Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. This weeks theme is a sort of choose your own with the theme being Books with (________) on the cover and we fill in the blank. This week I’m choosing covers with cats since I’m such a big cat fan as my three cats snuggle on the bed here. I may have gone overboard and thrown in a few extra covers as I have so many cat cover books to read. Most of these are cozy mysteries. Hope you’re having a wonderful day.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Pepper Lane Sweet Shoppe
Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
Pepper Lane Sweet Shoppe: Erin Mason didn’t know she had any family left, so when she inherits a sweet shop, she’s not entirely sure what to do. There isn’t much else going on in her life, so she goes to check it out in Pepper Bay. After all, a short trip to the Isle of Wight is hardly going to change her life.
MY THOUGHTS
The Pepper Bay series is quite an entertaining series. I’ve read quite a few books in the series, but not all, yet. These are a great comfort read with characters you can relate to and emphasize with.
The beautiful bay on the Isle of Wright sounds charming and I’m sure I’d feel right at home there.
This was a smile my way through it comfort read.
I’ll admit I’m a sucker for sweet shops in books, it must be a comfort thing taking me back to my childhood.
: Erin Mason is stunned to realize she has inherited a sweet shop when she didn’t even realize she had any family left. Not getting on the best with her mother she was never told she had a grandfather while he was living so that took away any chance, she had of knowing the man. After his death she inherits his sweet shop. That would be a terrible thing to have happen to you.
Traveling the short distance to Pepper Bay she investigates the shop and apartment above. Through her grandfather’s sweet shop employee, she’s able to make a decision on whether to sell the shop or reopen it. I enjoyed the fun interaction Erin had with her new friend, there are some pretty funny interactions.
It was lovely seeing her fitting right in with the town’s folks and his friends, it’s as though she was meant to be there, but does this mean a new romance is in the works too?
Books in the series aren’t overly long, so you get a full and fun read but don’t get bogged down when time is short. I keep making fun new discoveries while reading this series. Every time I read one of these books, I realize why this is one of my favorite series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Link – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pepper-Lane-Sweet-Shoppe-Book-ebook/dp/B0CNVD4DYB
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AUTHOR BIO
Author Bio – Hello, I’m K.T. Dady. I’m the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. I’m also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.
Social Media Links –
https://www.instagram.com/kt_dady
https://www.facebook.com/ktdady
Thank you for stopping in. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Little Place in Prague
It’s been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.
As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…
Purchase Link –
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8
MY THOUGHTS
It is not a joke to say while reading this book and even after I was left with a warm happy glow. I have been experiencing a lot of stressful times recently and this book has made me forget my troubles and I was totally engrossed in it.
A beer competition in Prague has a most exciting prize. The winner who makes, do I call it crafts, or brews (I’m not a beer drinker) the best tasting beer wins beer making equipment to start their own brewery.
Anna is in Prague for several months as she prepares for this contest, sure she’ll win. Unbelievably her roommate is none other than Leo, she hasn’t seen him in years and she’s certainly not happy about this surprise.
The description the author has given of Prague is marvelous, from its architecture work to arts, weather and scrumptious foods. Meeting the locals I almost felt as though I could hear their accent and see their welcoming smiles. The author really writes with an authentic flair with her descriptions.
Can a second chance romance go better the second time around? It can but will it, that’s the question as Leo, who is such a charmer around the women and Anna battle their growing feelings for each other and compete in who will have the best beer.
I loved this story, so festively fun, I laughed out loud many times and could empathize with the predicaments the characters found themselves in.
Recommended read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it.
These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.
The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.
Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliecaplinauthor/
Thank you for stopping in.
Happy weekend & welcome to the First Line Friday post! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m delighted to feature Pumpkin Cottage by Anna and Jacqui Burns, a mother daughter team.
329 pages Allison & Busby publisher September 19, 2024 publication date
FIRST LINES
Pippa lets out involuntary shriek as she spots the sign, ‘Welcome to Riverdean.’ She has arrived. She follows the road as it bends sharply to the right, and her Audi is plunged under a canopy of trees. The brilliant blue of the sky peeks through the green and mustard leaves, as though even the sky is promising good times to come. And boy, does Pippa need good times. It’s been one hell of a year, filled with grief, job stress and break-up angst.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Pippa Mason is ready for a fresh start. She has bought Pumpkin Cottage in the picturesque Wye Valley village of Riverdean, where her late mother grew up, and plans to renovate a run-down bed and breakfast. Despite the complications of the project and a very surly builder, Pippa is settling into village life and starting to fall for the charms of local, outdoorsy Jake when problems start coming thick and fast …
Jenny Foster has plenty on her plate. It’s busy enough running Riverside Lodge but now her husband Phil has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. With doubts about how long she will be able to keep running the business, Jenny didn’t need the threat of another B&B on her doorstep and the newcomer worming her way into the community.
When the spat between the rival businesses escalates and an autumn storm brings matters to a head, Pippa and Jenny will have to see if Riverdean is big enough for the both of them.
THE AUTHORS
Jacqui Burns is a lecturer and one half of a writing team with her daughter Anna Burns. They write their novels while living over two hundred miles apart, emailing chapters back and forth, focussing on strong but relatable women at the centre of families and communities. Love at Café Lompar was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Novel Award.
Anna Burns is a psychiatrist and one half of a writing team with her mother Jacqui Burns. They write their novels while living over two hundred miles apart, emailing chapters back and forth, focussing on strong but relatable women at the centre of families and communities. Love at Café Lompar was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Novel Award.
I hope you are doing well today. Happy Weekend!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Wedding Cake & Big Mistakes in Lily Vale Village
Lottie should be on top of the world – her boutique has just opened in the quaint little village of Lily Vale and her designs are already delighting the locals. But just nine months ago, she was fired from her dream job and forced to move in with her dad, all because of one big mistake and a betrayal from someone she thought was her friend.
During a fitting appointment, Lottie meets groom-to-be Kit Brooks. Her first impression? Arrogant, rude, and a downright snob. However, as they work together to create the perfect bridesmaid’s dress for his little sister, Lottie begins to view Kit in a whole new light.
Suddenly, she’s battling to keep her heart under control – after all, Kit is getting married. But nothing could prepare her for the identity of his bride…
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes in Lily Vale Village is the eighth story in the Lily Vale Village book series, a charming set of novellas revolving around the lives of the ordinary people who reside in the beautiful countryside community. It can be read as a standalone story, or as part of the series.
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8FF2764
MY THOUGHTS
Nine months ago Lottie’s career was fully on track as a fashion designer she had risen to the top of her field and was well known. One night it all fell to shambles as she accidently divulged her style secrets and has been blacklisted in the fashion world with the top of the top. She though this woman whom she told was a friend but unfortunately now that the cat is out of the bag she finally sees the truth of the woman’s worth. A fake smile while pretending to be your friend will only go so far.
Getting away from the stress and moving closer to her father will help her stress factor and she’s thrilled to open up her own brand-new little boutique making custom dresses.
Unbelievably her first customer is the woman who betrayed her wanting her to make a wedding dress for her. Bridezilla has nothing on this woman, she couldn’t find a worse woman to sew for if she tried. I loved all her other customers though.
I loved seeing how Lottie settles in at Lily Vale Village, the descriptions have it sounding so serene and the coffee shop/bakery, I’d love to see a book taking place there.
Fun, fabulous and heartwarming with a realistic new friendship and a surprise fantastic romance. Love this, such a delight and can’t wait to read more in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Bio – Imogen Payne lives in the British countryside with three stuck-up cats, one mad dog and a very well-trained husband. There she writes the romantic, dramatic and always uplifting Lily Vale Village and Sunny Shore Bay series.
When she’s not writing, she’s cooking up a storm in the kitchen, taking long walks through the nearby woods or snuggling up on the couch with a good book.
Social Media Links – Twitter: Imogen Payne (@ImogenJPayne) / X
Newsletter: Imogen Payne Books (list-manage.com)
Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cosy Nights & Snowball Fights
As the nights draw in, gingerbread lattes and festive hot chocolates are on the menu, and the Little Duck Pond Café girls are gearing up for the cosiest time of the year. But new recruit Laurel just wishes she could sleep through the whole jolly affair! It might be October, but she’s still haunted by the events of last Christmas. Could a new start in Sunnybrook help to heal her heart?
Purchase Link
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR8BNTRL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR8BNTRL
I love all the covers in this series including this one. Isn’t it so charming? It would make me want to read this book just by looking at the cover.
MY THOUGHTS
Being back in Sunnybrook is always a true joy. Laurel has had some not too pleasant experiences recently and is ready to make a new start. Will Sunnybrook be just what she needs?
I really enjoy the festive holiday ambience in the book. It starts out in Autumn, but we quickly move toward the holiday season and how sweet is that? From the festive holiday decorations to the scrumptious sounding drinks. Though novella length you get a full story that is quite packed with emotion.
We meet up with some of the characters from past stories and I’m always up for catching up with the Little Duck Pond Cafe girls. They are here to bring her up when she’s been feeling down. Fun and caring relationships are shown, strong friendships and new romances blooming.
I loved seeing how Laurel got her life back on course and has once again found hope and happiness. Looking forward to more in this series I love so much.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Author Bio – Rosie Green’s Little Duck Pond Cafe series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe and most can be read as stand-alone stories. (‘The Sunshine Sisters’ is a trilogy within the Little Duck Pond Café series and it would benefit from being read in order: Aurora, Skye and Blossom.) Look out for ‘Cosy Nights & Snowball Fights’, and ‘Maddy’s Christmas Wedding’, both out later this year in time for the festive season!
Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88
Thank you for stopping in. Your smile is beautiful, share it with someone.
I am sure you will be delighted with this cover reveal I am about to unveil today. It’s just lovely.
Candlelight Dreams in Cosy Cove
Welcome to Cosy Cove, where love burns brighter than any candle!
Beth Williams thought her dreams had melted away after a devastating breakup, but she finds a flicker of hope at Harbour Lights, her artisan candle shop nestled in the heart of Cosy Cove. But just when Beth thinks she’s content with her quiet life, a ruggedly handsome stranger threatens to reignite her carefully guarded heart.
Enter Jacob Lawson, a charming journalist whose assignment in the quaint seaside town quickly becomes more than just another story. As Beth introduces him to the town’s hidden gems—from the bustling summer fair to sunset walks on the beach—Jacob finds himself captivated by more than the scenery.
But as their attraction simmers, both Beth and Jacob must confront their deepest fears. Can Beth trust her heart to love again? And will Jacob choose the comfort of Cosy Cove over the call of his career?
Join Beth and Jacob on a journey of second chances, sweet moments, and the kind of love that makes every day feel like a summer holiday. Will they find the courage to embrace a future together, or will their fears extinguish the flame before it truly ignites?
Get ready to fall head over heels for Cosy Cove, where every page promises a warm hug for your heart. Perfect for fans of seaside romances, charming small towns, and love stories that sparkle brighter than the sea at sunset!
Pre-order Links
Abbey Hicks Payhip shop: www.payhip.com/AbbeyHicksAuthor
Candlelight Dreams direct link on Payhip:
Candlelight Dreams in Cosy Cove ebook pre-order: Cosy Cove Series, book 1 – Payhip
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DHWRXRGZ
Universal link: https://books2read.com/CandlelightCosyCove
Publication Date – 28th February 2025
Author Bio –
Abbey Hicks writes sweet, feel-good romance filled with dashing heroes, quirky heroines, and those heart-melting happily ever afters. Whether it’s contemporary romance or paranormal love stories, she brings her signature charm and a sprinkle of magic to every page.
Writing as Abbey MacMunn, her debut paranormal romance was shortlisted for the prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Since then, Abbey has written eleven more books, including the bestselling steamy paranormal romcom series, Love Bites: A Dating Agency for Paranormals.
When she’s not dreaming up her next romantic hero, you’ll find her on walks with her mischievous but lovable labradoodle, Brody, or binge-watching anything from romcoms to fantasy/sci-fi. If it has romance, adventure, and a dash of humour, she’s there!
Social Media Links –
Abbey Hicks Author page Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550077637737
Abbey Hicks Payhip shop: www.payhip.com/AbbeyHicksAuthor
X/Twitter www.twitter.com/abbeymacmunn
Instagram www.intagram.com/abbeymacmunn
Sign up to my newsletter here: www.sendfox.com/AbbeyHicksAuthor
Thank you for stopping in. Enjoy your weekend.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A festive treat brimming with the magic of bookshops and Christmas…
In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet.
But after a surprise phone call from his father, Florrie worries that Ed is keeping a secret. Why is he spending so much time in the attic? And what’s making him act so distantly?
Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie packs their days with festive treats from gingerbread hot chocolates to sleigh rides under the stars. But when Ed disappears just a few days before Christmas, Florrie fears the worst. Will her holiday dreams shatter like a dropped bauble? Or is Florrie in for a Christmas surprise of her own?
The perfect festive read to get you in the holiday spirit, Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea will delight fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read in this series, but I can vividly picture what I read. The small-town sounds so charming, Micklewick Bay. The shops so festively decorated I could just picture them with their Christmas trees, wreath and magical fairy lights.
It was so exciting to read about Florrie and Ed’s romance and the magical moments. The fun winter activities, I could just picture the snowman making and sledging.
A little drama thrown in, a little bit of a mystery and whole lot of fun romance. The bookshop by the sea is a marvelous idea and I loved the exciting addition they have planned for it.
The whole town comes together in this festively fun Christmas romance by the sea. Loved seeing the closeness of family and friends.
Now I need to go back and read the other books in the series and see how Florrie and Ed met.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Links – https://geni.us/759-al-aut-am
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour. She has written twelve novels and has been an Amazon UK Kindle bestseller.
When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.
Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!
Social Media Links –
Amazon author page: Eliza J Scott – UK or Eliza J Scott – US
Website: Eliza J Scott
Twitter/X: @ElizaJScott1
Facebook: @elizajscottauthor
Instagram: @elizajscott
Bookbub: @elizajscott
Have a most lovely day. Thank you for stopping in.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book Title:
A Christmas Wish on Arran
Book Blurb:FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS MAGICAL, FESTIVE, SECOND-CHANCE, SCOTTISH ROMANCE.
A Christmas to remember.
When Beth Ferguson’s dream of a career in journalism in London ends in tatters, she’s offered a new start as the local reporter on the Isle of Arran.
The only problem? Returning to the place she first met Callum. Her first love. And the man who broke her heart.
It’s been 25 years since ‘that day’. Surely he’s no longer there.
But Callum is still in Arran. Still gorgeous. Still making Beth’s heart flutter.
Despite the time apart, the more they try to ignore their chemistry, the more it reignites the flame between them.
As the close-knit island prepares for Christmas, Beth reconnects with Arran’s magic. But it’s Callum who pulls at her heartstrings. And when tragedy strikes, it’s Callum who shows Beth that time and distance can’t change what the heart really wants.
Can the magic of Christmas give Beth and Callum the second chance they need?
This heartwarming Scottish, Christmas holiday, second-chance romance is perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan, Karen Swan, Cressida McLaughlin, Rebecca Raisin and Mandy Baggot.
Tropes:
🩷Christmas holiday romance
🩷Second-chance romance
🩷Single-parent romance
🩷Small town romance
READERS ADORE ELLIE HENDERSON’S ROMANTIC ARRAN SERIES.
Number of Pages:
276
Book Links/Buy Links (Amazon, Goodreads etc.):
https://geni.us/christmas-wish-arran-t
MY THOUGHTS
I have never been to Scotland but am ready to pack my bags right now. The Isle of Arran sounds so exciting, and the descriptions are breathtaking.
This is the type of book once you start it nothing else around you exist until it’s completed. I just got lost in it and had to know how it’d end.
Festively fun and heartwarming. I love the characters and seeing their character development as the story went along.
Full of surprises, from did that really happen to how can that be possible moments. I loved everything about this book. I so love a warm family-oriented Christmas story it warms the heart so much.
A bit of a scare brings a family even closer together and I loved seeing this.
Can a past heartbreak be explained away? Anything is possible during this magical time of Christmas when misunderstandings are healed, and love is the healing balm.
Beautiful, I so loved this and recommend it to all! A read again Christmas story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Name of Author:
Ellie Henderson
Twitter Handle:
@EllieHbooks
Instagram Handle:
@ elliehbooks
Facebook Handle:
https://www.facebook.com/EllieHendersonBooks
Genre:
Romance
Author Bio:
Ellie Henderson lives near the sea on the east coast of Scotland and is a regular visitor to the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. When she’s not writing she runs creative workshops in the community. Ellie also writes psychological fiction under the name Lorna Henderson.
Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.
226 pages October 1, 2024 publish date Northern Lights Press publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the high country of Colorado, hardships are a given, but love has a way of overcoming all the losses.
Millionaire heiress, Genevieve Hollis, has everything she wants except one thing, freedom, because her guardian stepmother insists on overseeing every move she makes. When Genevieve sees a newspaper advertisement from a rancher seeking a mother for his baby, she jumps at the chance to escape, even if that means hiding her true identity.
Ryder Oakley has suffered the repeated misfortune of losing the people he loves most, so now that he’s a single father with a newborn baby, he’s determined not to lose his son. When a woman shows up in answer to his advertisement, he quickly forms a marriage of convenience—one without all the entanglements of a real relationship.
Attraction starts to grow between the newly married couple, but the secrets of their pasts threaten to catch up to them. Ryder finds himself in a custody battle over his baby, and Genevieve struggles to outwit her stepmother. Will they be able to overcome the odds and find a way to be together before it’s too late?
*All of the books in the High Country Ranch series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and the romance is the main focus of the books.
MY THOUGHTS
Marriage of convenience stories are so much fun. In this one a millionaire heiress is on the run from a fairytale like wicked stepmother. Genevive, and I love her name knows her stepmother does not have her best interest at heart after her loving papa dies.
She must get away and to make things even more complicated she’s hiding a few secrets from her husband to be.
He’s looking for a mother for his baby, his wife didn’t want the responsibility of a child, and he knows his son will be better off having both parents raise him. He’s not looking for romance just a helpmate and to have his son taken care of with a woman’s influence.
This rancher and his brother had been adopted as young children and they really don’t remember their early childhood. It was interesting seeing the research they are doing to try to dive into their past. They just want answers and to feel like they belong.
Sweet, romantic and the strength of existing and newfound family. I loved everything about this book
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean historical romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).
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