Tag: reading

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 Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt Books On Tour

Book Description:

As the snow begins to fall and the lights twinkle, Ellie realizes Christmas has finally come to the Inn on Bluebell Lane. But as she watches the guests arrive, she hopes this won’t be her family’s last winter in this magical place…

It’s been two years since Ellie and her family left their lives in America behind and moved to a small Welsh village to run her husband’s family inn. Having fought to save it from disrepair, Ellie is shocked when her sister-in-law, Sarah, breaks the news that the inn is facing financial trouble and might have to close after Christmas, a thought that breaks all their hearts.

Turning to her mother-in-law, Ellie sees tears sparkling in Gwen’s eyes. But then Ellie has an idea: a celebratory Christmas week for guests and locals with all the festive trimmings — an unforgettable experience, and her family’s last chance to save the inn.

With Christmas drawing closer, the family are busier than ever. Gwen bakes enough mince pies to feed the whole country, while Ellie adds mistletoe to every room, and her husband Matthew turns the garden into a winter wonderland.

But there are troubles ahead no one could expect. And as Bluebell Lane twinkles against the frost, Ellie marvels that the inn has never looked prettier. But will it be enough to save this beautiful place her family has grown to love?

This totally unputdownable seasonal read is perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Packed with heart-warming festive cheer, and bursting with merrymaking, this novel is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Elin Hildebrand.

MY THOUGHTS

A beautiful and welcoming addition to Christmas joys this year. The Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane is about working together, accepting who others are and knowing they may not be the ones needing to change, but it may be ourselves.

Change is inevitable, it’s not always easy, but it’s a guarantee it’s going to happen.
This glorious holiday read will open all your senses to festiveness of the season.

I had a hard time putting this one down. Filled with all the holiday descriptions in this special little inn, the Inn on Bluebell Lane. I sure wish I could visit this small Welsh village. It may not have all the trappings of the big-name fancy places you could choose to stay but it would be my choice for a comfortable, cozy and down to earth sounding stay.

The characters are relatable and sound so realistic, sure it sounds like some of them are not having an easy time of it, but I do believe in the miracle of Christmas. With the ending it makes me think there will be at least one more to round out this series and I’ll be first in line to read it.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

THE AUTHOR

Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.

https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAuthor/
https://twitter.com/author_kate

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Kate Hewitt here: https://www.bookouture.com/kate-hewitt

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CB6YWWFGsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you’ll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Snuggles 🐾🐱🧶

Because we all need some absolute cat adorableness. This is Iris, my 9 year old tabby female and newcomer Charlie, 4 month old black and white male kitten. We’ve had him for a month. She has finally accepted him as a friend but still gets annoyed when he pounces on her and play bites her

He’s almost as big as she is. He’s going to be a big boy. She’s spayed and he’s neutered.

Have a wonderful day. 🍁🍂☕🎃📚🐱🧶🐾

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A CHRISTMAS Miracle in the Little Irish Village-Bookouture Books on Tour

I apologize for my lateness in posting this. Due to my illness, I fell well behind on reading and posting.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Christmas Miracle in the Little Irish Village: A heart-warming and utterly addictive small town Christmas romance

Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas. Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping for a miracle…

When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London. But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…

After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her sister’s heart for them to be parted.

But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm. With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle bring them all together?

Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this stunning festive romance. Get comfy under your winter blankets with a warm cocoa ready, because you will not be able to put this wonderful, heart-warming book down!

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CGJGW2J9social

MY THOUGHTS

You will get the full Irish experience while reading this one. Being that my ancestors came over on a boat from Galway I knew this one was the perfect read for me.


You’ll be immersed in the authenticity of the Irish humor, foods and settings. Emerald Bay pulled me in, after my first visit I knew I had to return.

The twins, Grace and Ava Kelly have been stuck together like glue and always done everything together their whole life. Showing a side not often seen Grace asserts herself and moves to London, though she’d rather be in Emerald Bay, Ava follows.

Ava didn’t leave her boyfriend, Shane on the best of terms when she moved to London. Grace, the social butterfly has many friends and would feel at home just about anywhere.

When an emergency back home in Emerald Bay has Ava returning on the double, she becomes moody and so worried. Family drama and dynamics. We see sweet and sour, misunderstandings and reconciliations.

Delightful holiday read full of family warmth, romance and friendships. Kept me eagerly turning pages as I soaked in the Irish Christmas warmth. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

Author social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleVernal

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

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

Website: https://www.michellevernalbooks.com/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/michelle-vernal

Have a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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The Little Books of the Little Brontës Hardcover – Picture Book, publishing October 17, 2023

80 pages publish date October 17,2023 publisher Penguin Random Canada, Tundra Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories — and grew up to be among English literature’s finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein.

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.

A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

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MY THOUGHTS

I am embarrassed to admit that yes, I have heard of the Brontes and their literature and that’s about it. I’ve read nothing by them and know next to nothing about them. I can’t use the excuse of living in the states and not the UK as a valid reason either. Their literature is quite well known over here as well.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book we meet the 4 children, and the father makes a very brief appearance bringing gifts to the children returning home after traveling.

This is a nonfiction book and though it is informative I will now be doing more of an Indepth research into the children, their lives and their family.

I see the children had two elder sisters and their mother who passed all within a close time due to tuberculosis.

It sounds like the children didn’t have many friends outside of themselves and their family. Making up stories and creating their own very small child sized books was a way they entertained themselves. They loved reading and would read anything they could get their hands on including literature and their mother’s bible.

The four surviving children all died young, such tragedy! Their father outlived them all.

The book is atmospheric, you can just imagine them sitting at a table making these little books with wallpaper scraps for the cover.

The Little Book of the Little Bronte’s will propel those interested in English literature and learning more about these literary greats to do your own research. I will definitely be doing this.

Children have not only the opportunity to learn the basics about this family history, but it includes instruction on making your own book. Who knows this may interest some to continue on to becoming a published author.

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

THE AUTHOR

Sara O’Leary (saraoleary.ca) is a writer for both children and adults. The Ghost in the House is her first novel. She has a degree in screenwriting from the University of British Columbia and teaches at Concordia University in Montreal. A former literary columnist for The Vancouver Sun and CBC Radio, she also writes short fiction. She has written a number of critically acclaimed books for children, including This is Sadie, which was adapted for the stage by New York City Children’s Theater.

Have you read anything by the Bronte’s? Thanks for stopping in. Have a marvelous day!

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Vermont State House, Montpelier, VT inside

That is the seating chart for when they are in session.

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The Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont

We got out of our car today intending to walk around outside and snap a few pictures. Imagine our delight when we realized you could tour the inside as well. I do believe it’s because they are in session from January to May.

The outside, Montpelier, VT

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 Blog Tour for Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft

I apologize for posting late for my stop on this blog tour. Illness held me back from reading and posting on time. Deanne

About the Book: 

Welcome to Christmas Resort, the festive retreat where the scent of cinnamon is in the air and chocolate yule log is eaten all year round! But with the resort in trouble, can Holliday Harrison save Christmas and find true love along the way?

Thirty-year-old Holliday Harrison is throwing herself into the festive season to give her life some purpose after losing her fiancé three years ago. Working at Christmas Resort, an all-year-round holiday village, with its sparkling lights and community of quirky characters, is the warm environment she needs right now. But everything is about to change…

When handsome, blue-eyed businessman Damon MacAndrew arrives to stay in one of the cute log cabins, at first Holly is intrigued. Why has this serious stranger come to such a jolly place? But then he makes his plan clear: Damon wants to buy the resort and change everything about it.

Determined to put Damon off Christmas Resort, Holly is soon engineering cold showers and setting him up to get lost in the maze. But with freshly baked cookies and delicious hot chocolate available on tap in such a magical setting, it’s hard to find ways to make the resort seem unappealing… Holliday tries her hardest to fight for the resort but the romance of Christmas seems to have other ideas.

As they take sleigh rides together and spend long evenings in front of the log fire she can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them. But has Damon really fallen in love with the magic of Christmas, or is he still a cold-hearted businessman? And will this this turn out to be the best Christmas ever… or will it end in heartbreak?

This sparkling, festive read featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance is completely addictive and moreish! A gorgeous winter romance that will have you glued to the pages. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this delicious Christmas romance.

My Thoughts

Oh this series!

I just love it. The setting of the Scottish Highlands sounds like just the place for me. I would really love to visit there. This series is so warm and welcoming, one I’ve been really enjoying. I’ve read several books by the author, and they are all wonderful. They keep getting better and better. I am hoping this series will continue. A Christmas themed resort in the Scottish Highlands evokes different feelings about Christmas in two people. One loves it and is surrounded by it year-round at this resort, one tries to avoid it at all costs because of past memories. We all know a little Christmas magic has a way of thawing the chilliest of hearts though with the spirit of Christmas. From hot cocoa to sleigh rides to tender talks and long walks this magical feeling Christmas book is just what you need for a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy Link:  https://geni.us/B0CCJW96GFsocial

Visit other Blogs on the tour

The Author

Copyright VanessaChampion.co.uk

Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.

Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids (who aren’t always home) and two very grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.

Social Media

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donnashc

Website: http://donna-writes.co.uk/

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

Thank you for stopping in and have a wonderful day!

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MONTHLY WRAP UP

Vector black silhouette of a pumpkin.

September 2023 wrap up

On my GoodReads Reading challenge I am 25 books ahead of schedule. I am at 212 of 250 which is 85%.

September my reading amount was down because of illness I had. 3 weeks ago I had occasional left ear pain. You know the kind I’m talking about, ignore it and it’ll go away in a day or 3, plus it wasn’t every day. Then it became daily, multiple times a day. Then it turned into a nonstop headache I had for 10 days. Friday last week, I went to the dr, he told me to take Zyrtec and Flonase, I did and still had it this past Monday. Back to the dr I went and he gave me an antibiotic. I felt fine the next day, every day after my head is killing me. I go back to the dr Friday, see a different dr, she says how are you with shots? I say fine, dr leaves and nurse practitioner comes in and says, okay you’re getting the shot in your —. Yeah, the dr left that little tid bit of info out. It did me no good anyways, but she prescribed a stronger medicine it finally has helped me. Apparently, my sinuses were packed, pretty gross I know but I was needing any relief I could get. My headache pain kept me from reading as much as I wanted to last month and I had to delay a blog tour post because I couldn’t read the book, but I will post it when I’m able to.

READ IN SEPTEMBER

Halloween background with scarecrow and empty space for your text.

My reading amount is way down this month. I apologize if I haven’t replied to a comment you’ve left. Because of my head pain it’s been all I could do most days to even post anything on the blog. Here’s to feeling better and staying well!

The Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up is hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight.

Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate all of you!

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FIRST LINE FRIDAY

Happy Friday & welcome to First Line Friday hosted at 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 The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson.

the first lines are……..

“Are you cold, madame?”

Her hands shook like the tremors from the ships bell, clattering against the shreds of wet fabric that hung at her sides, but she didn’t answer his question.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this compelling new time-slip mystery, a little girl goes missing from her family’s castle in the Thousand Islands of New York. Eighty-five years later, a journalist teams up with a woman living on Koster Isle to find out what happened to Poppy, once and for all.

1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York’s gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.

1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy’s castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe’s doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe’s store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she’d thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma’s life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.

Grab a Copy Here

Let me know the first line of the book closest to you in the comments.

Have a teriffic day and thanks for stopping in.

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The River Queen: A Christian Historical Romance (River Romances Book 1)

Did you know the author has her own bookshop? Preorder from her shop and you can get it earlier and a better buy. Here

ABOUT THE BOOK

River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

 Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

 Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

Read a free first chapter sample HERE

Listen to a free audiobook sample HERE

MY THOUGHTS

The River Queen is the first book in the River Romances series.


The author has written books on several subjects and does it so well. This is such an exciting one!


You won’t find a slow or mundane read here! This is a fun and energetic read filled with river pirates, gangsters and smugglers.

A rather unique story of life on a riverboat, I found myself fascinated with the glitz and glamour of life on the flashy showboat.


If you’re looking for action, how about a chase down the Mighty Mississippi? Filled with intriguing situations, mystery, excitement and of course romance.

Looking forward to the next exciting book in this series.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I’m Stephenia H. McGee, bestselling author and winner of the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award.

I write clean historical, time-travel, and contemporary fiction. My heart-stirring romances are filled with faith, hope, and healing–with a dash of humor mixed in!

All of my books are clean and wholesome, meaning you won’t find any type of explicit content here. Each story contains a Christian theme.

I’m a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Visit me at http://www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.

You can also email me any time at Stephenia@StepheniaMcGee.com

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in today.

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