I am thrilled to be on the Blog Tour for the fab Charlie Dean! Check out this gorgeous cover for The Pumpkin Pact.
The Blurb
Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove.
Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears, she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
Aw! What a lovely Autumnal read! If you want something to give you the warm and fuzzies as the nights begin to draw in, and the chill is starting to make itself known, this is the one, with a teeny bit of spice to add to the warmth! Andi is stuck in a relationship with Drew that she is not sure of, but she knows no better. She meets Andrew by chance and there is a spark but there’s nothing she can do… Or is there? Plenty of well-meaning and loving characters who are all cheering Andi on to make the right decision, but there are also lots of blockades in the way. And then there is Pumpkin. I love Pumpkin! He’s Andi’s gorgeous husky dog who appears to be a brilliant judge of character!
I’m back with another great blog tour review for my friend, Susan Buchanan and her latest release, A Taste of Christmas Spirit.
The Blurb
The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit, Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those who find the time of year difficult.
Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.
Rose is dejected as her boyfriend has dumped her in their final year at university. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.
Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?
Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.
Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?
A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.
For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.
A Taste of Christmas Spirit is a lovely story in the lead-up to Christmas, focusing on several people in the small Scottish village of Winstanton, with The Sugar and Spice Cafe as the backdrop for many scenes. We meet Ollie, Sacha, Rose, and Diana; four people very different in their own ways, with concerns that mar their enjoyment of the festive period, as they get to know one another and become involved in the local spirit of things. Then there is Lara, the little Spirit of Christmas, who is trying to sprinkle her magic across people’s lives in her own way. It was a lovely, cute story, and left me feeling warm and snuggly, ready for the festive period! Now, I have read none of the other Christmas Spirit books; however, this in no way detracted from the story. In fact, it’s made me want to read them so I can learn more about some characters mentioned in this one.
About The Author
Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship and community.
She is the author of The Leap Year Proposal, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.
When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.
Giveaway to Win a signed and dedicated paperback of A Taste of Christmas Spirit (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
And just like that we have come to the end of August, and my summer holidays, ready to start a new academic year in September!
I’ve still been reading ARCS and listening to audiobooks while walking… but what else did I do?
We had quite a bit going on this month, with the end of our vacation, meeting my niece and her daughter for a girly break in London, going to Birmingham to see my parents, and attending the RNA Summer Fling!
I’ve seen family who I haven’t met for years, and we have said goodbye to a family member, too.
I have ventured into school on several occasions to set up my new nursery classroom, too, supported by my two TAs for the year.
Did I write? Well, finally, I have something to report! YES I DID! I returned from my holiday with an idea for another Chickpea Curry Lit story, unrelated to the Rishtay Series, but a new holiday romance-style book. EEK! I am so excited!
However, I kept reading and listening, thoroughly enjoying my books.
Now, back to this month’s reads/listens. There were ARCS and Audiobook listens…
Sally Page’s books are always great and a must-read for me. It took me a while longer to get into, maybe because I was away, but the story revolves around a diverse group of people, brought together by a small orange card pinned to a notice board in a cafe. To be or not to be… Bardy and Kate are the two main characters, with Bardy, a newly separated former teacher, running a group for creatives in the area, and Kate, a single mother to two adult children, who has a special interest in painting. They have one of those connections that you, as a reader, can feel from early on, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them. The group comprises interesting characters, and somehow, all their stories overlap, allowing you to get to know and love each of the different people. It’s a story that creeps up on you, then hooks you in, leaving you wanting to keep reading. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
Oh my goodness, I had such fun listening to this audiobook as I walked, with laugh-out-loud moments, and could relate to many of the situations our hapless Bridezilla goes through! From letting her parents know she had found a suitor, without letting them know she had actually found and met him herself, to the rigmaroles of setting dates, wedding shopping, managing family expectations, and the always-present aunties… this was a true delight to listen to. I have the rest of the series on my TBR, but I would love it if they were all on Audiobook!
A beautifully crafted story about a woman trapped in a situation, and how she finally breaks free. Pip is a 32-year-old woman who still lives at home with her parents and 16-year-old daughter, Bella. She has spent the last 16 years living a life filled with guilt at having fallen pregnant so young, conforming to all the ideals her parents wish to portray. Her only saving grace, besides her beautiful daughter, is her passion for art, origami and poetry, which she keeps hidden from everyone. Many threads run through this tale, but a strong one is shame, as Pip’s mother has never really got over her child having a baby so young. Then there is control, where Pip has spent most of her adult life relying on her mother and father, as they have never fostered a sense of independence in her, and how a local wealthy family holds power over the family, as well as regret, stemming from Pip’s non-existent mother-daughter relationship with Bella. I don’t want to regurgitate the story, but it comes full circle, and it is a joy to see Pip finally grow a backbone and begin to live the life she should have been living all these years. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.
A great simmering summer read! Isabella Tucci is nearing the end of a year in which she aimed to prove to herself that she could be her own woman. Intending to fulfil her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant, she is almost there. Having moved to a small village and found her premises. And the other part of that year-long promise to herself was to be reliant on no one, especially men, so a no-sex ban has been in place. It’s been hard enough getting over her marriage breakdown, but finally, things are falling into place. Then she meets Etienne. Scoping out the competition, she can’t help but notice the sexy restaurant owner whose business is on the opposite side of the square to hers. And he’s noticed her. The story follows the last three months of her year, and it’s touch-and-go whether that business will be ready, and the no men/sex? Well, let’s say there may be quite a bit of touch, but will she let go? The author utilises WhatsApp groups as a medium of communication and scene setting between Isabella and her family, as well as a group with her newfound local friends. Then there is Etienne’s group with his close friends. And the cast of characters supporting Isabella and Etienne is all brilliant, leaving me with many questions about who will be the focus of the following story. Because Etienne is not the only gorgeous guy in this book, his friends are in the Adonis category too! There is drama and tension both within the general story and the build-up of the relationship between Isabella and Etienne, and it all makes for a fantastic, spicy read in parts! Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an ARC.
You know, sometimes, you just want to read something that will make you feel good, and this is exactly what Anita Faulkner’s books do to me. It’s been a while since her last one, so I was thrilled to be able to read it. Rosie is on her way back home after finding out that AI had taken over her life in far too many ways, from her job, to elements of her relationship. But her car breaks down, and she finds herself at a farm, intending to ask for help. The help manifests differently from what she expected; not a phone call to the local recovery company, but as a job. And not one she is qualified for! The farm has a ramshackle farmhouse filled with a menagerie of strays, and the owner thinks she is there to work. Rosie finds herself in a small, gorgeous, cut-off wooden lodge-like house, where all sorts of inspiration begins to hit, and her neighbour happens to be a rather handsome pumpkin farmer. Zain. But he’s a bit gruff. So we have some Grumpy: Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers-like vibes going on. What ensues is a personal adventure, where we see Rosie grow in confidence, and reach for what she really wants, cold water swimming, sizzling slow burn romance, and lots and lots of pumpkins! And I cannot forget Steve the three-legged cat. Another real character! I also loved the mention of some of the author’s previous book characters in this story as little cameos. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
Don’t you love a series? A good one, where you get to know new characters, whilst also keeping track of others you’ve met before? It’s like a family reunion! That’s how I felt when reading Book 2 of The Windsor Riverside Romance series, and Kudos to the author, Lizzie Chantree, for creating such a memorable world. A character who had been briefly mentioned in the first book, Daisy, returns to Windsor, where she grew up, but also where she left many stories and severed relationships. She’s back with her daughter, Bronte, as a single parent, with a lot of unpicking to do, as well as growing up. Maya, one of her best friends, encourages her to set up home in a new block of flats on the riverside and to build her fledgling garden design business. But what she omits to mention is that her neighbour ends up being Maya’s brother, Arthur, who is also an old friend/flame of Daisy. But Daisy has to work through a lot of emotions and rebuild her friendships and relationships, as well as learn to fit back in. There is so much tension, and honestly, it feels like every single man in this part of Windsor is fit! But she comes good in the end, and we are left with a taster of what the third book will be about. I am eager to read it!
I finally got around to the beginning of the Walsh series by Marian Keyes! I love listening to the story with an authentic Irish lilt. It makes it even more real. The story is about Claire, one of the Walsh sisters. She is happily married and about to give birth, only to find that once she is handed her beautiful baby girl, she is also husbandless, as James chooses this time to tell her he is leaving, as he has found someone else. Claire flies back to Ireland to her family home from London, distraught and trying to work out how to be a good mum, on top of processing her husband’s deceit. Yes, there is sadness, and it all takes its toll on her, but with the Walsh family around, there are so many giggle-some laughs to get through the challenging situations. Listening to Claire grow as a person, well, grow a backbone, was brilliant, and I’m glad she met the hunky Adam, to help her get over her idiot of a husband, even though that situation was also a bit hairy! I’ve downloaded all the rest to listen to, too, finally!
One of my first September Blog Tours! Pop back to read the review!
Another of my blog tours in early September. I have read this previously, too, and now, the updated version!
A beautifully written and narrated story, encompassing friendships and long-lost loves, as well as new relationships forged after an accident. The story revolves around Floriana, a young woman involved in a hit-and-run, Adam, the man who comes to her rescue, and Esme, an older lady who also witnessed the event. Their friendship deepens as they learn more about each other. In a twist of fate, a wedding Floriana has been invited to, on Lake Como in Italy, sparks memories for Esme of her first love during a holiday there after the war. The three of them find themselves in Italy, where Floriana has two good friends to support her attendance at a wedding she would rather not be at, and Esme seeks out information about the one that got away. Beautiful, and emotional, with a wonderful ending to finish it off.
A Picture-Perfect Christmas by Liam Livings My rating: 5 of 5 stars A fabulous festive read, filled with grumpy/sunshine vibes, and all the spicy vibes you want for a truly magical Christmas romance! So, we have Christophe, a reality TV star, a council estate boy done good, with not much more than his personality and handsome looks. Loud, brash, and used to his way. And he wants a portrait painted. And on the flip side is artist Thomas. Shy and not a lover of attention (some may even say boring…), he’s bowled over in more than one way by his newest client, who appears the total opposite of himself. There is sizzling chemistry from the off, and as we all know, opposites attract. Though they fight it for a while, getting snowed in at Thomas’s house over Christmas gives both of them a chance to get to know one another without their masks on. And at some points, without clothes on, too, wink wink! There is everything there, from the cosy Christmassy setting to the glitz and glamour of fame and star-studded events, with plenty of angst and even more spice!
Seasonal books are always fantastic, and this influx of autumnal books is terrific, so cosy, like a hug in a book! We travel to Wynbridge, where influencer Clemmie Bridge has lived for the past 18 months. She’s kept herself to herself, renovating and decorating her cottage, as well as building up a community of autumn-loving followers on her Instagram account that is all things Autumn. A chance meeting with a local who has decided to pop in and visit the reclusive new resident gets Clemmie involved in a huge local autumn festival – something she would love, but also something that could catapult her back into an awful situation she had removed herself from previously. The book is a journey for Clemmie as she slowly builds her trust in a few people and begins to engage with the local community, all while protecting her fragile heart. Clemmie meets some real characters, including Lizzie, who is the reason she finally gets out into the real world, along with the other Cherry Tree Cafe girls, and Molly, the local ‘witch’ as well as Ash, the gorgeous, sensitive vet who is there for Clemmie in many situations, but will he help her to heal her heart? Of course, I can’t review this book without mentioning Pixie, the little rescue dog who Clemmie finds herself with – a beautiful bundle of love who helps to anchor her. There is sadness, but there is also hope. There is grief, alongside acceptance. And there is autumn – lots of it! Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
This was a wonderful pre-Second World War time read, and I am excited as it is the first in a series! I will be in the Blog Tour in September, if you wish to get the full review, but it is definitely 5 star!
Another one where I am on the Blog Tour in September and a real feast of family secrets, twists and turns!
Another of my audiobook listens, and I can honestly say it was a beautiful listen. The story revolves around four central characters; Elisabeth, an older woman who has just lost her husband and finds out about huge debts that he had hidden; Jo, her friend, who wants to support Elizabeth but has other issues that she is trying to suppress; Lucy, Jo’s daughter, a single mum to teenager Niall, who she has to bring back to her sleepy hometown by the coast for the summer, rather than the busy, more teen-friendly Dublin, and Dan, a scriptwriter from London who has had a string of bad luck, and who hopes that some time in a sleepy backwater in Ireland may spark some inspiration, as well as help him find out some of his own home truths. Through their connections, the ladies embark on a regular midnight swim in the sea, and this thread runs through the story, which is substance-filled, emotional, and endearing. I was sure I would end up in tears on my walk, as I listened towards the end, in some sadness, but also in happiness, too!
Right. Where do I start with how much I loved and related to this book? Lucy is a 53-year-old woman. She’s got a great job, is single, and is working on her next steps in life, specifically a promotion at work, which looks likely. Until she’s surprised by a new colleague, Tara, not much younger than Lucy, but filled with the glamour and perfection of one of those women who have Instagram-worthy perfect diets/families/lives. And so she finds herself in a position of competition, and that competition pulls her into a wellness frenzy. Okay, so the book had me laughing out loud at the various wellness techniques Lucy ends up signing up for, and I rolled my eyes several times, recalling similar services constantly touted on social media as the next big thing. Especially those diets and meds for perimenopausal women, and the different ‘Zen’ activity apps that claim to have you looking 10 years younger in 4 weeks and 15lb slimmer, too… But it wasn’t just a funny ride, this read. Through the competitive element, Lucy gets to know her arch-nemesis, Tara. She uncovers aspects of a particular ‘wellness guru’ who is being lauded as remarkable that raise alarm bells. And that’s when a deeper element of this story kicks in. Midlife insecurities, and a constant bombardment of claims to ‘banish this’ and ‘cure that’ that I know most of us women of a certain age feel, show themselves, and the ugly side of ‘wellness’, along with it. Fantastically written and a hard recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC.
I’ll start this by saying this is a sequel of sorts; however, it can be read as a standalone. It took me a little while to get into the swing of this story, as there were four POVs to get used to; however, that did not detract from the story’s overall appeal. It’s a story of power and politics, with privilege thrown into the mix. Martin is a man from a simple background. He’s worked hard to get where he is now. Out of the blue, he is invited to the funeral of the sister of a man whom he once considered a best friend, but who he has, for the last few years, been persona non grata. Serena is the wife of his old best friend, Ben, a man on a mission to become the next PM. Richard is a disgraced MP who finds himself needed by Ben to fulfil his political ambitions. Cosima (Cozzie) is the eco-activist, eldest daughter of Ben – Ironic since Ben is the current Eco Minister. So, yes, Ben is the thread that binds them all, but it’s the events that unfold, as well as the revelations from the past and the more recent events surrounding Ben’s sister’s death, that make for an enthralling read. Honestly, I was reading until 1 am, and had to put it down forcibly as I had an early start the next day. I read several reviews that mentioned this being a funny read. I’m not sure it was funny. Yes, some situations raised a laugh, but there were a lot more serious issues at hand. The way money and power are used to belittle the opinions and feelings of those less fortunate, as well as the treatment of women by certain key characters, really didn’t make me laugh. There are serious issues regarding the environment, substance abuse, and SA and rape that feature in certain scenes, which are decidedly unfunny. But, still, a good read. Many thanks to NetGalley and 4th Estate for an ARC.
Another of my blog tour reads, ready for the September tour! Look out for my review!
Another of my audiobook walking listens. I didn’t purposefully seek out this book. It was one of the titles included in my Audible subscription, so I thought I’d give it a go, and I wasn’t disappointed. Autumn is from the UK, but residing in New York, and a chance meeting with Bluebell, also from England, sets off a string of events. Autumn finds herself slowly pulled into a romantic relationship with Bluebell’s brother, Bowie, one of a set of twins, and the relationship goes beautifully until she finds out about his terminal cancer diagnosis. She then ends up living in the UK with him and the rest of his family as he lives out his last days. Things happen, that cause extreme emotional outbursts from each member of the family, but I’m not going to mention them here! I found it a fantastic listen and was invested in all the characters. Yes, so there may be some technical aspects of certain situations that an eagle eyed reader/keen listener may spot and question, but I like to think that sometimes in creativity, you can allow a little leeway!
A rerelease of this book is happening next month, so this is the older cover, but look out for the newest one, which I will be adding as a post on the 1st, as well as being on the Blog tour at the end of September for the full review!
A fab Psychological thriller which I will be featuring next month on a Book and a Brew Post, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
So, that was 20 books in August! You can tell I was on Summer holidays, can’t you? Which one caught your eye?
The end of July heralds the end of the school year, and as you read this, I am probably sunning myself on holiday! (I’ll chat about that in another post!) And that is also why this post is a couple of days late!
It’s been another month filled with ARCS – when will I say no to a blog tour, lol?
July started with me meeting the children whom I will be teaching next year as I head back to the school nursery, where it will be the babies of the school, the 3-to 4-year-olds who will hold my attention for the year. I am really looking forward to it. It feels like coming home, as that is where I started my teaching career properly.
It’s also been an emotional year at school. As treasured colleagues leave, the children I first taught in Nursery are flying off to their new starts at Secondary School, while my own Hoglets are moving up to the Main school. You know me. I get attached every year, and seeing these children blossom is something I feel blessed to see and be a part of.
Did I write? Er, no… but I have the get-up-and-go to start up again, thanks to the gorgeous holiday we took, so watch this space!
I have participated in charity walks, celebrated birthdays and other special occasions with friends, and navigated a few different emotional moments within my close circle, as well.
But I kept on reading and listening, thoroughly enjoying my books!
Now, back to this month’s reads/listens. There were ARCS and Audiobook listens…
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!
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!
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.
Reading Again, Rachel was a delight. Well, I say read, but I listened to the audiobook, and that lilting Irish accent was so smooth to listen to, to start with! It was great to be brought back to Walsh Land, with Rachel as the main character, as she was always one of my favourites. Set more in the present, Rachel is now working in a Rehab Clinic as a counsellor, and she is doing a grand job, having come through addiction herself. With her partner Quinn, she finally feels settled, though she can’t fully let go with him. Throughout the story, she faces several situations that test her, including seeing her ex-husband, Luke, after many years, which brings back memories of a deep loss. Her memories of that time are skewed compared to his. Her realisations are the pinnacle of the story; however, it was good to catch up with other members of the family. A sensitive, emotional, brilliantly written sequel.
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!
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.
I have read every one of Kiley Dunbar’s books avidly, enjoying her story building and the way she layers her characters. The start of this new series got me extremely excited! Ally, the main character, lives in Cairn Dhu, a small Scottish village, with her parents. There, she has a remote day job, and she spends her Saturdays assisting her father at his Highland Repair Shop, where everyone who volunteers is an advocate for sustainability and strives to reverse the throwaway mentality that many people have nowadays, instead of simply discarding things or trying to upcycle. Imagine a barn similar to the one featured on The Repair Shop, the TV programme. Well, repairing things is one aspect, but when happenings at the Repair Shop show signs of repairing relationships, that’s when things get exciting! I found Ally endearing. She is capable of so much, but has no self-belief. It takes a lot for her to realise that she hasn’t been left behind in life. And Jamie. Oh, Jamie! The gentle, considerate volunteer police constable who has his emotional repairs to navigate, as well as fighting feelings for a certain flame-haired Cairn Dhu-an. The picturesque settings are beautifully described, as are the folklore tales, which add a hint of mystery to the different places the author mentions. This is a true feel-good story, with so much positivity and some twists in the tale to keep you turning pages. I am glad this is the start of a series, as I want to know a lot more about the visitors and volunteers at the Highland Repair Shop! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I listened to the audiobook of this with no expectations or preconceived ideas, other than what I thought from the blurb. Southern Belle Laurie is up for a job at a lawyer’s firm for a PA role for Diana, the founder of the firm. She’s straight-laced, strict and a no-nonsense kind of woman. Somehow, Laurie ends up with the job, and she proves herself as a hard-working, diligent PA… then the spicy stuff kicks in! Workplace romance – Yup FF romance – Yup Open Door – You Open WIDE I was listening as I walked, and the detail of certain scenes raised a flush on my face! Still, it was a hot read!
I cannot believe we are on the 13th book of the Hart’s Ridge series! We are back with Taylor Gray and her husband Sam, where she is no longer a member of the police force. Instead, she has teamed up with Sam to start their very own PI agency, allowing for them both to be there for their baby, Lennon, and Alice, Sam’s daughter, as well as working on jobs they are passionate about. Their first big case has a connection to Sam, as his aunt is fighting to get her husband’s conviction from ten years ago overturned with some new speculative evidence. Alongside Taylor’s adventure, we focus on Taylor’s sister, Anna’s, life as she settles into her dream job of being a nurse now her divorce is settled and the children are happy. But Happiness is just not meant to be straightforward for her, as she finds herself in a dubious situation, all thanks to her ex. Both storylines had me turning pages faster and faster, as usual, because I always find myself fully immersed in these books. That there is an inkling of reality in each of the cases that are featured in the books always makes these even more interesting to read! And I cannot wait to read #14!
Another one for my Audiobook reads. I love anything with a cultural twist, and this is a brilliantly funny look at the epic ride when trying to get married as a British-born Bengali woman. There were many laugh-out-loud moments, and I could relate to so much that was going on within this story! The protagonist recounts her journey into finding a partner through the arranged marriage route, with a bit of help from internet dating, too, and it was hilarious! It’s like an older, female Adrian Mole with a Bengali twist. I’ve already downloaded book 2!
Well, what can I say? That fabulous author, Amanda Prowse, has done it again with her latest book, Ever After. Enya is a widow with one grown-up son. His life seems all set, with a fantastic girlfriend, who is also the daughter of Enya’s best friend, Jen. A car accident causes Enya to have feelings for a person when she never thought she would feel again. Just as she is bucking up the courage to act upon this unforeseen impulse, possibly, her son hits her with another blindside, and all her thoughts of, maybe, moving on herself get put on the back burner. As a wife and mother, this resonated with me. We sometimes find ourselves trapped in a situation that is not of our choosing, but it is the best for everyone else. As a result, many women end up in this same situation, doing nothing they wish, out of fear of rocking everyone else’s boat. Enya has a shot at happiness, but she loses grasp of it as she fights with her inner instincts to do right by so many of the others in her life, forgoing her second chance at happiness. However, sometimes there are others out there who do observe, and note things, and who will act in your benefit, rather than let you continue to wallow, and hold yourself back. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story.
This was a great Christmas in July story, especially as I read it in the glorious sunshine of Tunisia by the poolside! Aubrey starts the story on the morning of her wedding, as she is getting ready to walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband, Miles, but for whatever reason, that walk never happens as he leaves her stranded. Jilted, Aubrey continues with her honeymoon trip — a dream of a festive journey aboard a luxury train decked out to celebrate Christmas, with stops at many Festive fairs across Europe, and finishing in Lapland. She finds herself surrounded by loved-up couples, and somehow ends up telling people her very new husband sadly passed away, rather than face the pity of folk if they knew she had been jilted. What makes the story, above the fabulous wintery destinations, is the group of friends she makes on board, as the singletons find themselves at a table together, away from the lovey-dovey folk. Princess, the fabulously wealthy widow times three, and Brian the tryer. There’s Karen and CJ, and then there is Jasper. He’s a journalist, a gentleman, and rather hot… There are some real hoots along the way, as love is found by more than one person, as well as trying to work out a mystery about a breakup, all accompanying Aubrey’s attempts to correct her friends on the real status of her love life – but no one wants to listen to her truths, insisting that she is dealing with the different stages of grief! And, as I mentioned before, the different cities and markets mentioned make me want to board this Winter Wonderland, especially to have the chance to stay in the glass igloos in Lapland and see the Northern Lights while snuggled up with a loved one. A great feel-good read.
Releasing 13th August, 2025
10 books this month! Which one did you fancy?
Another August blog tour for me, but a great read!
Yet another August Blog tour, but such fun!
So, that was 16 books in July, given the fantastic opportunity I had for uninterrupted reading in the sunshine! Which one caught your eye?
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?
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!
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:
But I Smile Anyway... 