Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she’s moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there’s a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.
After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can’t date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can’t say no.
As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores
After reading A Little Board Game Cafe I was delighted to see another board game-based book by the author. And so quickly as well. The board game cafe idea is fresh and bright, not a subject that has been rehashed many times over in books.
From the author’s writing I’m going to make the deduction she loves writing because her books are so fun and original, she loves board games and loves to see others happy in their romance when they find the right person for themselves.
You’ve got to admit the cover is really cute and the font used to spell out ‘Love Letters’ in the title is a perfect match for a book loosely based on scrabble games.
After escaping a controlling man in her marriage Jo is ready to make a new start in the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick and possibly give dating one last chance. She enjoys playing Scrabble, but to say that may be an understatement. She enjoys Scrabble so much she only dates guys that have names that score highly in her favorite game, Scrabble. When she becomes interested in a man with a name that scores low, she couldn’t possibly date him. Asking her to organize a Scrabble festival with him she figures, sure, what will it hurt?
I loved seeing the character growth, especially Jo, she becomes self-assured, willing to try new things and stand up for herself. Ras is such a positive influence in Jo’s life. His character is warm, compassionate and he goes the extra mile with Jo helping her to become the best person she can be.
The many Scrabble games were so fun to read about, and the town loved coming together to play. I loved seeing the fellowship the game created and how the lonely characters were no longer lonely. It was a lovely way to bond. Loved this book and all its characters and greatly look forward to more board game books by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Bio – Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn’t writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children’s opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.
281 pages Aria publisher September 2,2021 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Wrap yourself in the taste of Christmas with this fantastic festive romance!
Christa Playfoot is looking for a fresh start after her divorce. Having lost her Michelin-starred restaurant, she hadn’t expected to be job hunting and single just before Christmas, so when her best friend says she’s recommended her for a gig as a private chef over the Christmas period, she can’t think of a reason to say no…
Christa has no idea what to expect but it’s certainly not grumpy billionaire divorcee Marc Ferrier and his rambunctious twin sons, or the beautiful but cheerless country estate, Pudding Hall, that they inhabit.
With her knack for pouring love into her cooking, Christa is determined to make this Christmas sparkle for the Ferrier family and maybe get her life back on track in the process…
Christmas Wishes at Pudding Hall by Kate Forster is a warm, wonderful and festive book. I enjoyed all the feelings of a warm holiday get together with characters that cared about each other. Out of a job and single isn’t the way anyone wants to spend the holidays but that’s a former Michelin-starred restaurant owner’s reality. Then her best friend recommended her for position of private chef over the Christmas period. This is for grumpy rich divorcee Marc Ferrier and his rambunctious twin sons at their prestigious country estate, Pudding Hall. The descriptions of Pudding Hall, it’s lovely decorations and the landscape sound exquisite. Filled with delicious sounding recipes. Christa succeeds at her private chef’s job, but can she bring the holiday spirit to the grump and his twin boys? Enjoyed reading about the delicious sounding foods being made because you can’t have the holidays without trying new foods and recipes. The twins were adorable and so lively. Another book from an author that guarantees a nice feel-good read and I’ll be looking for more reads by this author.
Pub Date 02 Sep 2021 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two children and two dogs, and can be found nursing a laptop, surrounded by magazines and watching trash TV or French films. Kate is the author of the adult novels; The Perfect Location, The Perfect Retreat, Seduction, Close Up, Picture Perfect and For the Love of Christmas. She has also written five young adult romance books including; Unlucky Break, Head over High Heels, Beauty and the Beat, Piece of Cake and Twice Upon a Time.
Thanks for stopping in. May your day be blessed with goodness.
286 pages Zebra Books November 28,2023 publish date grab a copy here
ABOUT THE BOOK
Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?
Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?
MY THOUGHTS
The Paradise Valley series by Amy Lillard is one of my favorite Amish series. This is the fourth one in the series and I’ve read them all. There is just something about the author’s books, the characters are fun and realistic, the charming setting makes you want to visit, and the foods all sound so delicious. This one has me carving buttered popcorn, which I’m going to make myself some right now.
I enjoy having the character carry over from other books in the series. It’s always nice to read about characters we are already familiar with and get an update. This one had a mention of the boy in the wheelchair, and I was glad to see an update on him.
Paradise Valley, Missouri continues on as the setting for the Paradise Valley series as we see a return of the ladies from the Whoopie Pie Widows Club. The ladies are widows who help each other through their grieving the loss of a spouse with friendship, spending time together and baking together and great encouragement.
Member Hattie is an optimistic person, seemingly always cheerful and when she gets challenged, she meets it head on. Her challenge is to get cankerous Christian Beachy, a widow to smile. Upon further inspection, she thinks this may not have been her smartest move agreeing to the challenge. As their time together increases, will his smiles also start to blossom with her outgoing personality?
Looking forward to more heartwarming stories by the author.
November 28,2023 publication date. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: http://www.amylillardbooks.com.
She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?
Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing – a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!
So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.
Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.
Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?
As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract…
MY THOUGHTS
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the third book in the Railway Lane series. ❤️ This is my first read in the series though.
Flora Barton has lived with her grandparents practically all her life and now it’s just her and her grandmother after her grandfather’s death. She is very protective of the elderly woman and knows she can’t keep the farm going like she used to in her younger years.
The farm in recent years has fallen into disrepair with unplanted fields letting nature reclaim them and many repairs needing done. The farm isn’t making the money it once had and the women just can’t do some of the heavier chores. Flora is feeling really glum, and she wants to change this for her grandmother but isn’t sure how to. One day while she’s doing chores a red Ferrari pulls up and Flora knows it’s not anyone she knows.
Out of the car steps handsome Italian playboy Nico Rossi and he knows of Flora’s grandmother. Flora’s grandmother and Nico’s grandfather knew each other way back when and he has come to return something of hers. He has a plan to save the farm from being bought but Flora isn’t too sure she like him let alone wants to listen to any plan he has.
A grumpy to sunshine story, I loved seeing the interaction between Flora and Nico and how she blossoms under his attention. The grandmother I’d say is my favorite character, she’s no nonsense but yet friendly and open to new ideas. She’s also a bit of a matchmaker encouraging Nico and Flora to become a couple.
Will Nico’s plan help this farm get back on its feet again? When Nico sees Flora dating another man will that scare him away or make him step up and let Flora know his true feelings for her? Nico is planning on leaving when the summer is over, will this romance be gone with the wind before it even gets off the ground?
Warm and tender, lots of feelings in this one. It’s a keeper for sure and I’m off to read the rest of the books in the series.
Pub Date 03 Jan 2024 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.
400 pages Dell publisher September 26,2023 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
A young woman tries to heal a rift in her elderly pen pal’s family in time for Christmas, all while falling in love—and maybe even reuniting with her own family—in this dazzling romance from the author of Always, in December and One Last Gift
Sometimes it takes a stranger to bring you back to yourself.
Ever since a car accident tore her family apart, Holly has been part of a lonely-hearts holiday letter–writing club. Each December, she writes to a stranger who is also spending Christmas alone, and receives a letter from another lonely person in return.
Usually, the letters go unanswered. That’s the point—the letters are anonymous, and the senders write whatever is in their heart. But this year, the letter Holly receives is different; not only is the letter full of a grief she knows all too well, but its writer, Emma, mentions a place that Holly has visited. When she realizes that she might actually be able to find the letter’s author, Holly becomes determined to reunite Emma with the estranged grandson, Jack, with whom Emma is desperate to reconnect.
When Holly finally tracks him down, she remembers that she’s met Jack once before . . . and the connection was electric. The spark between the two of them is still there—until a misunderstanding risks their burgeoning romance and his strained relationship with Emma, too. But Holly is determined; if she can fix Emma’s family, she might also be able to fix her own. Though as it turns out, Holly might have less time to put things right than she thought.
MY THOUGHTS
Such a beautifully written, heartbreaking but yet healing at the same time story. Our main characters each have heartbreaking things going on in their own family. In both cases there is estrangement due to misunderstandings and fear of what could be.
Though holiday books seem to mostly be cheerful this one dealt with some heavy and sad issues and that’s okay. Though we don’t want sad or distressing things happening at Christmas time sometimes they do. And this book is more realistic for showing this, that it does instead of some of the other Christmas books with too much cheer and unrealistic.
I enjoyed seeing how our main characters met, that was funny. Our main characters are not present in each other’s life right away again after first meeting, but circumstances bring them back together again in an unexpected way.
Though each main character carries baggage and once again fears of what could happen and of rejection the characters are good for each other, and emotional healing takes place.
This story is so beautifully written and emotional, and I will read it again.
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hello, I’m Emily! If you’ve found this page then welcome, and thanks so much for showing an interest in my writing.
I have written three books now, which feels surreal! My latest novel is Love, Holly in the US and The Christmas Letter in the UK. My books always revolve around the Christmas period, but span the course of a whole year and more. They also deal with love – and grief, in one way or another. I think I put a part of me in every book – as I’m sure every author does – and my newest book is no exception. The main character – Holly – often does the wrong thing for the right reasons, and that is a situation I’ve found myself in! And with three sisters myself, writing about the sister love – and difficulties – in this book felt personal at times!
My other two novels are One Last Gift – a story of finding yourself when you feel that’s impossible, and of the love between siblings – and Always, in December. As my debut novel, it will always be one close to my heart. Whilst very different from me, the protagonist, Josie is suffering with a grief that I know all too well – losing a parent/parents at a young age, and having to carry that grief into adulthood, long after it’s supposedly ‘gone away’. I lost my mum when I was seven, and I still think about her even now, in my thirties – and that’s something that Josie and I share. Max, too, is suffering his own kind of grief, and that’s something that he has to learn to deal with. But whilst the novel is about grief, and learning to live with that, it’s also about falling in love, and about learning to be brave, even when your life doesn’t feel quite right yet – even if it feels like it will never quite be right!
I wrote my first two novels in a glorious house in Chepstow, living with my sister and my two nieces. My third book I wrote on the English coastline in Cornwall – so I consider myself very lucky!
If you read any of my novels then thank you, and I really hope you enjoy! If you want to get in touch then I’d love to hear from you – I’m on Twitter and Instagram under @EmStoneWrites!
240 pages Inspirational The Protectors Collection publisher December 26,2023 publication date grab a copy here
ABOUT THE BOOK
To keep a child safe
They must outrun a killer…
When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?
MY THOUGHTS
Every page is soaked with nail biting tension. When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly sets herself up for trouble as she becomes the intended target. Baby Emma’s parents have been killed in what was intended to look like an accidental car crash. Daria’s best childhood friend, Jake is now back from the Marine’s to take care of his niece Emma whose parents have died in what he believes is a case of murder. Can he convince her this case is murder? Marine Jake Fisher has all the strategies he needs from his Marine training now he just needs to convince Sergeant Daria Gordon he will step in and help her to solve this high-tension case. Every page had me holding my breath. This is an action-packed suspense with a strong female lead. I wasn’t sure who to trust and who not to. I enjoyed seeing how Daria and Jake worked together to keep sweet little Emma safe. As soon as I thought the case was solved, here we go again, more action coming at you from all sides. An inspirational suspense that’ll keep you on your toes.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. Loretta’s heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.
224 pages Love Inspired publisher December 26,2023 publication date grab a copy here
ABOUT THE BOOK
She’ll make the ideal mother…
But could she be his perfect match?
Marrying a virtual stranger gives Verna Kauffman almost everything she’s ever wanted—a husband, a daughter…and a list of childcare rules. Despite Adam Lantz’s strict standards and formal demeanor, Verna is determined to turn their convenient arrangement into a happy union. But when their growing relationship is challenged, can they overcome their opposite views of marriage to discover what they really need is each other?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Amish Country Matches
Book 1: The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma Book 2: Their Amish Secret Book 3: The Amish Marriage Arrangement Book 4: An Amish Mother for His Child
MY THOUGHTS
Verna Kauffman has wanted to be a mother for a long time and when it hadn’t happened in the conventional Amish way of buggy rides, singings and courting she enters into an arranged marriage with Adam Lantz to become a mother to his daughter Amanda by way of a matchmaker.
Amanda is a sweet little girl, very smart and wants to be called Mandy like her friends call her.
A faith filled and encouraging story we see the author take a situation that has some drama in it and misunderstandings and turn it into a happy family union filled with love and respect.
I enjoyed seeing the character growth of all the main characters and seeing how their needs were met. Uplifting and encouraging, this is a delight that will be read again.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance for Harlequin Inc. and Kensington Books.
She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted @ That Artsy Reader Girl . It was started with a love of lists and each week there is a different topic. This week’s topic is New additions to my bookshelf. I am going with the topic January Releases I’m looking forward to. Because it always pays to look ahead, right?
ntroducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.
Pastor Montgomery Childs has tended his flock in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for two years. While his pews are full every Sunday, he most desires to see a reckoning between God and the kings of industry who recreate on Lake Conemaugh. The pleasure grounds, flowing alcohol, and business dealings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club taunts Monty as he works to heal the wounds inflicted from his own privileged childhood among Pittsburgh society. Like Noah, Monty prays against the evil surrounding him, but he never expects God to send a flood.
It takes five days for the Red Cross to respond to the Johnstown flood disaster, but when it does, Annamae Worthington is ready to help. Apprenticing under Clara Barton has prepared her for the job, but nothing can prepare her for the death and destruction that awaits. As if the survivors haven’t suffered enough, typhoid fever ravages the town, resurfacing suppressed emotions regarding her father’s death.
Narrowly surviving the flood and the horrifying things he’s witnessed, Monty’s faith is floundering. Then a Red Cross nurse puts him to work helping with the typhoid fever victims arriving at the hospital tents every hour. Monty and Annamae work together distributing disinfectants and supplies, housing orphans, and serving those left behind. Slowly, his faith resurfaces. A kinship forms between them neither can ignore. But when an investigation into the collapsed dam points to the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, secrets emerge that may tear them apart.
This one hits close to home. I live within a few hours of Johnstown, PA and have visited the Johnstown Flood Museum. It’s a true tragedy that happened.
Divided by war. Reunited by courage.
Phoebe is a volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who’ve served on hte Western Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she’s meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart.
Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren’t the monsters she expected.
Despite the miles between them, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences – the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can’t break it…
Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she’s moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there’s a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.
After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can’t date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can’t say no.
As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores?
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family–French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral–are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America’s borderlands.
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William’s, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.
Nelly Sawyer is the daughter of the “wealthiest Negro in America,” whose affluence catapulted his family to the heights of Black society. After the unexpected death of her only brother, Nelly becomes the premier debutante overnight. But Nelly has aspirations beyond society influence and marriage. For the past year, she has worked undercover as an investigative journalist, sharing the achievements and tribulations of everyday Black people living in the shadow of Jim Crow. Her latest assignment thrusts her into the den of a dangerous vice lord: the so-called Mayor of Maxwell Street.
Born in rural Alabama to a murdered biracial couple, Jay Shorey knows firsthand what it means to be denied a chance at the American dream. When a tragic turn of fate gave Jay a rare path out, he took it without question. He washed up on Chicago’s storied shores and forged his own way to the top of the city’s underworld, running Chicago’s swankiest speakeasy, where the rich and famous rub elbows with gangsters and politicians alike.
When Nelly’s and Jay’s paths cross, she recruits him to help expose the Mayor and bring about lasting change in a corrupt city. But Jay also introduces a whole new world to Nelly, one where her horizons can extend beyond the confines of her ivory tower. Trapped between the monolith of Jim Crow, the inflexible world of the Black upper class, and the violence of Prohibition-era Chicago, Jay and Nelly work together and stoke the flames of a love worth fighting for.
Debut author Avery Cunningham’s stunning novel is at once an epic love story, a riveting historical drama, and a brilliant exploration of Black society and perseverance when the ‘20s first began to roar.
Over the twenty-four years she’s been enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there’s no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.
But when William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people out of their plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.
Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness—and fight for the freedom and dignity of all.
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen shares the unsung true history of a kingdom built as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.
Mariah Fredericks’ mesmerizing novel, The Wharton Plot, follows renowned novelist Edith Wharton in the twilight years of the Gilded Age in New York as she tracks a killer.
New York City, 1911. Edith Wharton, almost equally famed for her novels and her sharp tongue, is bone-tired of Manhattan. Finding herself at a crossroads with both her marriage and her writing, she makes the decision to leave America, her publisher, and her loveless marriage.
And then, dashing novelist David Graham Phillips—a writer with often notorious ideas about society and women’s place in it—is shot to death outside the Princeton Club. Edith herself met the man only once, when the two formed a mutual distaste over tea in the Palm Court of the Belmont hotel. When Phillips is killed, Edith’s life takes another turn. His sister is convinced Graham was killed by someone determined to stop the publication of his next book, which promised to uncover secrets that powerful people would rather stayed hidden. Though unconvinced, Edith is curious. What kind of book could push someone to kill?
Inspired by a true story, The Wharton Plot follows Edith Wharton through the fading years of the Gilded Age in a city she once loved so well, telling a taut tale of fame, love, and murder, as she becomes obsessed with solving a crime.
‘A delicious story that wraps itself around your heart’ Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop
It’s been three years, two weeks and one day since Kate Shaw’s life changed forever. Three years, two weeks and one day that Kate has been angry – with herself and life.
But today is different. Different because Kate has finally taken the step she’s been avoiding…back into the kitchen. Now, what begins as a (disastrous) attempt to make pancakes becomes a culinary journey that is not only a love letter to someone so important to her, but also an unexpected means of connection to a community she never knew she had…
ollow the aroma of shamrock sugar cookies to the Beacon Bakeshop, a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan where amateur sleuth Lindsey Bakewell is busy preparing for Beacon Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities – with a little help from her adorable Newfoundland, Wellington, of course!
Lindsey is baking up a storm—shamrock sugar cookies, Guinness chocolate cupcakes, Irish soda bread—for the well-timed grand opening of the Irish import gift shop, the Blarney Stone, owned by her boyfriend’s uncle, Finnigan O’Connor, recently relocated from the Emerald Isle.
But it’s Uncle Finn himself who seems full of blarney when he gleefully reveals a pot of real gold he claims he stole from an actual leprechaun. And Finn’s fortune takes a turn for the worse when he’s arrested for the bludgeoning of a small unidentified man dressed as a leprechaun—the murder weapon alleged to be his now-missing shillelagh.
Eccentric Uncle Finn may enjoy believing he’s outwitted a leprechaun, but he would never be so deluded as to clobber one with his walking stick. Now Lindsey will need more than the luck of the Irish to seize a golden opportunity to catch the real killer . . .
Pre-order the BRAND NEW novel from million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland
Rosie feels like there’s something missing in her life.
She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can’t help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she’d found someone special herself?
When Hubert Cranleigh – the owner of Willowdale Hall – is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.
Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined…
Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love.
Are any of these on your to read list as well? Let me know in the comments.
Have you read, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas? It’s such an important book about dog rescue. You will pawsitively love it! Come see my review here on my other blog.
350 pages August 30,2022 publication date Boldwood Books grab a copy here
ABOUT THE BOOK
After the end of a long-term relationship, local weather girl Bea Armstrong has been avoiding her family, and their inevitable ‘I-told-you-sos.’ But with Christmas fast approaching, she is finally on her way home to Charis House, the school in Sherwood Forest that her mum and dad run in their old family home. And to top it all off, the insufferable Henry Fairfax – who her parents have always wanted her to marry – has also been invited.
Relief comes in the shape of a last minute interview for her dream job. There are just a few minor problems… The interview is in Scotland, Bea has no car, and the snow is falling already. The only solution is for Henry to drive her – could this Christmas get any worse…
But during an unforgettable two day interview, a stay in a log cabin and a nightmare journey through the snow, Henry turns out to be nothing like she thought. And when Bea’s first love and recent ex shows up, Bea has a difficult choice to make…
Reading Beth Moran’s fabulous novels makes every day better. Feelgood, satisfying, with smart characters and gorgeous settings, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
MY THOUGHTS
A fun, festive and tender holiday read. I read this one in a day. Bea Armstrong is our main character; she is the local weather girl and just ending a long-term relationship. Out with the old and in with the new, right? Bea isn’t so sure though when her old flame keeps promising her the moon but never delivers.
What a delight, she’ll be able to spend Christmas with her family, but a last-minute interview as a weather girl is in her way and she must go. Never mind the snow is piling up on her way to Scotland.
Bea has some important decisions to make. I enjoyed the characters and plot. This festive snowy read is perfect for this time of year, and it was such an engaging story.
Pub Date: 30 Aug 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.
t’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Hosted at The Book Date.
WHAT I READ LAST WEEK
READING NOW
READING NEXT
Who knows what else I’ll be reading next; I’ll see as I go along.
I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these or have them on your to read list.
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