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The Strawberry House by Rachel Burton #BlogTour #BookReview #RachelsRandomResources @RachelBWriter @rararesources

04 Mar 2026 7 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Rachel Burton, Rachel's Random Resources, The Strawberry House

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.

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

My Review

The Strawberry House by Rachel Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @RachelBurton74

Twitter: @RachelBWriter

Instagram: @RachelBWriter

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

Bookbub profile: @RachelBurton

The Cottage At The Edge of The Woods by Jane Lovering #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @janelovering @BoldwoodBooks

25 Feb 2026 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Posg, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Boldwood Books, Book Review, Book Tour, Jane Lovering, Once Upon A Thyme, Rachel's Random Resources

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?

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

My Review

The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods by Jane Lovering
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @jane.lovering

Twitter: @janelovering

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

Bookbub profile: @janelovering

Escape to Seahaven Bay by Nicola May #BlogTour #BookReview #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @nicolamay1

25 Feb 2026 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Escape to Seahaven Bay, Nicola May, Rachel's Random Resources

I’m back with another great blog tour review for fantastic author, Nicola May and her latest release, Escape To Seahaven Bay.

The Blurb

The heartwarming new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling Cockleberry Bay series

Seahaven Bay has always been a place where the sparkling tides bring laughter, love and a lot of fun. But when Rita Jory’s beloved husband Archie dies in a tragic accident, she’s left alone on their failing Cornish farm with nothing but her grieving heart, a mountain of debt and some very badly behaved goats. Faced with selling the home she loves or finding a way to make it pay, Rita has a moment of desperate inspiration. She decides to transform her beloved Seahaven Farm into a place where broken souls can heal by the sea.

With help from her sharp-tongued mother-in-law, loyal best friend, daughter and new friends, the rundown farm soon blossoms into a haven of healing, creativity and community. Rita dares to believe her future might still shimmer with possibility – and even admits her growing attraction to Jago, the gorgeous neighbouring farmer with whom the Jorys had a decades-long feud.

But just as Rita begins to find peace, long-buried secrets about Archie’s past begin to surface, forcing her to question everything she believed about the life they built together.

Rita must discover the truth and decide if she’s ready to open her heart again – to love, to hope, and to the possibility that even after loss, life can still be full of surprises.

A tender, uplifting and hilarious tale of resilience, friendship and finding light in the darkest moments, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

Purchase Links –

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Seahaven-Bay-Nicola-May-ebook/dp/B0FGB43VLH

My Review

Escape to Seahaven Bay by Nicola May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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!

About The Author

Nicola May is an international bestselling author renowned for her heartwarming and humorous romantic comedies. With twenty books to her name, her work has captured readers’ hearts around the world, has been translated into fifteen languages and consistently ranks in the top 100 of Amazon’s Kindle bestseller charts. As a self-published author, she achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one on Amazon twice, and has been a strong advocate for indie authors, pushing for a dedicated chart for them in The Bookseller magazine. Now signed to Storm Publishing, Nicola continues to write heartfelt rom-coms with her signature blend of warmth and wit.

Social Media Links –

www.nicolamay.com

i:author_nicola

t: @nicolamay1

f: NicolaMayAuthor

Under a Southern Sky by Claire Flynn #BlogTour #BookReview #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @clarefly

20 Feb 2026 4 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Clare Flynn, Rachel's Random Resources, Under A Southern Sky

I’m back with another great blog tour review for Clare Flynn’s Under A Southern Sky.

The Blurb

After a German fighter sinks her husband’s ship in the icy Atlantic, grief-stricken Hannah Kidd flees the rubble and ration queues of wartime Liverpool for a new life on the other side of the world. In sun-soaked Sydney, she discovers more than just refuge from nightly bombing raids—she finds unexpected family connections, meaningful work, and the handsome Eddie Greenbank.

As Hannah explores the golden beaches of Sydney’s eastern shores, the misty valleys of the Blue Mountains, and the rolling scenery of the Hunter Valley, she begins to believe that happiness isn’t lost forever. But even in Australia, the war’s long shadow threatens everything she’s begun to rebuild. Hannah must decide: will she let grief define her, or will she fight for the future she never thought she’d have?

A sweeping story of resilience and renewal set against the dramatic backdrop of wartime Australia, Under a Southern Sky explores how far we must sometimes travel—both in miles and in spirit—to find our way home.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/47oMPq

My Review

Under a Southern Sky: War and loss brought her to Australia. Will love make her stay? by Clare Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

About The Author

Clare Flynn is the award-winning author of nineteen historical novels. She is the 2020 Selfies Adult Fiction prize winner for The Pearl of Penang and the 2022 Indie Champion for the Romantic Novelists Association. Clare is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Historical Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists Association. She lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England.

Social Media Links –

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/authorclareflynn

Twitter – https://x.com/clarefly

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/clarefly/

Giveaway to Win a a signed paperback of The Star of Ceylon (Open to UK Only)

https://gleam.io/0uZWS/win-a-a-signed-paperback-of-the-star-of-ceylon-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.

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High by Margaret Amatt #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @AmattAuthor

10 Feb 2026 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Margaret Amatt, Rachel's Random Resources, review

I am excited to be on the blog tour for Margaret Amatt’s most recent release, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High.

The Blurb

Fake dating isn’t on the curriculum… but neither is falling in love

He’s tall, dark and handsome… And he’s just announced his engagement to someone else.

Guidance teacher Clara Morgan thought her year couldn’t get any worse, but it just did. No matter how hard she tries to keep her chin up, it’s hard not to feel down.

Kind and intuitive English teacher and single dad Sam Addison realises something’s up with Clara; he puts two and two together and works out her secret.

Shocked that someone has discovered her unrequited love for one of her colleagues, Clara leans on Sam for support. When he’s invited to a wedding, Clara offers to go with him – as a friend. But she starts to see him in a whole new light when she introduces him to the concept of fake dating.

Sam gave up on love long ago and has a whole cupboard full of baggage, but Clara is just so loveable. If only he wasn’t stuck in a complicated home setup, and she wasn’t in love with someone else.

Sorting out their feelings will need some serious attention if their relationship is going to make the grade and give them the happy ending they deserve.♥ Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is the 17th book in The Glenbriar Series , but can be read on its own as a standalone.

♥ Set in the highlands of Scotland in a small town with fun, romance, drama, and a guaranteed happy ending, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High has a bit of steam and lots of heart.d exactly where they’re meant to be.

My Review

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High by Margaret Amatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this gentle romance, with fake dating at the heart.
Clara is a teacher at Glenbriar High and is coping with having her heart broken by her crush, unintentionally. What makes it worse is that they work together, and their paths cross regularly.
Along comes Sam, another teacher with his own complicated personal story, and an opportunity to support one another through some complex situations.
You know when you read a book, and feel that cosy sensation, knowing you are going to love the ending, without even having read it? That. That is what I felt reading this.
Clara helps so many, and Sam does the same, so knowing they are headed towards one another is just heartwarming.
A thoroughly enjoyable book that may be part of a long-standing series, but is perfectly fine being read as a standalone.

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

About the Author

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned!

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor/shop