But I Smile Anyway...

A Scottish Teashop In Napoli by Jane Lambert #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @JaneLambert22 @bedsqpublishers

08 Jul 2025 5 Comments

Again, I am delighted to be able to showcase a book by my writer friend, Jane Lambert, with her newest release, A Scottish Teashop In Napoli.

The Blurb

A tender and funny novel that combines the best of Scottish and Italian culture with the joys of female friendship and a cast of characters reminiscent of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

When Lucy’s childhood sweetheart stands her up on their wedding day, leaving her alone on a plane eloping to the tropical location of his choosing, their dream – now feeling like just her dream – of their bairn filled future disappears in a heartbeat (or the time it takes for her to listen to the rambling drunken voicemail he left calling off the wedding).

In Naples, Elena is recently widowed and struggling to keep her husband’s family’s beloved and centuries old mozzarella factory afloat, whilst running her language school and bringing up their son. At risk of losing both businesses- and adding even more disruption to their life – she advertises a job and hopes for the best.

The stars seem to align and Elena and Lucy, each suffering from a very different sort of loss and loneliness, set about trying to lift the struggling business and each other.

A charming, tender and funny novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of letting go and the joys of eating pasta!

My Review

A Scottish Teashop in Napoli by Jane Lambert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine setting off on the holiday of a lifetime, with a dream wedding planned at the end, only to have it all come crashing down when he jilts you by not even getting on the plane.
This is the situation for poor Lucy, left alone in a tropical paradise by her fiance,
She takes the bull (or should I say buffalo?) by the horns and hands in her notice at the school where she taught, after finding an interesting-looking opportunity teaching English to students in Napoli, Italy.
Elena, in Naples, is suffering her tragedy, having been suddenly widowed, with her dream English school to run, as well as her husband’s family business, a handmade mozzarella factory to contribute to, plus being there for her son.
I loved this story; a celebration of female friendship, as well as new beginnings, and learning that you have to take every opportunity that comes your way.
Lucy is someone who seems to have always pleased others, and it is beautiful to see how, with the encouragement from her new Neapolitan friends, she blossoms with ideas for herself, as well as learning to love again.
Elena’s deep love for her husband and her loyalty to the family lead her to feel like she is failing everyone, including herself. Through this story, you see her grow and develop a friendship with her new English teacher, Lucy, that is more fruitful than she ever thought it would be.
And romance? Of course, there is! Dario, the godfather to Elena’s son Stefano, is a hunky police officer who comes to the aid of Lucy in several ways, and the slow burn of this romance is gorgeously built up.
Loss is covered in different forms, and mentions of the effect of the Mafia on families in Italy ground the story in a reality not many live through.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Purchase Links

https://bedfordsquarepublishers.co.uk/book/a-scottish-teashop-in-napoli

About The Author

Jane Lambert was brought up on the west coast of Scotland, studied Modern Languages at Stirling University, then taught English in Vienna. Her love affair with Italy began when she married an Italian chef from Naples. Her debut novel, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL, was published by HarperCollins in 2018 and inspired by her rollercoaster transition from globe-trotting cabin crew to aspiring actor.

Social Media Links – [X twitter] @JaneLambert22 / Jane Lambert | Facebook [Insta] @janealexandralambert

Love, Lies & Family Ties by @KeelingFlorence #CoverReveal @rararesources

05 Jul 2025 Leave a comment

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Cover Reveal, Florence Keeling, Rachel's Random Resources

I am thrilled to be on the Cover Reveal Blog Stop for my lovely writer friend, Florence Keeling! Check out this gorgeous cover for Love, Lies &Family Ties.

The Blurb

A heartwarming, feel good romantic comedy. ‘I absolutely adored this book. It gave me all the feels! A charming read full of warmth and heart.’ ***** Kim the Bookworm

Bea Winters is in desperate need of a fresh start. Being bullied at work is not her idea of fun and she longs to follow her dream of becoming a published author. When an advert appears in her local paper to work in a publishing house in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale, it sounds too good to be true.

She strikes up an instant friendship with gorgeous aspiring author, Eddie Richards and her dashing millionaire boss Scott Summers. But all isn’t as it seems in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale.

How does the local clairvoyant know her name? Who does the little black dog that keeps appearing belong to and why does she keep bumping into the mysterious Charlie?

As she starts to unravel the truth, it seems that everyone in Bea’s life is keeping secrets.

An uplifting romantic comedy that will warm your heart – perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/40GUHk8

About The Author

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.

Social Media Links – X – @KeelingFlorence

True Love, Again by Saz Vora #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources

04 Jul 2025 1 Comment

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Rachel's Random Resources, Saz Vora, True Love Again

I am thrilled to be on the blog tour for one of my writing friends, Saz Vora, with her latest book, True Love Again.

The Blurb

At a Gujarati wedding in North Devon, the interfering aunties are in full force, scheming and pairing off the single people. Normally Meera avoids these gatherings, but for this wedding she can’t say no.

Krishan, a widowed single parent, struggles with the idea of moving on – especially when no one can compare to his late wife. And the Aunties’ suggestions for a perfect match aren’t helping. Then he meets Meera.

When an accident with the floral arrangements sends the pair off on a mission for replacements they develop an easy friendship. Krishan suggests to Meera that they pretend to date for the rest of the summer’s events, and she agrees as long as he promises to join as a Beta tester, for her dating and new experience app.

Krishan is reluctant, but Meera promises him it will only be a couple of times.

What could possibly go wrong?

My Review

True Love Again by Saz Vora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know me; I love a story with a South Asian twist to it, and Saz Vora, as a fellow Indian author with a Kenyan background, and brought up in the UK, writes some heart-wrenching stories, so when I was offered the chance to read True Love, Again as a part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance.
The story centres around two people: Meera, a divorcee who has sworn off men after a traumatic break-up experience, and Krishan, a single father who has sworn off love after losing his wife in the most tragic of ways.
They meet at a wedding, under unusual circumstances, and what sparks between them is a relationship of convenience, as they seek to escape the Masi Mafia and the aunties who are forever trying to pair them off with a suitable match.
But sometimes the lines get blurred, and feelings begin to develop where they shouldn’t—or should they?
I enjoyed reading this, especially the details about the entire Masi Mafia, and how that community’s gossip can be used for both good and disastrous results.
I almost wish that the end had stretched a bit longer, so we saw how their relationship progressed, before a lovely, happy ending!

Purchase Links

About The Author

Saz Vora is a passionate storyteller, wife and mother, and a proud voice of British Asians in multicultural Britain. Born in East Africa and raised in Coventry in the heart of the Midlands, Saz grew up balancing the vibrant rhythms of her Gujarati Indian roots with her British upbringing. This rich cultural tapestry infuses every word she writes.

Saz’s powerful debut novels, My Heart Sings Your Song and its sequel Where Have We Come—a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2020—weave a deeply emotional tale of love, loss, family, and resilience. Based on true events, her work fearlessly explores the often-unspoken realities of baby loss within South Asian families in Britain, shining a light on stories that need to be told.

Her talent has also been recognized in short form—her poignant piece on a childhood memory, Broad Street Library was longlisted for the Spread the Word Life Writing Prize 2020.

Before embracing her calling as a writer, Saz enjoyed a successful career in television production and teaching. But storytelling has always been her true passion. Today, she crafts heartfelt narratives that reflect the layered complexities of multicultural identity, family expectations, and women’s experiences—especially those often shrouded in silence.

With a love for music, food, and film (from Bollywood to Hollywood and everything in between), her books are rich with references that connect readers to her world. Each story is a soulful blend of emotion and authenticity, written for readers who appreciate the depth and drama of South Asian family life and the power of voice in confronting taboo topics.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.sazvora.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saz.vora

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sazvora

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@sazvoraauthor YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sazvora

Race For Life – Cancer Research UK

02 Jul 2025 15 Comments

by Ritu in Family, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Cancer Resarch UK, Race For Life, sponsored walk

Hello, my lovely Peeps!

I know all you’ve been reading on here is reading updates, but I will post soon, with more ‘me’ news.

However, one of my things recently has been walking.

I’m walking with purpose every day, and have completed 102 days of walking 45 mins to an hour every day.

I’m documenting it on my Instagram stories, daily, too, for my accountability.

It’s done wonders for my mental health, and inspired me to join some work friends on a sponsored walk.

10km in the name of Cancer Research UK.

Personally, we as a family have been affected by Cancer in many ways, seeing people going through treatment, losing loved ones, and also seeing survivors.

I’m taking part with many of these cherished ones in mind, but especially for my big sis, Kiki, who bravely fought her battle with Cancer, with grace and dignity, until the last breath she took, earlier this year.

1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor me now.

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/ritus-race-for-life-29

I hope you will find it in your hearts to sponsor me, as every little helps! Even my daughter added £2!

Hit for Six by Isabella May #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @IsabellaMayBks

02 Jul 2025 4 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Hit For Six, Isabella May, Rachel's Random Resources

Today I’ve got a stonker of a story, with cricket at the heart! Hit for Six by Isabella May is the first in a cricket romance series.

The Blurb

A simmering Fangirl Down X Rivals X Crazy Rich Asians (with a British twist)LOLA is juggling two jobs to make ends meet; underpaid sales exec by day, and waitress in a cocktail bar by night.

MONTY is the captain of Bath Beasts cricket team and heir to a portfolio of luxury properties.

Girls like her don’t normally end up with boys like him. But when she accidentally bares all at his cup final, destiny (and the number six) ensures their match is a home run.

Unfortunately, Monty’s family has other ideas, doing all they can to prevent their golden boy from getting bowled over by the lowly Lola. Can their love survive the attacking shot? Or will they find themselves on a sticky wicket?

My Review

Hit For Six: A Cricket Romance by Isabella May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, a cricket romance… given my family connection to the gentleman’s sport, I had to read it!
And I loved it! I’m excited to hear that it’s the first in a series. 🙂
Lola is a young woman in a job where she feels she is being passed over for promotions in favour of the males in the business. She has to accompany the team to a local cricket match, and it turns into a rather eventful team-building day out.
Monty is the captain of the team, and he ends up with an eyeful after a spectacular six, which he will never forget for the life of him.
The story centres around these two characters from two very different backgrounds, as they negotiate with life and families to make their own love story come true.
I loved all the cricket metaphors and the chemistry between Lola and Monty simmered well before it hit the boil, keeping me reading.
And I cannot wait for the next one now!

Purchase Link – http://mybook.to/hitforsix

About the Author

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up in Somerset on Glastonbury’s ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children’s publishing… selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel – both feature extensively in her romcoms.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

You can follow her Foodie Romance Journeys and Cricket Romances at the following hang-outs:

www.isabellamayauthor.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015885575014

Instagram – @isabella_may_author

TikTok – @cricket.romance and @isabellamayromances

Bluesky – @isabellamayauthor.bsky.social

Threads – @isabella_may_author