Tag: series

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Valentine’s Day Read: The Fall Risk: A Short Story

81 pages Amazon Original Stories Pub Date Mar 01 2025 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

MY THOUGHTS

Novella length but it packs a punch.
It’s Valentine’s weekend but our mc’s are not looking for love.
She’s sworn off men, he’s her across the hall neighbor and an arborist. Recently divorced he has trust issues himself. This forced proximity quick read is a fun with witty banter and a fast-falling romantic read.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 28 languages. Some of her favorite highlights include a Good Morning America Book Club pick, a BOTM’s Book of the Year Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. Before her writing career, Abby was in the national spotlight as a Cupcake Wars champion and founder of Nadia Cakes bakery, which has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and amass an international following. She lives near Minneapolis with her husband, three daughters, and four dogs—all TikTok famous in their own right. Abby loves romance novels, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

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A Wager with the Matchmaker: An Arranged Marriage American Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800s St. Louis (A Shanahan Match)

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her brother’s entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family’s safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah’s resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city’s rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan’s protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle–or a wager with the wily matchmaker–to form a match between the unlikely couple.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy the author’s writing, and this series is a prime example of that.
This is a special series, and I love how it’s Irish based with so many of the characters and the dialogue.
Each book in the series reintroduces us to characters from previous books we’ve met, and the stories closely follow each other.
Irish matchmaking series with closed door romance and marriage of convenience themes. I now have the last book in the series to finish.

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


MEET THE AUTHOR

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

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Hearts in Circulation: A Christian Contemporary Fall Rom-Com Book-about-Books with Forced-Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, and Pen-Pal Romance (Checking Out Love)

304 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date November 18, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

MY THOUGHTS

The book has such a cute cover and with the title it would be super cute with a Valentine’s Day cover. Though this is the second book in the series it is my first by the author. I’ll now need to read the first.
Such a fun theme for a story, a traveling bookmobile van, a very old one. I love this idea of bringing books to rural areas with no access to books.
The characters are perfectly flawed which makes them more realistic and relatable.
The story centers around the librarian driving the rat trap of a bookmobile.
A rockslide during one of her delivery runs leaves her stranded in Turkey Grove and a whole lot happens before she can leave.
One of the characters has sensory processing disorder. Different people have different triggers for this. A grumpy-sunshine romance, the romance is spot on you can feel the genuine connection the characters have with each other and the understanding they have for each other. We can see how much the librarian enjoys her job and really puts a lot into it.
This gives you a real feel in this small-town charming country romance. I’d love to meet the characters again in another book in the series. I hope it continues.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

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Valentine’s Day Read: Sunday at the Sunflower Inn: A Heartwarming Texas Love Story (A Honey Creek Novel)

320 pages Publisher Zebra Publication date April 26, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jessica Ann McKenzie—“Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek—has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving candlelit dinners to every couple in town on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for.

When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite, a place to recover before moving on again. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him?

At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his most cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, when the warm breeze blowing in from the Brazos River brings fresh hope and second chances to those who need them most . . .

MY THOUGHTS

Small town and charming Honey Creek, Texas has its fair share of a variety of residents but in this book in the series they seem to have caught the Love Bug!
Jessica Ann McKenzie— “Jam” as she’s known to everyone has had her dream come true opening the best restraint around. While serving candlelit dinners by candlelight, she’s also serving up romance this Valentines Day and she’s so happy to see it.
There are several different stories of love in this Valentine’s Day lovely romance. My favorite was the older couple and the youngest couple.
A lot of different vibes and emotions going on. A little drama, a bit of confusion and a whole lot of love. Lovely series of which I’ve read several books in the series already.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR=

New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels “Distinctive…Memorable,” and that in her stories “[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes.” In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN’S REWARD. She also received the National Readers’ Choice Award in 2009 for TWISTED CREEK (2008) and TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN (2008). While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.

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The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field (Foxmore Village)

298 pages Publisher Canelo Romance Publication dateAugust 17, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Foxmore’s inaugural Christmas fayre will be the toast of the town – or the downfall of their relationship…

Harriet is facing her second Christmas on her own since her husband walked out. With little child support, she’s struggling to manage financially.

When Owen, a passionate environmentalist and popular blogger, overhears Harriet bemoaning her situation, he challenges her to only buy second-hand until Christmas. What she doesn’t know is that Owen is reporting her journey anonymously to all his followers…

Though the challenge is proving successful, it’s not without its troubles. Can Harriet really keep her children and bank balance happy this way? How will she react when she finds her life documented online?

MY THOUGHTS

Haven’t read one of the author’s books in several years and this just brings it home why I love the author’s books so much.
The author has written a feel good, wonderful book but yet at the same time touches on some important topics such as environmentalism, veganism, bullying and going green/not wasting.
A mother and her two children, a girl 11 and her several years younger brother are having a difficult time of it financially after her husband left.
Rolling into town in his home, a camper van is Owen, a passionate environmentalist and popular blogger along with being a vegan. He overhears Harriet, the young mother talking to her boss at the diner saying how strapped for money their family is this Christmas season.
Environmentalist Owen then challenges Harriet to go until Christmas without buying anything new for herself or her family.
She’s not used to buying used but accepts the challenge but he’s sure she won’t be able to keep her end of the bargain.
It’s not easy especially when her daughter needs a dress for an important fancy birthday party she’s been invited to.
The daughter is bullied relentlessly after the birthday party, and you feel really bad for her.
Absolutely no excuse for bullying, it at times has tragic results but we do finally hear the other girl’s side of the story and get a better understanding of what’s going on.
Waste not want not is the theme for the story and I enjoyed it a lot.
Then as an American the book talks about a boot sale, okay I’m thinking of boots you wear on your feet, but it then went on to describe people selling out of the back of the boot in a big field, with or without a table.
Figured out they were taking about what we call a flea market.
Also, in the zero-waste store in the book they have toothpaste tablets. Never heard of it but what a great idea to use a predetermined amount and not waste. Other no waste instances were included.
The book was fun and entertaining, and I’ll be reading the rest of the books I have by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Lilac Mills lives on a Welsh mountain with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don’t get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually). She’s been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.

She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she’s usually writing or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-after always on her mind.

Lilac has published twenty-one books to date, twenty of them with Canelo. Her latest book, Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle, was released in July 2025, with another in the Coorie Castle Crafts series out in January 2026.

Lilac also writes under the pen names Liz Davies and Etti Summers

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O, Deadly Night: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery

320 pages Publisher Crooked Lane Books Publication date

October 14, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

’Tis the season for mischief and murder in the eighth Year-Round Christmas mystery from national bestselling author Vicki Delany.

It’s Christmastime in Rudolph, New York, which means it’s time for the December Santa Claus parade. This year, shop owner Merry Wilkinson has decided to decorate her float as Santa’s elves’ workshop and invites her landlady, Mabel D’Angelo, to help supervise the excited children playing the elves. But when Mrs. D’Angelo doesn’t show up, Merry begins to worry.

Worry quickly turns into frustration when Mrs. D’Angelo reveals she was delayed by new neighbors moving in. As the center for all things gossip, Mrs. D’Angelo is determined to introduce the new arrivals to the neighborhood. As the days pass, Mrs. D’Angelo notices strange things about the newcomers, but Merry, busier than an elf in Santa’s workshop, has little time for matters that really don’t concern her. But things turn from jolly to downright concerning when Mrs. D’Angelo disappears and Merry is forced to admit that something might be terribly wrong.

With family and friends counting on her during this stressful holiday season, it is up to Merry to make sure this Christmas doesn’t end up wrapped in blood red.

MY THOUGHTS

Rudolph, New York is all about Christmas and goes all out for it. Shops are fully decorated in anticipation of the shopping season.
Every town has their busybody though and when amateur sleuth and shop owner Merry invites her landlady to help with some supervision and she’s not there she knows something is up.
Merry is busier than ever with her workshop duties but busybody landlady, Mrs. D’Angelo who also has appointed herself the welcome committee notices the new neighbor has some strange going On’s in her home. When Mrs. D’Angelo disappears and then things get even worse Merry knows it’s time to investigate.
Cute holiday cozy mystery and the perfect time to read it with all the snow we have out there from the storm.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the books I have by this author.

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

About the author

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than fifty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Year Round Christmas books for Crooked Lane, the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.

Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards.

Vicki is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

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Blog Tour for The Secret Twins of Paris by Suzanne Kelman

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Secret Twins of Paris by

@suzkelman is out now!

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https://ow.ly/PtS850XZwFX

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UK: https://ow.ly/Fq0L50XZwFY US: https://ow.ly/T5iS50XZwFZ

‘You must find her, my darling girl.’ Lily’s mother whispers, pressing a small brass key into her palm. ‘You must find my twin sister, before it is too late…’

Paris, 2011: Lily Tremaine’s hands shake as she opens the envelope addressed in her mother’s hand. The faded letter inside reveals the long-buried family secret that her mother had a twin she was separated from during The Second World War. A tear slides down Lily’s cheek, knowing the loss of a sister caused her mother so much heartbreak. And now, after all these years, her mother needs Lily to find her…

As Lily begins to piece together the fragments of her mother’s story, she meets Julien, a photographer whose research contains the clues she needs to unlock the past. As they pore over faded black and white photographs together, a warm feeling begins to stir in Lily’s chest. But she knows she can’t bury her own recent heartbreak just yet, not until she has fulfilled her mother’s wish.

When the truth of what happened to the young twins is revealed, it is more shocking than Lily could have ever anticipated. And with her mother’s health failing, she is running out of time to find her mother’s missing sister. Can Lily piece together long-buried family secrets from the war in time to reunite the lost twins of Paris before it is too late?

This heartbreaking and page-turning novel in the Paris Sisters series tells a story of resilience and hope in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the fourth book in a row now I’ve read by the author.
I am very impressed by her writing style and very obvious love of writing, research and getting the word out about the courage so many women displayed during WWII, very many behind the scenes that we’ll never know about.
As with many historical fiction books this one taught me so much about the time period. I’ve read many WWII books but never fail to learn new and interesting facts each time I read one.
A dual timeline, many WWII books focus on men and their part during the war, but I really enjoy the author giving women the credit they so rightly deserve for their risk taking and courage.
A focus on the arts, this time through ballet and though the theater was taken over by the Germans the show must go on.
From crew members to seamstresses to the ballerinas who led a secretive double life doing what they believed was right.
Tragic sadness, twins separated through no fault of their own, a lifetime of searching. A journey never ending.
A beautiful ending, I just loved reading this book. Through all the trials and darkness, you could feel that spark, that beating of hope. Just waiting, sure to come.
I will be reading many more books by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.

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Time Loops & Meet Cutes

352 pages Publisher Atria/Emily Bestler Books Publication date

May 6, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jackie Lau returns with a thoroughly unique love story about a woman reliving the same Friday over and over again—and the intriguing man who can’t quite remember her.

Noelle Tom really shouldn’t have eaten those dumplings at the night market. But the old woman at the stall said they’d give her what she needed most, and what Noelle desperately needed after another long workweek was food.

Except now she’s reliving the same Friday. Every morning her alarm goes off at 6:45, and the Wordle answer is always “happy.” Worst of all, any work she does at her job as an engineer? It’s erased when she wakes up. Monday might never come in this workaholic’s nightmare. Noelle has no idea how being trapped in a time loop is the “thing she needed most,” and a trip to the food stall doesn’t help…because there’s no sign of it.

Then she meets good-looking Cam, who appears in multiple places on her Friday. While the brewery owner seems to have no memory of their encounters, there are signs he might be the key to getting un-stuck. But Noelle can’t figure out how, even when she steps outside of her comfort zone and lives a little. As she grows attached to him, she becomes more worried that she’ll never escape the loop and he’ll never recall her name. And if she does ever get out, can they be together in the “real” world?

MY THOUGHTS

Time Loops and Meet Cutes is an absolutely adorable story.
I liked that the story didn’t just focus on the time loop and the romance but putting an importance on rekindling family relationships and focusing on the importance of working a job.
I don’t think anyone can control time like in this story but the continuality of the sameness day after day makes me think with sadness of dementia patients stuck in their mind in their own time loop. Lots of humor and good times, I really like the author’s writing style.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between writing “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels.

Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys gelato, gourmet donuts, cooking, hiking, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.

For more information, please visit jackielaubooks.com, where you can sign up for Jackie’s newsletter.

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Beyond the Clouds (The Women of Midtown): Christian Historical Opposites Attract Romance Set in WWI New York City and Europe 

343 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 20, 2026

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together–until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir–until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them–or the possibility of falling in love again?

MY THOUGHTS

From the first book I’ve read by the author through all the rest of her books I’ve noticed how impeccably researched they are. Every single one, every single time and I love it. I love when historical fiction is so well detailed and heavy handed on facts. I love facts but the books are not dry or slow. You learn from them but enjoy the characters and situations.
The author’s magical pen makes these stories come alive and I can completely picture what I was reading as though I were there in the time period experiencing it.
During the war things were terrible but it was not all bad. So many behind the scenes helped out in even a small way that we’ll never know about. It’s just between them, the person/people they helped and God.
Strong themes of selflessness, compassion and forgiveness. A second chance at love and realizing what you first thought you wanted may not be oh so important after all, but God has a plan for you, and it will be revealed in his time.
Excellent and highly recommended!

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

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Blog Blitz for A Merry Little Christmas: (Little Duck Pond Café

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Little Christmas

Festive excitement is in the air, the tree is sparkling on the village green and Christmas music is making even the most hardened cynic feel a little sentimental – but one Little Duck Pond Café favourite is feeling anything but romantic! Is this destined to be a festive season best forgotten? Or could Katja’s dream of a merry little Christmas possibly end up coming true?

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merry-Little-Christmas-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B0DSGPTPRBhttps://www.amazon.com/Merry-Little-Christmas-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B0DSGPTPRB

MY THOUGHTS

I’m loving seeing this series continue, we’re on book 43 now.
At this point the characters all feel like family, and I love meeting the new ones we’re introduced to in each book too.
Festive, warm, wonderful Christmas story.
Katja, unusual name and I love it and her newish boyfriend, Caleb are spending their first Christmas together.
I loved Katja’s character and related to her right away. Couldn’t quite figure out what Caleb’s deal was at first. Katja tried so hard, she really did, but things just seemed off to her after a bit, not what she wanted at all especially during the holiday season.
The author throws a bit of mystery into the story, and I absolutely loved how it evolved, it really had me fooled.
Things aren’t always how they seem to be and this story proved it. The more I read it the more I loved it.
Eagerly looking forward to the next book by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘The Other Lizzie Bennet’, which will be published in January!

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

https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/

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