Tag: travel

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Meet Me Under the Northern Lights: an uplifting romance perfect for a cozy night. A romantic Finnish adventure.

386 pages One More Chapter publisher 3 Dec 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

All it takes is one moment to change your life . . .

When a cleverly edited video of radio host Lucy Fairweather goes viral, she knows she needs an escape. And preferably somewhere far away.

Where better than Wild Zone – a destination for people who want to experience the Arctic Circle? Owned by the gorgeous but brooding Tommi, Lucy agrees to help with the guests in return for her stay. But getting to grips with her skis is proving harder than it looks.

Far from home and in a winter wonderland, will an encounter with the breathtaking Northern Lights change her luck, in both life and love?

The perfect escapist read to curl up with this autumn. For fans of Lindsey Kelk, Sarah Morgan and Cressida McLaughlin.

MY THOUGHTS

Sometimes you fall behind on your reading, but I am so glad I had a chance to read this it was such a charming and exciting read.


I’ve never read a book taking place in Finland and the descriptions sound glorious. I really would love to have a chance to visit someday. The author has such realistic descriptions of the food, the dangers if you don’t bundle up and getting lost in the snow in the dark.

Snowshoeing sounds like it would be fun once you get the hang of it. I’ve heard how breathtaking the northern lights are and there was such a nice description of them here.


I enjoyed getting to know the characters, they really had a lot going on and some drama thrown in for good measure. It really would be an adjustment going to an area such as this that is so different that what you are used to.
I will be looking out for more books by the author.

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

Photo by Tristan Pokornyi on Pexels.com

MEET THE AUTHOR

Emily Kerr has been scribbling stories on bits of paper ever since she learnt how to write. She works as a journalist and is based in Yorkshire, England.

She can generally be found with her nose in a book, or hunched up over her laptop typing away, though she has been known to venture outside every so often to take part in various running-based activities.

Her book ‘Take A Chance On Greece’ won the Jane Wenham-Jones Award for Romantic Comedy at the Romantic Novel Awards 2023.

Emily loves to hear from readers. You can tweet her @EmilyKerrWrites or check out her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/emilykerrwrites and website http://www.emilykerrwrites.com

Have a marvelous day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Paris Orphans: A heart-wrenching and moving WW2 historical fiction short story (The Paris Sisters)

88 pages Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (January 17, 2024)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Clutching her suitcase tightly to hide her trembling hands, Charlotte takes a steadying breath. This is the most dangerous thing she has ever done, but the lives of five innocent children are depending on her. I can do this…

Paris, 1943: As Charlotte rushes into the station, she can feel the unmistakeable chill of being watched. Turning her head, she catches the eye of a Nazi guard, and forces herself to slow down. Not today, please not today…

Reaching the platform, she sees her sisters Isabelle, Madeline, Antoinette and Gigi waiting with five children, fear etched onto their young faces. As she gets closer, Charlotte can see each child has a faded patch on their coat where a yellow star has been carefully unpicked.

Once she and the children are onboard, Charlotte turns and stares down at her sisters on the platform. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tries to imprint their beloved faces in her mind. And as the whistle blows, she presses her hand to the cold glass, murmuring a silent prayer that her sisters will be safe, and that they will all meet again…

As she turns her attention back to the children in her care, her heart breaks to see tears glistening in their eyes. Taking a deep breath, she promises that they will be safe, that she won’t let anything happen to them. But has Charlotte just made a promise she can’t possibly keep?

The prequel to the Paris Sisters series, this short story tells a tale of bravery and determination in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.

MY THOUGHTS

Oh, I really love this author’s books. So realistic, your heart beats faster as you read while holding your breath. A brave young woman, one of five sisters, Charlotte takes with their parent’s permission, 5 children on a train ride. Thinking to take them out of the city away from the Gestapo’s as the children are Jewish away to safety. Children under twelve don’t need papers and she has her false identification papers with her. The train ride is long, and you can feel the fear pouring off the children as the German police are everywhere. Charlotte stays brave in the face of danger for the children’s sake and knows the trip is not much longer and they will be free of danger. When it’s discovered one of the children has a forbidden item and then she is betrayed by the one she thought she could trust who will she turn to and what will happen to the children? This is the prequel to the Paris Sisters series and ends in a cliff hanger, so I’ll need to continue reading it to find out what happens. I eagerly look forward to finding out what happens to the characters whose bravery shines.

Free download on Amazon here. I’m not sure if it’s free in any other countries besides the US right now.

THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

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Cover reveal for A Scottish Island Summer

I have a cover reveal today for a book by an author I’ve been reading for years. Her books are charming and the characters so realistic. I am delighted to share this cover revel with you today.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Scottish Island Summer

When ambitious city girl, Darcie Freeman is sent to the Isle of Skye to conduct research for a travel guide, she’s horrified. The prospect of having to travel to a remote island in the Scottish Highlands leaves her wondering what she’ll do.

Step in Logan Burns. Gorgeous and adventurous, he lives and breathes the island, and along with his sister Iona, who owns a rather haphazard PR company, they’re going to show Darcie everything she needs to know about Skye.

As Darcie swaps her designer shoes for her walking boots and her faux fur jacket for her raincoat, will she learn there’s more to life than the picture-perfect presence she shares on social media, or will it be the case that Skye is the limit…

AND THE LOVELY COVER REVEAL

Pre-order Links

Publication Date: 30th January 2025

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. A Scottish Island Summer is Julie’s twelfth novel.

Social Media Links –

Website –   Julie Shackman Author

Twitter – (2) Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

Instagram –  Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook –  (5) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

Thank you for stopping in today.

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Christmas on the Riviera: Escape to the French Riviera for a delightfully festive read from Jennifer Bohnet 

212 pages Boldwood Books August 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for – or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France. It sounded very charming and like an enjoyable vacation spot.
When Elodie Jacques is three years old she is abandoned by her mother when she gets a new man, and he doesn’t want a child from the mother’s previous relationship around.


Having been raised by her grandmother ever since she’s been happy.
Grandmother announces she wants to spend New Years and her 79th birthday in her hometown of Juan-les-Pins. Unknown to Elodie grandmother has some secrets she has been keeping from her and she needs to travel to France to take care of somethings and come to grip with her feelings.

The book has a mention of Christmas here and there, but you don’t get a Christmassy feel to it.
While there are some heartwarming moments and a sweet new romance there were some things I didn’t agree with in the book that brought the stars level down for me. Quick easy read.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including ‘A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘High Tides and Summer Skies’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before. Living in France for twenty-five years she has happily adapted to the French lifestyle including the long lunches with friends and the wine.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Death by Iced Coffee (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery Book 11) 

259 pages Kensington publisher April 25,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A smart, well-crafted mystery set in a charming Midwestern small town, where bookstore-cafe owner Krissy Hancock has a sideline in sleuthing—just right for fans of Leslie Meier, Cleo Coyle, and Carolyn Hart.

Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
 
It’s a brutally hot day in Pine Hills, and Krissy Hancock would love to be sitting in a shady spot and sipping her favorite iced coffee. Instead, she’s lacing up her sneakers for a marathon—and swiftly regretting it. Especially when she finds one of the other runners lying motionless. At first Krissy suspects heatstroke, but the red marks around the man’s throat tell a more sinister story.
 
The victim, it turns out, had brewed up all kinds of enemies thanks to his cheating ways—both romantic and financial. Krissy’s not keen to get involved, but her friend Rita’s boyfriend, Johan, seems to be mixed up in the mayhem. For Rita’s sake, Krissy wants to help filter out the real killer. But can she do it before another Pine Hills resident gets permanently iced?

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really gotten into cozy mysteries over the past few years and have started a few series and this is one of them. I enjoy cozies that have cats in them and have a coffee shop as the main area it takes place. Co-Owner Krissy Hancock, of Death by Coffee, a coffee shop in Pine Hills, Ohio has given up slogging joe for the day and entered a marathon raising money for a good cause.


Not sure I understand why the race was run during an ungodly heatwave and Krissy Hancock hadn’t trained for this race or gotten into shape for it. The race proved too much for her and she almost fainted from the heat and was couch bound after the race.

During the race a body was found, heatstroke is suspected but upon inspection it’s determined not to be the case. I do enjoy the cozies, but they can be a bit predictable as many are very similar. It surprises me how many people will just talk to the amateur sleuth and how much they’ll tell them.

Lots of clues presented and the victim did not have the best character so many people could have had reason to want the victim out of the way.
Enjoyed this and I’ll be reading more in the series.

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

Thanks for stopping in today. Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee if you drink it? My choice is iced coffee.

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The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane (Blackfriars Lane, 3)

320 pages Barbour Pub Inc Pub Date: 01 Apr 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.
 
Namely, her husband.
 
But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.
 
Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.
 
Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

MY THOUGHTS

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is the final book in the Blackfriars Lane series of which I highly recommend reading all three in order.
I have really enjoyed spending my time with Kit and Jackson in these past three books. There has been a lot of character development for both of them.


The series including this book takes place in Victorian England and it’s so different from the books I have read taking place in modern day England.
For your convenience there are historical notes at the end of the book explaining a bit about the time period and the definition of some words. I know it helped me a lot.


The book was an adrenaline-soaked rush the whole way through. I think as I read some of the book I forgot to breathe. From the circus to the back-alleys will an emotional case from the heart be their last?

Kit and Jackso love their new baby daughter with all their heart, but will they be able to maintain their quality work and the care of their daughter as well. A faith filled historical fiction balancing mystery, suspense and the importance of family.
Highly recommended!

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

Book one

Book two

Book three

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

Have a marvelous day and thanks for stopping in.

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Photographs from the Cove: A totally stunning, sweeping and uplifting page-turner (Sand Dollar Cove 2) 

369 pages Bookouture publisher February 15,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Turner’s hopes of a happy life in beautiful Sand Dollar Cove come crashing down when her boyfriend leaves her. After her mother walked out when she was just a child, Aiden’s betrayal destroys the last shred of belief in love that Mary’s been clinging on to.

When the cove’s newest resident Steven Clarke hires her to renovate the town’s historic movie theater, Mary is scared of failing. But she dreams of bringing the fading theater back to its 1960s glamor. Plus, the more she works with the elusive Steven, the more she comes to like him and his striking good looks—against her better judgement…

As Mary’s confidence grows, her heart starts to reopen to the possibility of love. But then, hidden in the cinema’s storage room, Mary discovers a mysterious photo album containing pictures of a little girl who looks just like her. She can’t believe her eyes. How is Mary connected to this album and the cinema? And will the answers help to heal her broken heart?

Mary is willing to risk everything to learn the truth. But when she uncovers a secret that casts a shadow on her family, on Steven, and on Sand Dollar Cove, will the past haunt her forever? Or will she choose to believe in love and finally claim her happy ending?

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series. I do suggest you read these in order as this book starts immediately after the first one ends. I love the description of Sand Dollar Cove.

Having never been to Washington State where this takes place, I’m now ready to visit. Though it may rain a lot in the Pacific Northwest I’m ready to visit the beaches and take walks.


The book is absolutely packed full of so much going on.
Sisters Mary and Hannah and their grandmother live with their friend Bridget and her son in her boarding house. It’s a great situation for all of them.


Hannah’s boyfriend is not at all what she thought he was and she’s much better off without him. If only she wouldn’t still have to see him so often.
Mary is an interior decorator and is thrilled to be hired by the cove’s newest resident Steven Clarke to renovate the cinema and bring it back to its former glory days. It’s a huge job and the pressure is on, she’s afraid of failing. What does it mean when she finds an old album in a storage area of the old cinema and a girl looks like her?

Can Mary’s budding romance survive the secrets that are revealed about her family and town? So many secrets and feelings of betrayal, self-discovery, family bonds renewed. Such a beautiful story, I enjoyed it a lot.

Pub Date 15 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bardsley’s delightfully sweet romance books set in the Pacific Northwest have touched the hearts of readers all over the world. She lives in Edmonds, Washington with her family and enjoys walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.

Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferBardsleyAuthor/

Find her on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755219.Jennifer_Bardsley

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbardsleyauthor/

Visit her website: https://jenniferbardsley.com

Thank you once again for stopping in today. Wishing you the best.

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Daily Prompt Saturday

Bloganuary writing prompt
Think back on your most memorable road trip.
View all responses

My most recent memorable road trip was July 2022. My husband and I went on a week long anniversary road trip. I had no idea where we were even going. My husband and I visited all of the New England States in the United States.

I really enjoyed Boston, Mass. It was a place I had wanted to go for a long time and we didn’t even get lost for going there the first time because we did the Freedom Trail a 2.5 red brick trail through Boston that passes by 17 locations significant to the history of the United States. It winds from Boston Common in downtown Boston, to the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate. Most of the sites are free or suggest donations, although the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston’s Freedom Trail Commission[2] and is supported in part by grants from various non-profit organizations and foundations, private philanthropy, and Boston National Historical Park. Wiki

We also visited Maine and the beautiful rugged coast. One thing that surprised me about most of the New England states was there are a lot less fast food restaurants and more local places which is a refreshing change from what I am used to.

The New England states are really beautiful and I look forward to more visits there.

Salem, MA – National Historic Waterfront

credit

Hartford, Conn

credit

The coast of Maine is rugged and magnificent.

I hope you’ll enjoy any road trips you may go on as well.

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Blog Tour for The Island Cottage by Jane Lovering

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Island Cottage

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/TheIslandCottagesocial

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I love about the author’s books is their association with cottages. As someone who lives in the US, I associate cottages as being a UK thing. Yes, we have them here but not the same way as I see them over there. In my mind the cottages there are magical, cozy, maybe a bit small but perfect for a couple and maybe throw in a few fairy lights.
I just love books with cottages.


A fifty-year vacant cottage sits on Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland. Inherited by Brid Harcus’s mother she doesn’t want it, so Brid knows she’ll pop in make quick work of the repairs and make a nice turn around profit quickly. When she arrives, it’s vacant alright except for the goose and her goslings that she’s super protective of. Woe is anyone who dares to go near them.


Brid hasn’t counted on having such a handsome neighbor as Magnus. Lifelong resident Mangus knows the cottage called Midness Cottage is known to outsiders as the “Witches’ Cottage, as Brid’s great Aunt Jennet was known as while living there.


Can Brid fix the cottage quickly with Magnus’s help and not scare off the tourists who’ve heard rumors? Will Brid be able to open up to Mangus even though she’s planning on leaving soon as the fix up is done? I loved Magnus’s character; he reminded me of a big bumbling guy that finally gets seen for his compassionate and genuine side. Fun, heartwarming, a true joy to read. I loved it.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Lovering is a bestselling and multi-award winning romantic comedy writer. Most recently Jane won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jane.lovering

Twitter: https://twitter.com/janelovering

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

Bookbub profile: Jane Lovering Books – BookBub

Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Blog Blitz for A Winter Wonderland

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Winter Wonderland

The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?

MY THOUGHTS

A Winter Wonderland is part of the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. I am loving this series. This book is warm and welcoming, and I know I’d love to meet the characters and have tea with them.

One of the things I enjoy about this series is its inclusivity. The book doesn’t focus on one person or one couple but the community as a whole. There are multiple side stories to focus on. The author doesn’t make the secondary characters any less, they play just as important a role in the story as the main characters.

I also enjoy how realistic the books are, we see a homeless teen in the book who has run away because he believes his father disapproves of him. He’s new in town and moody. He has a lot of growth, and it was encouraging seeing how much he improved with all pulling for him.

There’s our main character Jaz who lives next door to Milo. Both are single parents, and their daughters are best friends. Jaz is open to a new relationship but there are ups and downs and a few things seem to be getting in the way on both of their sides.


The children really have the Christmas spirit which in turn spills over onto the adults.
The plot is so much fun, I really enjoyed the catch up with all the characters and I am looking forward to more in this delightful and heartwarming series.

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

Purchase Links

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for THE SUNSHINE SISTERS – a heart-warming and thoroughly enchanting trilogy of books in the Little Duck Pond Café series, out early in 2024!

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

Have a wonderful and check out the author’s other books when you get a chance.

Thank you for stopping in.