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The Marriage Monitoring Aunties by Ola Awonubi #BookTour #Blog Tour @createandwrite @rararesources @0neMoreChapter_ Plus a #Giveaway

21 Jul 2025 8 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Ola Awonubi, Rachel's Random Resources, review

I’ve been online friends with Ola for a good few years, and it is my genuine pleasure to showcase her latest book, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, as a part of the blog tour.

The Blurb

Friendships – fantastic. Family – getting better. Career – promotion on the cards.

Romance – *seriously delayed*

Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite yet, but it’ll happen this year for sure. Especially if her mother, two best friends, younger sister and all those in the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association have anything to say about it.

She might love her job, have great friends and even own her own home, but according to the meddling aunties, this is why she’s still single at 50.

What if her prayers for the perfect man have got lost? Or maybe Sade’s happy-ever-after is right on time…

My Review

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association by Ola Awonubi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Purchase Links

About The Author

Ola Awonubi is an award-winning author, creative writing tutor, and speaker, known for her compelling storytelling that bridges cultures and histories. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK, where she pursued her passion for writing.

At the age of 40, Ola rekindled her dream of becoming a writer and earned an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East London. Her talent quickly gained recognition—her short story The Pink House won first prize in the National Words of Colour competition (2008), and The Go-Slow Journey secured first prize in the fiction category of Queen Mary Wasafiri’s New Writing Prize (2009). She was also honored with the Best Author CA Award (2019).

Ola has authored eight books, including Love’s Persuasion, Love Me Unconditionally, and the anthology Naija Love Stories. Her historical fiction novel, A Nurse’s Tale, published by One More Chapter Books (HarperCollins) in July 2023, became a bestseller in Canada, earning a spot on The Globe and Mail’s historical fiction chart. It was also recognized by the Brown Girl Collective as a favorite historical fiction book of 2024.

Her upcoming romantic comedy, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association, is set for release in Summer 2025, as part of a two-book deal. She is also working on a Jane Austen adaptation set in Lagos, currently under consideration by publishers and agents.

Beyond her writing, Ola is a creative writing tutor and speaker, sharing her expertise at prestigious events such as the Black British Book Festival, Meet-Cute Romance Festival, and London Festival of Writing. She will also be speaking at The London Writers Festival, Jericho Writers Conference, inspiring aspiring authors with her insights on storytelling, publishing, and book marketing.

Ola’s work has been featured in Afreada, Brittle Paper, Story Time, Woven Tale Press, and NaijaStories.com, with over 15 short stories published across various literary platforms.

Through her Substack newsletter, “The Resilient Writer,” she provides actionable writing guidance, digital resources, and industry insights, helping fellow creatives refine their craft and build their author brands.

Social Media Links –

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494619/?

Another Lucky Number by Nina Kaye @NinaKayeAuthor #BookReview

10 Jul 2025 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Another Lucky Number, Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Nina Kaye, review

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.

The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @LauraPAuthor

29 May 2025 Leave a comment

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Laura Pearson, Rachel's Random Resources, review, The Woman Who Met Herself

Thrilled to be on the blog tour for Laura Pearson’s latest release, The Woman Who Met Herself.

The Blurb

What would you do, if you met your double?

Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.

Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.

As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.

And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…

My Review

The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, I love these kinds of family-related stories!
I thoroughly enjoyed the last Laura Pearson book I read, so was thrilled to read this newest title from her.
Imagine getting to your 60s and suddenly being faced with a person who should have been in your life from day one?
This is what happens to Debbie Jones and Ruth Waverly.
Faced with one another, on one of Debbie’s routine door-knock visits as a part of her job, collecting donations and secular donors for a charity, the two women are shocked to see themselves.
Two people who look almost identical.
I don’t want to rehash the story, but this is the almost unbelievable story of twins, separated at a very young age, unaware of the existence of the other.
How they go about finding out their beginnings, the reason for their separation, and how each woman grows, as if by finding the other, they have finally gained the confidence to take steps they never would have before, is written so beautifully.
There is a cast of side characters that give both women extra layers to their personalities and characters.
I really enjoyed this.

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

About The Author

Laura Pearson is the author of the #1 bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @LauraPearson22

Twitter: @LauraPAuthor

Instagram: @LauraPAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22

The Cornish Cottage By The Sea by Kim Nash #BlogTour #BookReview #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @KimTheBookworm

12 May 2025 4 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Boldwood Books, Book Tour, Kim Nash, Rachel's Random Resources, review, The Cornish Cottage By The Sea

Very happy to be a part of the book tour for my friend, Kim Nash, and her newest release, The Cornish Cottage By The Sea.

The Blurb

A gorgeous, uplifting, romantic read from the author of the Cornish Cove series, Kim Nash A new start by the sea…

For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.

The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.

But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?

My Review

The Cornish Cottage by the Sea by Kim Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Kim Nash’s books. Always a focus on a slightly older FMC and second chances.
In The Cornish Cottage By The Sea, Jo Jenkins is a divorcee and mother to two grown-up daughters. She’s stagnating in her little flat, in a place that only holds sad memories, staying there in case her family wants to come ‘home’.
An inheritance she never expected leaves her as the owner of a Cornish cottage owned by her ex-husband’s aunt, which she coveted when she first. It’s a big move. The cottage is not quite what she remembered, but the place is still beautiful with idyllic surroundings and views she could stare at forever. Knowing there are members of her family who weren’t on board with the move, Jo carries on, hoping for the best, but doubting she will perform miracles.
I loved that Jo found terrific, supportive friends from the beginning, conquering her reluctance to talk to people she doesn’t know, after advice from her mum, and beginning every friendship with simple conversations.
The way she builds her new gang of ‘people’ is lovely. It gives hope that there is a way to move forward positively even when everything you lived for has changed.
Jo meets Seamus, a local handyman, through his father, and one of her new “I am brave’ conversations with strangers. He is friendly, helpful, and somewhat handsome, but Jo is so used to seeing herself as the frumpy middle-aged mother figure that she can’t believe he would be interested in her.
Her new friends help to build her self-confidence back up to where it should be, and they even form a Friday Club, which sounds like a blast, and support others around them.
A mystery that she didn’t even know she wanted to solve also presents its solution to her towards the end.
Such a wonderful story. I read it in a day!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

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

About The Author

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, romantic, feel-good fiction, having wanted to write books since she was a little girl. She works as both Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni. When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog and reading, as well as running a book club in Staffordshire and organising local and national reader/author events.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.nash.10

Twitter https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kim_the_bookworm/

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

Bookbub profile: Kim Nash Books – BookBub

Floating Solo by Shelley Wilson #BlogTour #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @ShelleyWilson72

04 Apr 2025 1 Comment

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Floating Solo, Rachel's Random Resources, review, Shelley Wilson

I am thrilled to have my lovely friend Shelley Wilson’s most recent book on a tour here, today!

The Blurb

Are you single?
Have you lost your confidence when it comes to travelling?
Would you welcome a few weeks away to find that missing spark?
Climb aboard the Creaky Cauldron for an adventure like no other!

Budding entrepreneur Kat Sinclair wants to grow her quirky solo narrowboat holiday enterprise but faces rejection at every turn. Until a Hollywood film crew gets in touch with the potential to change her business, dreams, and love life forever.

My Review

Floating Solo by Shelley Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Floating Solo is a romance novel focussing on Kat, a woman with a goal. She’s been burned in relationships, and her focus on building her business, Floating Solo, holidays for singletons on her narrow boat, is wavering, as her most recent (ex)partner labels it a whim that will never really succeed.
Kat is given a reprieve with the help of her best friend and her partner when they help her raise her profile on social media, and they are all astounded when a fantastic offer comes her way.
Suddenly, Kat finds herself on a two-week mission to help a group of Hollywood types film a reality-style show with a famous male actor as the guest.
Only he’s as grumpy as anything. Even though the other four people joining them on the trip (on a separate boat) are excellent company, Kat has to spend most of her time and share her living space with Jordan Harrison.
I enjoyed reading this, following the slow pace of the narrowboat journey and the accompanying fast pace of the relationships between the characters on the trip, especially Kat and Jordan.
The ups and downs and misunderstandings between two very different strangers as they navigate unfamiliar situations in close proximity make for a brilliant read!

Purchase Link –

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Floating-Solo-Shelley-Wilson/dp/1739244036/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Floating-Solo-Shelley-Wilson/dp/1739244036/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/floating-solo/shelley-wilson/9781739244033

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/floating-solo-shelley-wilson/1146530365

About the Author

Shelley Wilson is an English multi-genre author of over twenty books. She writes young adult supernatural and fantasy fiction and motivational adult self-help and has recently launched her debut romance. When not working on her own titles, Shelley works as a writing mentor for women in business who want to write non-fiction books. Shelley is a single mum of three and lives in the West Midlands, UK. She loves solo travelling in her VW camper, walking, and obsessing over to-do lists!

Social Media Links – https://linktr.ee/ShelleyWilson72