The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @Gillplusfive @BoldwoodBooks

I am always excited to have my friend, Gillian Harvey, on the blog to celebrate another of her wonderful books! This time we have The Village Cafe in the Loire!

The Blurb

High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge.

But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder.

What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past.

Becky’s path to success is all planned out. But the Loire has a magic she might not be able to resist…

My Review

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I think Gillian Harvey is going to turn me into a Francophile, with all the gorgeous French setting books she writes, and this is one of those that makes me want to jump on the Eurostar, begin drinking coffee, and don a beret!
Becky is the protagonist, a thirty-something career woman who is on the brink of brilliant success; however, an inheritance looks set to derail all her plans.
She finds herself signed off from work, and ends up in a small village in the Loire, at the behest of her late great aunt, with a cafe for which she has no training, other than drinking coffee, and to pop the cherry on top, there is a lodger who it seems is resistant to leaving the building, even though all she wants to do is sell it.
Of course, that hunky, troublesome lodger named Pascale gives her another thing to think about.
Becky has few friends, Amber being her best friend, and her mother is there to guide her in life. But she sometimes cannot see beyond her own problems, often ignoring the SOS signs from those around her.
The storyline is one of self-discovery, and we see Becky begin to question all she has thought about her future before, and also to begin to look beyond herself, considering others, with a little romance along the way.
There is, of course, a little twist in the tale, too, to keep readers on their toes!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/VillageCafeintheLoire

About the Author

Gillian Harvey is an author and freelance writer who lives in Norfolk. Her novels, including the bestselling A Year at the French Farmhouse and The Riviera House Swap, are often set in France, where she lived for 14 years.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @GillianHarveyAuthor

Twitter: @GillPlusFive

Instagram: @GillPlusFive

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GillianHarveyNews

Bookbub profile: @gillplusfive

Another Lucky Number by Nina Kaye @NinaKayeAuthor #BookReview

I am thrilled to be able to review another wonderful story by the fantastic Nina Kaye, a continuation of her last self-published book, Lucky Number. This time we are treated to Another Lucky Number.

The Blurb

A dream opportunity, but will it be lost in paradise?

Lottery winner Emma is off to The Bahamas with friends Cat and Amber. She plans to relax on the pristine white beaches before returning home to find a new career and continue her fledging romance with new love interest, James. That is until sexy Sebastien, who puts the ‘hot’ into ‘hotelier’, offers Emma the career opportunity of a lifetime at his chain of resorts. But there’s a catch: the interview has to take place in three days, while she’s there on holiday.

Emma needs some proper downtime, but an opportunity like this is too good to pass up. Afraid that she’s punching above her weight, she enlists the help of her friends to get her interview ready, while still making the most of her tropical surroundings. But after a series of gaffs, a crisis of confidence, and with James unexpectedly turning up, Emma’s dream job looks like it’s about to swim out of her reach.

Can Emma rise to the challenge and come out successful? And will her budding relationship with James survive the experience?

My Review

Another Lucky Number: Sun, sea and a surprising turn of events – the most entertaining sun lounger read of the year! by Nina Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Lucky Number and was excited to receive the second instalment in the series, Another Lucky Number, which allowed us to continue the story of Emma as she adjusts to her life after a significant lottery win.
Emma is on a high-end luxury holiday with her friends, Cat and Amber, having handed in her notice at her job and with the possibility of a fledgling romance starting back home.
So much can happen in the few days ahead that could have a tremendous impact on Emma’s life from now on.
I loved her character arc. She went from a woman who found it hard to stand up for herself to, with a lot of support from those around her, a stronger one who had a clearer idea about where her life was going.
Emma has a cast of characters around her that make the story even more interesting. Amber is like that reality check friend with a heart, somewhere! And Emma’s best friend, Cat, is like the Ying to Amber’s Yang, offering grounding and emotional support where needed.
Then there is the ‘sexy hotelier! Sebastien and the wholesome James who vie for Emma’s attention.
Some choice hotel guests add an extra layer of tension to the story, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good tale and a perfect beach read.
And the location! The Bahamas is on my bucket list, and now I want to go more!
Although this is part of a series, I think it could work well as a standalone.

About the Author

Nina Kaye is a contemporary romance author who writes warm, witty and uplifting reads with a deeper edge. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband and much-adored side-kick, James. In addition to writing, Nina enjoys swimming, gin and karaoke (preferably all enjoyed together in a sunny, seaside destination). Nina has previously published The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating and has also been a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayson Award.

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

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

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

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

Once Upon A Thyme by Jane Lovering #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @janelovering @BoldwoodBooks 

Thrilled to welcome Jane Lovering and her latest book, Once Upon a Thyme, to the blog!

The Blurb

All her life, Natalie Fisher has been taught not to ask questions. Why risk uncovering uncomfortable truths, when you can stay in the safety of blissful denial?

Since taking over the family herb farm, Natalie has stuck with what she knows, rarely venturing much further than the nearby village where her invalid mother now lives. But then, one day, everything changes with the arrival of unexpected visitors.

First comes Zeb, employed by Natalie’s mother to help with the business but soon hinting at other motives. Then comes Simon with the famous band he manages, wanting to film in Natalie’s beautiful garden. The band causes chaos and the attitude of one particular member throws Natalie’s ordered life into confusion.

Over one magical summer of revelations and of uncovering secrets, Natalie starts to blossom and by the time autumn arrives she knows nothing will ever be the same again. Will she finally get an answer to the mystery of her childhood? And can she embrace the fresh start she so deserves – but which means she’ll have to take one enormous and brave leap of faith?

An uplifting novel about fresh starts, family secrets and finding love when you least expect it.

My Review

Once Upon a Thyme by Jane Lovering
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tally is a woman in her late twenties who runs a herb farm. It has always been a part of her family, first belonging to her grandma, then her mother, before Tally buys it outright from her mum.
It’s a tough gig, especially as she has caring responsibilities for her mother, unwell with an unknown illness, but she loves being with the plants, and her guinea pigs, and especially Big Pig, her sow.
She ends up with Zeb, a marketing consultant appointed by her mother, tagging along as she goes about her life.
A chance visit from an up-and-coming band who want to use the farm to shoot videos gives Tally the chance of some more income, much-needed funds to continue her small, struggling business, and under the guidance of Zeb, she hesitantly agrees.
But there are lots of things going on, with thinking about a certain band member, as well as looking out for her mother, and trying to quell feelings that are building about someone else.
It’s a slow-rumbling romance, with a slightly darker moment when secrets are uncovered; however, it’s a lovely summer read.
A gorgeous story filled with love, a twist of mystery and a lot of hope.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

About The Author

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who 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.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @jane.lovering

Twitter: @janelovering

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JaneLoveringNews

Bookbub profile: @janelovering

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