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An Ocean of Longing (Echoes of Cornwall Book 2)

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220 pages Publication date July 31, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

I will cross a hundred more years to find my way back to you…

When Tegan Penrose plunges through the time portal at Trevarron House to save her beloved William, she believes she is carrying him home to the twenty-first century. Instead, she is torn from his arms and cast adrift in 1867 – alone, heartbroken, over a hundred years from the man she loves.

Taken in by Cornish pellar Nancy Willcock, Tegan learns the Willcock women have long been custodians of the strange lines of power running through this wild coast. Then comes a rumour that chills her to the bone: a dark-eyed stranger has been arrested in Tintagel, raving that he is lord of Trevarron. Could William, impossibly, have followed her across the centuries?

With the brutal Lord Albert Trevarron now ruling Trevarron House – and terrorising his gentle wife and young daughter – Tegan must risk everything to reach William again, and to face the darkness now haunting its halls.

Perfect for fans of Outlander and Poldark, this is a sweeping timeslip romance of fated souls, buried truths and a love that refuses to be silenced by time itself, featuring:

  • Fated souls searching through the ages
  • Found family and fierce female friendships
  • Gothic Cornish setting steeped in folk magic
  • Slow-burn with steamy, open-door spice

BOOK ONE

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Echoes of Cornwall series.
Unfortunately, I missed the first book in the series but am going to make a point to get to it now that I’ve discovered this series.
The book grabbed my attention from the very first page. Time traveling is not something I read about often, but this book is gripping. The tension is there; it had me holding my breath as I read.
It’s gothic and fairytales, heat and magic, it absolutely just pulls you in. Tension, danger, a sexy story. You can feel the danger as revenge is exacted. The attention to historical detail is remarkable as these strong women and bold men from the past come alive under the author’s pen.
My only complaint is it ended in a cliffhanger, and I need the next part yesterday.

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

About the author

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle’s nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she’s not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she’d eat it, anyway.

Find out more about Kennedy on her Facebook Author page: facebook.com/kennedykerrauthor; she is also on Twitter as @KennedyKerr5

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Purranormal Activity: A Cat Cafe Mystery (Cat Cafe Mystery Series, 10)

304 pages Publisher Minotaur Books Publication date July 28, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Trouble is brewing on Daybreak Island. . .

Summer is in full swing on Daybreak Island, and JJ’s House of Purrs―and the new mobile cat café―has Maddie James running nonstop with on-site cat parties.

So when Olivia McAllister, her mother’s childhood best friend, returns to the island for the first time in decades―after a family tragedy drove her away―and asks Maddie to plan a birthday party for her granddaughter, Maddie happily agrees. It’s been forty years since Olivia’s aunt, Delia McAllister, vanished without a trace. Her disappearance was never solved, and the abandoned family house has loomed over the island ever since.

But when Maddie and her mom arrive at Delia’s old house, it’s empty―except for a white-and-gray cat that leads Maddie to a hidden room. There, she finds Olivia dead.

Soon Maddie learns the mysterious cat may be tied to a ghostly island legend. And as she digs deeper, she realizes she’s unraveling two disappearances, forty years apart―while someone is desperate to keep the truth buried.

Fishing boats moored at a wooden dock with white cottages and misty hills in the background
A quiet fishing village with boats docked at sunrise mist

MY THOUGHTS

A welcome addition to the Cat Cafe mystery series. Taking place on Daybreak Island, the new mobile cat cafe can’t keep up with party invitations. So, when a guest manages to book one for her granddaughter the cat cafe delivers and shows up for the party only to find the house empty. Empty except for a mysterious ghost cat leading to a secret room. It gets creepier from there as a body is found and rumor has it the ghost cate shows up when trouble is near.
Looking forward to the next installment in the series.

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

Cate Conte, also known as Liz Mugavero, writes cozy mysteries often featuring quirky characters, small-town drama, and animals that play key roles in the stories cateconte.comcateconte.com+1. She began her writing journey with short stories and poetry before transitioning to novels, demonstrating a lifelong passion for storytelling Book Series in OrderBook Series in Order. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, she pursued a degree in English and later earned a master’s in writing and publishing from Emerson College 

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The Christmas Brides of Twilight: A Sparkling Southern Romance Where the One Who Got Away Returns – A Twilight, Texas Holiday Novel

361 pages Publisher Avon Publication date October 24, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s delightful Twilight, Texas, series continues with this sparkling Christmas novel. A reality TV show producer returns to her hometown of Twilight in this lovers reunited story filled with holiday spirit and perfect for readers of Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis.

She was the one who got away…

Noelle Curry has returned to Twilight to plan the most spectacular double wedding the town has ever seen—and do it on national television. But the woman known as “The Wedding Whisperer” is knocked speechless when she notices her teenage crush, Gil Thomas, is about to plunge into icy cold water wearing nothing more than a pair of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer swim trunks. He is the sexiest guy participating in the annual polar bear plunge and seeing him pushes all thoughts of white lace and rose blossoms right out of her mind.

He was the man who decided to stay…

Single dad Gil doesn’t regret giving up his dreams of big-city singing stardom for small-town life. But seeing Noelle—who’s blossomed from the once-gawky teenager to West Coast beauty—has him thinking of days—and nights—a whole lot hotter than his plunge in the lake. And even though he knows she’ll be heading out as soon as her work is finished, he can’t help hoping the magic of Christmas in Twilight will get her to change her mind and stay in town—and by his side—forever.

Two-tier white wedding cake decorated with pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, holly, and a Merry & Married topper
A two-tiered winter wedding cake with seasonal decorations

MY THOUGHTS

Will this wedding planner soon be planning her own wedding?
She has planned on returning to Twilight, Texas at Christmas time to prepare for a spectacular televised wedding then immediately leave afterwards. What she hadn’t planned on was seeing an old flame looking better than ever, oh the memories come alive at just the sight of him.
Seeing her brings it all home for him but he has a daughter now to think of and her opinions matter and she’s looking for a new Mommy.
Though I haven’t read a book in the long-standing Twilight, Texas series in several years it’s just as good as I remember. The author brings the characters alive with that special Christmas magic sprinkled in.

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

About the author

BIO

Lori Wilde is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers’ Weekly bestselling author of 110 works of romantic fiction. Her writing has won numerous awards and her books have been translated into 26 languages, with more than ten million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her series The Wedding Veil Wishes inspired six movies from Hallmark starring Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reese, and Alison Sweeney. The movies broke viewing records for Hallmark. Her first NYT bestseller, The First Love Cookie Club, was made into a Christmas movie also with Hallmark called A Kismet Christmas.

Lori is a registered nurse with a BSN from Texas Christian University, along with a Master in Liberal Arts from the same university. She holds a certificate in forensics, a certificate in screenwriting from UCLA and she is also a certified yoga instructor. A sixth-generation Texan, Lori lives with her husband, Bill, in the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.

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The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery: A BRAND NEW magical small-town romance filled with irresistible chemistry from Ella Cook (The Magic of Hudsbury 1)

330 pages Publisher Boldwood Books Publication date

July 5, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Step into the cosy and magical town of Hudsbury this autumn, where pumpkins can talk (and gossip), pastries have healing properties, and love is brewing like a magic potion. 🥐🍁

Aiden arrived in Hudsbury hoping for peace and quiet – but the quirky little town has other ideas. Nestled among golden leaves and crisp fall air, he’s drawn into a peculiar shop filled with the scent of cinnamon and a hint of magic… and is convinced to become the town’s newest baker.

The residents, and especially a mysterious grey cat named Mist, seem to know more than they let on. Whispering trees, heart-soothing teas, and jack-o-lanterns offering playful romantic advice make Hudsbury a place where the ordinary and magical intertwine.

Then he meets Mia, the practical local nurse. One playful night grows into a friends with benefits arrangement—but under the glow of autumn leaves and cackling pumpkins, sparks are impossible to ignore, blurring the lines of their friendship. As Aiden’s magic grows wilder and long-held secrets from his past begin to surface, he realises that love—and a little enchantment—might be exactly what he and Mia need to finally open their hearts.

A heartwarming, magical tale of scones, spells, and second chances, The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery is a cozy fantasy full of charm, emotion, and the healing power of love—with just a dash of chaos.

MY THOUGHTS

I seem to find myself reading books that have magic in them recently. Either there has been an increase of this type of book being published recently or I am finding myself now drawn to them and that’s not a bad thing.
Smalltown charm, and a pleasant shop owner drew me right in and I found myself enjoying this book a lot.
The bakery/magical shop is very cozy and inviting. Once you step through its doors it knows what you need and heals you.
From a talking cat to charming and lovable pumpkins the Fall vibes drew me right in. The romance had a natural development. Towards the end there was a serious bit added and I’m looking forward to continuing reading about the characters in future books.

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

About the author

Ella’s been obsessed with books since the moment she could reach to pull them off the shelf by herself, and has wanted to write for as long as she can remember.

She grew up in London where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, and she still looks for magic – and often finds it – in everyday life.

She won the SWWJ Floella Benjamin Award in 2019, and published her debut, BEYOND GREY with Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction in 2021. Her books are now published by Joffe Books, who won the IPG Trade Publisher of the Year in 2023. She doesn’t plan to stop writing any time soon.

When she emerges from her fictional worlds, she writes bids for children’s services and lives in Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her ever-loving husband who reads all her stories first and makes gallons of tea in magical cups that keep drinks warm for whole chapters.

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A Quiet Elsewhere (1 book series)

306 pages Publication date June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

She boarded the wrong train… and found a teahouse that knows her heart better than she does.

Liora likes plans, schedules, and knowing exactly where she’s going. So when a strange, ivy-choked train drops her in the middle of an enchanted forest instead of her grandmother’s house, Emberlee is the last place she expects to end up. The teahouse hums with wayward spirits, peculiar staff, and teas that soothe, stir, and sometimes slip memories away.

And her name appears in the guest book with no departure date.

Watched day and night, Liora searches for a way home with the help of Silas, the sharp-eyed gardener bound to Emberlee by an enigmatic past. Their reluctant alliance soon softens into something warmer, charged with late-night confessions and an undeniable attraction.

But Emberlee has its own plans, and when her forgotten past finally resurfaces, Liora must choose:

Stay and risk her heart, or leave and lose a love she may never find again?

Cozy stone and wood forest cafe named The Whispering Owl with people sitting outside and an owl perched on a sign
A cozy forest cafe named ‘The Whispering Owl’ with warm glowing lights and patrons enjoying tea

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! Just WOW! This is a romantasy, not my usual type of read at all. I usually prefer a book that is solid, standing on its own two feet and based on reality.
This is about as far from that as could possibly be.
Boarding the wrong train takes a woman to a world unexpected, stepping off the train she stepped into a world that felt like a whole other dimension.
Let me just say I really loved the teahouse, Emberlee. The whole thing feels like you’re inside a mystical magical garden. It’s fantasy at its best.
It’s magical, whimsical. enchanting and absolutely left me spellbound and impatiently waiting for the next in the series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachel Ann Hubert has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of storytelling—the places where fate twists, magic lingers, and characters fight for every scrap of truth. A lifelong writer, she officially embarked on her publishing journey in 2022 and has since spent her time crafting dark fantasy, fantasy romance, and an eerie Halloween anthology—with plans to expand into even more genres.

When she’s not weaving stories about betrayal, forbidden powers and passions, and morally murky protagonists, Rachel can be found cooking up delicious dishes, battling through board games, or screening scary movies (the spookier, the better). She lives in Michigan with her husband, their endlessly entertaining son, and just the right amount of chaos.

As a multi-genre indie author, Rachel thrives on character-driven narratives that linger long after the last page. For more tales of dark intrigue, twisted magic, and high-stakes adventure, follow her on Instagram @rachelann_indieauthor.

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Murder at a Scottish Halloween (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 8)

287 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

As Halloween descends upon the Scottish seaside town of Nairn, reluctant sleuth and knitting enthusiast Paislee Shaw finds herself investigating how an ancient ghost inspired a modern murder…

While Paislee will be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve by handing out candy to the trick or treaters at her Cashmere Crush sweater shop, her teenage son Brody seems to have given up the ghost. Uninterested in donning a superhero or monster costume, he’s just going to attend a party with his friends at the ice rink.

But Brody got swept up in the spirit of the season after all. Dared by the older kids, he went to the supposedly haunted Rait Ruins to capture video of a vengeful ghost. The local legend of the Rait Wraith has been passed down for generations—and still gives Paislee the creeps. While no specter actually roams the grounds, the lifeless body of university student Ailis Barclay is discovered there.

Ailis was at the ruins dressed as the ghost to prank Brody, only something went wrong. With her son traumatized and deemed a suspect, it’s up to Paislee to string together whether Ailis was a victim of the real Wraith of Rait Ruins—or of someone dangerous among the living . . .

Ruined stone castle beside a lake with fog and mountains
An eerie fog surrounds the ruins of a stone castle by a calm lake

MY THOUGHTS

A Halloween holiday cozy mystery taking place in the Scottish seaside town of Nairn.
Teens will be teens, and while Mom, Paislee is handing out candy at her shop young teen Brody has no interest in that or wearing a costume. When he says he’ll be one place but really is at another are when the accusations start to fly.
He’s supposed to be at a Halloween party with his friends but trying to impress the older teens he accepts a dare to be part of a prank and get a video of the legendary local spirit to impress the older teens.
When no spirit is found but the costumed prankster is found dead, he’s the one being blamed.
Mom instinct takes over as Paislee knows it wouldn’t have been her son, and she has to work hard to clear his name.
Along the way we get introduced to Scottish politics, and a taste of the dialect and customs of the country.
Good story.

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

USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall crafts small-town mysteries to cozy up with. Check out her Scottish Shire series in quaint Nairn; the paranormal Salem B&B series as Traci Wilton; the Irish Castle mysteries as Ellie Brannigan; and the brand-new Cider Falls Orchard mysteries debuting in 2026. Romance lovers, check out the Appletree Cove sweet duo, or the By the Sea contemporary romances. Want something with medieval flavor? Try the Boadicea trilogy or the Queen’s Guard. Traci would love to chat about books, which have been an escape since childhood and the bookmobile—she read so fast she had no choice but to write stories in between library visits. She finds inspiration living near the ocean and drinking lots of coffee.

Cozy Mystery:

Writing as Traci Hall, Scottish Shire mysteries

Murder in a Scottish Shire July 2020

Murder in a Scottish Garden May 2021

Murder at a Scottish Social 2022

Murder at a Scottish Wedding 2023

Murder at a Scottish Castle 2024

Murder at a Scottish Christmas 2025

Murder at the Scottish Games 2025

Murder at a Scottish Halloween 2026

Murder at the Scottish Book Club 2027

Writing as Traci Wilton, a Salem B & B mystery series

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost August 2019

Mrs. Morris and the Witch 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past September 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress March 30 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Vampire 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold 2022

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman 2023

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine 2024

Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead 2025

Cider Falls Orchard Mystery

Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival 2026

As Ellie Brannigan

Irish Castle mysteries

Murder at an Irish Castle 2023

Death at an Irish Wedding 2024

Death at an Irish Village 2025

Death in Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2020

Danger at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2021

Deception at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2022

Contemporary Romance:

Appletree Cove: (Sweet Small-Town Beach Romances)

In the Dog House Feb 2019

Just One Kiss January 2021

By the Sea: (Small-Town Beach Romances)

Ambrosia by the Sea

Karma by the Sea

Puppy Love by the Sea

Masquerade by the Sea

Holiday by the Sea

Festival by the Sea

Dancing by the Sea

Forever by the Sea

Blue Christmas by the Sea

Returning Home by the Sea

Blossoms by the Sea

Billionaire by the Sea

Santa Baby by the Sea

Sandy Kisses by the Sea

Billionaire’s Brother by the Sea

Love, Actually by the Sea

Secret Santa by the Sea

Christmas Kiss by the Sea 2020

Snowy Seaside Christmas–West Coast 2020

Christmas on Misty Beach–West Coast 2021

Shorts:

Holiday Pickup by the Sea

Always a Bridesmaid

With This Ring

Boxed Sets:

By the Sea — Books 1-3

By the Sea — Books 4-6

By the Sea — Books 7-9

By the Sea — Books 10-12

By the Sea — Books 13-15

Christmas By the Sea

Traci Hall also writes historical romance, western romance, teen paranormal, new adult paranormal, coming of age, and non-fiction books. For her complete list of works, go to: TraciHalldotcom to learn more…

Enhance glowing full moon and mist
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Murder at the Campfire Cookout (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Book 7)

351 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Lindsey Bakewell leaves behind her lighthouse bakeshop, her boyfriend, Rory, and her Newfoundland dog, Wellington, for a glamping trip with her mother in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the bears leave them alone—but a killer doesn’t. . .

Converting the old Beacon Point lighthouse into a bakery is as adventurous as Lindsey cares to get. Her mother, Ellie, a former 80s fashion model, likes her creature comforts even more—until she sees a business opportunity for her Beacon Harbor fashion boutique when she’s invited by the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club on a woodsy getaway.

Far from roughing it, the ladies will be warm and cozy in chic vintage campers. Ellie insists Lindsey come along to win the campfire cookout contest. Campfire cooking has come a long way from bacon and beans. Soon Lindsey is making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita camping bars.

But the festive spirit is soon dampened when a body is found in Ellie’s camper. It seems like an accidental death until everyone’s tires are slashed and it’s clear the glampsite has become a crime scene. With no cell service to call for help, it’s up to Lindsey to smoke out the killer around the campfire . . .

Because no one is out of the woods yet.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read almost all of the books in the A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series and though this has the same main characters and a few new we get to meet and let’s not forget the big dog who loves the baked goods it’s different in a way.
I’ve read plenty of cozy mysteries and a lot of times the crazy action takes place right at the end when the murder suspect is discovered.
Have you ever been glamping, I haven’t either but our characters in this book are doing some glamorous camping, in their words.
There’s a lot of typical camping things like going into the woods and a campfire cookout contest, but things get strange really quick.
This one has nonstop action, unexpected things happening the whole way through and I’m even getting creepy vibes from certain sections of the book.
Now I live in a rural area with lots of woods around, will I be able to look at them the same again, I’m not sure.
I mean we won’t even talk about the Sasquatch, the kidnapping, the bears, things that seem one way and turn out to be totally something else.
Lots of action and I was here for it. Great book!

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Cozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn’t baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should.

Darci’s books include:

MURDER AT THE BEACON BAKESHOP 1st in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series (Kensington 2021), CHERRY SCONES & BROKEN BONES (Midnight Ink 2019), CHERRY PIES & DEADLY LIES (Midnight Ink 2018), THE ANGEL OF BLYTHE HALL (Ballantine Books 2011, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016), THE EXILE OF SARA STEVENSON (Ballantine Books 2010)

You can learn more about Darci and her books at http://www.darcihannah.com

Connect with Darci on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarciHannah

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The Twenty Dates Cover Reveal

Today I am delighted to share a cover reveal with you for a new to me author with a great sounding book.

The Twenty Dates
The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours?
Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless – smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she’d be better off alone. At least there’d be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they’re better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming – some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she’s quietly become while she wasn’t paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must decide: is the spark still there – or has their marriage simply run its course?
Pre-order Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/
https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/

Publication Date: 8th October 2026
Author Bio –
Ko Porteous lived in a tiny fishing village in the north of Scotland before moving to Edinburgh aged 10.  
Ko loves meeting people with interesting stories to tell and is constantly on the lookout for knotty story themes, particularly involving women navigating the messiness of mid-life. She has worked as a Research Chemist, Assistant Chef, Teacher and School Leader.  
As well as writing, Ko works as a Business Manager and a Funeral Celebrant.  
In her free time Ko loves to run, meditate and travel; preferably all on the same day.   
Ko has been married for 25 years, has 2 children of her own and is now navigating her own empty nest.  
The Twenty Dates is Ko’s second novel and the second book in ‘The Empty Nesters’ series.  
Social Media Links –
Instagram: @koporteousauthor
Facebook: Ko Porteous Author

Thank you for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

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Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife: A gorgeous romance to escape with

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the sun crests the indigo Lake District hills and blossom froths in the trees, midwife Zoe Padbury reaches for her boyfriend’s hand. Her life, at this moment, feels perfect. She has no idea of the storm clouds that lie ahead…

The villagers of Thimblebury know that midwife Zoe Padbury loves babies and now that she’s settled at Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex, they can’t resist wondering when she’s going to start a family of her own. Yet it doesn’t feel like quite the right time. Alex is so busy and Zoe has her hands full with all her new mums to look after. Still, she has hopes for the future…

But what she doesn’t expect is to walk into her cosy kitchen and find Alex’s glamorous ex-girlfriend sitting at the scrubbed pine kitchen table. Virginia claims to be helping Alex with work but as she looks Zoe up and down and offers her a perfectly manicured hand to shake, Zoe can’t ignore a shiver of foreboding. What will this mean for her and Alex?

Zoe tries to quash the pangs of jealousy that wash over her, but with Virginia around what feels like all hours of the day, she and Alex end up in a devastating argument. And when she receives some news that changes everything, she doesn’t know if she can share her troubles… Can they find their way back to each other? Or will these storm clouds break their bond forever?

MY THOUGHTS

This is book four in The Village Midwife series. I’m really hoping it’ll continue after this one.
Zoe Padbury is getting settled into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex. She’s around babies all of the time but the couple can’t help wondering how it’d be with their own little one when the time is right. That time never seems to come, she’s busy all the time midwifing and he’s starting up a new business plus his daughter lives with them as well. They have plenty of time though, right?
When some concerning health problems keep popping up for Zoe, she’s scared and though she’s in the medical field she doesn’t want to seek a diagnosis but finally does with crushing results.
Everything seems well until the stress of the diagnosis, busy life and let’s not forget Alex’s ex is back in town again and they seem to be getting on a little too well for Zoe’s comfort.
Will the storm clouds roll away and sunny skies appear again? Or are things just too much for this couple to handle? Enjoying the series a lot.

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

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop assistant, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing. She wrote a novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and hasn’t stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor.

Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was her debut novel; published in 2014 it was an Amazon bestseller in both the UK and Australia. In 2016 she signed to the hugely successful Bookouture and is currently working on her thirtieth Tilly Tennant novel. Christmas bestseller A Very Vintage Christmas was recently made into a movie for Lifetime Channel and she has had many of her books translated for readers all over Europe.

Tilly also writes young adult fiction as Sharon Sant. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest news, or find the link to join her mailing list in the back of all her books.

Smile and become someone’s sunshine.

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The Scottish Island Inn: A totally gripping and emotional Scottish romance full of family secrets

301 pages Publisher Bookouture Publication date June 16, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Balhennie Inn is surrounded by heather-strewn mountains, with breathtaking views across the wild blue loch. But the cosy B&B is in trouble, and the only woman who can save it left without looking back years ago. Sorrel Balhennie will need to confront her past if the inn has any hope of a future…

The Balhennie family raised their six daughters on the Isle of Skye amongst early breakfast services and fully booked summers. Their inn is never short of gossip – and when eldest daughter Sorrel turns up for the first time in ten years, the island rumour mill begins.

Always the one left to corral her younger siblings, resourceful Sorrel now runs her own successful property business on the mainland. She throws herself into the repairs, praying her curious sisters will stop asking about the real reason she left home…

But Sorrell didn’t count on brooding, blue-eyed Tam Blackwood – the man she thought was her forever – supervising the works. Now they’re thrown together again, Sorrel realises just how much she’s missed him.

And with her secret in danger of tearing her family apart for good, only Tam has a plan to fix the inn and heal the rift between the Balhennie sisters. With his help, can Sorrel finally open up? Or will the inn close its doors forever?

The first in a brand-new Scottish-set series about sisterhood, secrets and second chances. Fans of Pamela Kelley, Hope Holloway and Debbie Macomber will utterly adore this romantic read!

Scottish Highlands landscape with loch, purple heather, hills, and sunset sky
A stunning sunset bathes the Scottish Highlands’ loch and blooming heather in warm light.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I like about the author’s books is how descriptive her books are from the luscious scenery to the events happening you feel as though you are there.
This was a pretty emotional book. There are six sisters, all grown and one left without a word or an explanation ten years ago. Though one tried to keep in touch there was never any reciprocation.
Not only that she left a strong friendship with a childhood friend that was just turning into more.
Now she’s back without giving her family a heads-up and they’re puzzled, shocked and hurt.
The family inn is failing, and this sister is the one with the best business sense to turn things around if she’s willing to help things along.
We find out she left because of family secrets that she was never meant to know about that she accidently overheard. She was deeply hurt and didn’t take the time to talk to her family just left.
When she returns there are family talks but a lot of hurt as misunderstandings come to the forefront. There is the normal sisterly bickering, but all of the sisters have been hurt by her behavior.
Every family has secrets and when they come to the forefront there will be disagreements and outsiders see it in a very different way than those in the family do.
There’s also her special childhood friend she left behind who was so happy to see her. Can a special relationship take root now that she is back home again?
I enjoyed the story a lot. It had lots of family drama but lots of talking got done and things don’t just change overnight when you’ve been gone ten years.
Looking forward to more books by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle’s nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she’s not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she’d eat it, anyway.

Find out more about Kennedy on her Facebook Author page: facebook.com/kennedykerrauthor; she is also on Twitter as @KennedyKerr5