302 pages One More Chapter Publisher Publication date August 22, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
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One determined party planner + one grumpy pumpkin farmer = a fall to remember…
Given the chance to plan her bestie’s 30th birthday bash, Wren Southwick is determined to create an experience so big and so bold that the name of her party planning business spreads beyond the confines of her own small town.
The key to her plan? The Finch family’s Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. It’s not just the perfect venue but also the perfect supply partner for the autumnal-themed bash Wren envisions. But to get what she wants – and needs – she’ll have to get gorgeous grouch August Finch on board.
The table is set, and the battle is about to begin … but who will fall first?
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MY THOUGHTS
I was really drawn in by the cute cover and the idea of a pumpkin farm. If you’re ready for a fall read giving you all the fall vibes, you want then this is it. Did I mention it includes plenty of coffee too? Can’t go wrong there.
An energetic party planner and a pumpkin farmer, doesn’t sound like it’ll work but this couple has a little Fall magic on their side. Loved the setting of the pumpkin patch and could easily picture the whole field covered with pumpkins of every shape and size.
The author wants to be inclusive as our MMC is autistic and she covers it well. There are other things dealt with, and the author does a good job of it. Nice fall read to relax with while drinking a favorite Fall drink cuddled up with your cat.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Author of the Mr and Mrs series! (Book I out on KU and Amazon now!)
Romance and Fantasy author with a desperate need for books with pining men 😉
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314 pages Apr 08 2022 publication date Bookouture Books
ABOUT THE BOOK
Welcome to the café on Marigold Marina, where the smell of freshly baked cakes fills the air, the boats bob merrily in the mellow evening sun. But will an unexpected meeting mean the chance to love again or a broken heart?
When Rosie inherits the café on Marigold Marina after her husband’s tragic death, she is determined to pour her heart into his dream. Nine months later, as she serves coffee and cakes to customers, she is all smiles and laughter. But when the sunshine-yellow doors of the café are closed, she allows her heart to break all over again.
Rosie doesn’t have much room in her life for anything but the café. But when Kit, the mysterious owner of a bookshop barge, starts to come by regularly for lunch, she finds it difficult to ignore his dark eyes, dishevelled curls and the fact that he has his own sorrows. Rosie finds it easy to talk to Kit and as they swim together in the sparkling marina waters she hopes she can help Kit the way he has helped her.
But just as she is letting herself open her heart, she learns the shocking secret that the husband she loved for so many years kept hidden from her. And when she discovers that Kit is hiding things too, she fears she has been foolish to trust again. Should she close her café and move away from the marina? Or should she take a risk and give love another chance?
MY THOUGHTS
When I want a great evening of reading and relaxation this is an author, I’ll visit time and again. The café on Marigold Marina was Rosie’s husbands dream but that dream didn’t die when he did. Honoring his memory, she kept it running even though things had been let go and it needed a lot of work. This work helps her to not concentrate on her sadness, and she’s surrounded by friends.
As the cafe becomes busier she needs extra help and the woman she hires is the sister of the man who has just opened a floating bookshop. When Kit, the owner of the bookshop starts coming by for a daily lunch she starts taking an interest in him and his sister is ever so helpful in bringing them together.
When she finds out a shocking truth her husband had kept from her she starts to reevaluate everything including if she wants to keep running the cafe or if it’s time to let her husband’s dream go.
Such a fun pick me up read. For sure I’ll be reading more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop assistant, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing. She wrote a novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and hasn’t stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor.
Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was her debut novel; published in 2014 it was an Amazon bestseller in both the UK and Australia. In 2016 she signed to the hugely successful Bookouture and is currently working on her thirtieth Tilly Tennant novel. Christmas bestseller A Very Vintage Christmas was recently made into a movie for Lifetime Channel and she has had many of her books translated for readers all over Europe.
Tilly also writes young adult fiction as Sharon Sant. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest news or find the link to join her mailing list in the back of all her books.
Have a most delightful weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
304 pages Publication date September 28, 2021 Kensington publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
There’s nothing like autumn in picturesque Goosebush, Massachusetts, but beneath the season’s sun-dappled foliage, Lilly Jayne and her Garden Squad must investigate a shadowy murder mystery after a theater owner’s sudden death sows as much drama behind the scenes as on any stage…
Lilly Jayne typically spends the harvest season baking festive pies and crafting colorful wreaths to enter in the library’s annual fundraising contest. But this year, autumn opens on a somber note when beloved local theater owner, Leon Tompkin, dies unexpectedly. His memorial sets the scene for a mini reunion of The Goosebush Players’ best and brightest alumni, including Hollywood star, Jeremy Nolan…until someone plucks Jeremy from the spotlight, permanently.
Now, as dedicated theater volunteer, Scooter McGee, falls under suspicion, Lilly and her Garden Squad must spring into action. They quickly discover a cornucopia of potential suspects in Jeremy’s murder. Was it an embittered ex…or a jilted lover? A rival thespian…or an overly ambitious artist? Lilly rakes through the piles of clues, but if she doesn’t uncover the real killer soon, more than autumn leaves will be dropping in Goosebush…
MY THOUGHTS
Wreathing Havoc is the fourth book in the A Garden Squad mystery series and takes place in Goosebush, Massachusetts. Having visited Mass multiple times, I enjoy reading books taking place there.
The pacing was great, and I didn’t guess who did it before it was revealed. It is autumn and Goosebush goes all out decorating, especially the garden club.
Harvest season celebration is in full swing, but all is not festive this holiday season as Leon Tompkin, local benefactor has died under suspicious circumstances. Many people are at the funeral, and a returning star is seen in a suspicious light.
The characters worked well together to solve the crime. Fall themed books are so much fun to read and I’ll be continuing this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Julia Henry is thrilled to be writing the Garden Squad series for Kensington. The Garden Squad are four friends–Lilly, Delia, Tamara, Ernie–who are clandestine gardeners in their town of Goosebush, MA, solving gardening problems that the red tape of the town is tying up. They also solve mysteries that pop up.
She also writes the Theater Cop series as J.A. Hennrikus, and the Clock Shop series as Julianne Holmes. http://www.JHAuthors.com @JHAuthors
I hope you’re having a lovely day. Thank you for stopping in.
Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!
Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…
But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?
As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!
Such a charming holiday read. I’ve read other books by the author and I always look forward to her books. Now add in a Christmas story and it makes it even more delightful. I was so delighted to see returning characters we met in the previous book. I loved the setting with its small town charm, markets and festive decorations.
The book is very relatable, Christmas on a very tight budget can be very stressful. Loved the two main characters, Thea and Nick. Each has a great personality. She’s a great mom and wants the best for them, he’s a gentle and caring guy. Will he get a chance to act on his long secret feelings for Thea?
Christmas magic sprinkled throughout in this hard to put down read. Lovely book to get lost in for an afternoon.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby and Willowbury series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.
Lottie Potts is happy enough – or so she thinks. Her life is slowly ticking away as she spends her days watching old films and daydreaming about another, better, version of herself.
But Lottie isn’t one for change. That is until a blonde bombshell blows into town and knocks her husband Daniel completely off his feet.
Lottie is forced to take a long hard look at herself. She is fat, in her forties and thoroughly fed up. Does she fight for her husband and the safe predictable life she knows? Or is revenge, like her favourite ice cream, a dish best served cold?
With her trusty circle of girlfriends and a surprising return from a charming face from her past, Lottie embarks on a transformative journey. Buckle up for the rollercoaster ride of laughter and tears as Lottie navigates the twists and turns of her reinvention, discovering the genuine essence of life along the way.
A portion of proceeds from all sales will be donated to Epilepsy Society and Great Ormond Street children’s hospital.
MY THOUGHTS
I haven’t laughed out loud or cheered for a main character like I have with Lottie Potts in a long time.
Lottie Potts is middle aged has a teenaged son and a husband who the spark has long ago left. She watches old movies and dreams of her younger fashionable days. There isn’t a problem that comes along that can’t be solved with a sweet of some sort and watching an old movie. Getting invited out with her girlfriends gives her a bit of a wakeup call. Charming, witty read. Just my type of book!
With her self-confidence at an all-time low she vows to change things going forward. I loved Lottie’s character, she’s funny, honest with herself and realistic and she has will power. When she says she’s going to change something you better believe she is.
With plenty of support from her female friends Lottie is on her way to becoming the person she was meant to be all along. Lottie is strong and an endearing character. We all need an encourager like Lottie in our lives, and I look forward to reading more about this wonderful group of women. Loved this book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
K. L. Crear is a teenager trapped in the body of a much older woman (she’s still in denial). After decades spent in the grey-suited world of banking, the Civil Service, and property management, she somehow found herself bankrupt, baffled, but never bitter.
Armed with an often inappropriate sense of humour and a well-timed expletive, she has survived two rounds with the Big C, countless sticky situations, and every *Real Housewives* franchise (purely for research, of course).
After years of procrastination—and a gentle shove from Father Time—she finally swapped a pint of pinot for a pen. She now writes laugh-out-loud women’s fiction, with a couple of memoirs under her belt too.
She dreams of owning a permanently cheerful axolotl but recently declined the chance to hug a sloth (because clinging to a tree while peeing on yourself is not aspirational).
A proud Yorkshire lass now living in a quiet corner of the Northeast, she shares her home with her endlessly patient, slightly deaf husband and their rescue cat, Pickle—who has a resting bitch face to rival any Real Housewife.
K. L. Crear donates a portion of book sales to charities close to her heart, including Women’s Aid, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Epilepsy Society, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Giveaway to Win a set of signed paperbacks of the “Teapots & Tequila Shots” series (Open to UK only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.
But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.
Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.
Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?
This Christmas, escape to Iceland for festive feels, unexpected friendships and maybe even a chance at love.
I’m not sure what it is. Is it possibly that I’ve read other books by the author and loved them or is it the possibility that we are in a roasting hot summer and a book taking place in romantic Iceland totally appeals. Whatever it is I absolutely loved the book. It had me laughing out loud one minute and loving the charming setting the next.
The characters had me hooked as I could hardly put it down, always needing to know what happens next. A slow burn romance, there’s no rushing into things as we get plenty of awwww moments.
Absolutely loved the setting and it’s descriptions and it has me begging for sweater weather at least if not maybe a bit of snow.
Meet me Under the Northern Lights is a wonderful and exciting book with light and easy reading that is a great pick me up. I’ll be reading it again.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads, she’s bringing gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!
300 pages Publication date Jul 21 2021 Bookouture publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
t the bottom of the meadow is a tiny crescent of beach, and beyond it the wild grey sea. I’ve pictured this view in my head so many times, and now I’m here, I know it will change everything. The whitewashed cottage with a peeling green painted door to my right must be his house…
When Abby steps off the ferry and onto the tiny island of Kinlossay, she squeezes her daughter’s hand and prays this trip will be the escape they both so desperately need. For now, at least, Beth is safe from the bullies making her life a misery, and perhaps Abby might find out more about the mysterious man behind the letters she’s been receiving…
Cameron first got in touch to see if Abby’s shop stocked his favourite book. And has written every day since to tell her of his life on his rugged little island, where buttercups dance on rolling fields and the sky never stops moving. The weekend he once came to visit her – singing with Beth in the kitchen, kissing Abby’s lips so tenderly – is a memory she will treasure forever. But then, one day, the messages stopped. Abby received the heartbreaking news that Cameron had passed away.
As she watches her daughter run laughing along the windswept beaches he described so perfectly, Abby wonders if this goodbye trip could also be a new beginning. But then she sees a face across the street that she recognises instantly, and her heart shatters. If Cameron is dead, who is this man? What devastating secrets has this little island been keeping? The truth will change Abby and her daughter’s life forever – but only if they let it…
MY THOUGHTS
The Little Island Secret is a book I thought I’d like more than I did. I very much enjoyed the bookshop setting in Scotland. Cameron first contacts Abby to see if she has a hard to locate book writing every day after to tell her of his belove island with the waves crashing and its breathtaking view. They fell in love, and he even came to visit once with her daughter loving him too as they sang and laughed. Devastated she finds out he has passed away when the letters stop. She knows she must go to the island to get closure taking her daughter along. The description of the island is breathtaking but the secrets the island harbors left me feeling unsettled as they were revealed. I can understand why it was done but would I have done it, no. The book felt much longer than it was, it was a slog to get through. There were parts I enjoyed a lot about the book and others felt unrealistic as I couldn’t make a connection with most of the characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.
After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It’s a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.
Pop over to her website http://www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her).
Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
Are there enough hours in the day for everyone to find their happy place?
Phoebe Dashwood and Sam Hendrie welcome their beautiful baby daughter into their already busy lives. With motherhood now top of Phoebe’s to-do list alongside being a vet, and running an animal sanctuary there’s no time for day dreaming.
As Phoebe battles sleepless nights, extra challenges arise in the shape of abandoned African Pygmy Hedgehogs, stolen cats, and a worrying trend to keep wildlife as pets.
Meanwhile, Sam is selflessly left holding a baby and when a familiar face from the past returns old feelings are tested. With so many plates spinning Sam worries something may get broken – he just hopes it won’t be their relationship.
Can parenthood, a relationship, and a professional life be successfully juggled and is it really ever possible to have it all?
This is one series I could never get tired of. I’ve read all of the books in it and always eagerly look forward to the next. The characters are so easily relatable, realistic but not overbearing. You can see yourself in the circumstances. With a new baby sleepless nights are inevitable. I can so relate to this, most often this stage doesn’t last all too long before they are onto the next fun stage. The challenge of motherhood, keeping up with her animal sanctuary and so many other things that have fallen into her lap has Phoebe Dashwood feeling tired and more than a little vulnerable. Phoebe’s partner, Sam Hendrie is such a help to Phoebe spending a lot of time with their little one while Phobe tries to do it all including taking back her professional life. Sam is happy to do it, but it has come at a cost to him as he’s had to give up some things that are near and dear to him. With the harried parents doing their best we also throw into the mix trying to solve the case of stolen cats, backyard breeders and those who think taming wildlife as pets are okay. The writer really touches on a lot of tough animal related topics that I totally agree with and I’m so happy to see them included in this book to bring about more awareness to others. I love this series, the relatable characters, the gorgeous setting and the inclusion of the animals. Write on, I’ll be reading!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves. When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.
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