Thursday, June 6, 2024

My Review for Bring Me Sunshine by Alex Brown

June 06, 2024  , , , , ,  No comments


Bring Me Sunshine is my kind of book, made even more so because the protagonist is round about my age. When you’ve experienced peri-menopause and all the delights that go with it, who doesn’t want to read all about it with the humour that Alex brings to it?

A book filled with fun and laughter, sunshine and tears. Bring Me Sunshine is just a delight to read. So often, when I’m reading, I can imagine myself escaping dreary England and living in the sunshine. Greece has always been a favourite place to visit and I’m trying to persuade my husband we need to go back next year.

The characters are funny and full of life and just goes to show that your life doesn’t need to slow down and become boring as you get older. As long as you have your friends around you, you’ll never be alone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Bring me Sunshine by Alex Brown.





About the Book

Mamma Mia meets Shirley Valentine in the brand-new holiday romance for 2024 from the International No.1 bestseller.

Gina Bennett has had enough after her husband of twenty-seven years lets her down one time too many. Deciding to choose herself, she embarks on a transformative solo journey to break free from the monotony of her life.

She escapes to the gorgeous Greek island of Kalosiros, where she holidayed in her youth, and where she had her first romance with the handsome Nico. Encountering two kindred spirits in Rosie and Deedee, the women bond over art classes and cocktails, renewing their lust for life and a shared quest to find Gina's lost love.

Together, they navigate the challenges of middle-age, self-discovery, and the liberating power of skinny-dipping. Will Gina find love again with her teenage sweetheart Nico, her husband, or with someone new? 

Bring Me Sunshine is a wonderfully uplifting, coming-of-middle-age story about female friendship, romance and starting over, set on a gorgeous Greek island in the sun. The perfect summer read!


About Alex

Alex has written 15 bestselling books, including the No.1 Kindle UK bestsellers Cupcakes at Carrington’s and The Secret of Orchard Cottage, and the international No.1 paperback bestsellers A Postcard From Italy and A Postcard From Capri. Her novels have been published in 22 countries, hit the number one spot in three countries, been shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists Association award and have sold over a million copies.


Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family, and when she's not writing or reading, you’ll find her walking on the beach or binge-watching a boxset.




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Wednesday, June 5, 2024

My Review for Under a Summer Skye by Sue Moorcroft

June 05, 2024  , , , , , ,  1 comment


I really enjoyed Under a Summer Skye, the first in a new series by Sue Moorcroft. As Sue introduces us to a host of new characters, including Thea, Dev and Essie, I couldn’t wait to read more about them. I love the outdoors and gardening, so any book with these themes included is always a win for me. 

I live in England, and Scotland and Skye are definitely on the list of places I would like to visit. Sue has just reinforced that, and made me want to go as soon as possible. Maybe we could include it on a road trip around Scotland. 

If you love nature, the outdoors, dogs, romance and Scotland, then I think you’ll enjoy Sue Moorcroft’s latest book. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Thea’s sisters in the next instalments.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Under a Summer Skye by Sue Moorcroft.


About the Book

A chance encounter is about to change everything for Thea Wynter.

The moment she arrived on the Isle of Skye, life changed for Thea. Running from a succession of wrong turns, she comes to the island in search of blue sea, endless skies, and mountains that make the heart soar. Here, she feels at peace.

As head gardener at Rothach Hall, life is exactly how she wants it, with her days spent working in the glorious clifftop garden and her evenings in the cosy local village.

But an encounter with a stranger from the mainland brings with it an unexpected turn – and only time will tell if he is friend or foe.

It seems that even on Skye, life can catch up with you, and Thea is soon faced with the past she left behind – and with it, the family she’s never met…

About Sue

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author, and her novels have been #1 on Kindle UK and Top 100 on Kindle US, Canada and Italy. She writes two books a year for publishing giant HarperCollins and has won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Novel of the Year, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award, a HOLT Medallion and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She’s the president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. 

Her novels, short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared around the world.




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Tuesday, June 4, 2024

My Review for Transcended by Ingrid J. Adams

June 04, 2024  , , ,  No comments


OMG, this was amazing! I loved Descended, which was the first book in this series and I loved Transcended even more. I love how when you begin to read the book; it seems as though it is all about normal people, living normal, everyday lives. Then you realise that many of the characters have some sort of power, whether telepathy, empath or healing powers. Then, of course, there are the covens and the warlocks! I cannot begin to explain how invested I am in Cordelia, Indigo, and Robbie’s lives. 

Transcended is set in the 90s, on the northern beaches of Australia, and despite some devastating events, the sun always seems to be shining and the whole book is full of positivity and vibrance.

I am so happy that Ingrid reached out to me over a year ago to read her debut novel. She has fast become one of my favourite authors. 

If you enjoy a fantasy novel that isn’t too ‘out there’, then I urge you to read Descended and then Transcended. They are both amazing and I am so glad I spent the last week in the company of these wonderful characters in Ingrid’s latest release. I hope she’s writing quickly because I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Ingrid J. Adams for the opportunity to read and review Transcended.

About the Book

Deeply moving, raw and thought-provoking, transcended, is the much-anticipated sequel to the award-nominated debut, descended. Welcome back to Sydney’s Northern beaches in the 1990s.

Indigo loves Cordelia.
But Cordelia loves Drew… Or does she?
Worst of all, Reinenoir loves Indigo. In fact, she loves him to death.

With Reinenoir’s true identity revealed, it’s become clear her obsession with Indigo is personal. She wants him; him and his power.

But all Indigo wants is Cordelia. She’s the love of his life but she’s just shattered his heart. In every fibre of his being he knows they’re meant to be, that they have been, time after time, life after life. Indigo is torn: should he fight for her, or wait for her to realise their souls are irrevocably tied only to one another’s?

When they’re hit with an unimaginable tragedy, Indigo is forced to question the power of predestination and the true meaning of life, love and death. Will it bring him and Cordelia together, or tear them further apart?

And all the while Reinenoir is out there. Watching. Flexing her growing power. Waiting to see if Indigo will switch sides and join her coven. She’s kept her end of the bargain after all, allowing him time to decide, but her threat was clear: if he denies her again, she’ll turn the full brunt of her powers against him.

And now, Indigo’s time is up… and Reinenoir knows exactly who to hurt to break him…


About Ingrid

Ingrid J. Adams is the author of the descended series, an epic coming-of-age love story steeped in fantasy and magical realism.

It took her a long time to realise her unattainably crazy dream of being a writer was in fact both attainable and sane; but between then and now, she's earnt degrees in business tourism, journalism, kinesiology and nutrition, studied psychotherapy, and worked in media then as a therapist. 

She also had a couple years off to lie in bed and stare at the ceiling after being diagnosed with an incurable disease – an incurable disease she managed to cure herself of by going way outside the box, a disease she probably learnt more from than all her degrees put together. 

Today she lives in chaos by the beach in Manly in Australia with her four beautiful boys (five if you count her husband), and her cavoodle pup. She's a massive fan of travel, yoga, meditation, farmer's markets, cooking (and eating), ocean-swimming, and escaping into fictional worlds of her own and others' creation.





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Wednesday, May 29, 2024

My Review for The Hospital by Leslie Wolfe, read by Tanya Eby

May 29, 2024  , , , , ,  No comments


This was such a brilliantly written book. I loved it from start to finish, and what a whirlwind of a story it was. There were so many times that I thought I’d worked out what was what, only to be flummoxed yet again. I couldn’t decide who were the good characters and who were the bad ones, and although I thought I’d worked it all out about three-quarters of the way through, I couldn’t be sure and there were lots more twists to come.

I listened to this one as an audiobook, and the narrator, Tanya Eby, was really good. I’ve listened to books which she has narrated before and always enjoyed them. She played Emma, the female main character, well, and as with any good narrator, I could well believe that she actually was Emma, lying in that hospital bed.

One of the best thrillers I’ve listened to (or read) for a long time, and although this was my first by Leslie Wolfe, it definitely won’t be my last. There were so many moments when I thought ‘no way’, that can’t be how it happened and I loved that I was kept guessing the whole way through.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to listen to The Hospital by Leslie Wolfe.



About the Book

When I wake up, I know three things. My name is Emma. Someone tried to kill me. And I can’t remember who. When I blink, my eyelashes brush against scratchy cloth. My fingers twitch, numb and distant. In the distance, sirens wail. I’m in the hospital. I should be safe here, but I know I’m not. The last thing I remember is running, seeing an arm raised to strike… Why would anyone want to kill me? Desperately, I piece together my scattered memories. I’m standing with my husband on sugar-white sand, our rings glinting in the sunlight. I’ll get better, and I’ll go home to him, and he will protect me. But when he visits, his new girlfriend is on his arm. He tells me we got divorced three years ago, and my world falls apart. What else have I forgotten?The only way I can keep myself safe is to uncover the answers buried deep in my mind. But as I talk to my visitors—listening to the gentle tones of the doctors and nurses, grateful for the care of my friends and family—I start to see the lies that contradict what I remember of my life. They say it’s just my broken memory. But I know the shocking I can’t trust a word anyone says…


About Leslie

Meet Leslie Wolfe, bestselling author and mastermind behind gripping thrillers that have won the hearts of over a million readers worldwide. She brings a fresh and invigorating touch to the thriller genre, crafting compelling narratives around unforgettable, powerhouse women. Her books are not only an adrenaline-packed ride, but they're also sprinkled with psychological insights, offering readers an immersive, authentic experience that goes beyond conventional suspense.

You might know her from the Detective Kay Sharp series or have been hooked by Tess Winnett's relentless pursuit of justice. Maybe you've followed the dynamic duo Baxter & Holt through the gritty streets of Las Vegas or plunged into political intrigue with Alex Hoffmann.

Recently, Leslie published The Girl You Killed, a psychological thriller that's pure, unputdownable suspense. This standalone novel will have fans of The Undoing, The Silent Patient, and Little Fires Everywhere on the edge of their seats.

Whether you're into the mind games of Criminal Minds, love crime thrillers like James Patterson's, or enjoy the heart-pounding tension in Kendra Elliot and Robert Dugoni's mysteries, Leslie's got a thriller series for you. Fans of action-packed writers like Tom Clancy or Lee Child will find plenty to love in her Alex Hoffmann series.





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Tuesday, May 28, 2024

My Review for An Invitation to the Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr

May 28, 2024  , , , ,  No comments


I love a book set in beautiful, scenic countryside, and so when the opportunity arose to read Kennedy Kerr’s recent novel, set in the Highlands of Scotland, I couldn’t turn it down. An Invitation to the Cottage by the Loch is slow to begin with, but as soon as I become familiar with the characters (some of who are loveable and some who grow on you), the story picked up speed and I soon became immersed in Deb’s new challenge at Loch Cameron and invested in her story.

The author deals with several challenging issues alongside the lightheartedness of planning a party and forming new friendships, and I enjoyed the contrast between the two. 

Although this is the fifth book in the Loch Cameron series, it’s the first I’ve read and I don’t think it matters that I haven’t read the others and can definitely be read as a standalone. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review An Invitation to the Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr.


About the Book

High on the hills above the wide blue loch, Deb pulls the torn, sepia photograph out of her pocket, tracing her thumb over the girl pictured playing happily amongst the heather. Her grandmother hid this secret for decades…

After losing her sense of self recovering from a serious operation, event planner Deb Sutherland is desperate to reconnect with her family and start living again. So, when an email arrives from the Laird of Loch Cameron asking her to plan his annual Spring Fling, Deb packs her life into her car and makes for the rolling hills of the Highlands. This could be her chance to explore the Scottish roots her beloved grandmother refused to speak about. Auditioning bands and designing decorations at the Laird’s grand castle, Deb runs into property developer Kyle Abernethy on the edge of the manicured gardens. Kyle ismaddeningly arrogant, but Deb can’t deny how his icy blue eyes make her stomach flip.And as they share a bottle of wine overlooking the glittering loch, Deb finds herself laughing like she hasn’t in years. But when Deb finds an old map of tumbledown worker’s cottages in the castle archives, her heart stops. She remembers how tearful her grandmother would get when asked about her childhood. Was Loch Cameron her home before her family was tragically torn apart? Has Kyle been hiding this truth from her all along?

As the Spring Fling approaches, should Deb run from Loch Cameron for good? Or will confronting her heart-breaking family history mean she can finally move forward with Kyle by her side?


About Kennedy (in her own words)

Without daydreaming, I don't think I would ever have thought about becoming a writer. One of my most favourite things is staring at the sea or a lake - being by the water is important to me. I find it very calming, and I have a lot of ideas when I walk by the sea or stand overlooking a lake - or a loch. Perhaps that's why I've written about coastal communities so much in my books.

In fact, I really love writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. I grew up in a town where it felt like everyone knew your business, and I've ended up writing about those kind of places quite a lot. I live in the UK, and my family is originally from Scotland. I have a real soft spot for the Highlands, but also for the rugged coast of Cornwall in the south west of England too. Anywhere there are beaches, cliffs, legends and mystery - plus a good cake shop, of course! - I'm there.

What else can I tell you? I am the lucky owner of one very cuddly, fat cat who spends her days sleeping. I love cooking and baking all types of food, and I love eating it even more. I really look forward to the day when I can throw caution to the wind and adopt a Homer Simpson type of eating schedule and consume a box of doughnuts a day. It's the dream.

I'm also a classic "roses, chocolates and date nights" romantic. I believe in true love and happy endings. I also believe that most of us go through difficult times in our lives, and we usually need some time to heal through it and come out the other side. Love is part of that, but not just romantic love - the love we have for our children, our families, our friends and our community is so important. As is the love we can have for particular places, and for nature.

I was very proud when The House at Magpie Cove became a USA Today Bestseller - that's all thanks to you, of course, my readers! I'm so happy that you enjoyed Mara's story, and the little village of Magpie Cove that seems to have a way of helping people find their way back to happiness. I've also loved writing the Loch Cameron books and been delighted to see so many of you enjoy the series set in the sleepy (yet active) lochside village, full of local characters and highlighting the stories of ordinary women.





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Saturday, May 25, 2024

My Review for A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans

May 25, 2024  , , , , , ,  No comments



Jaimie blows it out of the park. Every. Single. Time. I adore her books, I love the ‘Ever After Street’ series, and I am constantly impressed by the ideas she comes up with for her books. Of course, A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street is no exception, and for this book we see Cleo open The Wonderland Teapot, an Alice in Wonderland-themed teashop, complete with Wonderland-inspired cakes, and its very own Mad Hatter, aka Bram.

Jaime’s latest creation is full of romance, friendship, secrets and baking. The characters are fanciful, delightful and full of creativity. I wish Ever After Street was a real live place because if it were, I’d be there in an instant.

If you’ve read the other books in this series, then you’ll be familiar with the other characters, but you don’t need to read them in order. Each can totally be read as a standalone, but read them all. Go on, why wouldn’t you?

Imagine yourself all cosy and warm, wrapped up in a great big bear hug from the person you love most in the world. Well, that’s how Jaimie’s books make me feel. Put simply, a hug in a book.

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Wonderland Wish on Ever Street by Jaimie Admans.


About the Book

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

There's always time for tea... unless you've lost your teapot…

Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran. So when she accidentally fools the interview board into thinking she's a brilliant baker and is offered a prime spot on Ever After Street, she knows her dream is about to come true!

Stepping into The Wonderland Teapot is like falling down the rabbit hole - magical! But there’s a catch: Cleo has completely lost her love of baking! With her little white lie ticking in her ear, it seems her dream is over before it’s begun.

Until she meets her very own Mad Hatter. Loved by everyone on Ever After Street, magician Bram brings an energy to the teashop that lifts everyone, and slowly, with his encouragement, Cleo is getting back to doing what she loves best.

But with Bram hiding secrets of his own, Cleo isn’t sure she can put all her faith in him. And when things start going wrong at the teashop, Cleo wonders if the culprit sabotaging her dream is someone closer than she thinks?

If Cleo wants her wish to work, she has to learn to trust again before she loses her head and heart completely…although it might already be far too late for that...

About Jaimie

Jaimie is a 38-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. 

She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.  

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.






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Tuesday, April 23, 2024

My Review for Compass Points by Jillian Witt read by Kasi Hollowell

April 23, 2024  , , , ,  No comments


Over the last few months, I have been enjoying more and more fantasy books, usually listening to them as an audiobook. When the opportunity arose for me to listen to Compass Points on audio, I leapt at the chance. Slow to begin with as we are immersed into the world in which Rose lives, the story soon picks up as I become familiar with the characters and their purpose in the fae world. 

Compass Lake is the home of the four Compass Points, north, south, east and west. Each worships a different God and each has their own magic. I really enjoyed this one. Rose is one bad-ass-bitch who is determined not to take any shit from anyone. Even when Luc happens upon her in the market, looking for the weapons master, she tries her hardest to remain aloof and independent.

Hats off to Jillian Witt for a great debut novel with loveable characters, fascinating world-building and a truly great story. I loved listening to Kari Hollowell read this. She totally throws herself into each character and I quickly found I knew who was speaking, simply from the voice she was using. Arie, especially, was my favourite. I’m still not sure if he’s a demon, a familiar or simply a shape-shifter, but he has Rose’s back - always - and for that he was the character I was always rooting for. Book 2 in the series is out soon and I can’t wait to see how Rose and Luc’s story progresses.

Thank you to Jillian Witt and Literary Media Tours for the opportunity to listen to and review Compass Points.

About the Book

A magical weapons master might be the key to saving the continent; if only she didn’t have to fake date a dangerous fae leader to do it.

Rose ran from the fae courts to a reclusive life in a northern village. When the encroaching mist hits too close to home and she learns her weapons can help, she can no longer avoid her past.

The striking fae sent to investigate her skills is more dangerous than he appears. Deadly and determined, Luc is on a mission from the courts to stop the plague of mists. Rose must decide if he's her enemy, ally, or more as he threatens to uncover the secrets she's kept long buried.

About Jillian

Jillian Witt reads more romantic fantasy than is strictly necessary and writes books she would love to read. Her stories unleash powerful women into fantasy worlds, usually turn enemies into lovers, and always offer an escape from reality.

When not reading or writing, she’s enjoying all four seasons in Michigan with her partner and their dog, Loki.





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