Taking over the Flower Shed studio at Halesmere, Alice is looking to mend her heart through horticulture after the end of her ten-year marriage. She isn’t looking for romance, especially not with brash young tree surgeon, Zac.
Zac has his own past he’s trying to move on from, and he’s only staying at Halesmere until the new year. But when their circumstances change in a way that shocks them both, they have to decide if they can share a future that already binds them.
Will the magic of Halesmere work once more to bring love to two lost souls?
A beautiful and heartfelt love story, for fans of Trisha Ashley and Heidi Swain.
Other books in the series
Love in the Lakes series
Book 1 Snowfall over Halesmere House
Book 2 Wedding Days at Halesmere House
Book 3 Starting Over at Halesmere House
Starting over at Halemere House 282 pages Canelo publisher October 19,2023 publish date
I have been looking for upbeat and positive books recently and I’ve found it in the Love in the Lakes series. I’ve read the other two in the series and was thrilled to see another, Starting Over at Halesmere House.
I do suggest reading this series in order as the books do build off of each other and we also see new characters being introduced in each book. This is a bit different than a lot of romances as our female lead is the older one in this relationship.
I have long enjoyed this author’s work for its clean and encouraging writing. Alice is ready to move on in life after a bad series of events. She believes starting a new business at Halesmere House, where she has moved will be a wonderful fresh start.
Once there she meets tree surgeon Zac who is also staying there to help owner, Mac. He also has a past he’s trying to move on from and neither are looking for a romance. Zac and Alice enjoy each other’s company but know nothing lasting can come of it as Zac is only there temporarily.
Zac will be moving after Christmas starting a new job in Scotland. I feel as though the author draws you into the story making you a part of it.
The descriptions of the scenery are fabulous. The characters are fun and relatable. Emotional and sweet! I hope the series will continue as I really enjoy reading about these characters.
Pub Date: 19 Oct 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Suzanne writes contemporary and uplifting fiction with a vibrant sense of setting and community connecting the lives of her characters. A horticulturist who lives with her family in Lancashire, her books are inspired by a love of landscape, romance and rural life.
Her first novel, The Cottage of New Beginnings, was a contender for the 2021 RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Her seventh book, Starting Over at Halesmere House, will be published by Canelo in October 2023. Get a free download and exclusive reader offers when you subscribe to Suzanne’s newsletter.
359 pages Publisher Revell October 3,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She’s just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can’t abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she’ll serve as the town’s doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely, she’s better than nothing.
Josh Porter’s plans to win his grandfather’s challenge and fulfill his father’s final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory–ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.
If only the town were more accepting of Louisa’s talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it’s too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?
“Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot is the second of three books in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. I am delighted to be back in Sweetwater Crossing in this second book, with characters I am familiar with from the first book. We also meet new characters. I think the story was well-plotted. I enjoyed Louisa Vaughn’s and Josh Porter’s characters a lot. Louisa is a midwife/doctor with no formal training, but many didn’t have schooling for this. It was just a hands-on approach back then. Sweetwater has many with the attitude that women are to be midwives only, and many had trouble accepting a woman doctor.
When Josh is thrown from his horse, he becomes dehydrated and has a broken leg. He is very fortunate to have Louisa find him, and he trusts her with his care, and she’s able to set him on the mend with his leg.
As they become closer friends, she finds out he is on a quest to impress his grandfather in a challenge to expand the family company to a new territory. Two men become interested in Louisa, but one is not understanding and wants her to give up practicing medicine.
As in the first book, we have a bit of a mystery to solve as Louisa finds threatening notes and someone sabotages her medicines, among other things. Is it someone in town who has not accepted her, or could it be more?
I enjoyed seeing the natural flow of the relationship between Louisa and Josh. She is so encouraging to him as he gets his business started. Despite many people in town turning their backs on her in unacceptance, Josh has always accepted and stood by her. He is kind and encouraging. When I found out who was behind the mystery, I was surprised, not expecting things to turn out this way.
I had a hard time putting this book down and eagerly look forward to reading the next sister’s story in the last book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Revell through Interviews & Reviews.”
THE AUTHOR
With both parents avid readers, it’s no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled “All About Thermometers,” were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.
This week I’m featuring a book I started reading and have had to set aside because of other reading commitments. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick it back up again soon.
Publisher : Shadow Mountain (April 2, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ABOUT THE BOOK
A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.
1887, the Cornwall coast
For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall–that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls–but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love–like an orchid–must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.
What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.
But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.
Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.
As the snow begins to fall and the lights twinkle, Ellie realizes Christmas has finally come to the Inn on Bluebell Lane. But as she watches the guests arrive, she hopes this won’t be her family’s last winter in this magical place…
It’s been two years since Ellie and her family left their lives in America behind and moved to a small Welsh village to run her husband’s family inn. Having fought to save it from disrepair, Ellie is shocked when her sister-in-law, Sarah, breaks the news that the inn is facing financial trouble and might have to close after Christmas, a thought that breaks all their hearts.
Turning to her mother-in-law, Ellie sees tears sparkling in Gwen’s eyes. But then Ellie has an idea: a celebratory Christmas week for guests and locals with all the festive trimmings — an unforgettable experience, and her family’s last chance to save the inn.
With Christmas drawing closer, the family are busier than ever. Gwen bakes enough mince pies to feed the whole country, while Ellie adds mistletoe to every room, and her husband Matthew turns the garden into a winter wonderland.
But there are troubles ahead no one could expect. And as Bluebell Lane twinkles against the frost, Ellie marvels that the inn has never looked prettier. But will it be enough to save this beautiful place her family has grown to love?
This totally unputdownable seasonal read is perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Packed with heart-warming festive cheer, and bursting with merrymaking, this novel is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Elin Hildebrand.
MY THOUGHTS
A beautiful and welcoming addition to Christmas joys this year. The Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane is about working together, accepting who others are and knowing they may not be the ones needing to change, but it may be ourselves.
Change is inevitable, it’s not always easy, but it’s a guarantee it’s going to happen. This glorious holiday read will open all your senses to festiveness of the season.
I had a hard time putting this one down. Filled with all the holiday descriptions in this special little inn, the Inn on Bluebell Lane. I sure wish I could visit this small Welsh village. It may not have all the trappings of the big-name fancy places you could choose to stay but it would be my choice for a comfortable, cozy and down to earth sounding stay.
The characters are relatable and sound so realistic, sure it sounds like some of them are not having an easy time of it, but I do believe in the miracle of Christmas. With the ending it makes me think there will be at least one more to round out this series and I’ll be first in line to read it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR
THE AUTHOR
Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.
I apologize for posting late for my stop on this blog tour. Illness held me back from reading and posting on time. Deanne
About the Book:
Welcome to Christmas Resort, the festive retreat where the scent of cinnamon is in the air and chocolate yule log is eaten all year round! But with the resort in trouble, can Holliday Harrison save Christmas and find true love along the way?
Thirty-year-old Holliday Harrison is throwing herself into the festive season to give her life some purpose after losing her fiancé three years ago. Working at Christmas Resort, an all-year-round holiday village, with its sparkling lights and community of quirky characters, is the warm environment she needs right now. But everything is about to change…
When handsome, blue-eyed businessman Damon MacAndrew arrives to stay in one of the cute log cabins, at first Holly is intrigued. Why has this serious stranger come to such a jolly place? But then he makes his plan clear: Damon wants to buy the resort and change everything about it.
Determined to put Damon off Christmas Resort, Holly is soon engineering cold showers and setting him up to get lost in the maze. But with freshly baked cookies and delicious hot chocolate available on tap in such a magical setting, it’s hard to find ways to make the resort seem unappealing… Holliday tries her hardest to fight for the resort but the romance of Christmas seems to have other ideas.
As they take sleigh rides together and spend long evenings in front of the log fire she can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them. But has Damon really fallen in love with the magic of Christmas, or is he still a cold-hearted businessman? And will this this turn out to be the best Christmas ever… or will it end in heartbreak?
This sparkling, festive read featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance is completely addictive and moreish! A gorgeous winter romance that will have you glued to the pages. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this delicious Christmas romance.
My Thoughts
Oh this series!
I just love it. The setting of the Scottish Highlands sounds like just the place for me. I would really love to visit there. This series is so warm and welcoming, one I’ve been really enjoying. I’ve read several books by the author, and they are all wonderful. They keep getting better and better. I am hoping this series will continue. A Christmas themed resort in the Scottish Highlands evokes different feelings about Christmas in two people. One loves it and is surrounded by it year-round at this resort, one tries to avoid it at all costs because of past memories. We all know a little Christmas magic has a way of thawing the chilliest of hearts though with the spirit of Christmas. From hot cocoa to sleigh rides to tender talks and long walks this magical feeling Christmas book is just what you need for a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.
Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids (who aren’t always home) and two very grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.
Did you know the author has her own bookshop? Preorder from her shop and you can get it earlier and a better buy. Here
ABOUT THE BOOK
River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.
When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.
Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.
Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.
The River Queen is the first book in the River Romances series.
The author has written books on several subjects and does it so well. This is such an exciting one!
You won’t find a slow or mundane read here! This is a fun and energetic read filled with river pirates, gangsters and smugglers.
A rather unique story of life on a riverboat, I found myself fascinated with the glitz and glamour of life on the flashy showboat.
If you’re looking for action, how about a chase down the Mighty Mississippi? Filled with intriguing situations, mystery, excitement and of course romance.
Looking forward to the next exciting book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! I’m Stephenia H. McGee, bestselling author and winner of the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award.
I write clean historical, time-travel, and contemporary fiction. My heart-stirring romances are filled with faith, hope, and healing–with a dash of humor mixed in!
All of my books are clean and wholesome, meaning you won’t find any type of explicit content here. Each story contains a Christian theme.
I’m a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Visit me at http://www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.
You can also email me any time at Stephenia@StepheniaMcGee.com
Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in today.
Since none of us have enough books, including myself I did a little browsing on Amazon and thought I’d share my findings with you. If you’re interested, I’d download as soon as possible since we never know how long these will last. Hope you enjoy.
The first in a new romantic comedy series from CP Ward, author of Christmas at Marshmallow Café and Summer at Blue Sands Cove.
Having fled a relationship and a previous life she would rather forget, young teacher Jennifer Stevens throws herself into a demanding new job at Brentwell Primary. Charged with marshalling a group of unruly eight-year-olds to the autumn harvest festival, her only solace is the peace of nearby Sycamore Park.
As the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to fall, will new friends, delicious autumn treats, and a possible new man on the orange-tinted horizon help Jennifer finally come to terms with her past and begin to look forward into the future?
Autumn at Sycamore Park is another delightful romantic comedy from CP Ward, author of several popular seasonally themed novels. Set against a backdrop of warm autumn days, it offers everything fans of CP Ward’s other books have come to love: laughter, friendship, good times, and a hint of newly discovered love.
The first book in the sparkling Glorious Summer series from CP Ward, author of Christmas at the Marshmallow Cafe and Autumn in Sycamore Park.
Tired of the city, Grace Clelland returns to Blue Sands, the quiet Cornish seaside village where she grew up. There she will meet old flames and old friends, rekindle old loves and ignite new ones in a novel that will have you dreaming of the soft crash of the waves on the shore, the feel of sand between your toes, overloaded ice-creams and smoky beach barbeques.
Not to be missed – the debut summer novel from CP Ward – the author whose Delightful Christmas and Warm Days of Autumn series have captivated thousands of readers worldwide with their warmth, humour, and just a little hint of romance…
I’m glad I found you this Christmas – an uplifting sweet romance set against the magical backdrop of Christmas.
Maggie Coates is frustrated. Her longterm boyfriend, Dirk, recently moved to London to take a job she fears puts him out of her league. Despite the assurances of her best friend Renee, Maggie is convinced Dirk is slowly drifting away. All Maggie wants is to get married and settle down, but maybe Dirk has other ideas.
Convinced by Renee to make one last throw of the dice, Maggie books a romantic holiday for two in the quaint Scottish village of Hollydell. But will Dirk show up?
And if he doesn’t, what if there is a perfect man waiting for her among the Christmas magic of Hollydell’s snow-laden streets? What if Henry, the humble reindeer farmer with the kind smile, turns out to be the man of Maggie’s dreams?
I’m glad I found you this Christmas is a glowing sweet romance which will leave you feeling warm inside and buzzing with Christmas spirit.
Love is on the menu in this sweet romantic comedy set in Italy.
Ginny’s Italian cooking course was supposed to be a peaceful escape from her troubles. But when she meets Preston, an infuriating know-it-all history professor, she quickly realizes her past has come back to haunt her.
The last thing Ginny needs is for Preston to find out who she really is. Her plan seems foolproof—assume a fake identity and keep her distance from the pretentious jerk.
But when they’re forced to work together, Ginny starts to see a different side of Preston. She’s torn between her desire to reveal who she really is and her fear that she’ll lose everything in the process.
Will Ginny be able to trust Preston with her heart, or will love turn out to be the ultimate recipe for disaster?
If you like quirky characters, happily ever afters, and the occasional drooling cat, you’ll love Ginny and Preston’s story.
What would you do if your husband got you the worst anniversary present ever?
Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her clueless hubby presents her with a rundown boat. She’s not impressed.
When she discovers someone murdered on board, things get even worse. Mollie hopes it will convince her husband to rethink his hare-brained scheme of sailing off into the sunset. Instead, he’s more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set off to sea.
Poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong, Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, eats way too much chocolate, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.
Will Mollie be able to discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?
Murder at the Marina is the first book in the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery series. If you like quirky characters, adorable cats, and loads of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery. Spoiler alert: You’ll be craving brownies by the time you finish this book!
What happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye.
The Fall of Us is an age gap, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to hide who I am. What I am. They had me play the sheep. They had me blend in. They marked me and sealed my power. Now I have my freedom, because everyone who’s ever wanted me confined is dead. I could have changed it. I could have altered the course of fate. I could have saved the unseelie queen. I didn’t.
Vlari has always known her place: as far away from court as the unseelie queen can send her. The youngest royal, born in an impoverished household, she endeavored to earn her keep as an assistant and stay out of trouble. Dark, striking, and with a hidden agenda, Drusk definitely qualifies as trouble, but he refuses to leave her alone, clashing with her at every corner. Then the world implodes around her. With friends and foe by her side, she can fade with rest of the unseelie kingdom, or protect a court that has never cared for her.
wo sisters. One enchanted forest. And a hidden destiny that could doom them both…
Swept away to the castle beside the Darkwood, Rose Valrois finds herself in a world full of secrets and forbidden magic. There she meets her new stepsister, the enigmatic Princess Neeve, who will either become her best friend – or her worst enemy.
When Rose follows her stepsister into the enchanted shadows beneath the trees, she is beset by dangerous creatures and rescued by Thorne, the Dark Elf guardian of the forest, who binds her to the Darkwood and forbids her to speak of its mysteries.
Yet despite the danger surrounding her, Rose continues to risk everything in her quest for answers, until the day she steals into the depths of the forest and discovers the most perilous secret of all…
From USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp, a fantasy fairy-tale weaving elements of Snow White & Rose Red with romance, magic, and dangerous secrets that will destroy a kingdom. Will appeal to fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Naomi Novik, Holly Black, and anyone who loves a fairytale beautifully retold~
The melancholy, brilliance, passionate lyricism, and torment of Edgar Allen Poe are all well represented in this collection. Here, in one volume, are his masterpieces of mystery, terror, humor, and adventure, including stories such as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, The Black Cat, The Masque of the Red Death, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, and The Pit and the Pendulum, to name just a few, that defined American romanticism and secured Poe as one of the most enduring literary voices of the nineteenth century.
Jason ‘Jase’ Rascal is just an ordinary twelve-year-old boy. His daydreams, however, are quite another story – for whenever Jase dozes off he enters bizarre parallel worlds where he often seems to find himself in very real danger …
Season Three: ‘Autumn Nightmare’ (or ‘The Hallowe’en Horrors on Hexhill Common’)
Jase couldn’t have picked a worse time to enter one of his all-too-real dreamworlds: the evening of Hallowe’en! Whilst on his way to a costume party, he dozes off – and finds himself lost on Hexhill Common: a spooky place with a grim reaper raven, giant grasshoppers, man-eating mantids, deathwish beetles and monster moths … It’s Jase against the magic of the Pumpkin King! Stuck in this surreal nightmare, Jase has to find a way to break the curse of Hexhill Common – before he meets a grisly demise at the hands of countless Hallowe’en horrors!
Darkly comical, spooky fun from the author of ‘Lydia’s Tin Lid Drum’.
Thanks for stopping in. I hope you find some choices you like here.
I am so pleased to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
England, 1942. ‘It has to stay secret,’ he whispers, placing the locket around her neck. ‘If they find it, they’ll send me away.’ As she holds the locket, glinting in the moonlight, she can’t hold back the tears. ‘I just wish we didn’t have to hide…’ When farmer’s daughter Irene meets Theodore at a village dance, sparks fly instantly. The war has brought him all the way from Louisiana to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields, but as they sway together, there is nothing else in the world. Only his gentle touch and his deep brown eyes. But being together comes at a price. As Theodore is Black, the might of the US Air Force is against them, and all the members of the little village community disapprove of their relationship. And they will all go to terrible lengths to tear the two young lovers apart… Decades later, heartbroken Ruby is back at her family’s crumbling farmhouse for the first time in years, after the loss of her beloved grandmother Irene. The roof has fallen in, family photographs are damaged – and her grandmother’s jewellery is nowhere to be found. When Ruby uncovers her grandmother’s waterlogged diaries, she discovers that Irene treasured one piece of lost jewellery above all. A locket from a man called Theodore. And the missing locket holds the key to unravelling a heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life… Is someone in the village hiding the locket to keep the truth about Irene and Theodore buried? And can Ruby find a way to honour her grandmother’s memory –or in digging up the pain of the war, will she tear her family apart? An absolutely breathtaking World War Two story about the power of love in the face of adversity, and how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will be addicted to this incredible read.
MY THOUGHTS
My heart about broke reading such an emotional story.
A time slip taking place in England 1942 and modern times. Each features a romantic couple, the one in 1942 is Irene, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter, Irene, and Theo a service man stationed far from Louisiana, now proudly serving in the US Air Force and there to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields.
The modern times story features Irene’s granddaughter Ruby and her romantic partner. I will admit my favorite part of the story was the historical time period.
Irene falls fast when she meets Theo at a town dance, but Theo warns her they must keep their romance a secret, see Theo is black and a romance such as this is just not accepted in this time period.
The descriptions of the prejudice people and the treatment of Theo including beatings just for a romance with a white woman disgusted me. What business is it of anyone who someone dates or socializes with, nobody’s affair but the two it involves. And this includes the church minister involved in bigotry.
There was just no combatting prejudice and bigotry at this time and Theo was beaten, sent away and jailed. Before this though, when their romance was fresh and new, they were engaged, and he gave her a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a locket. My heart breaks for the injustice and ruined lives here.
Many years later Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby comes to the farm where Irene lived and finds her grandmother’s diary.
She is determined to find out her grandmother’s secrets, she had no idea about her grandmother’s past or where the locket is located. Will digging up the past cause pain to her family, especially and older generation member or will they hold the key to unlocking the past?
Brilliantly written, I had such a hard time putting this down. The perseverance the past generation showed in the face of adversity is amazing and must be commended! Five stars but I wish I could give it more!
Natalie is a RITA nominated, USA Today Bestselling author of six novels: The Dress Thief, The Milliner’s Secret (re-titled “The Girl who Dreamed of Paris”), The Wardrobe Mistress, Summer in the Vineyards, The Secret Vow and The Paris Girl that feature sisters, Katya and Tatiana. Since then, Natalie has released Into the Burning Dawn and The Italian Girl’s Secret, books set in the lucious Bay of Naples during the second world war. Now, the latest novel is available and it is called The Girl with the Yellow Star. The story takes place in Cornwall on the glorious north coast, and is a heart-wrenching story of loss, love and challenging choices.
Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted by Reading is my Super Power! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m featuring the first line of Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland. I just love her books they are so much fun. Have you read her adorable Hedgehog series yet?
FIRST LINES
“Tabby?” Matt called, knocking on the door of the empty flat. ” In the front room, I called back, crumpling up the protective plastic covering I’d ripped off the last of the cat beds I’d been unpacking.
ABOUT THE BOOK
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there’s a paw-some new business opening….
It had always been Tabby’s dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.
But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she’s been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves.
Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.
Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby’s broken heart as well as her business?
Escape with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland this Christmas for the purr-fect festive treat!
What do you think, would you read this book? What is the first line of the book you’re currently reading? Let me know in the comments.
I welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour by Bookouture of The Midwife of Berlin by Anna Stuart.
ABOUT THE BOOK
THE MIDWIFE OF BERLIN: COMPLETELY UNFORGETTABLE AND TOTALLY HEARTBREAKING WW2 HISTORICAL FICTION by Anna Stuart
Auschwitz, 1943: I stroke my beautiful baby’s hair. It’s a miracle it’s blonde because it will keep her alive, it will keep her safe. Soon they will come and take Pippa out of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and out of my arms. But while there’s life, there’s hope I might find my daughter again… An incredible story of one woman’s courage and determination to reunite her family in the aftermath of surviving Auschwitz. 1945, Berlin: Ester Pasternak walked out of the gates of Auschwitz barely alive. She survived against devastating odds, but her heartbreaking journey is only just beginning. In the camp, Ester gave birth to a tiny fair-haired infant, only for her precious baby to be snatched from her and taken to a German family. Now the war is over, Ester longs to find her little girl. But Europe is in chaos, Jewish families have been torn apart and everyone is desperately searching for their loved ones. In every orphanage and hospital she visits, Ester searches the faces of tear-stained toddlers; each mop of blonde hair and pair of blue eyes she sees sets her heart racing… But as the months and the years tick by, the possibility of finding her daughter shrinks smaller and smaller. And Ester starts to wonder if little Pippa is even safe, or whether the miracle that saved her has now put her in even more danger? Will Ester ever be able to find the child whose tattoo matches her own? Or is she already too late… A completely gripping and emotional WW2 novel of one woman’s bravery and determination to hold on to hope in a world torn apart by war. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale.
MY THOUGHTS
Though this book was so hard to read I am so glad the author has written it. We need to never forget those who were tortured during the Holocaust.
My heart aches for the people subjected to such inhumane treatment. I really don’t understand how they could treat another human being the way they did. Reading this book absolutely broke my heart. I have never read such a realistic book about Auschwitz!
Though hard to read it’s such an important story that needed telling! A haunting story that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.
I’ve always been able to count on realistic and heartbreaking historical fiction from the author that I must read.
As I flipped the pages, I was holding my breath praying for the safety of the characters. Gripping and emotional, this author’s books are a must read for me. The strength and resilience the women show in a time of darkness is a shining example of bravery and the will to go on.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Anna Stuart lives in Derbyshire with her campervan-mad husband, two hungry teenagers and a slightly loopy dog. She was hooked on books from the moment she first opened one in her cot so is thrilled to now have several of her own to her name. Having studied English literature at Cambridge university, she took an enjoyable temporary trip into the ‘real world’ as a factory planner, before returning to her first love and becoming an author. History has also always fascinated her. Living in an old house with a stone fireplace, she often wonders who sat around it before her and is intrigued by how actively the past is woven into the present, something she likes to explore in her novels. Anna loves the way that writing lets her ‘try on’ so many different lives, but her favourite part of the job is undoubtedly hearing from readers. You can reach her on Facebook @annastuartauthor or Twitter @annastuartbooks.
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