Tag: drama

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holidays

Kiss Me at Christmas 

400 pages G.P. Putnam’s Sons publisher September 24, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

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White Christmas meets Nora Ephron in Jenny Bayliss’ latest wholehearted, ensemble-cast holiday extravaganza.

Christmas can officially get stuffed because Harriet Smith is not feeling bright and merry this year. She hasn’t for a while. So when her college-aged daughter opts for Manhattan’s winter wonderland instead of Christmas at home, Harriet finds herself seeking solace in a wine-soaked one-night stand.

But how Harriet will spend the holidays is swiftly decided for her after she takes the fall for some students who break into the town’s old Winter Theater. To get the students off the hook, the theater’s elderly owner requests that Harriet direct the washed-out stage’s final Christmas performance. And Harriet will do anything to help the kids . . . even work with the owner’s lawyer who, as it turns out, is her less than impressed one-night stand.

Directing the play with him won’t exactly change her life. But it might just reignite the Christmas spirit and remind her what makes life merry and bright again.

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MY THOUGHTS

Harriet Smith is always on, on for her students when she takes the fall for them during a trespassing charge, on for her daughter who is spending her first Christmas away from home, on for the new man in her life and always on for her friends. If you need a shoulder or a friendly chat Harriet will always be there, until she’s not.


Harriet doesn’t want her daughter to know how much she misses her this Christmas because she doesn’t want to ruin her fun. Problem is Harriet has put all her eggs in one basket, everything she’s done for her whole daughter’s life has been for her; to say she dotes on her is putting it mildly. Without her around she doesn’t see the purpose of decorating this Christmas or cooking for just one.


When some of her students, five misfits who have each other but the others at school think of them as weird and not fitting in are caught breaking into the town’s theater she takes the fall for them saying it was her idea. They’d been there plenty of other times, not causing trouble just reading and practicing for a play.


As a punishment they are requested to clean the theater which turns into an exciting theater remodel. I loved seeing the confidence these kids got having a theater to practice in for a very special show they were about to put on.


She has to work with James, the owner’s lawyer which she had met previously and whom she made a fool of herself in front of.
Of course, during the holiday season foolishness’s are forgotten as things heat up for this pair.

My favorite part of this book was seeing these kids not from the best backgrounds coming around and having such pride in having a place to practice and knowing their cleaning up the theater made a big difference in not only their confidence but for the betterment of the town as well.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amazon author page

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Blog Blitz:The Sunshine Sisters: Skye (Little Duck Pond Café) by Rosie Green

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Sunshine Sisters: Skye (Little Duck Pond Café)

The Sunshine Sisters: Skye. This is BOOK TWO of a TRILOGY in the popular Little Duck Pond Café series:
Skye Sunshine has a theory that workmen, when in your house, should be seen and not heard. But Saul, the annoyingly sexy handyman clearly hasn’t received the memo! He’s far too cheeky and irritating for her liking.
But when Skye’s peace of mind and reputation as an actress is threatened by hacks desperate for a story, can she really afford to turn down Saul’s offer – to whisk her away from the limelight to the privacy of his rustic cabin in the woods?

MY THOUGHTS

I have been reading the Little Duck Pond Cafe series for quite a while. I always look forward to a new novella length book coming out. This is one thing that I love about the series too, that each book is novella length so I can read it in an afternoon and not feel bogged down by not having time to read it. Each book has a full story.

The characters, I love them. Each one of them feels like friends and we still have some from the older books but meet new friends in each book too. This trio of books is the Sunshine sisters, and this is Skye’s story.

Skye Sunshine shows her vulnerable side when she must go into hiding because she is being threatened with blackmail for past secrets that are being threatened to be spilled. There are some serios subjects touched on in the book and the author does it in an understanding way.

The characters are relatable and fun and I’m enjoying meeting them all. Family relationships, drama, misunderstandings and secrets are explored. I did enjoy seeing how the sisters are all there for each other and look forward to reading the last sister’s story, Blossom.

Purchase Links

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosie’s series of Little Duck Pond Café novellas is centered around life in a country village cafe. Skye’s story is the second in a trilogy called THE SUNSHINE SISTERS. Watch out for Blossom’s dramatic and emotional story, which completes the trilogy and is out in early June 2024!

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

Thank you for stopping in and have a lovely day.

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Bookouture Blog Tour for The Irish House by Ann O’Loughlin

About The Book

The Irish House: A totally heartbreaking and powerful story about families, secrets and finding your way home

My dearest Marianne, have you ever completely loved one person? What I am about to tell you now, I have told no one…

Beautiful Kilteelagh House in Ireland, with its avenue of trees and its acres of wildflowers, was somewhere Marianne thought she’d never be again. At least, not without her beloved grandmother Collie. But when Collie passes away, she has just one request – for Marianne to leave behind her glamorous life in New York and to raise Collie’s orphaned granddaughters in the wild Irish countryside. Heartbroken and determined to fulfil her grandmother’s dying wish, Marianne has no choice but to say yes…

All Marianne and her cousins have left is each other, and letters from Collie that keep arriving from beyond the grave. They become a lifeline for Marianne, and she soon realises that her grandmother still has a lot to still teach her. And after a chance encounter with gorgeous local handyman Jack, Marianne wonders if Collie believed being back at Kilteelagh House would help her find love, too?

Soon, Marianne can’t help but begin to fall in love with this place that is so full of memories, of secrets, and perhaps even a little bit of Irish magic. But then out of the blue, a letter from Collie arrives that changes everything…

Will Marianne ever be able to decide where her heart truly belongs? Or will she have to run away from the only people who have ever truly understood her?

An absolutely heartbreaking and heart-warming read overflowing with Irish charm that will make you laugh, cry and hold your loved ones close. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Kathleen McGurl.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0BS6ZR7LFsocial

My Thoughts

Oh my heart! I went through so many emotions while reading this book by a new to me author.
Fashion designer, Marianne from New York arrives in Balgaddy, Dublin Ireland after being summoned there for the reading of her grandmother Collie’s will. She feels so guilty as work had kept her busy the past several years while her grandmother’s health deteriorated, and she was unable to travel to Ireland while her grandmother was still alive.
She inherits Kilteelagh House, her grandmother’s pride and joy, her house which means everything to her. The conditions are she must be the guardian to her two young nieces, one 6 the other 15 and she is to live at Kilteelagh House for a year while doing so.
Unsure of herself and her parenting skills at first she gains confidence the longer she is there.
As she falls in love with the house as much as her grandmother has she also falls in love with a local man. Discovering all the house has to offer, like sitting and enjoying all the flowers as the seasons pass. The descriptions are so beautiful I can vividly imagine the house as the author paints such a vivid picture of it, breathtaking. The letters are what got to me. Each month Marianne is given a letter her grandmother has written to her before her death. These letters boost her confidence 10-fold and give her practical advice and also talk about her grandmother’s life all the while offering up secrets, she has never shared with anyone else. She is now the keeper of secrets and it’s a huge responsibility to hold all the while it explains the current family dynamics. The book is heartbreaking but warm and relatable. I completely loved it and must read more by this author.

Pub Date 14 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit Other Books on the tour

The Author

Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.

Author social media:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annolwriter

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

Newsletter: https://www.bookouture.com/ann-oloughlin

Have a most splendid day and thanks for visiting today.

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Publication Day Review-Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna White-WWI and WWII

416 pages Bethany House Publishers January 24,2023 publication date

About The Book

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Grab A Copy here

My Thoughts

How do I even begin a review for this absolutely incredible book? Not much got done yesterday, I can tell you that. I read it all in one day.
We visit the Outer Banks in North Carolina several times a year and was so excited to see this took place there in Ocracoke Island, NC. I have been reading this author's books for years and she is an automatic read. I cannot resist her books. Her other books have been fabulous, I've loved them all but with this one she's totally blown it out of the water.
Taking place in two time periods, 1918 and 1942, it's always a treat to read a book taking place in multiple time periods with multiple points of view.
There is so much happening in each time period.
This historical fiction starts out in 1942 and I learned so much about this time period.
I found it fascinating to learn about the HMT Bedfordshire an armed naval ship in the service of the Royal Naval Patrol during WWII. It was sunk by the German submarine U-558 on May 11, 1942, off the coast of Ocracoke Island. It was staffed by British and Canadien crew.
Fascinating history switching between WWI era and WWII time periods the thread runs with the same family and includes not able to put it down action, heart-wrenching family drama, suspense and romance. There is a mixed-race relationship that leads to racism and discrimination which the author deals with carefully and respectfully.
I loved the book and am eagerly awaiting what this author puts out next.

Pub Date 24 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Have you read this author yet? What are your favorite books by her?

Thank you for visiting the blog today. Have a wonderful day.

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Somebody like Santa: A Heartwarming Texas Christmas Love Story (The Christmas Tree Ranch #5) By Janet Dailey-Review

About The Book

For Cooper Chapman, moving next door to his newlywed sister in Branding Iron, Texas, is the biggest gift he could ask for this Christmas. The divorced single dad knows his troubled teenaged son only needs the healing balm of big skies and family ties.  But soon after settling into their new home, Trevor falls in with some wild friends at his new school, leaving Cooper leaning hard on youth counselor Jess Graver. With grace and wisdom, Jess soothes Cooper’s worries over his son, even as the elusive beauty stirs romantic feelings to life . . .

With the holiday growing closer, young Trevor finds an unexpected mentor in a local farmer, helping him build a horse-drawn sleigh for the Christmas parade. Now the only thing that could make Cooper’s New Year brighter would be making warm-hearted Jess his own. But when he stumbles upon a secret from her past, it will take more than mistletoe to bring them back together and keep her at his side for all the sweet seasons to come . . .

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series.
Branding Iron, Texas is the home of Cooper Chapman’s newlywed sister and her husband, it’s convenient that there is a rental next to her for him and his young teenaged son to move into for their new start. Moving to the middle of nowhere in this “redneck hell of Branding Iron, Texas” is not Trevor, the thirteen-year-old son’s idea of a good time, he desperately misses Seattle with his friends and where he fit in.
School counselor Jess Graver more than once comes to the aid of Cooper Chapman, calming his worries when his son falls in with a wild crowd at school trying to prove himself worthy.


Jess and Cooper have an immediate attraction to each other, but I wouldn’t call this book a romance as each of them seems to keep pulling away from the other one emotionally for one reason or another.


There are a lot of side stories that could have taken on a book of their own, a hidden secret discovered, working as redemption to right a wrong as an older man gives the teen a chance to make things right, a Christmas parade, violence and abuse, kidnapping.
I did not particularly like the female lead character in this book, in my opinion she is standoffish and not willing to listen to reason.

My favorite characters would have to be Trevor the troubled teen who gains confidence and turns his life around and even goes out of his way to show empathy and help a troubled friend. Another favorite character is Maggie, that firecracker of a little girl, the take charge kind who is everyone’s friend.


For a novella length book, I think there was too much packed into it and some of these side stories should have been explored in the possibility of their own book.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Author

JANET DAILEY’s first book was published in 1976. Since then she has written more than 100 novels and become one of the top-selling female authors in the world, with 300 million copies of her books sold in nineteen languages in ninety-eight countries. She is known for her strong, decisive characters, her extraordinary ability to recreate a time and a place, and her unerring courage to confront important, controversial issues in her stories. You can learn more about Janet at http://www.JanetDailey.com.

With much appreciation for your visit today. May you stay safe and warm.

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The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker-Review

About The Book

Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.

Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.

Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.

Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.

When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…

The perfect feel-good holiday romance for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

What a fun adventure THE CHRISTMAS TRIP is. It is the follow up to The Christmas Swap.
It’s so much fun meeting up with the characters again and adding in a few new friends.
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii you won’t feel any less Christmas spirit because of the lack of snow. The friends and their beaus are back at it again meeting up and relaxing after working and having so much going on.
I loved the setting of their vacation, Hawaii plenty of delicious authentic foods, decorations, holiday singing and all around that happy Christmassy vibe.
Full of love, laughter, strong friendships, a bit of drama, fun surprises and joy.
I fell in love with this delightful book and its marvelous characters.

Pub Date 10 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list. I love exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and eating and drinking like a local when I travel, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

My first novel, a romantic comedy set in Greece and inspired by my real-life love story, was published in June 2019 by One More Chapter (HarperCollins). In 2020, two follow-ups in the Holiday Romance series hit the shelves: That Night in Paris and A Sunset in Sydney. 2021 saw the publication of my 5th novel, The Dating Game, which is set in the fascinating world of Reality TV. The next two books in the Holiday Romance series are set in Bali and Tuscany and they’ll be followed by The May Ladies’ Christmas, a follow-up to The Christmas Swap, my Christmas book from 2020.

Like most authors I have a dozen ideas humming away in the background for new stories. Next, I’ll be working on a new romcom series!

I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.

Books In This Series

Read more about them here

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope your day is great.

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First Line Friday-The Journey After The Crown

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted by Reading Is My SuperPower 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 The Journey After The Crown by Andrew Mackie because right now seems like a good time to read this one.

And The First Line is………

After more than two weeks at sea to simmer the tension between them,Violet and Daisie Chettle couldn’t stand each other, let alone stand next to each other. Not even to meet the Queen.

About The Book

A young Queen. Two sisters. A voyage that will change their fates forever.

Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II’s royal ship.

It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents.

But the 1954 royal tour to Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck – even if it means leaving Violet behind.

But as Daisie begins to win royal favour, she receives a letter from London. The sisters can’t outrun their past any longer… Violet has committed an unspeakable act of betrayal that will change their relationship forever.

With their positions on the tour hanging in the balance, have the sisters ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?

Set against the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s first royal tour with Prince Phillip prepare to be swept away with this upstairs-downstairs drama, perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey.

Grab A Copy Here

What is the first line of the book you are reading, let me know in the comments below.

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