyed the author’s writing voice and will be on the lookout for more by her.

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

US Amazon buy link

287 pages May 1,2024 publication date Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wings ePress, Inc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before completing her debut novel, ‘The Photograph’, Diane’s writing journey began with short stories. Her writing credits include Flash Fiction and Short Stories published in several anthologies including success in the Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Competition – ‘A life Lesson’, 2nd Place (2019) and ‘Courting Danger’, Longlisted (2020).

Though happily settled in Brisbane, Australia since 1996, much of her inspiration comes from the UK. Using stunning locations as the backdrop, her novels feature restless women craving truth, identity and love. She propels her female protagonists into complex family predicaments where they must deal with the agony of missing siblings, absent fathers or ethical dilemmas. When not writing she takes long walks in the Australian bush, upcycles vintage furniture, spends time with family and friends and spoils her cavoodle puppy.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

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Blog tour for Love, Julie: A Poignant and Humorous Romance by Jamie Anderson

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Poignant and Humorous Journey of Self-discovery, Resilience, and Redemption

Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She’s single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.

Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.

As Luke’s persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing she’d sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Luke’s hearts in the process?

Jamie Anderson, author of the hilarious and heartwarming Someone to Kiss, is back with another witty, acerbic, and relatable story. Love, Julie is a richly emotional tale of recovery, forgiveness, and romance that readers have praised for “nailing the humor and snarky nature of our generation.

MY THOUGHTS

Before I even knew what this book was about, I was drawn to the cover. This is such an eye-catching cover. After focusing on the cover, I’m so glad I decided to explore the book further and read the contents. The book is real, transparent and can be a very relatable subject. Intertwined with humor, jokes and good times is a serious matter, addiction. The addiction focused on here is alcoholism.


Julie is in her mid-forties and still doesn’t have it all together yet. This isn’t at all how she envisioned her life when she was in her twenties. The way the author portrays the stops and starts, fails and wins sounds realistic in Julie’s journey to sobriety. From self-help classes, to winning it and then falling off. The elations and falling low.

My son is a police officer and has told me of some very sad cases where people were not able to get the help they needed with such sad results. Admitting you need the help and taking that first step is so important to your road to recovery. There is no smooth sailing, there will be good days and bad.

I really loved Luke’s character, he and Julie are working on wedding planning her best friend’s wedding together. Luke is Julie’s biggest supporter in her recovery journey, so incredibly supportive. When she doesn’t believe in herself, he’s there to pick her up. She’s not looking for romance her recovery journey is her main focus. Luke has a daughter he’s raising so he has to be completely sure of who he hooks up with and how she will perceive them.

Will his sense of humor, understanding and kindness break down her fences as she continues her healing journey? I loved this impressive and moving story. One to remember.

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

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/lovejulie

🇺🇸 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D135N3R8
🇬🇧 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D135N3R8
🇨🇦 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D135N3R8
🇦🇺 https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D135N3R8

VISIT OTHER LOVELY BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jamie Anderson is based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. A proud Canadian and Saskatchewanian, she wanted to set her first two novels in the place she was born and raised.

She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, and has been reading for longer than that. She lives happily with her mountain of books, her TV and her two plants.

You can read Jamie’s first novel Someone to Kiss here: https://mybook.to/someonetokiss

Social Media Links – https://linktr.ee/jamieandersonwrites

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in today.

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Blog Tour for Silver Wish Farm by K.T. Dady

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.


Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

Silver Wish Farm: After Rhett left Heath on their wedding day, things were never the same for them, but because they have a daughter, they’ve always tried their best to keep the peace. But then life changes for Heath, and he suddenly wants answers about their past and the future he believes he should have had, but will Rhett tell him the real reason she left him all those years ago?

MY THOUGHTS

The Pepper Bay series is one of my favorites and I’ve read quite a few in it though not quite all yet.
It makes for comfortable reading to be able to return to this series time after time and feel familiar with the setting and characters that many we’ve met before in other books in the series. Not a problem if this is your first read in the series though as it’s a delightful story all on its own.


We were introduced to Heath and Rhett, and you’ve got to love their names in another book in the series. They have a backstory, Rhett never showed up for her wedding with Heath many years ago and she broke his heart. They keep it civil though because they have a child together and coparent her.

We do see a lot of differences in their families and how they were raised and how it affected each of them and still does. As Rhett spends more time with Heath with and without their daughter those old feelings come rushing back but their newfound second chance romance is anything but rushed.

Through many heart to heart and emotional talks they must decide what is right for them, their daughter and the farm. A beautiful second chance romance and a man who wants to open his heart back up to the possibility of a second chance love but is afraid to.

I really enjoyed how this wasn’t rushed they thought of their daughter’s wants and needs and how she would feel about the chance of her parents reuniting for good.

The author writes a fun and realistic book from the heart. Family relationships are important, and the characters draw you in to care about them.
Looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

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

Purchase Links

VISIT OTHER LOVELY BLOGS ON THE TOUR

Author Bio – Hello, I’m K.T. Dady. I’m the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. I’m also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.

Social Media Links –

Welcome

https://www.instagram.com/kt_dady

https://www.facebook.com/ktdady

Have an awesome day. Thanks for stopping in today.

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Publication Day and Blog tour for Effie Olsen’s Summer Special 

379 pages Berkley publisher April 30,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But a surprise summer reunion changes everything when it gives them the chance to turn up the heat.
 
Effie Olsen thought she’d never live on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer only. Her hometown boasts one of the best restaurants in the US, and lucky for her, Brown Butter needs a sous chef. Effie’s eager for a chance at redemption after her last job went up in flames, but reluctant to set down roots in a place that reminds her of the ghosts of her past.

Until, that is, she runs into Ernie Callahan, her onetime best friend who now works in the very same restaurant. Early morning swims and late-night games of truth or dare with Ernie remind her of what she’s been missing while traveling the world. He knows her better than anyone, and it doesn’t hurt that his smile lights her up brighter than the lighthouses dotting the craggy coastline.

But their restaurant has a secret that’s bursting at the seams, and if Effie doesn’t keep it, her job will vanish into the foggy Maine air. As summer draws to a close, her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. Her salty seaside hometown might be the key to Effie’s sweet ending…if she can learn to let her heart lead the way in time.

MY THOUGHTS

Absolutely delightful foodie summer romance set on an island off the coast of Maine. So realistically descriptive, I could hear the water crashing against the rocks, see the seaweed as the low tide lapped, hear the gulls cawing looking for breakfast and see the lobster boats out with their traps set as they watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.

Though I don’t live in Maine I have had the privilege of visiting the beautiful and charming state multiple times in summer and fall. I’m ready to return.


Effie left the tiny Maine island and her best friend Ernie sixteen years ago, right after high school, thinking never to live there again. She had high aspirations for herself, become a professional chef and travel to foreign countries. She accomplishes both but her latest restaurant job doesn’t work out so well and she’s home again on the island after all this time, just for the summer she tells herself.

Ernie, he’s a lifer, he still lives on the island and is satisfied to not have the travel bug. Island life has treated him well. Effie knows it’s inevitable on the small island she’ll eventually run into Ernie. You can’t plan these things, it’ll just happen. Will it be awkward after all this time?

Working at an island restaurant, Brown Butter, Effie is satisfied and it’s a popular spot for the locals and tourists alike. Behind the scenes there are things going on and Effie feels she must speak up. Once she speaks up how will her job security hold up though? I loved how so much of the book took place in the restaurant and got a real feel of the professional restaurant scene from the servers to the line prep to the dishwashers. The desserts sounded amazing and the dinners divine.


This was a slow burn romance that had Effie and Ernie reuniting in a surprising way, talking things out and taking it slow with their romance. Will Effie’s mind be changed about staying just for the summer or will she be trotting off on her next adventure when the leaves start to change? Such a fun summertime beach read I’ll be on the lookout for more by the author.

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

Buy Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rochelle Bilow is a romance writer, food writer, and writer writer. She is a graduate of The French Culinary Institute and has worked as a baker, a line cook, and the social media manager for Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. Her articles about home cooking, restaurants, food news and trends, spirits, groceries, and products have been published in a variety of national publications, including: Eating Well, Food & Wine, Serious Eats, The Kitchn, and The Spruce Eats.

Rochelle’s first book, a romantic farming memoir titled The Call of the Farm, was published by The Experiment in 2014.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year, her second book—and fiction debut—was published by Berkley Romance in February 2023. It is available wherever books are sold.

Rochelle’s second romcom, Effie Olsen’s Summer Special, will be published in April 2024, and is available for preorder now!

rochellebilowwriting@gmail.com

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The Cultist’s Wife by Bj Sikes 

270 pages Belinda Sikes publisher May 01,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

1908, the height of the British Empire. Clara’s autonomy is shattered when her long-absent husband summons her to join him at his eerie sect’s headquarters, insulated on a sparsely inhabited island in the Bahamas.

After a harrowing sea voyage, Clara and her children disembark into an unfamiliar landscape and climate. The children explore the marvels and mysteries of Andros Island and develop friendships with a Bahamian family, while Clara struggles to find her place as a woman within the cult.

But what seems at first to be a spiritual haven for Clara reveals itself to be a monster-worshipping cult intent on draining her family of more than their fortune.

Must Clara give up her quest for independence to protect her children from the cult’s depraved attempts to consume their life essence?

Grab a copy here

MY THOUGHTS

The genre this book is labeled under is a historical gothic horror. I enjoy all of these genres though I haven’t read horror in a while. I really enjoy gothic and historical fiction though and was eager to read a combination of these.


Set in the Bahamas in 1908, we have a woman with two children, living near Bath, England her husband has been away for some time, and she is stunned to receive word he summons her to travel to the Bahamas with the children who don’t even know him. Now their relationship is not what you would term as a “happy” marriage. Given the time period, women are expected to obey their husband so off she went to the Bahamas with the children.

After a rough ocean voyage things haven’t gotten any easier for the mother and children. It’s a totally different environment, climate, way of life, food etc. The husband is involved in a cult and wants his wife and children there not because he misses them but to get them involved in and accustomed to the workings of the cult to serve it as well.

I found the customs of and beliefs of the Bahamians fascinating. I found the book to be so well researched involving the beliefs of the early Bahamas people.

I’m wondering if the “monster” belief is one they had at the time in history the book takes place and is it a belief still today? I believe each culture has their own beliefs and truths and just because I may not know, believe or understand a culture’s beliefs it doesn’t make their beliefs wrong, and we need to appreciate the differences.

I also am appreciative of their healing knowledge with herbs that can be used for so many natural healing properties. I have always appreciated the natural healing but have never explored it but would like to.

The book took my breath away as I read it. I was absolutely intrigued and greatly look forward to reading more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from London, England, I currently reside in Northern California with my family. I write historical and futuristic fantasy, often with a steampunk twist and an underlying theme of female independence.

I am the Author Head for Clockwork Alchemy, a steampunk convention in the San Francisco Bay Area. For anyone who loves sci-fi with an alternate history spin, Clockwork Alchemy presents three days of immersive entertainment. I happily wrangle the cats called authors who share their amazing knowledge at the event.

In my day job, I write and edit scientific publications for a university. I’m married to a novelist/freelance editor and our children are composing their own fiction in the NaNoWriMo Young Writers’s Program.

I like words.

I also like tea, chocolate, cats, and chickens, not necessarily in that order. When I am not playing with words, you might find me mucking about in the garden or making herbal concoctions in the kitchen.

Contact  bjsikesauthor@gmail.com

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