Tag: travel

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The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley

80 pages Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publication date October 14, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After months of planning a romantic holiday getaway in Venice, Paul is blindsided when his five-year marriage suddenly unravels. Fueled by heartbreak, Paul endeavors to take the trip alone.

Soon after arriving in Italy, he notices a small, scruffy, self-assured dog trotting alongside a canal with the confidence he so desperately wants for himself. When their paths cross again, Paul feels compelled to learn how his new four-legged friend thrives on his own. Amid the food, sights, and welcoming people of Venice, Paul’s journey culminates in a magical encounter that leads him to feel real connection—to a dog, to a foreign city and, most importantly, to himself.

Capturing Steven Rowley’s signature wit, insight, and indelible characters, The Dogs of Venice offers another timeless story of love lost, and independence found—a holiday tonic for the soul.

MY THOUGHTS

When his five-year marriage ends a man is blindsided by it and decides to go alone on the trip he and his soon to be ex-husband had planned on going on in Venice.
While there he discovers a lot about himself and has a newfound strength. We meet a lot of characters some quirky and they help him to discover himself.
There are many “street dogs” as they are called, tame dogs roaming the streets non collared because there is no traffic there and it’s accepted and many are welcomed into shops.
Finding strength through one of the dogs he meets his loneliness isn’t as bad as he had thought.
A poignant read novella length and with a magical feel to it. Connections are made with people, a special city and a dog.
A pleasant read that I enjoyed and wouldn’t mind reading more by the author.

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

About the author

Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels and the winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. His fiction has been translated in twenty languages. He lives in Palm Springs.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for The Hotel By the Sea

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with The Hotel by the Sea—your next romantic getaway awaits!

Rebecca needs to escape. After making a complete fool of herself watching the man she’s secretly loved for years run off with someone else—she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel. Sun, sea, and a fresh start sound perfect.

What she doesn’t expect is Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriatingly confident, and always ready with a flirty quip, Felipe seems to have life sorted. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family. The last thing he needs is another responsibility. Especially one who challenges him at every turn, makes him laugh, and is dangerously easy to fall for…

Escape to Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn’t about being needed—it’s about being seen.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hotel-Sea-Charming-Family-Run-Portuguese-ebook/dp/B0FSBMPXZX/https://www.amazon.com/Hotel-Sea-Charming-Family-Run-Portuguese-ebook/dp/B0FSBMPXZX/

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy the author’s books and have read quite a few of them. All take place in such a fun and new location. Fun and romantic escapist read.
An exotic location read, fun, flirty and oh so charming.
This one welcomes a newcomer to beautiful “Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn’t about being needed—it’s about being seen.”
I just loved this one, it made me so happy while reading this feel-good book.
Loved the characters, so warm, outgoing and friendly. They make our newcomer feel right at home and part of the family. The setting sounds so tropical and wonderful like a perfect vacation spot that welcomes you in and you just want to forget about home life and stay there.
So glad I got a chance to read this, and I look forward to reading many more by the author.

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

A note from Julie Caplin

“My books are definitely not created by AI – apologies for the very human error that crept into the first few pages during the production process. I’m very sorry but as we’re all human, mistakes can happen. I’m sad but but there are worse things in life. “

About Julie Caplin

Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin is an internationally bestselling author with over 2 million sales over twenty five books including the highly successful Romantic Escape series which has been translated into over 24 languages. Her books have topped the charts in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

After reading English at university, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases and swanned around Europe taking journalists on gastronomic press trips. These visits inspired the locations of many of her books. She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

As an avid romance fan, she’s written in several genres including historical romantic fiction, contemporary women’s romance fiction and romantic comedy.

​Follow Julie Caplin

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

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At Morning’s Light: Christian Historical Fiction with Romance Set on the Frontier of Midwestern America (Home to Green Creek)

320 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date December 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

In her new homeland of Iowa, she must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish.

Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin’s boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary degree.

Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?

This Christian fiction historical novel by Lauraine Snelling paints a heartwarming story of family and love on the Midwestern frontier for readers of frontier romance, Janette Oke, and Tracie Peterson.

MY THOUGHTS

At Morning’s Light is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series.
I have been reading this author’s books for absolutely years, and I find it fascinating that so many of the series are based on characters living in or coming to America from Norway.
In this second book in the series, we meet many of the same characters from the first book when they voyaged to America.
Coming to America is just what Maya Bredesen and her husband need for a new start.
A tragedy occurs before they can leave, a fishing trip accident and her husband is lost forever.
The voyage to Iowa sees Maya accompanied by her brother and she will live in her sister’s boarding house.
After arrival I love the willingness, the characters have to help each other. Imagine being in a country unfamiliar to you having to learn the language and customs of this country. In the area of Iowa they settle in there are plenty of other Norwegians to help them settle in. I enjoyed seeing the dialogue, types of foods and reading about the Norwegian customs they brought to America. There are trying times as our characters try to acclimate themselves to a new country. Just when Maya is sure things are getting better, she is dealt another blow. A close friend will help her through this. Out of the burning ashes a light shines through. Very realistic I enjoyed this very much.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California. Learn more at LauraineSnelling.com.

Kiersti Giron writes stories and collaborates on historical fiction series with bestselling author Lauraine Snelling. When she’s not writing, Kiersti loves drinking tea, adventuring with her family, and teaching writing and literature. Learn more at KierstiGiron.com.

Step up your dreams because you’re worth it.

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Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea: A gripping and emotional page-turner (Heaven’s Cove Book 1) 

365 pages Bookouture publisher Publication date February 18, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the attic of Driftwood House there are stunning views of the deep green sea and sapphire sky. But Rosie can’t tear her eyes away from the faded photograph in her hands, and the words written on the back that will change everything…

Back in the tiny seaside village of Heaven’s Cove after the death of her mother, all Rosie Merchant wants is to hide her tears, rent out her childhood home, and get back to her ‘real’ life, away from the gossiping villagers and wild Devon weather she escaped from years ago.

She’s surprised to find a smiling man in hiking boots – local farmer Liam – waiting on the stone doorstep. His kind offer to help clear crumbling, isolated Driftwood House is hard to refuse, and despite Rosie’s determination not to let anyone get close, soon they’re walking and laughing together along the clifftops. As clouds scud across the endless sky and green waves crash against the shore, Rosie is reminded that nowhere is more beautiful than home.

Then, up in the attic of Driftwood House, Rosie stumbles across a photo which exposes the heart-stopping truth about how her mother came to live at Driftwood House years ago… and Liam only seems concerned about the implications for his own nearby farm. Did he know this painful secret all along, and should she run from Heaven’s Cove for good? Or will facing up to her devastating family history mean Rosie can finally put down roots in this beautiful place?

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

MY THOUGHTS

I have read other books in the series already so I’m reading out of order as this is the first one.
What a beautiful introduction to Heaven’s Cove, the vast properties, the sea the sense of being home.
Driftwood House, crumbling away it won’t be long before the sea claims it but Rosie has other ideas. She grew up in Driftwood House leaving as an adult but now her mother has passed, and she’s returned from Spain to pay her respects and fix up the cottage but she’s not sure what she’ll do with it as she’s settled into her life in Spain.
With the brilliant idea of turn it into a B & B she’s devastated when she finds out her mother did not own the house and it is now reverting back to the owner’s name.
A secret her mother never told her as she assumed her mother had ownership of the house.
Contacting the owner, she decides to fix it up to try to persuade the owner to sell it to her.
Clearing the house of her mother’s possessions she finds an unknown picture in the attic that sets her off on a quest to unearth answers to her questions. She has so many and it’s time to discover the truth. Heartbreaking as secrets are uncovered. Will Rosie find the answers she needs before more spirals downward? Such an excellent series. I am really enjoying it.

About the author

Liz writes heart-warming and uplifting women’s fiction about families and relationships, and romantic comedies full of love and laughs. You can sign up to her newsletter at http://www.lizeeles.com

Liz worked as a journalist for years and brought up a family on the south coast of England, all the while writing fiction on the quiet. After being short-listed in a couple of national novel-writing competitions, her dream of being a published author came true when she was signed by publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK).

When not writing, Liz likes walking by the sea, catching up with friends and binge-watching box sets. She also loves hearing from readers and can be contacted at http://www.lizeeles.com, or on Twitter:@lizeelesauthor, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizeelesauthor, or Instagram: lizeelesauthor

Liz’s books are:

1. Annie’s Holiday by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 1)

2. Annie’s Christmas by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 2)

2. Annie’s Summer by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 3)

4. New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 1)

5. A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 2)

6. A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 3)

7. Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 1)

8. A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 2)

9. The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 3)

10. A Key to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 4)

11. The Path to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 5)

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Reading the Green: The Lost House of Ireland: A totally uplifting Irish romance about second chances (Starlight Cottages Book 4)

252 pages Publication date June 8, 2022 Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

An enchanting story about forgotten family secrets that will transport you to the charming village of Sandy Cove on the beautiful Irish coast.

Allegra Casey is searching for a new beginning. So when she discovers an engagement ring buried in the sand near her home in Cape Cod, the last place she expects it to lead her is to the west coast of Ireland. But when she arrives in the tiny village of Sandy Cove, she finds herself falling in love with the crashing waves, the picturesque coast and the warm-hearted people.

As soon as she settles into her cottage at the old coastguard station, Allegra meets her eccentric neighbours. They believe the ring belonged to Davina Courtney, whose family still live on the Strawberry Hill estate just outside the village. And when Allegra visits the old mansion, she meets the charming, enigmatic Max Courtney-Smythe, the great-nephew of the former owner.

As they try to solve the mystery of the long-lost ring, Allegra and Max grow closer, and it soon becomes clear that their feelings for one another are mutual. And as she spends more time with the local community, Allegra wonders if she’s finally found the place she can call home.

But the reappearance of the engagement ring causes problems among the heirs of the estate and, as Max suddenly grows distant, Allegra wonders whether she should never have travelled to Sandy Cove. Is this where she will finally find true love, or is she destined to leave this magical place alone?

MY THOUGHTS

What is supposed to be a three week stay in Ireland turns into so much more.
While at the beach Allegra finds a ring in the sand near her Cape Cod home she knows she must try to find its owner. Her travels take her to picturesque Sandy Cove, Ireland. The coastal area is arresting and the locals friendly.
Long held secrets start to unravel. found family, such a beautiful read. I loved the characters and it kept me reading long into the night. So delightful and heartwarming.
This really kicks my dreams up a notch to visit Ireland and try to find any of my ancestors.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She’s been inspired to write about people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

Thank you for stopping in.

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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.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge: (The Maple Tree Lodge Hotel Book 1)

312 pages Publication date June 30, 2025 Boldwood Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?
Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?
And can Ben show Lily that there’s more to life than work?

As autumn at Maple Tree Lodge begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and a reason to stay …

MY THOUGHTS

Maple Tree Lodge is in beautiful Cotswold’s, if only there were customers to enjoy its scenic view. Having been in the Jackson family for over a century Ben gets a real eyeopener when his father, main caretaker passes away. Realizing the hotel has fallen into drastic financial decline and the hotel needs a renovation as well.
Lily Watson. is an up-and-coming interior designer and best friends with Hannah, Ben’s sister. Sure she’s about to get her big break in the business she’s let go right as that’s about to happen.
As a favor to Hannah, she agrees to do the interior designing renovations on the hotel to modernize things.
Lily and Ben clash on everything from the new design plans to the paint colors; how will this work get done if they can’t even discuss anything civilly?
When she goes to the boathouse to cool off after one of their arguments, not knowing she’s in there he steps in as well.
After this, thing start to change for them.
I loved how at home Lily felt with the Jackson family.
Such a feelgood book. The characters were fun and likable, and the Autumn scenery description sounded magical.

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

About the author

Alison Sherlock writes feelgood and uplifting romantic fiction. Her most recent books are all based around the beautiful English Cotswolds.

Her debut novel The Desperate Bride’s Diet Club reached No 1 in the Italian book charts.

With multiple Top 100 Bestsellers in the UK Kindle charts, her completed series are Willow Tree Hall, Riverside Lane and Railway Lane. Every title within a series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance but each story is full of warmth, laughter, love, family and friendships.

Alison’s latest series Maple Tree Lodge Hotel is focussed on all those who live and work at Maple Tree Lodge, a rundown hotel by a lake in the Cotswolds.

The first book, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge, was released in June 2025 in all formats and is currently available in Prime Reading. Interior designer Lily has a vision for a cosy country hotel makeover which is the complete opposite to the minimalistic, modern style that owner Ben has in mind. Fireworks ensue in this enemies to lovers story!

The second book, Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe, will out in early 2026 and is available to pre-order now. Hannah tries to overcome her lack of confidence when she opens her own cafe at Maple Tree Lodge. Alex is at a crossroads after an accident scuppers his athletic career and is hoping to find himself a new path when he stays at his best friend’s hotel. Perhaps he can also finally admit to Hannah how he really feels about her…? It will be a magical summer by the lake in this friends to lovers story!

You can follow Alison on Facebook and X.

Have a wonderful day!

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When Stars Light the Sky: (A WWI Marriage of Convenience Clean Historical Romance Novel) (The Women of Midtown)

352 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 21, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I love about the author’s books are the historical details given in each book, the more the better. I can so easily visualize what is happening in each of her books and it makes the stories come alive for me.
From all over New York to Germany there is a lot of adventure to be had for our main characters. Oh, so many adventures some delightful some taken warily as WWI is about to happen.
Twists and turns happening that had me even thinking about the book while not reading it.
The most unlikely couple you could think of, an opposites attract team really, hit it off though we wouldn’t think it so at first.
A high energy keep my attention book which I really loved!

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.

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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Meet Me Under the Northern Lights- Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Meet Me Under the Northern Lights

Can one kiss melt a cold, broken heart?

When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.

But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.

Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.

Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?

This Christmas, escape to Iceland for festive feels, unexpected friendships and maybe even a chance at love.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/UndertheNorthernLights

MY THOUGHTS

I’m not sure what it is. Is it possibly that I’ve read other books by the author and loved them or is it the possibility that we are in a roasting hot summer and a book taking place in romantic Iceland totally appeals.
Whatever it is I absolutely loved the book. It had me laughing out loud one minute and loving the charming setting the next.


The characters had me hooked as I could hardly put it down, always needing to know what happens next. A slow burn romance, there’s no rushing into things as we get plenty of awwww moments.


Absolutely loved the setting and it’s descriptions and it has me begging for sweater weather at least if not maybe a bit of snow.


Meet me Under the Northern Lights is a wonderful and exciting book with light and easy reading that is a great pick me up. I’ll be reading it again.

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

Author Bio –

Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads, she’s bringing gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @MandyBaggotAuthor

Twitter: @MandyBaggot

Instagram: @MandyBaggot

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

Bookbub profile: @MandyBaggot

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Little Island Secret: An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking page-turner 

300 pages Publication date Jul 21 2021 Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

t the bottom of the meadow is a tiny crescent of beach, and beyond it the wild grey sea. I’ve pictured this view in my head so many times, and now I’m here, I know it will change everything. The whitewashed cottage with a peeling green painted door to my right must be his house…

When Abby steps off the ferry and onto the tiny island of Kinlossay, she squeezes her daughter’s hand and prays this trip will be the escape they both so desperately need. For now, at least, Beth is safe from the bullies making her life a misery, and perhaps Abby might find out more about the mysterious man behind the letters she’s been receiving…

Cameron first got in touch to see if Abby’s shop stocked his favourite book. And has written every day since to tell her of his life on his rugged little island, where buttercups dance on rolling fields and the sky never stops moving. The weekend he once came to visit her – singing with Beth in the kitchen, kissing Abby’s lips so tenderly – is a memory she will treasure forever. But then, one day, the messages stopped. Abby received the heartbreaking news that Cameron had passed away.

As she watches her daughter run laughing along the windswept beaches he described so perfectly, Abby wonders if this goodbye trip could also be a new beginning. But then she sees a face across the street that she recognises instantly, and her heart shatters. If Cameron is dead, who is this man? What devastating secrets has this little island been keeping? The truth will change Abby and her daughter’s life forever – but only if they let it…

MY THOUGHTS

The Little Island Secret is a book I thought I’d like more than I did.
I very much enjoyed the bookshop setting in Scotland.
Cameron first contacts Abby to see if she has a hard to locate book writing every day after to tell her of his belove island with the waves crashing and its breathtaking view.
They fell in love, and he even came to visit once with her daughter loving him too as they sang and laughed.
Devastated she finds out he has passed away when the letters stop. She knows she must go to the island to get closure taking her daughter along.
The description of the island is breathtaking but the secrets the island harbors left me feeling unsettled as they were revealed. I can understand why it was done but would I have done it, no.
The book felt much longer than it was, it was a slog to get through.
There were parts I enjoyed a lot about the book and others felt unrealistic as I couldn’t make a connection with most of the characters.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It’s a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.

Pop over to her website http://www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her).

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.