My Review for The Plot Twist by Victoria Walters

I loved this. It is a book written about people who love books, huge bookshelves, publishers, authors and best of all, a book that mentions us, reviewers and how much we love the acknowledgement we get when someone wants us to read a copy of their book first!

Stevie is brilliant. She’s independent, knows what she wants and is pretty determined she isn’t going to take any shit from anyone, particularly not a man who walked away from her five years ago! I loved her so much. She has amazing friends, an addiction to Starbucks coffee, a cute flat and supportive parents. 

Other than knowing the genre, I rarely read a book description because I’d rather go in blind than risk even a hint of a spoiler. The Plot Twist was no different, so it wasn’t until the blurb at the back that I realised the book I’d read in February (The Love Interest) was sort of the first in this series/duology and The Plot Twist focused on one of the other characters! 

I cannot recommend this book enough. Romance books aren’t just for women, you do know that right? If you’re a man who also enjoys lovey-dovey movies and doesn’t mind a good cry now and then, why not try reading a romance book? You might be surprised - there might even be something in there to heighten your interest if you give it a try! Nudge, nudge, wink, wink!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Plot Twist by Victoria Walters.

 About the Book

One new boss, one ex-boyfriend, one big dilemma…

Stevie Phillips has just landed her dream job working for a publishing company and it seems like this is page one of her new, improved life.

But her first day throws more curveballs than she thinks she can there’s been a takeover and the whole publicity team has been fired. And her new boss is the last face she expected to see.

Because Noah Anderson also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.

Thrown together on a campaign for a book the rest of the staff don’t want to touch with a barge-pole, Stevie resolves to make the best of a bad situation. This is her chance to prove herself, and she’s not going to let the man who broke her heart ruin it for her.

When Noah starts hinting that there was more to their break up then him just not loving her, Stevie’s resolution starts to wobble. Getting back with your ex is never a good idea, is it? Especially not when your ex is also your boss…

About Victoria

Victoria Walters is the author of both cosy crime and romantic novels, including the bestselling Glendale Hall series. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent, shortlisted for two RNA novels and was picked as an Amazon Rising Star. Previously published by Hera, she is now writing romantic comedies for Boldwood.

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My Review for Tangled Power by Jillian Witt

Tangled Power is the second book in the Compass Points series, and we return to Compass Lake. This time around we meet Juliette who is the Osten Point and Carter, the Vesten Point. Along with Luc and Rose who we got to know in the first book (Suden Point and Norden Point respectively). Together they are on a mission to find and defeat one of the Gods and they must pool their power and weapons in order to do this. Can they all put aside their differences to achieve the ultimate goal? Get yourself a copy of Tangled Power right now, and find out!

Thank you to Jillian Witt and Literary Media Tours for the opportunity to listen to and review Tangled Power.

About the Book

“Technically, the continent is doomed if you can’t figure out how to work together…the good news is there’s no way for the Compass Points to trust each other less than they currently do.”

-- Arie

Before the Compass Points can confront a god, Rose will unite them the only way she knows how: through their magic.

To forge her weapons is to know the heart of the wielder. Uncovering the secrets that have plagued the fae courts longer than the mist will not be an easy task. But it may be simpler than predicting how her magic entwines with the Suden Point’s unprecedented power—and the growing bond between them.

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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My Review for One of A Kind by Jane Lovering

I finished this book yesterday afternoon, and I’m still unsure what to make of it - in a good way. Was it a romance, cosy mystery, thriller? I think I’ll plump for all three, probably in equal measure! Whatever it is, I enjoyed it immensely. Character-wise, I found it slow to begin with, whereas the plot moved forward pretty quickly. 

Once I realised that Ivo had ADHD, everything about him made a lot more sense, and I found him quirky and loveable. Our female protagonist, Cressida, was slightly slower on the uptake, but she got there in the end!

The author explained Ivo’s ADHD in great detail, and I love understanding how brains are wired differently to give them the diagnosis they receive. I find any book containing an element of neurodivergence fascinating and educational. 

If you want a summer read, then go and grab yourself a copy of this book. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Oh, and Fred is the best character of all - I think perhaps he’s wired a little differently too!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review One of A Kind by Jane Lovering.

About the Book

A long-held secret, and a beautiful heart hoping to be understood. Cressida Tarbet loves her job at an animal rescue centre, even if it means she’s resigned herself to scrimping to make ends meet - a lifestyle far removed from her best friend Ivo’s, in his ancestral gatehouse stuffed with antiques and art.

But although their upbringings were different, Ivo has held Cress’s heart ever since she clapped eyes on him at university. The trouble is – she has never told him. So, when a mystery and a baffling crime throw Cress and Ivo together, she can’t help but wonder if fate is telling her something.

As the puzzle takes them from beautiful Yorkshire, to the stunning Isle of Wight, the pair get closer. Ivo begins to understand the cause of Cress’s risk-aversion and she puts her irritation at his brilliant mind to one side as she starts to appreciate Ivo’s uniqueness. But then the unthinkable happens and their worlds are turned upside down, and Cress has to wonder if fate was calling after all.

About Jane

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.

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My Review for It Had to Be You by Beth Moran

I loved Beth’s latest book, It Had to Be You. You can tell right from the beginning that the subject matter is very close to the author’s heart and firsthand experience. I laughed a lot while reading, but I also cringed at some of the squeamish parts. I’m not sure I’d be very good at delivering a baby - too much mess for me!

As well as some fun and romance, Beth included many difficult topics in the book, such as teenage pregnancies, parental abuse and single mums and dads. It was particularly interesting to read how a single teenage dad coped with being thrust into fatherhood, with no support from his partner. 

The book is a dual timeline story, flipping between present day and when our female protagonist, Libby, is sixteen and just about to sit her GCSEs. I enjoyed reading about her and her sister’s life growing up amongst the many foster kids who came through their home and how there were rules set in place to keep everyone comfortable and safe within the home.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review It Had to Be You by Beth Moran.

About the Book

Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.

Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.

About Beth - by Beth

I spent my childhood in a small market town in Nottinghamshire, reading, roller-booting, baking disastrous cakes and spending hours on the phone to my best friend, despite us living a ten second’s walk from each other.

After studying Biochemistry at university, I worked in cancer research, then balanced teaching antenatal classes with raising my young family. It was fantastic job, but after 10 years of talking about childbirth and nappies, it was time to move on.

So, I decided to embark on a new adventure. By the time I’d tapped out the first chapter I had fallen in love with writing, and suddenly all those hours spent daydreaming made sense.

I live in a village on the outskirts of Robin Hood country, where most mornings you can find me walking with my cocker spaniel, Murphy, while working on my plots. I also have the privilege of being a foster carer to teenagers. Some of my favourite things include cooking, dancing, my children coming home for Christmas and a fancy leaf tea in my favourite mug.

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My Review for The Riviera House Swap by Gillian Harvey

If you’ve seen The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet (my most favourite movie ever btw), then you’ll be familiar with what a house swap entails. It does exactly what it says on the tin - two people swap houses - anywhere in the world - for an agreed amount of time. This is exactly what The Riviera House Swap is. 

I read most of this in one day, when it was pouring with rain outside, on the east coast of England, when it’s supposed to be summer. Gillian whisked me away to the south of France and even though it was November there, I still imagined glorious summer days, eating buttery croissants and drinking rich sweet coffee in pavement cafes. 

The Riviera House Swap is set across two timelines, the present day and brief interludes when our protagonist, Nina, is seventeen and on a French exchange with her school. Nina is currently fed-up and forty and starts to wonder just what might have been.....

No spoilers here, but I really, really would like to know what happens to Nina next. Any chance of a sequel, Gillian?

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Riviera House Swap by Gillian Harvey.

About the Book

Would you swap houses with a stranger? Nina has always played it safe. But when her divorce papers come through on her fortieth birthday she decides enough is enough.

She’s always chosen the sensible route, staying in her stable job and marrying her rather boring ex. In fact – she realises – she’s chosen security over excitement for years. Ever since she refused to elope with her first beautiful, poetic, thoughtful Pierre, the man she met aged 17, on her French exchange. The only man who ever made her heart race.

Maybe it’s time to take a few risks?

Impulsively she goes online and finds another kind of French exchange… a house-swap. She can’t imagine what French businessman Jean-Luc wants with her terraced home in rural England, but she can’t wait to stay in his beautiful, spacious, bougainvillea-strewn villa on the French riviera.

She’s not just there for the house though. She’s decided to find the love she missed all those years ago. But will Pierre still be the man of her dreams after all this time?

As two lives collide, will love bloom on the French riviera? A gorgeously escapist story for fans of The Holiday, from the bestselling author of A Year at the French Farmhouse.

About Gillian

Gillian Harvey is a freelance journalist and the author of two well-reviewed women’s fiction novels published by Orion. She has lived in Limousin, France for the past twelve years, from where she derives the inspiration and settings for her books such as A Year at the French Farmhouse and A Month in Provence.

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My Review for Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page

I seem to be on a roll for books that I’m loving. Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe was so lovely and cute, from beginning to end. All the characters were brilliant and the author highlights how even the most unusual and let’s face it, what a lot of people would consider boring, hobbies, can be fun and engaging if you find like-minded people to enjoy them with. Harry is brilliant, he loves trains and board games and dull coloured clothes, but when he meets the right people, he is far from boring. Taylor has had some difficult times in her life but always has the best interests of her son at heart and picks herself up, time after time. Her son loves trains and board games too, so when the three of them find each other, it’s a proper little meet-cute.

I love the idea of a cafe where you can go and meet other people who enjoy the same things as you, and while away a few hours. As I was writing this review I googled whether board game cafes were an actual thing, and guess what? They actually are. There is even one about half an hour from me. I’ll probably never go. Nevertheless, I love the idea. 

If you like cute, funny, romance-type books, grab a copy of Jennifer's new book. It’s the third in the series, but I didn’t know this and it really doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the others.

Thank you to Aria and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page.

About the Book

The next warm and uplifting instalment in The Little Board Game Café series, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow.

In the cosy Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, single mum Taylor dreams of a fashion design career, but she spends her days fixing zips, hemming skirts and worrying about her son, Max.

At the local board game cafe, railway enthusiast Harry, still recovering from a painful breakup, dreams of fatherhood. When Taylor and Harry cross paths, sparks fly, but Harry's confidence issues and Taylor's concerns for Max threaten their budding romance.

Can they find a second chance at love where they least expect it?

About Jennifer

Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn't writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children's opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.

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My Review for Bring Me Sunshine by Alex Brown

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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