Very happy to be a part of the book tour for my friend, Kim Nash, and her newest release, Love Blooms At The Cornish Cottage.
The Blurb
💔 How do you mend a broken heart? 💔
Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love – it feels like losing who she’d started to become.
Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.
And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…
I love Kim Nash’s stories. Filled with more mature women and a lot of second chances, and hope! This third instalment in the series did not disappoint at all. Michelle is the focus of this story, and she is settling into her life in Sandpiper Shores, with a blossoming business, a fantastic friendship with two amazing women, and a fledgling romance that is deepening as the day goes by. Then things happen – they always do. She finds herself without her man, but someone else comes into her life, making her question many things. I won’t lie, it is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, especially as I found myself connecting with characters who have come to feel like friends, as they go through hard times, but, as I mentioned before, the story is hope-filled, too, which makes the ending perfect! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
About The Author
Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, romantic, feel-good fiction, having wanted to write books since she was a little girl. She works as both Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni. When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog and reading, as well as running a book club in Staffordshire and organising local and national reader/author events.
It’s also a term fully in school with no other days out, so how did I go with my reading?
So, the whole submission thing didn’t go to plan; however, I am not too worried. In fact, I am getting my covers redesigned, will be self-publishing the three books, and will hopefully start writing again soon!
I can’t believe I haven’t read one of Clare Marchant’s books before, because this was right up my street! A dual-timeline mystery with two very strong female MCs, one in each era: the present and 1672. Paige is back in her family home after a disastrous ‘marriage’ and busies herself with helping her father and investigating the provenance of a gruesome piece of art in their ancestral home. Meanwhile, in 1672, we meet Jeanne and her sister Marie. Two French sisters were brought over with the marriage of one of them to the lord of the house, but their own situation is precarious. I can’t write much about the plot because that’s not what a review is, but I will say I was fully invested in this story and in finding out the origins of the “Phaedra” painting and what it all meant. I really felt for Jeanne, who, at a time of little understanding, was trying to deal with her own sexuality, as well as supporting a sister suffering huge mental health issues, and the upheaval they encountered when they were made to leave their home. All I can say is ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I have often enjoyed Jay Shetty’s short motivational videos on various social media platforms, and many of his words have resonated with me, so I chose his book to be the first self-help book I listened to. And I wasn’t disappointed. Sure, there are lots of things I know I can’t or won’t do, but I have already found myself taking heed of some suggestions he has made regarding letting go of things I have no control over. I’m a pretty positive, glass have full person, with a spiritual father, who has always recommended Simran, which is a type of meditation chant within our religion, Sikhism, and he’s also a trained yogi, so maybe I find some of what Jay suggesting a lot more achievable than those who aren’t already familiar with many of the ideals he discusses, but it was a fascinating listen, and with the PDF that came with it, to fill in and work on myself, I think it was a good investment.
What a corker of a read! And I cannot believe I have read none of Kathleen Whyman’s books before today. This was soooooo relatable! Becca is a woman of a certain age, making her way through the empty-nester years, with a less-than-satisfactory job, a rather boring husband, and an increasingly demanding mother. She is the epitome of a woman stuck in the sandwich generation: those who are still caring for and bringing up children, with the added strain of caring for older parents who have their own needs. I found myself immersed in a world where there are so many situations I find myself in, right now, as a 50-year-old woman, thinking about what my grown children need, as well as constant concern for ailing parents, and with that urge to want to do something different with my working life, but not having the courage or belief in myself that I could do anything else. The difference is that I get on very well with my mum and mother-in-law, and my relationship is not in question, but even with a solid partnership, other things can rock the boat. Becca finds herself living with her mother, Josephine, to care for her, despite a very fragile relationship with her, and then her daughter, Sophie, who has flown the nest, comes back, bringing equal stress. A brilliant theme of reinvention becomes apparent: with support and encouragement from those close to her, she finds a renewed passion for her old love of journalism and writing, as well as for her own appearance. And then there is Rey… Who makes her realise she isn’t actually dead inside, or rather, down below! Josephine is quite a character in herself, and I cannot look at hand cream now, without thinking of her and applying sparingly, to save my door handles! I think this story touches on and explores many important themes that will resonate with many women out there. And now I can’t wait to read a few more of Kathleen’s books!
A humorous, yet slightly crazy take on what a couple would do to buy a house in a trendy part of London, with a not-so-humorous ending. The couple in question find themselves sinking into a life of crime as they navigate the property ladder, in a possibly far-fetched journey to the house of their dreams. I enjoyed the story, but it wasn’t as much of a page-turner as the previous books. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.
I loved this book! A kind of time travel, speculative romance that I really got my teeth into. Jess and Luke are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, and somehow end up in a row that has Luke walking out. Unsure what happened, Jess falls asleep and wakes up on the same day, twelve years earlier. And again, and again, until she has relived the same date for each year that has passed up to the present. With the opportunity to learn from her mistakes and better understand Luke, she takes it, hoping that when she returns to the present, she can avoid the heartache she caused. I love a bit of reflection for romantic relationships, and Jess has to reflect on her own life, reactions, and behaviours to really understand where fractures appeared in her and Luke’s marriage. An often emotional page turner of a book. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.
Crime and espionage – not my usual go-to, but I was happy to read something different from my norm of culture, women’s fiction and romance! Deep Swimmers is the fourth book in the Topaz Files series, and it was most definitely a gripping read that keeps the pages turning. Since I hadn’t read the previous ones, I wasn’t privy to some of the earlier events that may have been referenced in Deep Swimmers, which did not detract from my enjoyment of this read. Set in the 90s, with a tale of intrigue surrounding an elderly couple in Ireland, apparently committing suicide together… Or was it? Were they pushed? That’s where the title Deep Swimmers comes from: those who may have had some connection to spy work but are no longer active are still recognised for the work they did. The story may start there, but the reader is drawn into many more mysteries as connections between key characters and past events encroach upon their lives. We have WW2 events entwined with more modern political issues in a delicate, but very clever way. I really loved Jenny and Jones’ chemistry, and Mr Singh was a particular favourite! If you love a bit of a mystery with espionage involvement, you will love this!
This was an intricately woven story beginning in the 70s, when British Frank met Californian Chrissy, and they fell into a deep relationship, with its roots in a house they travelled to see: the House of Tomorrow, all glass and steel. They end up back in England and manage to create a replica, named Mirage, which is a sight to behold, then the rest of the story follows them, through highs and lows, and introduces us to Beth, and siblings, Clover, Jesse and Alice. There is tragedy, and then emotional disconnect, crossed wires, and the effects a moment’s choices have on future generations. An emotional rollercoaster of a ride. Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for an ARC.
I listened to this on Audiobook, and it was an easy listen. I found myself smiling to myself several times and had a few laugh-out-loud moments, too! Libby runs a bookshop by the beach, aptly called the same, and it is a family business, run by her grandparents before her on the Isle of Man. It’s a beautiful place, but unfortunately is not raking in the dosh, so she is at risk of losing it. The things this girl goes through to keep her shop, I tell you! Well, I won’t tell you because you need to read it yourself! There are crossed wires, hilarious moments excellently captured (Bonk Shop on the Beach, anyone?), romances that falter at the first hurdle, and some not-very-nice people (person) out there, but with her best friend, Freya, and some other great characters, Libby finds her way through her problems. Another fantastic addition is the journals she finds belonging to her grandfather, which she reads in parallel with the happenings at the shop, giving her more gumption to continue her fight. Great fun!
You know, Kay Bratt’s done it again with an amazing FIFTEENTH book in the Hart’s Ridge Series! Taylor Grey is back with her tingling senses, with support from her husband Sam, when things get far too close to home for comfort. Seeing crime and corruption within the folk who you expect to protect you is not what anyone wishes, but after the end of the last book, you know things are going to be deep and Ticket To Ride gives you that and more. A missing person, a fugitive, a runaway; three different people but all ultimately connected through the wrongdoings of one person, and it takes Taylor and a little army behind her to solve the cases. And there is emotion, lots of emotion. We don’t really hear much about Taylor’s family in this book, since there is so much going on, but this was a true page turner, and the end was brilliant – a lead up to more fab stories to come!
This is my second Kathleen Whyman book, and honestly, I am kicking myself for not finding her books sooner! Would You Ask My Husband That? is a story about a couple and the differences between being a working mum and a working dad. I won’t lie and say I didn’t feel seen, but oh my goodness, I felt laid bare with this book! Sarah and Will are married, and both work at the same firm. He’s a director, and she is on the team there. A chance occurrence means that Will finds himself out of a job, and Sarah finds she can rectify their income deficit with a different role, but they have the kids to worry about. That age-old situation for a mother where you feel you are giving no aspect of your life the full 100%. If you want to be there for your children, your career suffers. If you want to progress, your time with the family is compromised. Only with Will at home, things should be a bit easier, right? This is that possibly stereotypical but very realistic scenario where Dad is home, but acts like he is babysitting, and despite being at home all day, Sarah is still finding herself running ragged, cleaning messes, doing laundry and cooking batch meals… And Will? He gets the green light from teachers and other mothers for being the caring dad, though he isn’t quite as hands on as they think. And then he joins the Friday Fizz Club, and things go awry. It is a comedic look at role reversal that I think many working mothers would read and nod their heads at, and though things are slowly worked out, I know there were plenty of times that I wanted to give Will a kick up the backside! I was engrossed in listening to the story!
Having devoured the Nell Ward series, I was eager to find out what Sarah Yarwood-Lovett was going to write next, and this one, The Pledge, was another brilliant page-turning thriller! Thea receives a mysterious invitation to somewhere, and when she arrives at an idyllic Caribbean island, with fellow guests being billionaires, famous folk, and her husband, she is confused and intrigued. But as the group come to terms with why they have been gathered, a murder occurs, and sends them all into panic. They all have secrets to hide, and motives… but Thea is determined to find out what went on. And more murders happen… So many twists and turns kept me reading long into the night as I wanted to know who the murderer was, and why this was all happening! Fantastically done! Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an ARC.
I loved the first in this series, and I ADORED The Irish Midwife at War! Seana Tinley has written another highly emotive, beautiful story about the handywomen in Belfast. This time, we follow the story of Kathleen, who is introduced to the art of being a handywoman at the tender age of 16, and explore her life as she faces the routine experiences of a young woman until the world is embroiled in World War 2. She steps up and is recognised in more ways than just being a good handywoman, The exploration of her romantic life, as well as long-hidden secrets coming to the surface, makes this a real page-turner, and I couldn’t stop reading one day, but I was so sad that it had finished. I eagerly await another story in the same vein. Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
I have to admit I requested this book after reading the blurb, hinting at historical fiction based upon some truths about a fascinating pair of characters. The writing style read more like an academic study than fiction, and I found it very hard to stay engaged in the story. It will be for others, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.
I’m on the blog tour for this early next month so stop by for the review then!
I read this book when it first came out and was extremely excited to listen to the audiobook version! Narrated by Frankie Porter, I was immersed in the world of Camilla, all over again, and it was brilliantly read! Oh, my days! When I read the blurb, I thought, “Why not? Sounds like an intriguing read.” Well, intriguing is perhaps not quite the word to describe it. Hugely dark and (excuse my language, but) bloody fantastic! Camilla, our protagonist, is a woman with a past so deeply ingrained that it’s almost hollowed out any other emotion in her. Wronged as a child, growing up, and abused as a young woman, she casts herself in the role of vigilante for womankind, wreaking havoc and her own version of revenge upon unsuspecting predators I found myself strangely aroused, a bit disturbed, and definitely sympathetic towards the woman with what appears to be no emotion, but whose heart is feeling again. Laced with sex, gore, and much suspense, I was kept on my toes, reading the book almost in one sitting, and I truly didn’t predict the ending either. What a dark, kinky web the author has woven…
Why do I not learn from my mistakes? Listening to a bit of a saucy book while driving, with my daughter in the car! This was a lighthearted, fun, kinky story about two people brought together in strange circumstances and then finding a rather novel way to solve their problems. Think of students and people with debts, then add a bit of online enjoyment and voyeurism into it… a bit Only Fans, and two rather hot and horny people… I have to say it was a bit far-fetched in some ways, but absolutely hilarious and, as I mentioned before, saucy! And I don’t think I will ever think of puppet shows in the same way…
I am excited to be on the blog tour for Richard Robinson’s Deep Swimmers!
The Blurb
Belfast, 1995. When an elderly couple fall to their deaths from the city’s notorious Ashton Tower, the incident is quickly ruled a suicide. For most, it’s a tragedy. For British Intelligence, it’s the beginning of something far more dangerous. Jones and Jenny, now seasoned members of MI5’s Young Communicators Unit, find themselves pulled into an investigation that reaches back to the Second World War. The case sees Jones return home to Suffolk, where he must handle a homeless republican veteran still hiding from something. What begins as a routine inquiry soon exposes buried loyalties, forgotten operations, and a web of deception that comes to an extraordinary conclusion. As police investigators, MI5 officers, and retired spymasters circle the truth, a Mossad agent opens old wounds. Someone is determined to keep the past buried, no matter the cost. Set against the tense backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland, Deep Swimmers is a gripping espionage thriller about the deadly legacy of covert lives and the price of keeping secrets. Some falls are accidents. But hiding from the truth is a deadly game.
Crime and espionage – not my usual go-to, but I was happy to read something different from my norm of culture, women’s fiction and romance! Deep Swimmers is the fourth book in the Topaz Files series, and it was most definitely a gripping read that keeps the pages turning. Since I hadn’t read the previous ones, I wasn’t privy to some of the earlier events that may have been referenced in Deep Swimmers, which did not detract from my enjoyment of this read. Set in the 90s, with a tale of intrigue surrounding an elderly couple in Ireland, apparently committing suicide together… Or was it? Were they pushed? That’s where the title Deep Swimmers comes from: those who may have had some connection to spy work but are no longer active are still recognised for the work they did. The story may start there, but the reader is drawn into many more mysteries as connections between key characters and past events encroach upon their lives. We have WW2 events entwined with more modern political issues in a delicate, but very clever way. I really loved Jenny and Jones’ chemistry, and Mr Singh was a particular favourite! If you love a bit of a mystery with espionage involvement, you will love this!
About The Author
Richard W. Robinson is an author and journalist and spent his early days freelancing or working in agency positions across the UK and Ireland. The Topaz Files is a series of spy fiction novels where we follow the missions of Jones and Richmond as they make their way through the early years of a career in espionage. The first, published in May 2023, is Topaz and this was followed by Wild Flowers a year later, The Mainstay and Deep Swimmers have since been published. The novels are works of fiction but reference historic events in 1994-1996, around the time of the peace talks in Northern Ireland.
Outside the literary world, Richard lives in East Anglia, England, with his wife and two daughters. He is the CEO of a charity focused on ending the abuse of older people. He’s a very committed cratedigger (vinyl collector) and can occasionally be seen in the stands at Loftus Road and Windsor Park. Look out for the Topaz Files on social media and for the forthcoming releases of SEEN/UNSEEN (book five) and The Rock Ledger (book six). Robinson has also finished a Cold War spy story called German Bite which is expected to be published in late 2026.
Thrilled to be on the blog tour for Kate Galley’s The Old Girl’s Island Getaway!
The Blurb
Two old friends. One sun-soaked adventure.
Dorothy and Gina may be separated by twenty years, but their friendship is timeless. At seventy-one and nearly ninety, life’s too short not to have a little fun – especially in Corfu.
When Dorothy is invited to visit an old friend at his villa, she insists Gina comes along. They’re looking forward to sunshine, sea breezes, and perhaps a dash of ouzo. But their plans are upended by an unexpected guest: glamorous actress Florence Quinn, who’s taken up residence in the pool house.
Florence may sparkle on the surface, but she’s hiding something – and someone – from her past. Determined to help, Dorothy and Gina embark on a quest across the island, only to find that Corfu holds more secrets, scandals, and surprises than they ever imagined.
A warm, witty, and adventurous tale of friendship, mischief, and unexpected discoveries.
After reading the previous exploits of the Old Gals, I was excited to get back to Dorothy and Gina’s world, because they do find themselves in some interesting scrapes, proving that there is no age limit for fun, frolics and friendships! This time, Dorothy takes Gina to Corfu at the request of one of her old friends, who lives there, and also her teenage granddaughter, Juliet. Florence, who is an actress, joins them out there, caught up in a bit of a scandal of her own. The description of the scenery is fab and made me want to go there, even with all the steps you have to climb to get back up to where you started! And the story itself is pure genius, when there are hidden agendas, teenage hormones, and some oldies who are up for adventure, no matter what it entails. I won’t lie, there are a couple of sad bits, which reflect life, but there is plenty of light-heartedness, and definitely scope for more adventures, nearly 90-year-old Dotty definitely has it in her!
About The Author
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 super excited to be on the Blog tour for this fantastic book, The Strawberry House, by the amazing Rachel Burton!
The Blurb
1938: For Camilla Kerrigan, life at her family’s Oxford manor is a delicate balancing act – between duty to her family and a yearning for something more. When her brother Anthony returns for the summer, bringing with him a new friend, Camilla recognises a kindred spirit. Like her, Henry is thoughtful, restless and uncertain of his future.
But the arrival of four strangers – among them a gifted artist determined to paint Camilla’s sister Mabel – soon shatters the fragile peace of the manor. In the shimmering heat, desires are stirred and one impulsive act will set in motion a tragedy that echoes for decades.
1952: Haunted by war and the memory of that long-ago summer, the last thing Henry wants is to return to Montagu Manor. But when a photograph arrives, showing the painting he thought destroyed – the portrait that ruined so many lives – he is drawn back into the past.
Now, Henry and Camilla must face the secrets that shaped them, and the love that refuses to fade.
One unforgettable summer. One devastating secret. A love that time could not erase.
I have read a few of Rachel Burton’s more recent books, and this sounded so delicious, just from the title (plus the cover was pretty irresistible, too!) I just had to read it! Set in both the pre-WW2 and post-WW2 years, The Strawberry House is a story focusing on a tragedy at Montagu Manor, or more enticingly called, The Strawberry House in 1938. Two very different souls meet there and fall in love, but the war and the aforementioned tragedy push them apart for fifteen years, when a chance assignment for Henry brings him back to Camilla. I loved the whimsy of having a group of artists turn up for an entire summer at the Manor, and the behaviour of one plays fully to the Diva nature that many assign to successful creative types. There was also much angst described as Camilla is a woman born into a genteel family, with dreams of higher education, whereas her father has no interest in allowing his intelligent daughter that chance because that’s not what ladies do. And Henry is facing similar struggles but from a different point. His background is not like Camilla’s. In fact, his father runs a factory and wants Henry at the head of it, but Henry dreams of becoming a journalist, and his Oxford education is a stepping stone to him realising his dreams. I was swept away with this book, turning each page eagerly, and loved the added mystery element to it with a lost treasure that needs finding. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
About The Author
LinRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and romantic comedies. Rachel was born in Cambridge and studied Classics and English Literature before starting a career in law. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books.
But I Smile Anyway... 