Tag: UK

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Blog Tour

A Scottish Island Summer Blog Tour

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…

MY THOUGHTS

A true page turner that you’ll be delighted to have read.
This relaxation read took me to Skye with its breathtaking descriptions that I now want to visit.

The characters were lighthearted, a true pick me up. On my way to find more charming books by the author.

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

VISIT OTHERS ON THE TOUR

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DPhttps://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DP

MEET THE AUTHOR

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 –

Julie Shackman Author

Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

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

(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Cozy Mystery

A Treacherous Tale: The Cambridge Bookshop Series

282 pages St. Martin’s Paperbacks August 23, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she’s reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children’s tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona’s tumbles off her roof to his death.

Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop series.
Ever since discovering cozy mysteries a few years ago I’ve been on a roll with them and like them more than just regular mysteries.


Set in an English bookshop and you can’t go wrong there.
Molly and her mother come over to England to help her aunt run the bookstore.
Molly enjoys life abroad with a new boyfriend, Kieran owner of a local bike shop.


Excited about running the bookshop Molly invites a local author to speak. While visiting the author’s house to finalize plans a body is discovered and a girl goes missing.


Enjoyed the plan Molly put together to help solve the mystery. Whimsical and nostalgic with an engaging plot.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Penney is the author of the Apron Shop Series and the Cambridge Bookshop Series, both from St. Martin’s Press. She is also the author of women’s fiction and mysteries for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts.

Now living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage everything, past/present mysteries, historic houses, and the arts. Oh, and usually a very cool cat.

Visit her website at http://www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com to learn more.

Categories
historical fiction

The Poppy Sisters: Step into the past with this captivating historical novel, filled with heart-wrenching moments and unforgettable characters

375 pages

ABOUT THE BOOK

Phoebe is a volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who’ve served on hte Western Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she’s meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart.

Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren’t the monsters she expected.

Despite the miles between them, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences – the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can’t break it…

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed this historical fiction book and found it interesting and informative.

Phoebe, volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France. Matron does her best to keep the nurses minds occupied with just nursing but there’s no counting on where the heart will lead. Phoebe soon finds herself falling in love with patient Captain Archie Bailey. Planning a life together after the war when he’s well enough he gets sent to the frontline then goes missing in action, presumed dead.

Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. She knows the men she is nursing back to health are from the same unit that killed her brother and parents. After getting to know these men she realizes they are just regular men with hopes, dreams and fears just like all of us. Falling in love with one of them shouldn’t have happened, but it has.

Phoebe and Celia are sisters with many similarities, they understand what the other is going through and know the fears they face. Heartbreaking……. there are no real winners in war, it just causes some to die earlier than others. Kept my attention as you can only pray for the best. The author writes such realistic work I could vividly imagine the scenes playing out as I read.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Deborah Carr is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction. She was born and lives on the island of Jersey, in the Channel Islands where she sets most of her books.

Her first book, Broken Faces was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping Novel Writing Competition in 2012 giving her the confidence to keep going. Her WW1 novel, The Poppy Sisters was an Amazon First Reads Editor’s Pick and The Poppy Field and An Island at War were USA TODAY bestsellers.

The Channel Islands was the only place in the British Isles occupied by German forces during WW2. This dark time in the island’s history is the setting for her latest novel, Neighbours at War. An Island at War and part of The Beekeeper’s War was also set during the Jersey Occupation.

She is the author behind the Mrs Boots trilogy inspired by Jersey woman, Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boots empire.

Deborah lives near the beach and begins each day walking by the sea with her three rescue dogs before sitting down to write.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Uncategorized

Robins in My Kitchen-Nonfiction

96 pages nonfiction adult book November 28, 2024 The Book Guild publisher

Version 1.0.0

ABOUT THE BOOK

MY THOUGHTS

Robins in My Kitchen is a lovely diary style nonfiction book about the author’s daily life with robins that have set up a nest in her kitchen. The mother bird fearlessly brings moss, twigs and other building materials into the woman’s house through an open kitchen window and builds a nest for her babies on a dish shelf. Mr. Robin also comes in to help.


Eventually the eggs hatch and we see Mr. and Mrs. Robin sharing the parental duties of feeding the babies. I loved reading the daily progress of the fledglings and how descriptive it was.


Black and white illustrations add to the nostalgic feel of the book.
Reading this book was a true treat and made me feel closer to nature. What a joy to be chosen by the robin family to have a nest in their house.

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

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog Tour for Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village by Sarah Hope

ABOUT THE BOOK

BRAND NEW instalment in the warm-hearted romance series from Sarah Hope, for dog lovers everywhere!

 

Life begins outside your comfort zone…

Book-keeper Megan has always lived life by a set of very rigid rules, but with impending divorce papers on the horizon, she throws herself into a new challenge.

She finds solace and purpose in her volunteer work at a dogs’ home but with finances tight, and soon-to-be ex-husband Lyle controlling her purse strings, she might have to trade the work for something more permanent.

But spending her time in the fresh countryside air, Megan discovers a glimmer of hope for a new beginning, finding strength, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow – and maybe, even possibly, a new romance.

A cosy and heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, perfect for fans of Sarah Bennett, Jo Bartlett and Philippa Ashley

MY THOUGHTS

Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village is the fourth book in the series. Though it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone without missing anything important.
I love the fact that the book is focused on dog rescue and hope it inspires some to help dogs in some way: adoption, volunteering or even monetarily.

The book is a real ray of sunshine, guaranteed to make even the darkest skies bright. After you’re done reading your heart will be filled with gladness.
The characters are well thought out and well developed, friendly sorts who want the best for the dogs and have a lot of empathy.

I enjoyed reading about West Par as it sounds like such a lovely place. Wagging Tails employees and volunteers are all like one family always wanting the best for each other and looking out for one another and when one of their own falls on rough times they all jump in to help.

A sweet dog that had been adopted didn’t work out for a family is returned and I felt so bad for the dog, but she really takes to one of the volunteers and they come into each other’s lives just when they are needed the most.

When it looks like skies are turning gray don’t despair or give up because hope and positivity is right around the corner.
Love, love, love this series and I really hope it continues.

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

VISIT OTHR BLOGS ON THE TOUR

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

THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Sarah Hope is the author of many successful romance novels, including the bestselling Cornish Bakery series. Sarah lives in Central England with her two children and an array of pets and enjoys escaping to the seaside at any opportunity.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappinessHopeDreams

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahHope35 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_hope_writes/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-hope

Thank you for visiting today. Go ahead, share a smile with others.

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Uncategorized

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

Happy Publication day and Blog tour for Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

ABOUT THE BOOK

Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm

When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine’s Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will ever find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?

MY THOUGHTS

I am always so excited to see another installment in the Puddleduck Farm series and I’ve read them all plus other books by the author. I read some books that have a heavier subject matter, and this is always such a comfort read series.

After having read the other books in the series I can confidently say I feel as though the characters could be friends and we’d have a cozy chat and tea together. Having a catch up with the characters is great and I just love how realistic the situations and characters are.

And just like all of us the characters go through some rough spots but being surrounded by friends who are empathetic and will help out in any way they can means everything.

I love animals and growing up around a lot of them I thought I’d become a vet. Though things didn’t turn out that way I enjoy reading about the veterinarians in Puddleduck Farm. The antics the animals get up to, both farm animals and domesticated animals makes me chuckle.

This is an automatic read series for me, and I’ll be continuing to read it.

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

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT HE AIUTHOR

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Find out more about Della Galton, her books, speaking engagements & workshops, on her website, dellagalton.co.uk.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @dailydella

Twitter: @DellaGalton

Instagram: dellagalton

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DellaGaltonNewsletter

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/della-galton

I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Birthday Girl: An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller (A Mallory Dawson Crime Thriller Book 1) 

Today is my birthday so what better way to celebrate than reading a birthday book.

305 pages Canelo publisher April 6,2023 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Eldey, an island with deadly secrets.

Mona: a carefree artist, staying at the Cloister to work on her illustrations.

Beth: the harried mother of a toddler, on the remote Welsh island for a weekend with her family.

Charlotte: a reluctant stepmother who wanted a romantic getaway with her husband.

One of them is a serial killer who poisoned four of her friends at her eleventh birthday party.

They all fit the profile. Who will risk everything to kill again?

Photo by Rodrigo Souza on Pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book in the Mallory Dawson crime mystery series.
Mallory is a new hire as the night shift manager on the mysterious island of Eldeyas. She is retired from the police force due to a leg injury.

The island is really set up as a mysterious and atmospheric theme with its darkness and raging storms.


Three of the guests staying there are women, women with very different personalities and interests. All are suspects in a murder on the island with this locked-door murder case. One of the women killed three friends at her birthday party when she was eleven by poisoning them. Now this serial killer is at it again after her recent release from prison.


Twists and turns kept me guessing. Well plotted and interesting characters.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Ward is a crime novelist who writes gothic historical thrillers as Rhiannon Ward. The Shadowing, her most recent gothic novel, was a Daily Express book of the year. The Birthday Girl, the first book in her new Welsh based series, was published in April and described in the FT as ‘channelling Christie-esque tropes’ . The second in the series, The Sixth Lie, is out now. She has also written Doctor Who audio dramas. Sarah is Vice-Chair of the Crime Writers Association and Treasurer of Crime Cymru, the Welsh crime writing collective.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog tour for A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop

Going to the chapel, but will they get married?

After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.

So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?!

Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home.

Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her?

A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland

MY THOUGHTS

Though I’ve only read two books in this series. I already feel as though the characters are friends. I just finished the first in this series yesterday and now here I’ve just finished the sixth book. After finishing this I can see I have some catching up to do with the characters as so much has happened between books. I am really enjoying this series so much.

Each book has so many of the same characters in them, so you know right where you are with the characters and what to expect. Holly is still running her sweet shop she bought from longtime owner Maud.

Previously Holly had been running herself ragged running the shop herself seven days a week. She’s still running the shop but has accepted help from family and friends at times, so she’ll have more time for other important things. The book is so realistic it just makes me smile.

Holly now has a beautiful baby daughter from one of her previous relationships, but they are not together now. The ups and downs continue with the relationship she has with her parents. They are having trouble accepting she is making her own choices in life and think they know what’s best for her still.


She’s so excited a special friend of hers is getting married but when a big snag develops in their wedding plans will things be able to come together in time?


Sweet and charming. I love the characters and recommend the whole series. A magical book that’ll have you experiencing all the emotions and leave you with a smile.

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

Purchase Links

UK – https://mybook.to/summerweddingsweetshop

US – https://mybook.to/summercotswoldssocial

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres. As well as signing a new romantic fiction series, Boldwood will be republishing the first of her bestselling Sweet Shop series, inspired by her Cotswolds childhood, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances in April 2023.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynnAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlynnwrites/

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

Bookbub profile: Hannah Lynn Books – BookBub

Thank you for visiting my blog today. Have a wonderful day.