I am thrilled to be on the Cover Reveal Blog Stop for Eva Glynn’s soon-to-be-published The Croatian Island Library. I’ve read her other Bookish Escape books and will 100% be reading this one, too!
The Blurb
Where books are borrowed, and friendships are forged…
When her beloved grandfather dies, Ana Meštrović buys a catamaran in his memory, which she names Dida Krila – Grandad’s Wings.
For the summer months, it will be transformed into a travelling library, delivering books to children living across the Croatian islands.
Joined by crew members Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, and Lloyd, an older widower who needs a fresh start, the newly-formed trio all have their own reasons for needing the floating library to be a success.
Embarking on an adventure that will change them for good, they each discover that a new chapter is only a boat ride away…
Publication Dates – 16th January 2026 (ebook) 29th January 2026 (paperback)
About The Author
Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction with a kernel of truth at its heart. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in beautiful places and the stories they hide.
Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary stories are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests, and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives. A love of books is a common theme too, so her publisher, One More Chapter, has christened them the Bookish Escapes collection which currently includes The Dubrovnik Book Club, and The Santorini Writing Retreat, with The Croatian Island Library to be published in January 2026.
In addition Eva has written two Second World War dual timeline romances, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter, and a new beginnings novel entitled The Olive Grove. All are set in Croatian, a country she loves.
Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.
Thrilled to be on the blog tour for Kate Galley’s The Last Laugh Club!
The Blurb
Three former friends. One last request. The journey of a lifetime!
In life, Norman George – passionate knitter, excellent friend and secret youtube sensation – liked nothing better than a good laugh. And, it seems, he gets the last laugh even in death, because at his funeral, he invites his three closest friends to scatter his ashes in a place close to his heart, the Shetland Islands. The only issue is, while Bridget, Gloria and Derek might have loved Norman, they can’t stand each other.
So it’s with trepidation that the eclectic trio set off in their minivan on the ferry to Lerwick, each harbouring their own reason for wanting to grant Norman this last request. But as storm clouds roll in over the Shetland Islands, all of them are about to discover that some secrets are best shared, and that even after death, good friendship can change everything…
Another caper of the older generation, thanks to Kate Galley, whose books I have come to enjoy because they give hope that life doesn’t enter a stagnant period after a certain age. This time, we are on a journey with three old work colleagues: Bridget, Gloria, and Derek. They are brought together by the sad demise of another ex-colleague, Norman, who tasks them with a simple request. To scatter his ashes at the northernmost point of the UK, which is the arse end of nowhere! They were never the best of friends, these three, so the idea of having to spend more than a few hours together is a bit of a chore, but the trip is not without incident, and there is a bit of soul-searching along the way! Bridget’s character is battling with memory loss, which causes its own issues. Gloria can’t quite shake off the persona of the ex-boss of these other people, and Derek is just desperately trying to ensure his friend’s last wishes are upheld, along with a bit of unrequited love to add to the mix. I loved the story from start to finish, and the little twists of mystery and secrets that are uncovered made this a real page-turner!
Kate Galley is the author of uplifting golden years fiction, including The Second Chance Holiday Club. She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser.
I am participating in the blog tour for the fantastic book, The Mercy Step, by Marcia Hutchinson.
The Blurb
December 1962 in Bradford, and the precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world, torn from the warm embrace of her mother’s womb and thrust into a life that feels far too big for her small body. Mercy craves her mother’s attention, which she must share with the Church and her many siblings, while dodging the fists and temper of her abusive father. Quick-witted and wise beyond her years, Mercy feels like an outsider in her family, with everyone else seemingly happy to ignore the precarious house of cards they live in. But Mercy is nothing if not resilient, finding hope and escapism in books and learning, as well as her faithful toy, Dolly. She is determined to overcome her upbringing and save her family – no matter what it takes.
The Mercy Step is a story written from the viewpoint of a young child born in the UK to a couple who are a part of the Windrush Generation that immigrated here from Jamaica. From the off, we are with Mercy, as she leaves her mother’s womb, and beyond. Mercy is an astute child, held back in so many ways by her family’s thinking. She is a product of immigrants but growing up in this Western workd where there are opportunities beyond the scope of her parents. It is an emotional ride, I have to say. On one side, she has an abusive parent, and on the other, a parent who only wants the best for her ‘pikney’ but who cannot separate her Jamaican/church thinking from the world she is now living in. It is tenderly told, tugging at the heartstrings. TW for some child abuse and SA.
About The Author
Marcia Hutchinson was born to Windrush generation Jamaican parents in the UK in 1962. She was the first pupil from her comprehensive school to go to Oxford, where she gained an MA in Law. She worked as a lawyer before founding the educational publishing company Primary Colours, which she ran until 2014. She was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to Cultural Diversity. Moving to Manchester in 2012, she became a community activist and was eventually elected as a Labour Councillor in 2021. She is now a full-time writer and an active member of the Black Writers’ Guild. She is the co-author with Kate Griffin (under the pseudonym Lila Cain) of the historical fiction novel The Blackbirds of St Giles, which will be published by Simon and Schuster in 2025. The Mercy Step is her literary debut as a solo writer.
I am thrilled to be on the Cover Reveal Blog Stop for my lovely writer friend, Florence Keeling! Check out this gorgeous cover for The Word Is Love.
The Blurb
Lucky in life but unlucky in love, Lucy Greenfield owns a successful carriage business along with her best friend Max, and they have never been busier since their shire horses gained fame from their roles in the hit movie A Little in Love.
Too busy for romance, Lucy is surprisingly swept off her feet when Spencer arrives seeking help with his horse, and something more from Lucy. As quickly as Lucy falls, she wonders if all is not as it seems. Max can prove it, but that means he will have to express his true feelings for Lucy.
Relationships are strained as secrets unravel, and Lucy needs to solve the riddle of words to best describe how she feels… For her best friend.
Together, they must overcome what’s keeping them apart before it’s too late, if they are going to realise that the word they are searching for is love.
I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.
Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.
I’ve been online friends with Ola for a good few years, and it is my genuine pleasure to showcase her latest book, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, as a part of the blog tour.
The Blurb
Friendships – fantastic. Family – getting better. Career – promotion on the cards.
Romance – *seriously delayed*
Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite yet, but it’ll happen this year for sure. Especially if her mother, two best friends, younger sister and all those in the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association have anything to say about it.
She might love her job, have great friends and even own her own home, but according to the meddling aunties, this is why she’s still single at 50.
What if her prayers for the perfect man have got lost? Or maybe Sade’s happy-ever-after is right on time…
I love stories steeped in cultures that are fighting to keep themselves heard while in another country, so this UK-based story with a Nigerian cast of characters was right up my street! Sade Sodipo is a successful career woman with her own house, unmarried, and, shock, horror, fifty years of age! This is a sticking point for her mother, the various aunties of the church, and pretty much anyone in her Nigerian circle. The story is based on Sade’s own ingrained religious and cultural beliefs, which include saving herself for ‘The One’ and true love leading to marriage and children. However, with her age against her and her health not cooperating, this is looking increasingly unlikely. Is it a romance? Well, yes, romance 100% plays a part in this story, as Sade meets someone, but it is more about her accepting herself, as she is, and realising that maybe she needs to think a bit more about the expectations she (and the community) has put upon herself. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.
Purchase Links
About The Author
Ola Awonubi is an award-winning author, creative writing tutor, and speaker, known for her compelling storytelling that bridges cultures and histories. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK, where she pursued her passion for writing.
At the age of 40, Ola rekindled her dream of becoming a writer and earned an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East London. Her talent quickly gained recognition—her short story The Pink House won first prize in the National Words of Colour competition (2008), and The Go-Slow Journey secured first prize in the fiction category of Queen Mary Wasafiri’s New Writing Prize (2009). She was also honored with the Best Author CA Award (2019).
Ola has authored eight books, including Love’s Persuasion, Love Me Unconditionally, and the anthology Naija Love Stories. Her historical fiction novel, A Nurse’s Tale, published by One More Chapter Books (HarperCollins) in July 2023, became a bestseller in Canada, earning a spot on The Globe and Mail’s historical fiction chart. It was also recognized by the Brown Girl Collective as a favorite historical fiction book of 2024.
Her upcoming romantic comedy, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association, is set for release in Summer 2025, as part of a two-book deal. She is also working on a Jane Austen adaptation set in Lagos, currently under consideration by publishers and agents.
Beyond her writing, Ola is a creative writing tutor and speaker, sharing her expertise at prestigious events such as the Black British Book Festival, Meet-Cute Romance Festival, and London Festival of Writing. She will also be speaking at The London Writers Festival, Jericho Writers Conference, inspiring aspiring authors with her insights on storytelling, publishing, and book marketing.
Ola’s work has been featured in Afreada, Brittle Paper, Story Time, Woven Tale Press, and NaijaStories.com, with over 15 short stories published across various literary platforms.
Through her Substack newsletter, “The Resilient Writer,” she provides actionable writing guidance, digital resources, and industry insights, helping fellow creatives refine their craft and build their author brands.
Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association (Open to UK only)
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But I Smile Anyway... 