Tag: Romance

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Finding Family at Seabreeze Farm: A wonderfully uplifting, heartwarming read from Jo Bartlett 

220 pages Boldwood Books December 2,2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Seabreeze Farm.

Freya Halliwell is looking forward to marrying the man of her dreams and starting their new life together. After the death of both of her parents, Ollie, along with Freya’s aunt, are the only family she has, but they are all the family she needs.

Until Freya discovers a shocking secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her once happy family and especially the man she used to call Dad. Devastated, and feeling more alone than ever before, Freya needs time and space to come to terms with the news. But until then the wedding is off!

Seabreeze Farm is the perfect place for Freya to recover. But could this beautiful farm perched high on the cliffs, also hold the answer to Freya’s past and reunite her with the family she never even knew she’d been wishing for?

MY THOUGHTS

This is another book in the Seabreeze Farm series and the whole series is so charming.
You really get drawn into Kelsea Bay and the characters are so realistic .
A total misunderstanding stops a wedding days before it’s to happen.
When shocking secrets are revealed our main character feels like she no longer knows herself or the man she called dad.
Dealing with such news will not be easy but Seabreeze Farm is the perfect place to get away from it all and forget. The setting is beautiful, the rugged coast, the gulls and the farm animals provide just the tonic she needs. A second chance at love. found family and complete holiday warmth.
Warm and fulfilling story.
Looking forward to more by the author.

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

About the author

Jo Bartlett was born a stone’s throw from the English Channel and still lives near the sea in Kent, with her family, so close to the South Eastern edge of England that they’re very nearly French. It’s probably why so many of her books are set near the sea too. Jo has made up stories for as long as she can remember, but never really took it any further, until a catalyst called cancer gave her the impetus to follow her dreams.

Since having her debut novel published in 2015, Jo has had numerous bestsellers in the UK, the USA, Australia and Canada. Jo writes contemporary women’s fiction, with mostly series-based stories that focus on love, friendship, family and community. She also writes grittier standalone novels focusing on a wide range of issues. Since joining Boldwood Books in 2021, Jo has written two bestselling series – the Cornish Midwife novels and the Cornish Country Hospital books, with the first book of a brand new series coming in early 2026.

Back in 2023 Jo celebrated one million sales worldwide and, after twenty-five years in teaching, now writes full time. You can follow Jo on Instagram, her author page on Facebook, or sign up to her newsletter – the details of which can be found on any of her social media accounts.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Shop Down the Lane: (A Sweet Contemporary Amish Letter Writing Enemies to Lovers Romance) (Letters from Lancaster County) 

352 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date May 6, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail.

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community’s simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub–a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers’ circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they’ve found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

MY THOUGHTS

I really, really enjoyed this book.
Aside from the story which really kept my attention I very much enjoyed that it takes place in Pennsylvania, my home state and where I still live.
How fun to see a story including birding circle letter writing. I have a bird app I use almost daily, and it identifies bird calls it hears. It’s so much fun to see new ones on it with the bird migration.
I also have the bird book the author recommended that she used for her research.
A long ago misunderstanding stopped a couple from courting but when they are brought together again can that be put aside so they can at least be nice to each other.
An Amish man and woman get to know each other through their interests in birding, a common interest amongst the Amish. They write letters to each other and the interest becomes more than about just birds but could a secret they’ve each been keeping from each other be detrimental to their relationship?
Very much enjoyed all of the characters and their personalities and how caring and forgiving they are to each other.
The characters are compassionate and helpful towards each other.
I also enjoyed the author talking about planting certain things and helping to create a habitat for the birds. The ending was wonderful and there was a surprise with one of the main characters I enjoyed too. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of over forty novels. She loves research, traveling, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and have four grown children and one grandchild. http://www.lesliegould.com/

I hope you’ve had a great day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for An Apple Butter Christmas

An Apple Butter Christmas

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he’d buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you love:

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter’s night.

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoy giving new to me authors a try and I’m so happy this one worked out as I really enjoyed the book.
An engaging read that had some twists and turns in it and the ending was so lovely.
A warm and welcoming read full of small-town charm, and I just loved reading about the apple orchard. A delightful pick me up read that I couldn’t help smiling about as I read it. I am looking forward to reading the next in this new series.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Butter-Christmas-Hartstone-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FNKNM4D8https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Butter-Christmas-Hartstone-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FNKNM4D8

Author Bio – Terry Lynn Thomas is a USA Today best-selling author who writes contemporary legal thrillers and historical mysteries set in World War II. Her debut cozy Christmas romance, Apple Butter Christmas, will release in November of 2025. Her stories are known for their strong female protagonists and the emotional connection between her characters.

When she isn’t writing, Terry Lynn likes to watch British mysteries, read books about found family and friendship, paint, garden, and take long walks with her husband and dogs.

Social Media Links –(1) Facebook

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What Remains True #backlistread

332 pages Publisher WaterBrook Publication date May 3, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? 

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care. 

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

MY THOUGHTS

What Remains True is an emotional read. The author has brought the characters to life with realistic situations. Well plotted, I loved the characters and how true to life they were.
A read that had me questioning what is really important and wanting to reevaluate things. When we take a second look at somethings what may have seemed important no longer is.
Five stars all the way!

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began writing while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and spa days with friends.

Several of Nancy’s novels have been adapted for television. You can find the complete list of movies and a free downloadable checklist of all of Nancy’s books in series order on her website.

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Christmas at the Highland Flower Shop: A perfect feel-good, small town heart-warming read! 

339 pages Publisher Embla Books Publication date September 20, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Four months. One impossible task. It’s time to save Christmas at The Highland Flower Shop…

Bella Reed has worked at The Highland Flower Shop ever since she left college and now her Aunt Jane has handed the keys and the lease over to her. With the business under her reign, Bella is ready to hit the ground running – until she’s dealt a massive blow. They’re being evicted.

When dashing businessman Maverick McIntyre turns up in Fort William, Bella discovers the reason they’re being kicked out. He has no intention of honouring a ridiculous deal his father made many years ago.

As Maverick and Bella lock horns, they both begin to see different sides to one another and before long the two strike up the most unexpected of friendships. Bella knows she has to keep business separate, but when her head and her heart are saying two different things, life starts to get complicated. No matter her feelings, Bella isn’t about to let anyone down and the entire town’s counting on her to save Christmas.

MY THOUGHTS

Bella Reed’s home away from home is at the The Highland Flower Shop as she’s worked at her aunt’s flower shop ever since she’s left college.
When her Aunt Jane hands the keys over to her, she’s ecstatic, what could be more perfect and she’s already dreaming and planning now that she’s in charge.
A terrible miscommunication leaves her being evicted before any of those plans can come to fruition.
Set in a beautiful small town setting the flower shop is a pillar of the community and always so beautifully decorated for Christmas and quite busy.
Maverick McIntyre is quite hardlined and not interested in honoring a deal his father made years ago.
If only while in business meetings Bella didn’t find Maverick quite so handsome and has to remind herself, he’s the enemy.
A typical enemy to lover’s romance with a lovely Christmassy theme that was an enjoyable story.

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

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. Originally from Bristol, she has also lived in Gloucestershire, the Welsh Valleys and is now based in Somerset.

For Lucy, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. Lucy is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture, or in the garden. She’s hoping to fulfil her dream of moving to a smallholding, together with her husband – and their adorable Bengal cat – in 2026!

Her novels have been translated into Italian, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Estonian, Slovenian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Danish and German.

Lucy also writes as Linn B. Halton and is represented by Sara Keane from the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

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Blog Tour for Fireworks at Pennycress Inn: The Pennycress Inn, Book 3

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fireworks at Pennycress Inn

🍂 Sparks are flying in more ways than one…

After years of juggling teaching with volunteering, Polly is finally ready for a change. When she lands her dream job at Meadowfield Nature Reserve – with the promise of a promotion in three months’ time – she trades in the stress of the classroom for the beautiful autumn days of the Cotswolds countryside.

Pennycress Inn is the perfect base for her fresh start: charming, cosy and filled with friendly faces. But everything changes when Zac, her attractive but infuriating ex-colleague, arrives. He’s here to take up a post at the reserve too – and is also staying at the inn! Worse still, the promotion Polly was counting on is suddenly up for grabs – and Zac’s her biggest rival.

With three months to prove herself, Polly must navigate village life, unexpected emotions and a career-defining challenge. As tension simmers and fireworks fly, will Meadowfield become the place she truly finds where she belongs – or will she be forced to walk away from everything she’s dreamed of?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/FireworksAtPennycres

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really been enjoying the Pennycress inn series, this is number three in it.
After stressful years of overexerting herself with more on her plate than she can manage Polly is ready for a change and to do something she feels will improve her life and give her the relaxing change she needs.
Giving up teaching and welcoming a new job at Meadowfield Nature Reserve with a promotion in three months’ time is just the balm she needs.
The Cotswolds are so beautiful, and she knows it’s the new start she needs with all new work mates to welcome her in and befriend her.
But then she sees a familiar face, an ex-colleague who is also new there. To make matters worse the so called promised promotion seems to have been a miscommunication and is up for grabs with her ex-colleague Zac in the running for it as well.
How could it possibly get any more awkward……. but then she realizes they’re both staying at the Pennycress Inn and avoiding each other is really not an option. I love the inn and its familiar characters. They feel like friends already, so warm and welcoming.
This story is filled with tension, the good kind that had me not able to put it down because you just know it’s going to turn out well.
Loved the characters and Polly and Zac’s story and as always look forward to the next in the series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Sarah Hope is the author of many successful romance novels, including the bestselling Cornish Bakery series. Sarah lives in Central England with her two children and an array of pets and enjoys escaping to the seaside at any opportunity.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @HappinessHopeDreams

Twitter: @SarahHope35

Instagram: @Sarah_Hope_Writes

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahHopeNews

Bookbub profile: @SarahHope

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The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy #Backlistread

198 pages Publisher Lake Union Publishing Publication date September 1, 2022

I have sooooo many books on my back list and I’ve come to accept I’ll never be caught up because I keep adding more new ones. Do you have a miles long back list as well?

ABOUT THE BOOK

n this charming novel from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, food was once the language of Evie’s soul. Now, can she remember the recipe for happiness?

Revised edition: Previously published as The French for Christmas, this edition of The Recipe for Hope includes editorial revisions.

Evie’s running away: from her soon-to-be ex-husband’s shiny new life, from the devastating loss of her baby last year, from a memory-filled London and, most particularly, from Christmas. A remote cottage in the South of France seems like the perfect peaceful place to soothe her sorrows.

But the countryside soon proves anything but quiet, from the rooster crowing at dawn to the barn owl hooting through the night—not to mention Evie’s handsome neighbour, doctor Didier, who works away in his garage at all hours.

Unexpectedly, the sights and sounds of life amid the sparkling beauty of the Dordogne give Evie a renewed sense of inspiration, and with her French grandmother’s recipe book for company, she begins to rediscover her love of cooking. Soon, the tight-knit community begins to enfold her, reminding Evie what really matters in life.

But are Didier’s gorgeous blue eyes on more than Evie’s delicious dinners? And can a cancelled Christmas—complete with a Not-Christmas feast for two—heal her heart?

MY THOUGHTS

A poignant and deeply moving story.
Set in the beautiful South of France this was with its original publication titled Escape to France.
Evie has had a most dreadful year, the stillbirth of her baby and her marriage has dissolved.
This short story takes her to France, away from the tear-soaked nights in London to a soothing escape in a remote cottage. A place to recover, relax and move forward in life.
Emotion filled story that had me filled with compassion and hope of healing for Evie.

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

About the author

Fiona is an acclaimed number 1 bestselling author, whose books have been translated into more than thirty different languages worldwide.

She draws inspiration from the stories of strong women, especially during the years of World War II. Her meticulous historical research enriches her writing with an evocative sense of time and place.

She spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007, before returning to live in Scotland. Her love for both of these countries, their people and their histories, has found its way into the books she’s written.

Fiona says, “To be the first to hear about my NEW releases, please visit my website at http://www.fionavalpy.com and subscribe to the mailing list. I promise not to share your e-mail and I’ll only contact you when there’s news about my books.”

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Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop

A heartwarming, cosy, utterly uplifting romcom

by Kiley Dunbar

292 pages Publisher Hera Publication date September 1, 2022

Description

‘Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect book

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…

Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.

When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.

It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.

But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Borrow a Bookshop series and though I haven’t read the first I easily jumped right into the story.
Such a heartwarming and uplifting story brimming with goodwill and cheer.
Loved the seaside village of Clove Lore and its characters. It felt like I was visiting with old friends.
I enjoyed reading about the Icelandic customs especially jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together. It’s great to see such an importance put on literacy there.
Very much enjoyed this holiday read.

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

Hi! I’m Kiley Dunbar, and I write bestselling, uplifting romance novels centering radical kindness and community.

I’m Scottish, a parent carer, lover of all things thrifty and money-saving, and I exist to drink tea and visit gardens or potter round the charity shops looking for vintage bargains.

I’m so excited to share my new ‘repair shop’ series which launched on 24th JULY 2025 with FIXING A BROKEN HEART AT THE HIGHLAND REPAIR SHOP. You can buy it here right now on eBook, paperback, audiobook as well as large print! Request it to your library or your fave indie book shop too if you like!

I hope you absolutely love my new books. If you enjoy visiting my Highland Repair Shop, why not pay a visit to the BORROW A BOOKSHOP? Check out the whole gorgeous, nerdy, funny, romantic series here too!

Happy reading,

Love,

Kiley, x

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Two reviews in the Noble Ranch series by Jody Hedlund: The Forever Cowboy and The Favored Cowboy

231 pages Publication date October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After running away from her wedding and hiding for months, Violet Berkley is back home in the high country of Colorado. Her father’s gambling debt has caught up to him, and he wants Violet and her sister to help him pay it off by working as dancing girls in a saloon. Rather than face such degradation, Violet seeks out the one man she hopes might be willing to help her.

Sterling Noble doesn’t want anything to do with Violet after being jilted at the altar by her. He doesn’t want to see her, be near her, or even speak to her. But when she shows up on his doorstep in desperate straits, he’s too kind—and maybe still too in love with her—to do anything but protect her.

Violet knows she doesn’t deserve another chance with Sterling, but she wants to prove she’s a new woman. But has she really changed, or are the insecurities still there? Sterling tries hard to resist his old feelings for Violet because his broken heart can’t take another beating. But as the danger closes in, he’s afraid he’ll lose her all over again.

MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting start to a new series, Noble Ranch.
Violet and Sterling had a previous relationship, but she ran away from the wedding and went into hiding. Sterling wanted nothing to do with her after that.
When he realizes she’s back again will he be able to live up to his resolve to stay away. Really enjoyed seeing the progression of Violet and Sterling’s relationship.
I also enjoyed reading about a working ranch and all the entailed and the descriptions of the vast wildness of Colorado sounds marvelous. Another wonderful book by the author that I loved.

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

221 pages Publication date October 28, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is doing his best to start over in the high country of Colorado. He’s gaining back his life, but he’s missing one thing—his mail-order bride, who should have arrived well before Christmas.

Fleeing from her husband’s murderer, Amelia Stone makes it to Breckenridge, Colorado, as a mail-order bride. When she’s thrust into a wedding with her groom by an excited crowd, she hopes that this time she will have a respected place in the community and a happy home to give to her unborn baby.

Thatcher is relieved his bride has finally arrived, but it doesn’t take long after the wedding for him to realize that many things about his new wife don’t add up. When he and Amelia finally figure out there’s been a bride mix-up, they’ve already started developing feelings for each other. But Thatcher’s real mail-order bride is still on the way. Can they find a way to stay together before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

The second exciting book in the Noble Ranch series.
After having read the first book in the series I was excited to start on this one.
I really enjoy mail order bride stories, and this one was really lovely.
A mail order bride loses the letters from the man she is to marry and can’t remember who it is when she arrives in town.
It turns out there is another man in town who is also waiting for a mail order bride, but a mixed-up match up happens.
Full of what I’ve come to expect from the author an exciting story that absolutely captivated me. Full of compassion, empathy and a heartwarming story.
Looking forward to more in this Western Historical Romance series.

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

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

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Blog Tour for- Autumn Wishes & Fireside Kisses : (Little Duck Pond Café, Book 42)

Autumn Wishes & Fireside Kisses

A Hallowe’en wedding is taking place in Sunnybrook! One well-loved Little Duck Pond Café regular will be walking down the aisle at a reputedly haunted manor house miles from anywhere – and it’s set to be the spookiest and most fun Big Day ever. But when the local river floods and the wedding party is stranded there overnight, weird things start to happen. Are ghostly antics at play here? Or is there something far more sinister going on? Will the wedding even go ahead?

MY THOUGHTS

Little Duck Pond Café has another book out and I just can’t get enough of this series. Every book I read in this series has some of the original characters, but we always get to meet new friends as well. Each book is a blast and the stories so fun and charming.
This one involves a Halloween wedding; I love this idea. Plans are coming along swimmingly, and the wedding is set to take place at a reputedly haunted manor house.
A spooky and stormy night leaves the wedding party stranded at the eerie manor overnight. When strange things start going bump in the night and secrets come to light will the wedding even happen? The Halloween wedding planning from the decorations to the spooky manor to the cake theme sounded like such fun. The extra mystery had me intrigued and kept me reading. Once again, I’m on the lookout for the next book in the series.

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

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSBXXNT5

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, out in November 2025, and THE OTHER LIZZIE BENNET, which will be published in January 2026!

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

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