“A Chance in a Million” Review

Hello Friends!

“A Chance in a Million“, written by T.A. Williams, is a Contemporary Romance novel, published on 15th September 2022, by Canelo Escape.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and T.A. Williams for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Fate brought them together, now it’s up to them to make it work…

Having left the army to recover from a traumatic experience, Captain Jane Reed is on her way to Venice to assist Lady Veronica Cooper, a world-famous writer who has lost her mojo. Plagued by grief and sleepless nights, Jane soon finds a kindred spirit in Veronica, coping with her own loss after the death of her husband.

When the two relocate to Veronica’s villa in the countryside to escape the summer tourists, Jane meets the rest of the Cooper family – including Veronica’s brooding son, David. With his own tragic past, David has resigned himself to a life of solitude. Jane finds herself determined to bring joy back into his life, even if it means finally spilling her secrets.

Can Jane and David help each other heal, and find love in the process, or are some scars too deep to treat?

Purchase Links

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About the Author

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing escapist romance is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

​T.A. Williams

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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My Review

Being transported to Italy is something that T.A. Williams’ books do to us readers. With the past couple of years being complicated for everyone that loves to travel, stories like this one, setting in beautiful places, really help. I have travel this year, yet not to Italy, which is a country I really want to explore in the future, meanwhile I will read this author’s books.

“A Chance in a Million” is a romance story that is as emotional and sweet as one may hope. It follows Jane as she takes a new job assisting Veronica Cooper, a wonderful woman still morning her husband passing.

Through the story we are taken on a journey, discovering more about the Cooper family, specially David – Veronica’s son, but also understanding Jane’s life and watching her picking up the pieces of herself. Connecting with the characters and seeing how they all have something in common, how they are all broken and imperfect, was just what I needed. Yes, they may be struggling, but they are trying to figure out their life and the path to find themselves again.

Following the characters through the lovely city of Venice, just made me want to visit it even more. It’s something I always love about the author’s books, the fact that it take us to another country and show us beautiful places were he set emotional and sweet stories.

T.A. Williams as once again made me smile, dream and fall in love with the characters he has created. And I’m absolutely thankful that I got a chance to read this book.

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

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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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“War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm” Review

Hello Friends!

Are we ready for a review? Well, I have been reading and review lots of historical novels, and tonight is another one.

“War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm“, written by Rosie Clarke, is a Historical fiction, Saga novel, the first book in a new series, published on 4th November 2021, by Boldwood Books.

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

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Synopsis

Cambridgeshire – March 1939

As the clouds of war begin to gather in Europe, the Talbot family of rural Blackberry Farm will be torn apart, just as so many families all over the world will be. Life will never be the same again.

Whilst in London, the Salmons family will feel the pain of parting and loss.

Brought together by war, the two families become intertwined and, as the outlook looks bleak, they must draw on each other’s strength to fight through the hard times.

Lizzie Johnson and Tom were sweethearts until a mistake caused a terrible rift. Lizzie takes herself off to London to heal the pain in a glamorous new job but she still loves Tom. His pride has been hurt – but deep down inside Tom still cares. Can they find happiness before their chance is gone and the whole word is swept into the terrible madness of war?

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: Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

Rosie Clarke bring us a brand new series, introduced with this book. A book in the WWII era about family, friendship, love and how the times of war affects the community. I love historical novels in that saga subgenre because of how it always have that sense of community and understanding. The characters could be our family members and these could be the stories our grandparents told.

As we get to know the families and the main characters we get to follow in this journey, we are also introduce to the rural ton of Blackberry Farm and also the context of the WWII at that time. I could help myself, I as very curious to know what would happen next. I wanted happiness for the characters and my heart was with them from beginning to end.

Overall, I enjoyed it, and since it was the start of a new series, it made sense that not everything was resolved or even uncovered, and I can’t wait for the next book.

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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

“A Little Piece of Paradise” Review

Hello Friends!

These past few days have been emotional, sad specially. Something that always makes me a bit happier is reading a good romance. And this one gives just that warmth.

“A Little Piece of Paradise“, written by T.A. Williams, is a Contemporary Romance novel, published on 4th October 2021, by Canelo.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and T.A. Williams for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

The inheritance of a lifetime… with a catch

When Sophie’s uncle leaves her a castle in the Italian Riviera in his will, she can’t believe her luck. The catch? She and her estranged sister, Rachel, must live there together for three months in order to inherit it.

Having worked in Rome for four years, Sophie’s excited to revisit to Italy, even if it reignites memories of a cheating ex who soon learns of her return and wants to rekindle their spark. Sophie realises that distance does indeed make the heart grow fonder – but for her friend back home, Chris, who she discovers is more to her than just a friend.

With the clock ticking, can Sophie and Rachel stick it out and heal old wounds, or are the sisters destined to go their own way at the end of the three months? And does Chris feel the same way about Sophie as she does for him?

A beautiful story of romance and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Alex Brown and Lucy Coleman.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

​The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…

T.A. Williams

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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My Review

Some people say man can’t write romance. I have hear people say that in bookstores looking at certain books in the shelves. I don’t agree, and I know many of you don’t agree with that idea. Everyone can write anything they put their minds to.

T.A. Williams is an amazing write. He takes me on a journey, in Italy. I have Italy in my bucket list, I want to learn Italian next year, and because of this author’s books I always get a glimpses of it.

In this book we have to sisters, a castle in Italy, a chance at love, a opportunity for this sisterhood and healing. A beautiful novel about family, a beautiful place/scenery and romance.

The descriptions, not surprising, transported me to the moment and place. I also enjoyed learning more about the background of Sophie and Rachel, and their family. It’s the little things that make me curious, and T.A. Williams got a good amount of it to make me happy.

Overall, it was fantastic and I enjoyed it a lot. I won’t give spoilers but you should check out and see what you think about the characters and their interactions, because I definitely had fun with it.

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

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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

“Snowflakes Over the Starfish Café” Review

Hello Friends!

And now, after a review of a Historical novel, here is a review of a women’s fiction novel. This one is a standalone.

“Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café“, written by Jessica Redland, is a Women’s Fiction, published on 31st August 2021 by Boldwood Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jessica Redland 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

Welcome to The Starfish Café – where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother’s traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness, as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café…

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down…

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? Afterall, with courage, nothing is impossible…

Purchase Links – Amazon

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About the Author

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links – Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

I have previously read some of Jessica Redland’s books and I have enjoyed them, so I jumped to the opportunity of reading this one.

First of all, The Starfish Café is the most amazing name ever. It immediately gave me some vibes of the location and learning about it and all the people regularly visiting it, felt like it was part of my small hometown. That’s the feeling I had while reading the book. It had a familiar feel to it.

Hollie and Jake… two characters I absolutely love. The way their relationship started and developed, the uncovering of their pasts and how it made them who they are... I could understand it and I couldn’t stop reading because I needed more.

Grief, drama, resilience, family, friendship, love,… and Christmas. All things I like in a book. Specially the plus: the cute dog. This book had many messages in it. It was emotional and it was a rollercoaster. Thankfully I didn’t read it at the beach, where everyone could see my tears falling down my cheeks. But it didn’t just made me cry, it also made me smile. Not that crying was bad, it was a good thing. I didn’t even realized I was crying, which means I really was into the story and connecting with the characters.

Overall, it was emotional. It was happy and powerful. It was lovely and it was comforting. And I enjoyed every second of 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

“No Place Like Home” Review

Hello Friends!

My family is visiting Portugal, with every precaution, but that means I’m currently finishing up the review on my phone. So I hope no problem arrives.

“No Place Like Home“, written by Lynda Stacey, is a Crime and Thriller novel, published on July 5th 2021 by Boldwood Books.

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

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Synopsis

He knows where you are…

Sisters Molly and Beth Winters thought the remote clifftop house would be the perfect place to hide away after their mother’s brutal murder. They were wrong….

He wants revenge…

Because someone from the girls’ past has already found their safe house and he is watching and waiting in the shadows ready to make them pay.

He won’t stop until you’re dead…

Their new home should have been the place the sisters were safe.

But no place is safe forever.

A gripping new thriller from Lynda Stacey guaranteed to keep you up all night!

Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, S E Lynes, Jacqui Kabler and Kendra Elliot.

Purchase Link: Amazon

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Author’s Bio

Lynda, grew up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. She works full time as well as being an author and is currently the Sales Director of a stationery, office supplies and office furniture company in Doncaster, where she has worked for the past 28 years.

Over the past 30 years she’s often worked two jobs and has also been a nurse, a model (in her much younger days), an emergency first response instructor and a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor … and yes, she was crazy enough to dive in the sea with sharks, without a cage.

Following a life changing car accident in 2008, Lynda was left with limited mobility in her right arm. Unable to dive or teach anymore, she turned to her love of writing, a hobby she’d followed avidly since being a teenager.

Her own life story, along with varied career choices helps Lynda to create stories of romantic suspense, with challenging and unpredictable plots.

After joining the Romantic Novelist Association in 2014 under the umbrella of the New Writers Scheme, Lynda’s debut novel ‘House of Secrets’ won the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition in 2015. She’s previously published five books, her sixth book ‘No Place Like Home’ will be brought out in July 2021, with her new publisher Boldwood Books.

She currently lives in a small rural hamlet near Doncaster, with her ‘hero at home husband’, Haydn, whom she’s been happily married to for over 25 years.

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My Review

Crime/Thriller novels always have this mysterious and “stay at the edge of the seat” feeling, and this book had that. It also had that element of safety and not safety that always gets my heart pumping.

In this story we follow sisters Molly and Beth Winters as they go forward in life after their mother’s murder. Yet, not even in their home do they feel safe. Because someone is watching.

I won’t talk a lot about the particulars of the story and plot because I want you guys to experience the journey of thrilling and adrenaline driven unsafe moments. As well as I want you guys to learn the secrets and mysteries. For me it was exciting and the kind of story that provoked images in my head. Which I quite liked.

Overall, I enjoyed it. Just the perfect book to read at night. Okay, I’m kidding. Maybe don’t read at night. If you do, you will probably read the entire book before going to bed. It’s what happened to me. And I loved that. I love when a book grabs my attention, this one definitely did since the beginning.

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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 Secret Notebook” Review

Hello Friends!

Second review of the day? Yes, it is. And you may recognize the book, since I have posted the cover reveal.

“The Secret Notebook“, written by Julia Wild, is a War time and Contemporary Romance, a book with a Dual Timeline, published on July 8th 2021 by One More Chapter.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Julia Wild and One More Chapter, via NetGalley, for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

When Izzie Dean’s beloved nan, Molly Blackshaw, passes away, Izzie returns to the Blackpool bungalow where she grew up, to say goodbye once and for all. When Izzie’s homecoming reunites her with her first love, Justin Swift, every emotion that Izzie has repressed since the day he broke her heart comes rushing to the surface. But then an unexpected discovery changes everything.

Between the pages of the battered secret diary Molly kept during WWII, Izzie discovers a story of love, heartbreak, and the incomparable hardship of life in a world at war. Reading her grandmother’s words soon puts her own story into perspective, and suddenly Izzie realises that the only thing holding her back from happiness, might be herself. Now she just has to convince Justin that they deserve a second chance at forever…

Pre-order Link: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Lancashire born, I moved to Bedfordshire in the late seventies, married and started a family. I’m a past Hon Sec of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, have been a member since 1993 when I joined their New Writers’ Scheme as a probationer. That came about after winning a week’s historical writing course on the strength of the first chapter of my third Poldark-era romance. The tutor on the last day loved the story and handed me details of the Romantic Novelists’ Association – she said I absolutely must join as they would be able to help me towards publication.

Some four years later my first published book, Dark Canvas, won the RNA’s New Writer’s Award in 1997, the sixth, Illusions, won the RNA’s Romance Prize in 2003.

After working in the local library service for 18 years, during library cut-backs I took the leap to become self-employed as a writer and worked on releasing my backlist as eBooks for Kindle.

Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing Charlotte Ledger when she pulled me from the writing wilderness and have now signed a three-book deal with One More Chapter.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

Ever since I found the subgenre of dual timelines, I have been in love. And this book had that.

As we follow Izzie’s journey after her nan Molly passed away. Not only do we follow Izzie’s life, we also follow Molly’s thanks to a secret diary that nan kept during WWII. That dual timeline had the perfect balance.

To those that know me, you guys know that have a soft spot for historical related stories, even when it’s a dual timeline, and when it comes to WWI and WWII it’s quite a special part of the world’s history that I like reading about. When I was in school it wasn’t my favorite subject, but the novels that talk about the people instead of just the political and war elements, made me interested.

In this case, the book give us Molly’s story during WWII and I get to connect with her. The hardships, the interactions, love and family relationships during that time period, the life the people dealing with those circumstance had. It was all so powerful and emotional.

I have always been very close to my grandmothers, and after losing my grandma Stela I realized I didn’t know a lot about her still. So I kind of connected with Izzie in that way. In the revelations we end up getting about our loved ones, even after they had passed away.

Overall, it was an emotional journey, but also one that made me thankful to have taken with the characters. It almost made me want to start writing my grandma Julia’s story right now, so that I don’t loose the chance.

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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 and Q&As.

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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

“Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls” Review

Hello Friends!

Are we ready for a review? Well, I have two today, and this is the first one I’ll post.

“Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls“, written by Rosie Clarke, is a Historical fiction, Saga novel, the fifth book in the Welcome To Harpers Emporium series, published on 6th July 2021, by Boldwood Books.

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

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Synopsis

As the Americans enter the War, there is renewed energy in the war effort.

With husbands and sons fighting for freedom, the women of Harpers are left to tackle the day-to-day affairs at home and work.

With Ben Harper away, Sally fears she is being followed by a mysterious woman. Who is she and what does she want?

Maggie Gibbs collapses seriously ill in the frontline hospitals and is brought back to England close to death. Can she be saved and what does the future hold for her and her broken heart?

Marion Jackson’s father is on the run from the Police already wanted for murder. She fears he will return to threaten his family once more.

And Beth Burrows is pregnant with her second child, worried and anxious for her husband Jack, who has been many months at sea.

As Christmas 1917 approaches what will the future hold for Harpers, its girls and their men at War?

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: Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

I have been reading Rosie Clarke’s books for sometime now (although I haven’t read them all), and she was one of those authors that surprised me in the beginning and with each new book, I’m continuing to be surprised. She’s one of the go-to authors when it comes to the saga subgenre of Historical fiction.

This book is the fifth one in the series, and for a better experience, you should read them in order. It has been quite a journey with the Harpers. In all the books there isn’t just the element of war and fear related to it, there is a sense of community, family, love and friendship. And as we go from one book to the next, that keeps making an appearance.

Getting back to this community was kind of like going back to my grandma’s house during summer vacation and reconnect with my family. That’s what this felt like, learning about my family’s life. Just like with our lives, in this book we follow a group os characters that have a background, a past that we have been following since book one. As time passes by, things move forward.

Ups and downs. Love and loss. New generations. Fear and war. The story, despite the time period, felt real, and it’s that kind of connection we established with the characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, just like I did the previous one. If you enjoy historical fictions happening during WWI, and you like follow a group of characters throughout their life, then I recommend this series. And like I previous said, do read the books by order to experience the journey to its fullest, and so that you can understand the background without being confused.

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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 Orchard Girls” Review

Hello Friends!

And here is the second review of the day. Another Historical Fiction, this one a Dual timeline. I do enjoy dual timelines because they usually are different from the usual historical fiction novels. If this kind of subgenre is your thing, they check out this book.

“The Orchard Girls“, written by Nikola Scott, is a Dual Timeline Historical Fiction, that is going to be published on September 2nd 2021, by Headline Review.

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

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Synopsis

London, 2004. Frankie didn’t always have it easy. Growing up motherless, she was raised by her grandmother, who loved her – and betrayed her. For years, the rift between them seemed irreparable. But when their paths suddenly cross again, Frankie is shocked to realise that her grandmother is slowly losing control of her memory. There is a darkness in her past that won’t stay buried – secrets going back to wartime that may have a devastating effect on Frankie’s own life.

Somerset, 1940. When seventeen-year-old Violet’s life is ripped apart by the London Blitz, she runs away to join the Women’s Land Army, wanting nothing more than to leave her grief behind. But as well as the terror of enemy air raids, the land girls at Winterbourne Orchards face a powerful enemy closer to home. One terrible night, their courage will be put to the test – and the truth of what happened must be kept hidden, forever…

Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Content Warning: Assault and Dementia

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About the Author

Photo Credit
Shelley DeJager

Nikola Scott started out in book publishing and worked as a crime fiction editor in America and England for many years. Turning her back on blood-spattered paperback covers and dead bodies found in woods, she sat down at her kitchen table one day to start her first novel — and hasn’t stopped writing since. Obsessed with history and family stories (‘How exactly did you feel when your parents gave the house to your brother?’) she is well-known – and feared – for digging up dark secrets at dinner parties and turning them into novels. 

Her first two books, My Mother’s Shadow and Summer of Secrets, have both been international bestsellers and were translated widely around the world. Nikola lives in Frankfurt with her husband and two boys (and a kitchen table). 

Once a month, Nikola sends out a popular newsletter about writing, reading, book news, freebies and loads of therapeutic baking. Join in here if you’d love to be a part of it all: bit.ly/NikolaScottNews

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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My Review

Dual timeline stories always make me curious. They end up having the perfect mix of historical and contemporary elements, and I’m always interested in seeing how the author connected things.

This story is set during 2004 and 1940, following Frankie in the contemporary time and Violet during WWII. Both characters had amazing personalities and their stories were powerful in different ways. I also liked how it they connected.

I also loved the relationship between Frankie and her grandma, it wasn’t an easy one and it had several problems and learning about them, allowed me to understand not just Frankie’s past, but also the reasons for her actions. Not having a good relationship with a family member is not completely unexpected, actually for me, it made the story and their interactions much truthful and real.

From someone that has seen grandparents lose the control of their minds and memories, I could connect with Frankie. My grandparents also were a very important part of my childhood, although not for the same motives as with Frankie’s life. Using the loss of the control of her mind was quite a good way to connect the dual timeline, and also made the plot curious. I wanted to know more. I was interested in knowing the secrets and the past of the characters, what had happened during the war.

Overall, I love how the story was written. It wasn’t confusing and the connecting between the timelines made sense and I couldn’t stop reading. I was curious from page one, and I wanted to know all the secrets and motivations. It was an enjoyable story that left me emotional.

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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 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 Last Days of Us” Review

Hello Friends!

Here is finally the review of the book I had a chance to read this month. I did a promo post this weekend if you guys remember.

“The Last Days of Us“, written by Caroline Finnerty, is a Women’s Fiction novel published on 17th June 20211 by Boldwood Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Caroline Finnerty 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

They say if you love someone, you have to let them go. But what they are your child?

All Sarah McIntyre has ever wanted was a loving, happy family.  So when her husband JP announces on Christmas Day that he is leaving her and their two children, 9 year old Harry and 4 year old Robyn, Sarah is left reeling.

But things are set to get worse when Robyn is diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Can JP and Sarah unite to fight their biggest battle yet? or will they be on opposing sides once again?

With the couple at loggerheads and with Robyn’s condition deteriorating day-by-day, precious time is running out and JP is getting desperate…

The Last Days of Us is a tender story of hope and forgiveness that asks the question how far would you go to save your child?

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Caroline Finnerty is an Irish author of heart-wrenching family dramas and has published four novels and compiled a non-fiction charity anthology. She has been shortlisted for several short-story awards and lives in County Kildare with her husband and four young children. Her first title for Boldwood is The Last Days of Us, to be published in June 2021.

Social Media Links: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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My Review

When I learned about this book I knew it was going to be an emotional read. I knew it would have a lot of topics that hit triggers for some people. Yet, I wanted to read it.

I’m still coming to terms with the book and my thoughts. I’m still dealing with how the book touched my heart and what it made me think and feel. It was a thought provoking book, as well as a story that reminded me of certain family members and their own journeys.

In this book we follow a family and the journey of a cancer patient. We follow a mother doing everything for her daughter, and focusing on enjoying the last moments they have together. And we also follow the family dynamics, how a couple deals with this situation.

Grief, anger, acceptation, sadness, resilience, love. Those are some of the key words for me. Of course, family, cancer, death, moving forward, and SAUDADE (that’s a Portuguese word) came to play as well. But the truth is, I like to think that it was about family and love.

Many may not know, but I have had a lot of family members dealing with cancer, various types of tumors, and one of them was of a little cousin. So, I have seen the worry in my cousin about her daughter’s tumor. I have seen them deal with it, having faith, trusting the doctor, being scared and still having the courage to keep going and doing everything for their loved ones. And Sarah was like that, such a powerful character, trying to focus on her kids and being the best mom possible despite the circumstances.

There are other aspects of the book that were interesting, the legal and medical elements, but for me what got me going was the emotional element. It was the family and how they all had their own thoughts and had their own problems as well as the common one.

Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot. I know I would get emotional, that was a possibility, but I didn’t know what to really expect and I’m so happy that I gave the book a shot and that I went through this journey.

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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 Happy Family” Review

Hello Friends!

Today I bring you a review of a Psychological thriller. I have previously read another book by the same author and I enjoyed it, so I was curious about this one.

“The Happy Family“, written by Jackie Kabler, is a Psychological thriller published on 4th June 2021 by One More Chapter.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jackie Kabler and One More Chapter for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A mother who disappeared… 
When Beth was 10 years old, her beautiful, wild mother Alice walked out and never came back. Beth’s life since hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but now she is happy and settled, with a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful home. 
 
An unexpected visitor…
Then one day there’s a knock at the door. Alice has returned. Overjoyed to have the chance to rebuild their relationship, Beth invites her mother to move in.
 
A life that comes crashing down…
At first, everything seems wonderful. But then Beth’s friends begin to drift away, strange things start to happen at home, and rumours begin to circle about her past. As the mysterious events around Beth become darker and more dangerous, she is forced to question everything. Is somebody in her life trying to destroy her happiness? And how far will they go?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Jackie Kabler worked as a newspaper reporter and then in television news for twenty years, including nearly a decade on GMTV. She later appeared on BBC and ITV news, presented a property show for Sky, hosted sports shows on Setanta Sports News and worked as a media trainer for the Armed Forces. She is now a presenter on shopping channel QVC. The Happy Family is her sixth book; previous novels include the international bestseller The Perfect Couple. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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My Review

This isn’t my first Jackie Kabler’s book, and I enjoyed it as much as I did the other one I have read. The author has a good way of grabbing the readers attention and making us not being sure what is right of wrong and yet wanting to come up with a theory as we went through the story.

In this book we follow Beth and her family. We met characters, we can see them interact and be suspicious about them. And as strange things start happening, I had that ‘at the edge of my seat’ kind of feeling. I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know more about Beth, Alice and the mysteries.

It is kind of tricky to talk about the book, I’m kind of afraid to give a spoiler. What I can say it that the way the author messed up with my head and yet made me almost like addicted to the story, was fantastic. I really wanted to read the next page and learn if I was right with my ideas. I wanted to see how the author would surprise me next.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I was unsure if I enjoyed it more than the previous book of Jackie Kabler that I have read, but I can now say I do like it more. Maybe because of the strong family element and family mysteries that we go through with the the main character. That really got me spooked and curious.

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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