It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Hosted by The Book Date.
I’m happy to say I was able to get an antibiotic for my ear pain today. It’s been going on for several weeks and I’ve also developed a sinus infection too. It should be gone by the time we start traveling again in a week. The rain has finally stopped. We are off to Lowe’s later today to replace our washer which wouldn’t start the first cycle after having it only 21 months. Is anything made to last anymore? Thank goodness it’s still under warranty and they gave us a gift card. Hopefully it’ll cover the cost of most of the new machine minus the new warranty.
LAST WEEK’S READS
READING NOW
READING NEXT
Of course, my reading list is always subject to change. What about you, what will I find you reading this week?
I am so pleased to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
England, 1942. ‘It has to stay secret,’ he whispers, placing the locket around her neck. ‘If they find it, they’ll send me away.’ As she holds the locket, glinting in the moonlight, she can’t hold back the tears. ‘I just wish we didn’t have to hide…’ When farmer’s daughter Irene meets Theodore at a village dance, sparks fly instantly. The war has brought him all the way from Louisiana to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields, but as they sway together, there is nothing else in the world. Only his gentle touch and his deep brown eyes. But being together comes at a price. As Theodore is Black, the might of the US Air Force is against them, and all the members of the little village community disapprove of their relationship. And they will all go to terrible lengths to tear the two young lovers apart… Decades later, heartbroken Ruby is back at her family’s crumbling farmhouse for the first time in years, after the loss of her beloved grandmother Irene. The roof has fallen in, family photographs are damaged – and her grandmother’s jewellery is nowhere to be found. When Ruby uncovers her grandmother’s waterlogged diaries, she discovers that Irene treasured one piece of lost jewellery above all. A locket from a man called Theodore. And the missing locket holds the key to unravelling a heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life… Is someone in the village hiding the locket to keep the truth about Irene and Theodore buried? And can Ruby find a way to honour her grandmother’s memory –or in digging up the pain of the war, will she tear her family apart? An absolutely breathtaking World War Two story about the power of love in the face of adversity, and how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will be addicted to this incredible read.
MY THOUGHTS
My heart about broke reading such an emotional story.
A time slip taking place in England 1942 and modern times. Each features a romantic couple, the one in 1942 is Irene, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter, Irene, and Theo a service man stationed far from Louisiana, now proudly serving in the US Air Force and there to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields.
The modern times story features Irene’s granddaughter Ruby and her romantic partner. I will admit my favorite part of the story was the historical time period.
Irene falls fast when she meets Theo at a town dance, but Theo warns her they must keep their romance a secret, see Theo is black and a romance such as this is just not accepted in this time period.
The descriptions of the prejudice people and the treatment of Theo including beatings just for a romance with a white woman disgusted me. What business is it of anyone who someone dates or socializes with, nobody’s affair but the two it involves. And this includes the church minister involved in bigotry.
There was just no combatting prejudice and bigotry at this time and Theo was beaten, sent away and jailed. Before this though, when their romance was fresh and new, they were engaged, and he gave her a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a locket. My heart breaks for the injustice and ruined lives here.
Many years later Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby comes to the farm where Irene lived and finds her grandmother’s diary.
She is determined to find out her grandmother’s secrets, she had no idea about her grandmother’s past or where the locket is located. Will digging up the past cause pain to her family, especially and older generation member or will they hold the key to unlocking the past?
Brilliantly written, I had such a hard time putting this down. The perseverance the past generation showed in the face of adversity is amazing and must be commended! Five stars but I wish I could give it more!
Natalie is a RITA nominated, USA Today Bestselling author of six novels: The Dress Thief, The Milliner’s Secret (re-titled “The Girl who Dreamed of Paris”), The Wardrobe Mistress, Summer in the Vineyards, The Secret Vow and The Paris Girl that feature sisters, Katya and Tatiana. Since then, Natalie has released Into the Burning Dawn and The Italian Girl’s Secret, books set in the lucious Bay of Naples during the second world war. Now, the latest novel is available and it is called The Girl with the Yellow Star. The story takes place in Cornwall on the glorious north coast, and is a heart-wrenching story of loss, love and challenging choices.
I am delighted you are here today for the publication day blog tour of IN FROM THE COLD By Sarah Bennett.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.
On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.
Arriving in the pretty Cotswolds countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.
As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Publication September 21, 2023
MY THOUGHTS
After having a visit to Juniper Meadows in, Where we Belong, the first book in the series, I was excited to dive into In From the Cold the second book.
Taking place in the beautiful Cotswold’s it’s a joy to return again as we see how the characters are faring. At times it takes a great sadness to bring people together, such as in this case in the form of a funeral.
We are treated to a charming and caring cast of characters. While this may be read as a standalone, I do suggest reading the books in order because there is a bit of a backstory.
As a secret becomes revealed there is a brilliant and supportive group behind them. A new family is waiting to welcome with open arms, a family he hadn’t even known about. Before you can move forward you must be at peace with the past. He is able to move forward with the support of his new family.
Heartwarming, this book is a warm welcome hug! I can’t wait to see what the author has out next!
Publication September 21, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.
I’m always drawn to Christmas covers and this is no exception. It’s so pretty!
ABOUT THE BOOK
A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.
The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.
Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.
Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?
MY THOUGHTS
I love the author’s writing style and I’ve read many of her books.
The characters feel realistic as though you’d want to stop in and have a lovely chat with them and snag a sweet or two at the bakery. I got hungry as I was reading.
The characters are so likable. from Barney (everyone knows and loves him) to Quinn (Celeste’s love interest).
I enjoyed seeing how compassionately the author writes about Quinn, he is a former Naval man and has PTSD from all he has experienced while serving. The author’s descriptions of his night terrors are so well done. It’s so heartwarming to see the characters so supportive of each other in all ways possible.
Bakery owner Celeste and Quinn had a short fling years ago. When the local pub is sold all the regulars are hoping the new owners will continue on in the same fashion as it was run before including the star attraction, a beautiful Christmas tree for the holidays.
New circumstances always mean changes though. When Celeste finds out her old flame is the one that has returned and bought the pub, she tries to stay away but Christmas magic comes a calling.
Very Christmassy and such a positive and encouraging read. I really loved it!
Pub Date 19 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
As of yesterday, we are on a trip in Delaware. We are in Rehoboth Beach but will be traveling across the state, it’s so small. Yesterday we toured the Nemour’s Estate.
A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.
The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.
Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.
Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?
Join new friends and old, as Christmas comes to Heritage Cove.
Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.
On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.
Arriving in the pretty Cotswolds countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.
As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…
Chicago, early 1970s: Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.
The best-known secret in the city, Jane is an underground women’s health organization composed entirely of women helping women, empowering them to live lives free from the expectations of society by offering reproductive counseling and safe, illegal abortions. Veronica, Jane’s founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others’ freedom is that she leads a double life. When she’s not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife—which becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.
Two more women in Veronica’s neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who’s long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister Eliza shows up unexpectedly, Patty is forced to come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.
In this historic moment when the personal was nothing if not political, when television, movies, and commercials told women they’d “come a long way, baby,” Veronica, Margaret, and Patty must make choices that will change the course of their lives forever.
I wish you all a wonderful week. We will be in Delaware until Tuesday then homebound to take our new kitten to get neutered Wednesday.
203 pages September 26,2023 publish date Love Inspired publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Amish school brings them together.
Will his secret break them apart?
When widowed schoolteacher Tobit Lapp is injured, he reluctantly agrees he needs Cora Koffman’s help. Cora’s still upset Tobit got the job at the Amish schoolhouse, but she agrees to teach his class till he’s able. As they work together on lessons, a surprising friendship blossoms between them, but Tobit’s heart is torn. He’s falling for Cora—yet his secret could ruin everything…
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Seven Amish Sisters
Book 1: Her Surprise Christmas Courtship Book 2: Falling for the Amish Bad Boy Book 3: The Teacher’s Christmas Secret
MY THOUGHTS
Human nature being what it is Cora Koffman tries not to be upset and jealous when newcomer to their Honeycomb, Delaware Amish school Tobit Lapp gets the teaching job she has yearned for. Getting off on the wrong foot, anger clouds her judgement of widowed Tobit who has a young teenaged son.
When an accident proves disastrous to Tobit and leaves him unable to teach, he reluctantly lets her take his place while he recovers.
I’ve seen this in stories a lot recently, the grumpy and sunshine pair and it actually works in most books including this one.
Having never taught before Cora is nervous but excited about teaching and she excels at it. As she spends more time with him, he sees how smart she is and realizes some of her teaching ideas really are great and they implement them into the teaching program. I enjoyed reading about the Christmas program the teacher and children are putting together.
Cora and Tobit seem to be falling for each other and Cora looks forward to being courted by Tobit until an unbelievable secret comes to light. Will the romance be able to possibly be saved?
I’ve really enjoyed many books by this author in the past. The books feel realistic, and I love her writing style, it is realistic and encouraging. Though a short book the story feels complete and not rushed. I suggest you read the other books in the series though each story is a stand alone.
Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She’s the author of the Hannah’s Daughter’s series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.
Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in. Does this sound like a book you’d read?
Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted by Reading is my Super Power! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m featuring the first line of Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland. I just love her books they are so much fun. Have you read her adorable Hedgehog series yet?
FIRST LINES
“Tabby?” Matt called, knocking on the door of the empty flat. ” In the front room, I called back, crumpling up the protective plastic covering I’d ripped off the last of the cat beds I’d been unpacking.
ABOUT THE BOOK
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there’s a paw-some new business opening….
It had always been Tabby’s dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.
But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she’s been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves.
Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.
Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby’s broken heart as well as her business?
Escape with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland this Christmas for the purr-fect festive treat!
What do you think, would you read this book? What is the first line of the book you’re currently reading? Let me know in the comments.
I welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour by Bookouture of The Midwife of Berlin by Anna Stuart.
ABOUT THE BOOK
THE MIDWIFE OF BERLIN: COMPLETELY UNFORGETTABLE AND TOTALLY HEARTBREAKING WW2 HISTORICAL FICTION by Anna Stuart
Auschwitz, 1943: I stroke my beautiful baby’s hair. It’s a miracle it’s blonde because it will keep her alive, it will keep her safe. Soon they will come and take Pippa out of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and out of my arms. But while there’s life, there’s hope I might find my daughter again… An incredible story of one woman’s courage and determination to reunite her family in the aftermath of surviving Auschwitz. 1945, Berlin: Ester Pasternak walked out of the gates of Auschwitz barely alive. She survived against devastating odds, but her heartbreaking journey is only just beginning. In the camp, Ester gave birth to a tiny fair-haired infant, only for her precious baby to be snatched from her and taken to a German family. Now the war is over, Ester longs to find her little girl. But Europe is in chaos, Jewish families have been torn apart and everyone is desperately searching for their loved ones. In every orphanage and hospital she visits, Ester searches the faces of tear-stained toddlers; each mop of blonde hair and pair of blue eyes she sees sets her heart racing… But as the months and the years tick by, the possibility of finding her daughter shrinks smaller and smaller. And Ester starts to wonder if little Pippa is even safe, or whether the miracle that saved her has now put her in even more danger? Will Ester ever be able to find the child whose tattoo matches her own? Or is she already too late… A completely gripping and emotional WW2 novel of one woman’s bravery and determination to hold on to hope in a world torn apart by war. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale.
MY THOUGHTS
Though this book was so hard to read I am so glad the author has written it. We need to never forget those who were tortured during the Holocaust.
My heart aches for the people subjected to such inhumane treatment. I really don’t understand how they could treat another human being the way they did. Reading this book absolutely broke my heart. I have never read such a realistic book about Auschwitz!
Though hard to read it’s such an important story that needed telling! A haunting story that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.
I’ve always been able to count on realistic and heartbreaking historical fiction from the author that I must read.
As I flipped the pages, I was holding my breath praying for the safety of the characters. Gripping and emotional, this author’s books are a must read for me. The strength and resilience the women show in a time of darkness is a shining example of bravery and the will to go on.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Anna Stuart lives in Derbyshire with her campervan-mad husband, two hungry teenagers and a slightly loopy dog. She was hooked on books from the moment she first opened one in her cot so is thrilled to now have several of her own to her name. Having studied English literature at Cambridge university, she took an enjoyable temporary trip into the ‘real world’ as a factory planner, before returning to her first love and becoming an author. History has also always fascinated her. Living in an old house with a stone fireplace, she often wonders who sat around it before her and is intrigued by how actively the past is woven into the present, something she likes to explore in her novels. Anna loves the way that writing lets her ‘try on’ so many different lives, but her favourite part of the job is undoubtedly hearing from readers. You can reach her on Facebook @annastuartauthor or Twitter @annastuartbooks.
Welcome to my blog. Today I am delighted to reveal the cover of The Last Train from Paris. I just love the colors on this one.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Last Train from Paris
For Iris, each visit to her mother in St Mabon’s Cove, Cornwall has been the same – a serene escape from the city. But today, as she breathes in the salt air on the doorstep of her beloved childhood home, a heavy weight of anticipation settles over her. Iris knows she’s adopted, but any questions about where she came from have always been shut down by her parents, who can’t bear to revisit the past.
Now, Iris can’t stop thinking about what she’s read on the official paperwork: BABY GIRL, FRANCE, 1939 – the year war was declared with Nazi Germany.
When Iris confronts her mother, she hits the same wall of pain and resistance as whenever she mentions the war. That is, until her mother tearfully hands her an old tin of letters, tucked neatly beside a delicate piece of ivory wool.
Retreating to the loft, Iris steels herself to at last learn the truth, however painful it might be. But, as she peels back each layer of history before her, a sensation of dread grows inside her. The past is calling, and its secrets are more intricate and tangled than Iris could ever have imagined.
The year is 1939, and in Paris, France a young woman is about to commit a terrible betrayal…
A beautifully written and addictively compelling historical novel about the terrible choices ordinary people were forced to make in the horrors of World War Two. If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale, you will devour this book.
What readers are saying about Juliet Greenwood:
“This was fantastic! Perfect for a Kate Morton or Lucinda Riley hangover, this book will draw you in and won’t let go until you’ve read the last page. This book was unputdownable – fascinating characters, excellent writing, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. I loved every second of it.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I found myself reading chapter after chapter, unable to put it down. A first-time read by this author but certainly not the last.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“For readers of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley, this book will be one of your favorites… A historical novel that will keep you reading until the end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An absolutely brilliant read. I could not put it down…I loved how the war changed everyone and it was a gripping story… I really loved it. Cannot recommend it enough.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Did everything that I was looking for… it left me wanting to read more from Juliet Greenwood.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historical fiction is one of my all-time favorite genres and I can’t wait to read this one!
AUTHOR BIO
Juliet Greenwood is a historical novelist, now published by Storm Publishing. Her first novel was a finalist for The People’s Book Prize and two of her books reached the top 5 in the UK Kindle store. Juliet has always been a bookworm and a storyteller, writing her first novel (a sweeping historical epic) at the age of ten. She lives in a traditional cottage in Snowdonia, North Wales, set between the mountains and the sea, with an overgrown garden (good for insects!) and a surprisingly successful grapevine.
I’m so delighted to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens. You can’t go wrong with a book filled with gingerbread!
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens
The perfect cosy and uplifting romance to curl up with this winter!
In Mistletoe Gardens a legend exists: anyone who kisses underneath the mistletoe will be guaranteed another year of love…
When local baker Essie Browne discovers that Mistletoe Gardens is to be demolished in January, she’s determined to save the place she loves so much. So Essie proposes building a life size gingerbread house to bring in the crowds…just how hard can it be?
Well, quite hard actually. Essie can bake gingerbread blindfolded, but she hasn’t got a clue how to build an actual house with it! She needs help – and fast!
Enter local builder, Joss Hallissey. Essie is convinced that with Joss’s help they can pull this off. There’s just one tiny problem: Joss hates Christmas, gingerbread, and… well, just about everything else too.
Joss the Grinch makes it clear that her idea is ludicrous and pointless, but he reluctantly agrees to help with her plan.
Will the gingerbread house be enough to save Mistletoe Gardens? Or will Essie’s chance for a magical kiss under the mistletoe be lost forever?
Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!
As with all of the author’s Christmas books, I’ve found this one to be drenched in Christmas descriptions and vibes and I mean this in a great way. I love a descriptive Christmas book.
Our main character works at her mom’s bakery and it keeps her quite occupied. I really loved the gingerbread facts at the beginning of each chapter. Not much more Christmassy than a huge gingerbread house.
This is exactly what our main character is trying to build, a life-size version of one, to try to save the beloved Mistletoe Gardens.
This is where we meet Mr. Grumpy, he hates Christmas and just about everything else. Is this where our Ms. Sunshine can come in and show him the holidays aren’t all that bad?
I loved reading about the kissing under the mistletoe tradition. I held my breath to see if Mistletoe Garden could be saved from those who want to get rid of the traditions and replace it with a shopping center.
With the holiday season you can expect the best type of magic to come around though. Fun, fantastic and an all-around charmer. I always look forward to the author’s holiday books!
Pub Date 12 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Author Bio –
Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital.
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