“Hooverville” Review

Hello Friends!

Historical romances… historical romances! Today is the day for Historical romances. So get ready for a couple of reviews. This is the first one I’m posting. Hope it makes you curious.

“Hooverville“, written by Kayla Joy, is a NA / Adult Historical Fiction/Romance, published on 1st July 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Kayla Joy for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Annaleise Winston can never seem to fit in with the Society Girls, the strict rules that govern them, or their selfish indulgence during the Great Depression. Behind closed doors, her publicly perfect new fiance, Frank Alexander, is violent and dismissive, but without his financial security, Annaleise and her mother will be on the streets with not a penny to their name.

When Annaleise finally has enough, she runs away and accidentally becomes stranded in a Hooverville, a lawless homeless encampment in Central Park, where she must keep her identity a secret if she wants to stay alive. But a kind shoe shiner named Thomas Kelley may get in the way of everything she thought she ever wanted. As their love for each other grows, the Great Depression worsens, and Frank will pay any price to bring back his bride.

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Potential Trigger Warning: Hooverville contains a depiction of domestic violence.

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About the Author

Kayla Joy is an author and artist living in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her many animals. At 20, she has already self published two books: Morbid Tales from Behind the Mirror (available on Amazon now) and Hooverville. You can follow her journey at kaylajoybooks.com.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

Historical romances are always a good way to go on a journey through a time period and society that have a lot of difference things from our current reality, and yet there is similarities.

This story is set during the Great Depression, and compared to other subgenres, I haven’t read many books related to this particular era. And what I loved about this book was the fact that through Annaleise Winston we get to explore how society was back then. The differences between the classes, the poverty during the Great Depression. It made things fascinating, especially because it got me thinking about today’s reality and the circumstances of live and work.

I also loved that there is development of the characters, and Annaleise finds love while going on this journey and running away from her violent fiance. The interactions between the characters are different and they help, not only to understand the dynamics of the society, but also the views of these characters. It all just added to my moment of thinking deeply.

Overall, it was amazing. I can’t stop saying the word “different”, but it was. It had drama, romance and society elements, but it also had this darkness and sadness. History is not always happy. History is dark, and although the romance and the friendships in this book gave a good balance, there was still a lot of darkness and sadness related to the trust and facts about that time period. I did enjoyed all those elements.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, Q&As and limited extracts and guest posts​.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

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Guest Post: “The Lady in the Veil”, by Allie Cresswell

Hello Friends!

You may be wondering what today’s post is about. Allie Cresswell‘s new book is out and I bring you a guest post to celebrate it. Allie’s message. Bellow you will also find the author bio and the blurb to “The Lady in the Veil” with the purchase links.

Enjoy!

~Jess

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Guest Message

I think it is a sad fact of life that that a person looks like is given far more importance than what they are like as people.

Although social media, TV, magazines and adverts tend to be full of young, beautiful and well-toned human beings, the world isn’t. Speaking personally, as a woman past sixty, my grey hair, sagging body and wrinkles have taken a bit of getting used to. I’ve never been a beautiful person, certainly never well-toned—although I was once young. I have no problem being inside this ‘old lady’ carapace but I’ll admit that catching sight of myself in a mirror (or on my daughter’s Instagram) is a shock.

The reason these things have been on my mind lately is my new novel, The Lady in the Veil. It has turned out to be about being judged by appearances. The eponymous character—Georgina—hides herself from public view for reasons that she does not quite understand. Her mother is extremely retiring, shying from the possibility of being recognised, and Georgina has assimilated this behaviour. Also, a very unpleasant encounter in her pubescent years has given her cause to distrust her appearance; it has an unnerving effect on people. It distracts from who she is. There is something quite extraordinary about her appearance. Increasingly, she hides herself from view, adopting a thick veil.

When she is forced to go to London, where the 1835 season is at its height, far from affording her anonymity, the veil marks Georgina out. Society gossips are galvanised; who is the mysteriously veiled lady? And what horrors does her veil conceal? A modern equivalent of this might be cosmetic surgery that goes wrong; the subject is looked at—but for all the wrong reasons. The kindest thing would be to say nothing, but people are not kind and social media goes crazy with cruel pictures, speculation and scorn. My character finds herself the subject of the same kind of feeding-frenzy. If she had hoped—via the cloaking mechanism of the veil—to be judged for her personal qualities rather than for her appearance, she is sorely disappointed.

What surprised me about the way my story developed was that Georgina’s veil not only skews the way she is seen, but also obscures the way she sees. Necessarily, to keep her face hidden, the gauze of the veil must be thick. How, then, did she see out? My research suggested that the fabric of the veil would be fabricated or decorated in such a way as to allow a greater transparency across the eyes. But it seemed to me impossible that the wearer’s vision could not be hampered. At one point Georgina describes everything ‘as seen through a dirty window’; she is suspicious and distrustful of the outside world, fearful without quite knowing why.

Not only does she not see the world clearly, she does not see herself clearly either. ‘I never look in a mirror,’ she says. How can she expect to be seen, valued, accepted by others if she does not see, value or accept herself?

The Lady in the Veil is the story of a young woman who needs to see and love herself, written by an older woman who, perhaps, needs to do the same.

~Allie Cresswell

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Author Bio

Allie Cresswell was born in Stockport, UK and began writing fiction as soon as she could hold a pencil.

She did a BA in English Literature at Birmingham University and an MA at Queen Mary College, London.

She has been a print-buyer, a pub landlady, a book-keeper, run a B & B and a group of boutique holiday cottages. Nowadays Allie writes full time having retired from teaching literature to lifelong learners.

She has two grown-up children, two granddaughters, two grandsons and two cockapoos but just one husband – Tim. They live in Cumbria, NW England.

Social Media Links – Facebook | Twitter | Website

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Synopsis

What secrets hide beneath the veil? When her mother departs for a tour of the continent, Georgina is sent from the rural backwaters to stay with her cousin, George Talbot, in London. The 1835 season is at its height, but Georgina is determined to attend neither balls nor plays, and to eschew Society. She hides her face beneath an impenetrable veil. Her extraordinary appearance only sets off gossip and speculation as to her identity. Who is the mysterious lady beneath the veil?

The Lady in the Veil continues the story of the Talbots in The House in the Hollow but stands equally well alone.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Return of Her Lost Knight” Review

Hello Friends!

I hope you are having a lovely Thursday night. Ready for a new review? Well, today I bring you a review of a historical romance, this one by an author that I have read before and that I have been loving her stories.

“The Return of Her Lost Knight“, written by Melissa Oliver, is a Historical Romance in the Medieval Romance subgenre, the third book in the Notorious Knights Series published on 24th June 2021 by Harlequin Historical.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Melissa Oliver for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

With her lost love…

To avoid a forced marriage, Lady Gwenllian plans to escape to a convent. She couldn’t possibly honor another when her heart still belongs to Ralph de Kinnerton, the man she had to betray to save his life—only to hear of his death shortly after. So how is it possible he’s here at this knight’s tournament? Now the pull of their unfinished past forces Gwen to question the choice she’d made for her future…

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Mills & Boon

Author Content Warning: Some scene of combat. Reference to sexual assault ( not on page)

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About the Author

Growing up in Richmond- Upon-Thames, Melissa Oliver used to walk past the old Mills and Boon offices as a teen, and wistfully sigh that one day her dream of writing for them will come true. Amazingly, after all these years, it finally has…& now she can bring all those stories out onto the pages of her books. Melissa lives in south-west London with her gorgeous husband and equally gorgeous daughters, who share her passion for castles, palaces and all things historical.

Social Media Links: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

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My Review

Do I love historicals? Yes! Have I found out that I actually enjoy the Medieval subgenre? Well, yes. And partly because of the two previous books I have read of Melissa Oliver.

This story is the third book in the series, but honestly you can read it as a standalone, because although some characters from previous books make an appearance, it’s not in a way that may require you to have read the other stories. I do recommend you to check them out if you haven’t, because they are quite good. I do have to say that this may be my favorite.

In this romance, we follow Lady Gwenllian and Ralph de Kinnerton in their second chance love story. I do like when the characters have a second opportunity at romance, especially when it makes sense, and the author made this story relatable and emotional. I was excited to see Gwen and Ralph together.

Drama, secrets, danger, family, love, happiness, past and future. Lots of elements that made the story fly while I read it. I was connecting with Gwen and I wanted to know how hers and Ralph’s story would end up. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, it never is when there is a past between the characters, but it just made it exciting to know what would happen next.

Overall, I loved the emotion in the storytelling and it made so happy by the end. It was such a good journey for Gwen and Ralph that I couldn’t help but loving every bit I spent reading.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, from reviews, limited Q&As and Extracts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Girl With Flaming Hair” Review

Hello Friends!

Ready for another review? Here it is!

“The Girl With Flaming Hair“, written by Natalie Kleinman, is a Historical Romantic Fiction (Regency) novel published on 15th June 2021 by Sapere Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Natalie Kleinman for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Sophie is plagued by the shadows of the past…

While driving his curricle, Rufus Solgrave, Earl of Luxton comes across Sophie Clifford lying unconscious in the road, having fallen from her horse.

Not too far from home, he takes her back to Ashby, his country seat, leaving her in the care of his mother, Elizabeth, Countess of Luxton, and his sister, Lydia. Under their kindly supervision, Sophie soon begins to recover.

Upon discovering that Sophie has never mixed with London society, Elizabeth invites her to accompany the family to town for Lydia’s come-out. Unhappy with her homelife and eager to sample the delights of the season, Sophie accepts.

However, her enjoyment is marred when talk of an old scandal surrounding her birth resurfaces. What’s more, her devious stepbrother, Francis Follet, has followed her to London, intent on making her his bride.

Sensing Sophie’s distress, Rufus steps in to protect her from Francis’s unwelcome advances.

And although neither Rufus nor Sophie are yet thinking of marriage, both soon begin to wonder whether their comfortable friendship could blossom into something warmer…

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Natalie’s passion for reading became a compulsion to write when she attended a ten-week course in creative writing some sixteen or so years ago. She takes delight in creating short stories of which more than forty have been published, but it was her lifelong love of Regency romance that led her to turn from contemporary romantic fiction to try her hand at her favourite genre. Raised on a diet of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, she is never happier than when immersed in an age of etiquette and manners, fashion and intrigue, all combined into a romping good tale. She lives on the London/Kent border, close to the capital’s plethora of museums and galleries which she uses for research as well as pleasure. A perfect day though is when she heads out of town to enjoy lunch by a pub on the river, any river, in company with her husband and friends.
Natalie is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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My Review

Historical Romance is a genre I quite enjoy, and I have read many books in the Regency subgenre. Does that make me an expert? No, it does not. It just means I enjoy those kinds of books. And I do believe that Natalie Kleinman hit the right reader spot for me.

In this book we follow Sophie and Rufus. It was a light read and yet it had a good amount of mystery, drama, romance and the society interactions… all things I enjoy in a historical, just as much as I love to see the main characters fall in love during a different time period and having their journey have some ups and downs.

The characters were amazing and I had fun learning about them as much as understanding their interactions and actions. I loved Rufus family, I loved learning about Sophie’s background and see her development.

The fact that we end up learning about the society in London at the same time Sophie is discovering it for the first time, it was such a perfect touch. It is part of the development of the story and the characters, but it was also something that I hadn’t read in this particular way. Quite fun and refreshing. Sophie’s introduction to the society combined with the danger of her stepbrother approaching, and in the middle of it the discovery of independence, and the growth of friendships.

Overall, I quite enjoyed the book. Scandal, romance, mystery, secrets, drama, kindness and relationships. All we need in a historical romance.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Promo Post: “Lost Love’s Return” by Alfred Nicols

Hello Friends!

Ready for a promo post? This book is now out and I will have the review posted this week so stay tune for that. Meanwhile, maybe you will be curious just by the synopsis, like I was.

“Lost Love’s Return“ written by Alfred Nicols, is a Historical Romance, published June 8th 2021 by Books Fluent.

Happy Publication Day!

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Synopsis

When Elizabeth, a young English nurse, falls in love with one of her American patients, her whole world changes. When Peter, the American soldier, is suddenly shipped home to the U.S. at the end of WWI, he does his best to alert Elizabeth to what’s happening but fails, leaving her with no idea where he is and no way to contact him — now oceans away.

For 27 years, Peter yearns for Elizabeth, regretting the actions that led him into a long-drawn-out loveless marriage. But now, with the help of his son, he locates the only woman he’s ever loved. The question is, will she give him a second chance?

Purchase Links: Amazon

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Author Bio

ALFRED NICOLS received undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Mississippi. Following military service, he had a career as a lawyer, a state trial judge, and a federal judge.

He and his wife Mary live on rural acreage in Mississippi, where their two sons have second homes. “Lost Love’s Return” and its 18 point reader guide were written to leave his children and grandchildren, maybe others, insight into issues in life and the value of family ties, even to imperfect people.

Social Media Links: Goodreads

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance” Review

Hello Friends!

There are a lot of subgenres in the Historical Romance genre, and Vikings is one of the themes used. I have to say that it’s quite fun.

“The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance“, written by Lucy Morris, is a Historical Romance novel, published on 27th May 2021 by Harlequin Historical/Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Lucy Morris for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A challenging wife

For a warrior Viking

When Thorstein Bergson rescues a beautiful woman from a storm-tossed longship he little expects to broker a powerful marriage alliance with her. This high-status ice queen is not the comfortable wife this warrior chief is seeking, but maybe the bittersweet pain in Gyda’s eyes hides another woman beneath? The one he tasted that first night, when she kissed him with such pent-up longing…

Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Content Warning: The heroine has had a forced seduction in her past but not from the hero and it’s not mentioned graphically.

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About the Author

Lucy Morris lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two young children and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. A member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association, she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval and Highlander romances.

Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!

Social Media Links: Instragram | Twitter | Facebook

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My Review

Compared to other subgenres, I haven’t read that many Viking romances, but I kind of enjoy it. Just as much as I enjoy any other subgenre of Historical Romance. It got me curious about the inspiration behind the characters and the setting, and also intrigued to know there the truth and the fiction met.

In this novel we follow Gyda and Thorstein as their Marriage alliance develops into more. Secrets, romance, drama, relatable characters, and chemistry between them that made the interactions fun to read.

A journey of opening up to love and learning how to trust. About growth and leadership… about family and those around us… about struggles and conquering goals… All of it in a setting that is very different from what we may be used to, but that the narrative still transported us to it.

Overall, I enjoyed it a lot. It reminded me why I’m curious about the past and the way a society acted during that time and cultural context. Although the book is fiction, and some things may be open to interpretation, it got me curious. Not just about the side characters, but also about the time period.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their Reviews, limited guest posts, extracts and Q&As (author and blogger supplied).

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Highlander’s Secret Son” Review

Hello Friends!

Ready for a historical romance?

“The Highlander’s Secret Son“, written by Jeanine Englert, is a Historical Romance novel, published on 25th May 2021 by Harlequin Historical/Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jeanine Englert for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

His first love

Now his sworn enemy…

What is Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby as well! Brandon once loved this woman with all his heart―until her family killed many of his clan. Now, as the new Campbell Laird, he must make sure she pays the price for her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true…? That her child is his son and heir!

Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Content Warning: Scars from past lashings/physical abuse while the heroine was pregnant (a punishment for being pregnant prior to marriage); discusses impact of past physical abuse and abandonment issues.

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About the Author

Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a Golden Heart ® Finalist, Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers.

Social Media Links: Website | BookBub | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

Historical Romances… my cozy reads. I’m always open to read a historical romance by a new-to-me author, I’m always marveled by the plot, the characters and even the historical and social elements that I get to learn.

In this book we follow Fiona and Brandon, two people that had a past together, they had loved each other, then something happened.

Betrayal, secrets, love, grief, duty, choice, family… there are a lot of things that move us as human beings. This book has that too which made it realistic and I could connect with the characters, each is very good because there are always differences between past and present.

Speaking about the characters, I loved them. I loved that they knew each other previously, because the fact that they had that history gave me the possibility to see their development and relationship grow in a different way. Plus, there is always drama when people have history.

Overall, this story is filled with emotion and the overcoming of the past and moving on towards happiness and growth. It was quite interesting for me because the circumstances that lead to the romance and the “get-together” of the characters is not as usual, which was a breath of fresh air for me. I can’t wait to see what else Jeanine Englert will have for us in future books.

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Giveway

For a chance to Win a bundle of Highland Treats CLICK HERE.

(Open Internationally)

Prize contains:

1) One signed paperback copy of The Highlander’s Secret Son.

2) Bookmark and magnet book swag.

3) Scottish Blessing Bracelet.

4) Sterling Silver “Spread Your Wings and Fly” Necklace.

5) Red Journal.

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their Reviews, limited guest posts, extracts and Q&As (author and blogger supplied).

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Nellie’s Heartbreak” Review

Hello Friends!

I hope you are all doing well and that your weekend was relaxing. With a new week, comes new reviews, and I bring you one that is about a Saga book.

“Nellie’s Heartbreak“, written by Rosie Clarke, is a Saga novel, published on 20th May 2021 by Boldwood Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Rosie Clarke and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A new stand-alone saga set in Yorkshire around out the outbreak of the second world war and the unlikely relationship between a master and servant.

As a small child, Nellie Peace was always dreaming but sensed her mother’s rejection.  

Abandoned and sent into service at Beaumont House at an early age, Nellie is lost and alone until she meets the unpredictable and reclusive artist, Lucas Harrington and falls in love with him.

This unlikely association between master and servant is encouraged by Lucas’s gentle natured Aunt Alice as Lucas sees something unusual in Nellie and is compelled to paint her. 

Broken promises lead to inevitable heartbreak and Nellie flees Beaumont House in disgrace for London. 

Alone again, Nellie must learn to live and fend for herself and her new-born child.

Can Nellie win a second chance of happiness and can she solve the mystery of her mother’s tortured past?

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire. Rosie’s brand new saga series, Welcome to Harpers Emporium began in December 2019.

Social Media Links: Website | BookBub | Goodreads | Twitter

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My Review

As this isn’t my first book by Rosie Clarke, I found myself not surprised that I enjoyed the story and that I enjoyed Rosie Clarke’s storytelling ability.

In this book we follow Nellie, and her story touched my heart. As the title indicates, Nellie has to deal with a heartbreak and all the struggles related to it and the new challenges in her life. The plot that we are taken through and Nellie’s realistic feel, were things that made me connect so much with her and her life.

Sadness, secrets, drama, family… lots of emotional moments and memorable scenes and characters. A rollercoaster of excitement and hardship. There isn’t an easy journey for Nellie and that was so compelling and real.

Overall, I loved the characters, specially Nellie, I loved their interactions and how the story went from beginning to end. It felt like a novel with such raw emotion, so true and real, that I couldn’t help it but to love it.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Lost Sister” Review

Hello Friends!

I hope you are all doing well. Despite the crazy weather, things have excited. I have been reading, and today I bring you a review historical novel, one of the books I read during this time.

“The Lost Sister“, written by Kathleen McGurl, is a Historical/dual timeline novel, published on 12th May 2021 by HQ.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Kathleen McGurl and HQ for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Three sisters. Three ships. One heartbreaking story.

1911. As Emma packs her trunk to join the ocean liner Olympic as a stewardess, she dreams of earning enough to provide a better life for both her sisters. With their photograph tucked away in her luggage, she promises to be back soon – hoping that sickly Lily will keep healthy, and wild Ruby will behave. But neither life at sea nor on land is predictable, and soon the three sisters’ lives are all changed irrevocably…

Now. When Harriet finds her late grandmother’s travelling trunk in the attic, she’s shocked to discover a photo of three sisters inside – her grandmother only ever mentioned one sister, who died tragically young. Who is the other sister, and what happened to her? Harriet’s questions lead her to the story of three sister ships, Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, and a shattering revelation about three sisters torn apart…

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Kathleen McGurl lives in Christchurch, UK, with her husband. She has two sons who have both now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has published several novels with HQ and self-published another. She has also sold dozens of short stories to women’s magazines, and written three How To books for writers. After a long career in the IT industry she became a full time writer in 2019. When she’s not writing, she’s often out running, slowly.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

Historical is a genre I quite enjoy. I love that it allows me to under society back then and it’s a journey through time that we can never make except via a book. Then I started reading dual timeline novels and it was the best of both worlds for me. I get to experience the historical genre with the added bonus of following contemporary characters as well.

In this book we follow a family during present times with Harriet and back in 1911 with three sisters, Emma, Lily and Ruby. The story of the three sister ships: Olympic, Titanic and Britannic; and the mystery of what happened to Harriet’s grandmother’s sisters.

Although most of us know the history of the three sister ships, I loved the connection that the author made between the family and that event. As we uncover the truth about the secrets of the family, and that made me very curious with each page I read.

It was a moving story, emotional and quite a journey. The characters were believable, and could connect with both Harriet and Emma easily. They were amazingly well written and as I followed the two timelines, the details and the realism, I loved it and it was perfect for the entire feel the story had.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and how the fiction connected well with the true history. I also loved the family and the ties between them all, past and present.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews or basic promo / spotlight posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Beyond The Moon” Audiobook Review

Hello Friends!

If you enjoy Audiobooks, get ready because this is review is about one.

“Beyond The Moon“, written by Catherine Taylor, is a Historical fiction/time travel. This audiobook was published on December 2020, narrated by Liz May Bryce. It was a duration of 13 hours 18 minute.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine Taylor for the Authors Direct Codes of this audiobook and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A strange twist of fate connects a British soldier fighting in the First World War in 1916 with a young woman living in modern-day England a century later, in this haunting literary time travel novel. In 1916 1st Lieutenant Robert Lovett is a patient at Coldbrook Hall military hospital in Sussex, England. A gifted artist, he’s been wounded fighting in the Great War. Shell shocked and suffering from hysterical blindness he can no longer see his own face, let alone paint, and life seems increasingly hopeless.

A century later in 2017, medical student Louisa Casson has just lost her beloved grandmother – her only family. Heartbroken, she drowns her sorrows in alcohol on the South Downs cliffs – only to fall accidentally part-way down. Doctors fear she may have attempted suicide, and Louisa finds herself involuntarily admitted to Coldbrook Hall – now a psychiatric hospital, an unfriendly and chaotic place.

Then one day, while secretly exploring the old Victorian hospital’s ruined, abandoned wing, Louisa hears a voice calling for help, and stumbles across a dark, old-fashioned hospital room. Inside, lying on the floor, is a mysterious, sightless young man, who tells her he was hurt at the Battle of the Somme, a WW1 battle a century ago. And that his name is Lieutenant Robert Lovett…

Purchase Link: Audible | Author Direct

Content warnings: Contains graphic descriptions of war violence and injuries, as well as profanity and mild sex.

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About The Author

Catherine Taylor was born and grew up on the island of Guernsey in the British Channel Islands. She is a former journalist, most recently for Dow Jones News and The Wall Street Journal in London. Beyond The Moon is her first novel. She lives in Ealing, London with her husband and two children.

Social Media Links – Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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About the Narrator

Liz May Brice is an English actress. She is known for roles such as the convicted murderer Pat Kerrigan on ITV1’s Bad Girls, and Agent Johnson in Torchwood: Children of Earth.

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My Review

I have read a lot of dual timeline stories, I have read a lot of historicals, but I have only read a couple of time travel stories. I have always been curious about books that have that element, I wonder how it happen and why it happens. But mostly, I wonder how the characters will react.

The fantastic thing about this story is that I didn’t read it, I listen to it. It made the experience interesting and special in a way. When I listen to an audiobook, I always feel a different trip through the story, maybe because I can close my eyes and just picture what the author – through the narrator – is telling.

Since this book was a time traveling story, the connection was bigger. Because it was a double trip in a way. Not only was I, Jess the reader, traveling inside the book, I was going on a time traveling rollercoaster with the characters. Since it’s the first time traveling story I’m listening to, I have to say I loved the experience. It gave a different meaning to audiobooks.

The narrator’s voice was just perfect to me. I could understand her, I could follow the story, I was captivated. Fantastic job.

Now, about the story itself. This book follows Lieutenant Robert Lovett and medical student Louisa Casson. Okay, where is the time traveling, you may ask. Robert is from 1916 and Louisa is from 2017. How did they meet? Coldbrook Hall, an hospital.

It was a setting that gave me chills, the kind that makes me curious to keep reading (in this case, listen) the story, and wondering what will happen next. It also had the elements I love in a historical type of story, with the social aspects, and in this time period we are talking about: War.

It was a strong story, one that broke my heart, but also made it go “AWE” with happiness. In part is was the background of the characters, their stories made me emotional and made me connect with them. On the other hand, it was part fault of the characters themselves. Both Robert and Louisa were amazing. I absolutely loved them and their interactions and how they dealt with the strangeness of the situation their found themselves in.

Overall, I can’t wait to read more books by this author, and also listen to more book by this author. Because honestly, I listened to the audiobook but I know I would have been just as captivated by the plot and characters if I had read. The bonus of being an audiobook is that I can relax in bed when I have a headache and be smooth by the narrator’s voice, while she tells me an amazing story.

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Giveway

For a chance to Win one of the 5 x Beyond the Moon Audiobook CLICK HERE.

(Open Internationally)

*Audiobook to be distributed via Authors-Direct. Please check the Authors Direct website to check whether it operates where you are.

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess