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 That’s where the title Deep Swimmers comes from: those who may have had some connection to spy work but are no longer active are still recognised for the work they did.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.
It’s always a very busy month, February, in our family. We have had all my in-laws’ birthdays, Hubby Dearest’s, and Lil Princess turned 18 this year, so I am now officially the mother of two adults! EEEK!
It was bittersweet, too, as we remembered my dear brother-in-law on what would have been his 51st birthday.
Then there was Valentine’s Day and half-term, so a lot of reading time…
And I have submitted my novels plus a couple of new ideas to someone… so I need to get writing on one of those ideas!
Oh, and excitingly, I have been working with a friend who is pretty amazing at redesigning the covers for my Ristay Series, so if things don’t pan out with republishing under another publisher, I will be ready to get them out there again with a new look! And FYI – the designs are looking amazing!
But I read and listened as best I could, and boy did I listen! There was some spice, thanks to Ruby Roe, aka Sacha Black, for those bloggers of the ABBA era, and some other listens from author friends I have got to know, which was great!
This was a brilliant read with some more mature characters, as three very different women move into a set of flats in a converted mansion. Some just need a fresh start, some have a reason for choosing this place, specifically, and all have their own troubles individually, which, with the help of their new village around them, they can overcome. Cassie and Nina are middle-aged, and Venitia is an older woman with some sass. There is loss, heartbreak, and suffering in all three characters’ lives, but they slowly get to know one another and find ways to support each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
And so I hit the end of this incredibly naughty twister of a series and yes, as with the others, I had to be mindful of where I listened, but what a rollercoaster! The journey of enemies to lovers, and lovers to enemies to lovers in one instance was just amazing, and the worldbuilding is incredibly intricate, to weave not only this series but the orld of another within it, too. If you’re up for fantastical filth, well, then you’ve found your series!
A great read to warm you up when you are sitting in the soggy winter/spring of the UK! Maddie is off to work for a holiday company in Turkey, a completely impulsive decision, only she gets there and finds that she isn’t starting in the Accounts-based position she was expecting. Thrown in at the deep end, literally, she becomes a holiday rep on a boat, with some really hard to warm to rep mates, and an extremely demanding family on board to cater for. Then you throw in a hunky Australian into the mix, and Maddie is all aflutter in so many ways! I love that this was set in the 90s and the references were so apt, and recognisable for this 50-year-old! A little spice, a lot of confusion, laughter and fun! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I have read this book previously, but I was given a chance to listen to the audiobook, and it was very well narrated! It was time to revisit Birchlea Heath Village, and this time we are with Naomi, a producer at a TV company, tasked with looking after the whims of Isaac, a contestant on the reality show, The Wow Factor. He is already a minor celebrity, and his presence causes a stir in the community, as well as in Naomi’s life, as he somehow ends up staying at her home with her parents and becomes her fake boyfriend for the Paparazzi. Along the way, he helps her realise that her life is not what she wants, and he helps her break down internal barriers, until something happens, causing both of them to question one another. A sweet, easy read set in a quaint little village where everyone knows each other’s business, and a little bit in New York, where we also experience a little Christmas magic!
A beautiful story set during WW2. Hannah Kidd is in Australia after tragically losing her husband in a war-related incident. She is still grieving but finding her way around life without him present. Australia was his home, so she tries to find links to him while getting on with life. There is a roller coaster of emotions as she dips into normality for a young woman, despite feeling anything but normal, and she finds herself in a predicament that she has no clue how to handle. This is a story that doesn’t rely purely on romance to tell it, but on Hannah’s feelings and hurt, and it gives a glimpse into what were very different wartime experiences from those usually read about in the UK. The ending came about very quickly but was most satisfying, given all Hannah went through. This book is part of a series, but the books can be read as standalones.
I went a bit back to front with this series, having read the second one first, but it didn’t detract from the pleasure of the story. Listening to it as an audiobook was just an added pleasure as I do love the Irish lilt of the narrator. The main character, Becca, is in that mid forties slump, with her more or less empty nest, as well as a broken marriage, and a sadly broken friendship with one of her best friends. A tragic death brings Becca and Laura back together in a fragile reunion with the third Musketeer in their friendship, Niamh and they go about a few bumpy rides, discovering a time capsule they created as teens, as well as the joys of midlife for women as the threat of Perimenopause knocks. I loved it… so relatable as well as funny as heck!
I love Jane Lovering’s stories, and this was a beautiful, gentle love story with more than romance at the heart. Libby is running, constantly hiding from her ex, worried that he will swoop in and take their beautiful toddler, Tilly, from her. She is barely surviving, and an intriguing job opportunity puts her in a difficult position: she has to visit a rundown cottage and persuade the squatters living there to leave. Facing phobias, meeting a mute older woman, as well as Ross, the strange but good-looking architect who has employed her, puts Libby in quite a position. The characters were genuine, and I could really feel Libby’s fears, as well as really warm to Tilly, her two-year-old, who was cute and very much a toddler in their terrible twos! This story has a little magic and a little intrigue, and it also addresses a few more serious topics, such as mental health and abusive relationships. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
You know that feeling, when you begin a book, and positively hum with happiness, knowing it is the first in a series and that you really want to read the next and the next? That’s how I felt as I got into this new book by the amazing Nicola May. Seahaven Bay is not far removed from Cockleberry Bay, but has its own cast of interesting characters. In this first book, we get to know Rita Jory, a mid-forties widow still in the throes of grief, running a farm almost single-handedly while looking out for her eccentric mother-in-law, Hilda, and a group of animals with their own personalities. Rita isn’t sure how long she can survive on the farm after being left with a lot of unexpected debt by her late husband, Archie. A spark of an idea to host a retreat on the property brings her much happiness and a sense of purpose, and she brings together a wonderful, motley crew to support her. But nothing is ever smooth sailing, is it? There is an old family secret gnawing at her, but not quite revealing itself, as well as many questions about Archie and what he may or may not have been hiding from her. Everything about this story was perfect! I felt for Rita so much, and it was wonderful to read about the support network around her, from old friends to new ones. Hilda is a real character, and Jory, the ‘enemy’ neighbour, is definitely a bit of hot stuff! And I cannot not mention Camilla. Yes, she’s a goat, but she has a lot to offer in the story, and though she cannot talk, her actions make sure she is noticed! Oh, and if it were real, I would so want to join them all on the month-long retreats that Rita provides!
Okay, so on my audiobook forays, I came across this on Audible and decided to give it a go. Is it an audiobook? Or more of a listening series, a bit like The Archers on the radio? (Except, absolutely not like The Archers in content, lol!) We have three black women, all long-term friends, talking about, well, s-e-x, really. A married woman with a worry ‘down there’; a single woman looking for that special someone; a woman with a devious ex sniffing around; and a woman who much prefers women but cannot get her mother to understand, so she is constantly being set up with new suitors from church. It was great to hear different voices for each character, and I had a real giggle as I listened. Very down-to-earth and real, if you know what I mean!
Karen Swan’s books have appealed to me from the first one I read, so getting this ARC was a blessing. Three Summers is a story of love, loss and longing. A group of friends who have grown up together, some in wealthier households than others, congregate in the summer in their Italian home village. What follows is a bittersweet love story in which two souls who aren’t expected to be together are destined, and life throws twists and turns that pull them apart and then bring them together, like the waves of the sea surrounding them. The complete story mesmerised me; I was eager to see how it would end, and it was a most satisfactory conclusion. Another of the author’s wonderful books. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for an ARC.
I am so glad I had already read the first in this series, because, although it could be a standalone, the depth of emotion felt was definitely stronger with some of the backstory. Maddie Whittle is the main character in this, and she is busy trying to create a cancer retreat in her family’s ‘Big House’, in memory of her dear brother, Bowie. She meets James, the MMC, in rather strange circumstances, involving a runaway pig. From the off, she has her reservations about the guy, even though as the family get to know him, they warm to him, and his dog, Stevie Licks. A slow-burning romance, with the thread of her other brother, Marley and his other half, Autumn’s continuing story, kept me listening till the end.
Kate Quinn’s books have been centred around historical fiction so far, so this was a bit of a departure, but a good one! The Astral Library is fantasy – pure Bookish fantasy! A world created in a library. Every book lover’s dream! And imagine being able to live within any book you like, as long as it is in the Public Domain, and not under copyright? Oh, and there is a real Book Dragon!! The central character, Alix, is in a rut. She is at a stage in life where she doesn’t know if there is anything worth continuing for, with no money, no decent job, and pretty much nowhere to live, until she finds herself in the Astral library. Just choosing a world to live in would be fun in itself, but Alix becomes embroiled in a disagreement with the powers that be and the librarian in charge of this fantastical place, and finds herself in and among so many adventures. Alix is a plus-size heroine with so much going for her, even though she can’t see it herself, but she also has a lot in her past and present that blinds her. I loved that she had a friend throughout this who saw her for who she really was, helped her through much emotional turmoil, and was with her through to her own happy ending. The Librarian was a brilliant character, filled with wisdom and bookish advice. This is one fantasy world I would love to step into, myself. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC.
Cathy Kelly is one of my must-read authors. When I see one of her books anywhere, I know it is going to be good! The Island Retreat was no different. Set on one of the Greek isles, this story centres on a retreat run by a once-TV-famous therapist-guru type, Rose Talisman. This is her chance to get back into what she loves, without all the hype that surrounds the showbiz side. Her first six guests are a motley crew comprising a famous female singer fresh out of rehab, a young man with relationship issues, an older couple with hidden secrets, a middle-aged woman with a rage she cannot contain and a younger woman who hoped this was a wellness retreat rather than something psychoanalysing her. You have such beautiful surroundings described; it is hard not to want to visit the retreat yourself, but the guests have more than a pretty view to deal with. There are so many deeply rooted behaviours that are identified, isolated and unpicked among the six strangers, and Rose herself has to face up to her own deep, dark secret. The story touched on so many issues, and you could feel allies being formed, and how these very different folk rallied around to support one another. Or almost all of them. There’s always one, isn’t there? But I’ll not tell you more. You need to read it yourself! Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC.
UPDATE I just listened to the Audio version of this book, and it hit home just how good a story this is. Fantastically narrated, I was brought straight back to Olivia’s dyspraxic world and all her clumsiness. I will start by gushing. I LOVED this book! Olivia, the main character, is as clumsy as they come. She is always tripping up, dropping things, missing her mouth… and always at inopportune moments. Thankfully, she has some great friends and colleagues who help get her through some sticky situations, considering there are plenty of people out there, ready to undermine her for the same quirks. Then a knight in shining armour saves her life after a particularly dramatic, clumsy episode. I don’t want to go into all the details. Otherwise, what is the point of your reading the book? But it’s safe to say that there are characters readers will fall for. I loved Devinder, her colleague and one who has known her for a long time. They get along like a house on fire, and he is one of her heroes, too (but not the romantic kind!) She also has a supportive housemate, Russell, and another warrior of a best friend, Steph, in her corner. Then there is Caspar. I loved Caspar. He is a breath of fresh air. An honest guy with a heart of gold and genuine feelings. Bettina Hunt delves into a world of undiagnosed dyspraxia with sensitivity, lightness, and humour.
This is an early March blog tour for me, but I will tell you now it is another fantastic story!
A simple, easy-to-read romance, where our FMC is torn between two charmers. One is more conventional than the other – which one will she choose? I’ll be honest, I kind of knew where this would go right from the beginning, but that is what you want sometimes, isn’t it? A good old-fashioned HEA, especially in the nightmare world surrounding us right now.
And here is another early March blog tour read! Kate’s books about more mature women are always a riot!
So, that was 18 books over the last month. Phew! Which one caught your eye?
Thrilled to welcome Jane Lovering and her latest book, The Cottage At The Edge Of The Woods, to the blog!
The Blurb
Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…
When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.
The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can’t Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?
As Libby is pulled into the cottage’s story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?
I love Jane Lovering’s stories, and this was a beautiful, gentle love story with more than romance at the heart. Libby is running, constantly hiding from her ex, worried that he will swoop in and take their beautiful toddler, Tilly, from her. She is barely surviving, and an intriguing job opportunity puts her in a difficult position: she has to visit a rundown cottage and persuade the squatters living there to leave. Facing phobias, meeting a mute older woman, as well as Ross, the strange but good-looking architect who has employed her, puts Libby in quite a position. The characters were genuine, and I could really feel Libby’s fears, as well as really warm to Tilly, her two-year-old, who was cute and very much a toddler in their terrible twos! This story has a little magic and a little intrigue, and it also addresses a few more serious topics, such as mental health and abusive relationships. 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.
But I Smile Anyway... 