“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

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“Secrets on the Italian Island” Review

Hello Friends!

Ready for a review of a contemporary romance? And you may even recognized the author’s name of this review.

“Secrets on the Italian Island“, written by T.A. Williams, is a Contemporary Romance novel, published 8th July 2021 by Canelo.

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

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Synopsis

Her work has got in the way of relationships before – but never like this

Anna’s job as a geologist takes her all over the world, including to the beautiful island of Elba, where she’s sent to look for precious metals. And the island isn’t the only thing that’s gorgeous – she can’t believe her luck when she meets windsurfer Marco and sparks fly.

But Anna must keep her role on Elba a secret to avoid upsetting the locals, which means lying to Marco even as they grow closer. When her old friend Toby visits, Anna suddenly finds herself torn between the attentions of the two men. However, Anna’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Is Marco being entirely honest with her? And why did Toby really come to visit?

A fun and escapist romance, perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

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

I have been reading T.A. Williams’ book since I found out about his novels thanks to the blog tours, and I have always enjoyed them. This story was extra special for me.

In this story we follow geologist Anna’s journey in this Italian island. This book has a lot of things I like. The Italian setting that I have come to love, the geology element which was something I have always found interesting, and them the romance and the decisions that Anna as to make.

I absolutely like that the story isn’t just about the love and friendship, but also about Anna’s job and career. It also has a message connected to geology and the environmental impact humans are having, it was refreshing because it makes this novel a lot more than just daily life and struggles, it’s also about everyone else, the culture, the traditions, the impacts we have, and the interactions.

Overall, I was not disappointed and I had fun. It made me think, it got me going from chapter to chapter. It was a story that had the escape element thanks to the scenery and which under the current situation, was just what I needed. Can’t wait to see what T.A. Williams will do next.

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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

“Elle’s A to Z of Love” Review

Hello Friends!

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

“Elle’s A to Z of Love“, written by Claire Huston, is a Contemporary Romance, published on 6th July 2021.

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

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Synopsis

Haileybrook, a beautiful village in the peaceful Cotswolds countryside, is most people’s idea of heaven on earth. 

Born and raised in this small slice of paradise, Elle Bea can’t wait to leave.

It should be easy, but every time she packs her bags for exotic adventures, old loves and loyalties pull her back.

Will Elle be forced to forget her dreams of far-flung places and epic romance, or can she grab one last chance to have it all?

An uplifting, romantic story about friends, family and the relationships that make a place a home.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Author Content Warnings: Heart attack, Cancer, Childhood bullying

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About the Author

Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. Her debut, Art and Soul, a heart-warming contemporary romance, was published in 2020. Elle’s A to Z of Love is her second novel.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

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

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My Review

This book follows Elle, living in a small town in the countryside, and she has dreams of adventure. I really loved how I could relate in certain ways to Elle which was amazing. I liked the vulnerability, the Elle’s past, and the topics that are talked about.

There were a lot of elements that grabbed my attention, some I have already referenced. Another things I liked was the interactions between the characters and the entire community and the background. The fact that it was set in the countryside, it made it a bit cozy and relatable to me.

I could say many other things. There were a lot of questions as I had while reading that made me curious. I wanted to know more about Elle and the town. I wanted to know what would happen in the end. And it was quite a good balance with the warmth the book had as well.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot. I liked how the story and the characters developed. It was a lovely book with romance, family, friendship, and moments of emotion and reflection.

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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 and 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

“Forgive Me” Review

Hello Friends!

Today the review is of a book in a completely different genre from those I posted yesterday. This is a Horror Thriller and it was a bit outside of my comfort zone, which I like.

“Forgive Me“, written by Kateri Stanley, is a Horror and Thriller novel, published on 20th April 2021, by Darkstroke Books.

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

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Synopsis

A secret video tape. A painful truth. A quest for revenge.

Investigative journalist, Susan ‘Stripe’ McLachlan, is constantly hounded by eager documentarians for interview requests about the Night Scrawler murders. One of the victims of the mysterious serial killer was a member of her own family, her father.

At the peak of her career, her services are sought by Isaac Payne who commissions her to write an article for his website. Usually, her projects delve into more uncomfortable, questionable topics, but there’s a deep, almost hauntingly familiar pull about her new client that intrigues her.

As she learns more about Isaac, Stripe digs up fresh secrets about the murders, arousing her suspicions. After an awkward confrontation, she wakes up in Isaac’s bed — with a chain around her ankle.

Isaac shows her harrowing footage on an old VHS tape. The contents hits close to home…closer than Stripe ever imagined. Now, she has to wrestle with her own moral compass and unpick the truth from the web of lies that turn into a crescendo where memories created from misery and suffering cannot be silenced.

Will Isaac ever lay the past to rest? And how will Stripe cope with the revelations that challenge everything she has ever known?

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warning: psychological/mental abuse

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About the Author

Kateri Stanley graduated from The Open University with a degree in Arts and Humanities and worked for the National Health Service for eight years. She started off writing fanfiction as a kid, moved to short stories, created some audio plays and eventually sat down to write her first novel. When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching films and TV shows, making tons of playlists and dabbling in the occasional video game. She currently resides in the West Midlands, United Kingdom with her partner, they are hoping to be cat parents.

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

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My Review

Thrillers are stories that I found myself quite enjoying, but this book took it to a new level. It had a good amount of horror and psychological elements to it, and something more too. It left me at the edge of my seat and wanting to read more despite my heart jumping a couple of times.

This book follows investigative journalist, Susan ‘Stripe’ McLachlan, as she goes on a journey to uncover the truth about a particular story and the haunted past connected to her. Let me just say that as someone that as been loving the all true crime podcasts, I would definitely follow Stripe’s investigations if she was a real person with a podcast. I felt curious about her and she did grab my attention, it wasn’t just the plot.

Speaking of plot…. I loved the twists and turns. I don’t even know what to say without accidentally giving spoilers, so I will let you know that I was not expecting certain things that happened.

Overall, I loved the characters and how everything was connected. I also liked the changes of timelines when it came to the storytelling. All the elements in this book made it unique and refreshing, as much as it made it unexpected… Just like it’s story and its characters.

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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, extracts 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

“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

“Out of your Head” Review

Hello Friends!

Ready for another review of a crime thriller?

“Out of your Head“, written by Rose McClelland, is a crime/thriller novel, published May 28th 2021 by Arden Publishing.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and Rose McClelland for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Fatal accidents do happen. Or was there a plan?

A six-year-old dies in a car driven by her father. He barely survives. A simple hit and run? Yet the police think its murder. And who might be next?

The mother is out of her mind. If losing her daughter is not enough, why is she being stalked?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Add the book to your TBR list on Goodreads: Out of your Head

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About the Author

Out of your Head is Rose McClelland’s fifth novel and her second psychological thriller.

Her previous novel Under Your Skin became an Amazon No. 1 Bestseller in the UK and USA/ Canada. It also won Best Books of 2020 in Belfast Telegraph and with several online book bloggers.

Rose has also written two short plays which were performed in the Black Box theatre in Belfast.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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My Review

This was the first book by Rose Clelland that I have read, and being a crime thriller, I was intrigued. Especially because of the short blurb, it got me thinking about who were the characters, how was everything connected…

When I started reading I was caught in drama, mystery, crime and various POVs that made the story grab my attention. Also, time would pass by so quickly while I was focus on figuring out what was happening. It made the journey of this plot very interesting.

The book follows various characters, the victims and families to the detectives investigating the case. It talks about mental health, loss, relationships… It’s about a crime… It’s about the investigation…. It’s about people, their motivations, and the actions followed by the consequences.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I don’t want to give anything away, and spoil the journey of uncovering the truths. I can say that there are twists and turns, as well as drama and lots of different interactions and dynamics in the story and between the characters.

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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

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

“In the Beast’s Cage” Review

Hello Friends!

Paranormal is a genre that I quite like. One that is close to my heart, just like fantasy is. After I saw this book and read the synopsis, I was very curious.

“In the Beast’s Cage“, written by Mac Altgelt, is a NA / Adult Literary Fiction – Paranormal, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy, published on 28th June 2021, by The Book Guild.

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

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Synopsis

Harbouring a dark secret from his past, immortal Lord Blake from medieval England arrives mysteriously in a sleepy coastal town in Georgia, USA.  There he meets Hugo Wegener, an ex-doctor who is burdened with his own dark secret, and life-long resident Ginny Harrison, who is involved in her aging father’s absurd dream of refurbishing and reopening the town’s long-defunct zoo.  As Blake’s relationship with Ginny blooms, he finds himself involved in the insane zoo project and, when Bruce Kelly, an exotic game smuggler from South Africa, arrives in town on the eve of the grand reopening with a plan to rid the zoo of its valuable animal species, it is up to Blake, Hugo, and the old man to stop him, without revealing the terrible secrets of their pasts.

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

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About the Author

I am a Risk Management executive and Investor in Texas but I moonlight as a writer, short-film maker, musician, composer and world traveller (or, I was a world traveller in the pre-COVID days).  In music, I have released 2 full-length albums (one of which is still available) and 2 E.P.s.  I have published one humor book entitled 101 TIPS AND REVELATIONS FROM A MODERN DAY CYNIC (Black Rose Writing, 2017).  IN THE BEAST’S CAGE is my first novel, but I have a second already in progress and no plans of slowing down.  I have also written countless blogs, poems, short stories, essays and movie scripts in addition to my more sprawling fiction projects.  Because of my work in the Risk Management industry, I spend a great deal of time in London working closely with Lloyd’s and can be found in that country often as a result.  I have a wife (Alejandra) and two children, a 3-year-old daughter (Sophia) and a 1-year-old son (Otto) who was born in the midst of this pandemic.  My wife is a dual-citizen of Mexico and Spain and had been living in London for 2 years prior to us meeting. 

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

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My Review

Sometimes books catch my attention via it’s genre, others because of the cover, and then there are those that have an appealing. In this case, it was all those things.

In this story we follow immortal Lord Blake as we goes on a crazy adventure of reopening a zoo and connecting with the people he ends up meeting. The characters were exciting and real. I especially loved the chemistry and interaction between Blake and Ginny, they were amazing and cute.

I really liked the amount of fantasy/paranormal and romance, they were a a soft added element. And I loved the mystery that, as well as the characters interactions and secrets, was what got me excited to read each page. Even the flashbacks and the information we were discovering with each moment and each revelation, it was fantastic.

Overall, it was a lovely story, just what I love in fantasy/paranormal adventure romance. I also enjoyed the author’s writing style, how he gave us a storytelling with a good pace, one that made every chapter intriguing.

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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, extracts, 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

“While Nobody Is Watching” Review

Hello Friends!

Today was a crazy day, so I’m quite happy to be able to sit down, and finally post this review.

“While Nobody Is Watching“, written by Michelle Dunne, is a Psychological thriller, published on 27th June 2020.

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

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Synopsis

A semi-inflated football and a curious little girl.

They called it peacekeeping. For Corporal Lindsey Ryan it was anything but.

It’s been three years since that bright day in the Golan Heights and the explosion which killed two and changed the survivors forever.

Now Lindsey deals with the many problems of the city’s troubled youth, to distract her from her own. But as damp days turn to night the kids return home, or somewhere like it, and she returns to her own private war. One that exists solely for her.

Certain that she’s being watched and certain that she’s losing her mind, Lindsey battles with the demons of post traumatic stress, while a very real threat edges ever closer until she finds herself face to face with someone who wants nothing more than to finally help her to die.

And it’s the last person she ever could have seen coming.

Blue helmets and blurred lines – While Nobody is Watching delves into the dark world of PTSD and a battle scarred soldier struggling to find a place in her new world.

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warnings: PTSD/mental health theme

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About the Author

Michelle Dunne wore a Blue Helmet in South Lebanon with B Company the Irish army and the UN, probably in that order.

She now lives in Cobh with her husband, daughter and a cast of characters waiting to be written about.

Michelle was one of those sporty types growing up, all bony elbows and knees, and as she lived on an island, it stood to reason she’d spend her first couple of decades taking in the salty, seaweedy air at the local rowing club (not the serene looking, posh rowing, but the other kind, undertaken by hardy fishermen).

This was where she learned just about everything she ever needed to know about anything. They brought home the County’s, All-Ireland’s were won, but the banter on the bus was always the real prize. From there it made sense that she’d leave town and join another club/asylum and found herself wearing a blue helmet somewhere in South Lebanon.

She’d become attached to the UN, but more importantly, to B-Company, the boldest, brightest, bravest the Irish army had to offer. She called them lots of other names too, but only to their faces. As tracer rounds lit up the sky above her and artillery rained down, she learned the words of every patriotic Irish song ever written and how to smile, laugh, and joke about things that would otherwise have you curled in a ball, rocking back and forth in the corner of the room.

Once her eyes had been opened and she returned to Irish soil, Michelle was promoted and following a spell back at college, is now a part of a company providing physiotherapy and staff training in nursing homes and hospitals all over Munster. A slower pace, but still an unruly bunch when they want to be. She’s back living on the island of Cobh with her husband Dominic and their daughter Emily and the hundreds of colourful characters waiting to make their way onto a piece of paper.

While Nobody is Watching is Michelle’s third book, which draws from her military experiences and the types of relationships that form within its ranks.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

I have been reading a lot of Psychological Thrillers in the past months and although I’m no expert in the genre, I have found that they are quite interesting and they are fascinating to me.

As we follow Lindsey Ryan we go on a journey to find out the truth behind the mystery and crime that happened. What are the motivations of the characters? What will they do in the end? Who will Lindsey trust? Lot’s of question, some that I thought about while reading, but I won’t talk about them just in case, no need to spoil the story.

There is mystery, there is danger, there is a woman with a kind heart that works with the city’s troubled youth. The mixed of thrilling and uncertainty with the action pace and the excitement of uncovering what was the truth.

The book as exciting thanks to the characters. They gave realism and what we needed in the story to understand the background and get some clues about each character and the plot. Besides, the interactions made it possible for conversations to start.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It wasn’t the same kind of enjoyment as a sweet romance, but it was the kind of enjoyment related to a thought provoking story. I loved that the book, thanks to the characters and the storytelling, focused on certain themes. It got me thinking and even emotional at certain points.

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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 very limited 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

“Twice In A Lifetime” Review

Hello Friends!

Today was a crazy day, so I’m quite happy to be able to sit down, and finally post this review.

“Twice In A Lifetime“, written by Helga Jensen, is a Women’s Fiction, published on 23rd June 2021 by Hera Books.

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

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Synopsis

Amelia might have met The One. But is she twenty years too late?

After her husband left her out of the blue, the only relationship 45-year-old Amelia Simpson has enjoyed recently is with Nutella and Pinot Grigio. While her 8-year-old twin boys, Jasper and Rupert, keep her busy, Amelia dreams of a life more than washing muddy rugby kits and weekly chats with best friends Sian and Jamie.

Amelia needs some magic back in her life – but magic seems in short supply in her small Welsh village. So when she finds the phone number that was given to her twenty years ago by a handsome stranger in New York, Amelia wonders whether he might be The One That Got Away.

But when Sian takes matters into her own hands, launching a worldwide hunt to find the handsome stranger Amelia met outside Tiffany’s two decades ago, Amelia finds herself on a flight to the Big Apple to reconnect with her ‘Perfect Pierre’.

But as the two explore the sights of NYC, has Amelia reconnected with The One? Or will she discover that the sparkle she was missing is actually closer to home?

A funny, relatable romcom about second chances that fans of Kathryn Freeman and Sophie Ranald will love.

Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo

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About the Author

Helga Jensen is a freelance journalist, of mixed Danish and Welsh parentage. Twice in a Lifetime is her debut novel, and the first chapter was a winning entry at the Emirates Literature Festival in Dubai in 2017. 

Social Media Links: Twitter

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My Review

The idea of finding love no matter the age, and no matter the experience we have had in our life – either marriage, children,… – we do deserve to be happy. To find the happiness even if it take us on an adventure around the world. That’s something that actually made me excited about the book.

In this story we follow Amelia, after the end of her marriage, going on a journey to find a man she met one time many years ago. Will she find him? Will the sparks and interest still be there? Will she truly fall in love with him or will life give her an even crazier and different path?

I don’t want to tell you about the plot since I want you guys to have fun with the story and discovering what will happen in the adventure and in this new chapter of Amelia’s life.

I did love that we had a mother, because that always makes me wonder about my mom and I end up connecting with the character in a “family” way. Plus, I loved that she had a support system and I loved Amelia’s interactions with her kids and her friends, as well as everyone around her. I had fun with the book because of those connections between the characters and the backgrounds they had and their motivations and goals.

Overall, I enjoyed it. It was this romcom kind of story. And although I usually don’t like all movies in that genre, when it comes to books I quite like them. They are always full of fun moments. In this book it also had many relatable scenes and thoughts, and let’s not forget it was just a perfect story to dream, relax and just what I needed.

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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