Blog Tour: Poppy's Christmas Wishes by Annette Hannah

 

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for Annette Hannah's third book, Poppy's Christmas Wishes, published by Orion Dash, available from Amazon and other booksellers.

What would you wish for if you were granted three wishes?

For the first time she can remember, Poppy is dreading Christmas. Unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend after moving across the country for him, there's nothing cheery about the festive season this year.

Dragged to a Christmas ball by best friend Layla, Poppy meets gorgeous actor Gabe, who stars as a genie in a play. When he asks her what three wishes she would make, she realises it's quite simple: love, a job she's happy in and, just once in her life, to do something extraordinary.

Gabe and Poppy make a pact to help each other make their dreams come true. As they tick off their wishes, their friendship blossoms... But, as they discover, sometimes, what you want for Christmas isn't necessarily what you need...

My Review

I always look forward to reading Annette's books, having known her for a few years now as a fellow book blogger, and am so proud of her following her dreams in becoming a fully fledged author!

This is her third book set in the delightful village of Bramblewood, but it can be read as a standalone novel.

Poppy has been uprooted from friends and family from Liverpool to supposedly follow the love of her life down South. She has to start off her new life waiting for Ed as her new job starts, and there's a bit of a shock for her when she discovers he may not be joining her after all...

Then she meets hot Italian Marco, and her new GBF Gabe. But what does GBF stand for...?

She instantly clicks with Gabe, who is performing as the Genie in his new play, and a wonderful friendship is formed as they share their dreams with each other.

Gabe is just what Poppy needs right now; he encourages her to build her self-confidence, and she quickly establishes herself in the village with her new business, Poppy's Posh Pannier, delivering delicious healthy lunches. She just needs Ed to realise what he's missing and come back to her... or does she?

It's a wonderful story of the importance of friendships, self-worth and love. Annette writes with warmth and gentle humour, and her descriptions of the setting and the characters make me want to move there myself!

Poppy's Christmas Wishes is simply a joy to read.

About the Author

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80's and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.

She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side. As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.

For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association's New Writers' Scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year. After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer. She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places and spending time with her friends and family.

You can follow her on

twitter@annettehannah

www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com

www.annettehannah.com

 

Blog Tour: Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe by Annette Hannah

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, Orion Dash, and the author herself for the advanced reading copy of this wonderful novel, published on July 6th. Buy your copy here NOW!

The Blurb

Here comes the bride... 

Lucy Woods has always dreamed of running her very own wedding venue. After moving her eight-year-old son to the countryside she's surprised to find the perfect location and her best friend, Abbie, eager to help make that dream a reality! Too bad Abbie's older brother Dominic isn't keen on Lucy or their big idea! 

As a divorce lawyer Dominic doesn't believe in love at first sight or wedding vows, he's seen them broken more times than he can count. But when Lucy arrives back in town, his hardened heart begins to crack. 

Making her dream come true is a huge undertaking, but Lucy knows that The Signal Box Café is her chance to finally make something of her life. If only the irritating (and oh-so-gorgeous) Dom didn't make her imagine wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle... 

Can Lucy and Dominic find a way to each other this summer or will the wedding bells chime for another couple?

My Review

A few weeks ago I had a message through Facebook from a lovely friend I met some years back at a book event. We have become good friends since, and when I read the message, I squealed and phoned her straight away - she had a publishing deal!

That friend, obviously, was Annette, and I am so very pleased for her and privileged to be on the blog tour for her first novel, Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe.

Oh and it is such a wonderful book! It is the perfect uplifting antidote to these strange times, a great escape from the weird new normal we are having to face. Take my advice and go visit the Signal Box Cafe!

Full of warmth and lovable characters, this is a well-written story with excellent and unique ideas and some hilarious mishaps. Lucy moves to her grandparents' village of Bramblewood with her son, to escape their past. They move into her Grandad's cottage as he is recuperating in the local nursing home. Lucy is setting up business as a wedding planner, and she spots the perfect venue.

Lucy, Jackson and canine companion Baxter meet some great characters in the village, making quite the impression on certain people - including a not so great impression on Lucy's best friend's brother, Dominic. Impatient, extremely cynical, this divorce lawyer is the opposite to Lucy in every way. Oh and he is rather hot, too! These two are always rubbing each other up the wrong way - will they find the right way?

Lucy and Dominic have a wonderful supporting cast; Jackson is a delightful little boy, anxiously trying to do the right thing and ending up in various muddles; Grandad, who along with his partner-in-crime, Violet, causes mischievous havoc in the nursing home - these two are a right feisty pair, utterly adorable! Bramblewood is the perfect community - I wish I could live there!

Annette, I am so proud of you!

About the Author

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80's and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.

She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side.

As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.

For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association's new writers' scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year.

After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.

She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places, the odd glass of Pinot Blush and spending time with her friends and family.

You can follow her on

twitter @annettehannah

www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com

www.annettehannah.com

Read more reviews in case you think I'm biased!

Book Review: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Penguin, for the advanced reading copy. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird was published on 30th January 2020, and you can order it here.

The Blurb

Two love stories. One Impossible Choice.

Lydia and Freddie. Freddie and Lydia. They've been together for almost a decade, and Lydia thinks their love is indestructible.

But she's wrong. Because on her 27th birthday, Freddie dies in a tragic accident.
So now it's just Lydia, and all she wants to do is hide indoors and sob 'til her eyes fall out. But Lydia knows that Freddie would want her to live her life well. So, enlisting the help of his best friend and her sister Elle, she takes her first tentative steps into the world and starts to live - perhaps even to love - again.

Then something unbelievable happens, and Lydia gets another chance at her old life with Freddie. But what if there's someone in her new life who wants her to stay?

A heart-breaking, uplifting story for fans of PS I Love You and Me Before You, this gorgeously romantic novel will make you laugh, cry and remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to love and to be loved.

My Review

Oh. My. God. This book... this book had me in tears 2% into it. 2%!

It's not an easy read, not if you've ever lost someone - but it is a must-read, because the author really understands grief and how it can affect you. I found myself empathising with so much that was written, thinking 'Oh My God yes it really is like this! And I'm not alone!'

Lydia Bird's grief over her fiance is described in eviscerating detail, but is truly heartfelt. The concern felt by Lydia's family and friends is very real as they desperately try to support her whilst dealing with their own grief. Elle is a wonderful sister and best friend rolled into one lovely compassionate character. And then there is Jonah.

It's complicated with Jonah. He and Lydia were close friends before Freddie came on the scene, and the two men became best buddies. Jonah walked away from the accident which killed Freddie, with merely a scratch - something Lydia finds hard to come to terms with.

Then Lydia discovers a whole new life, when she takes a tiny little sleeping pill. In her dream world, Freddie is very much alive and well, and Lydia is torn between her harsh reality without her fiance and the world where the accident never happened, and life carries on as planned. Two conflicting versions of life, but which one is the best?

I adored this book. Yes it is sad, devastating and rips your heart out, but it is beautiful, warm and gradually heals that broken heart.

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for Zara Stoneley's lovely festive read, Four Christmases and a Secret. Thank you to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to review.

You can buy the book here:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

The Blurb

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… 

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates. 

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things. 

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever… 

My Review

Daisy feels hopeless, especially compared to childhood friend, Ollie, who she hears about endlessly from her mother - he's a Doctor, no less, with a Beautiful Girlfriend (again). How can she ever live up to that? 

Daisy's career is less than stellar - like many of us, she flounders from one thing to the next, unable to catch a break to do the thing she thinks she wants to do most. 

I found Daisy a bit irritating to start with - the story is narrated by her, and her thoughts tends to interrupt conversations so that I'd lose track sometimes, but I soon adapted to her style. After all, aren't we all thinking stuff during conversations - in the end it became endearing. 

Daisy's character grows through the story, guided by everyone's favourite 'Uncle' Terence, and the new 'man' in Daisy's life, Stanley.  Stanley is lovely, as are most of the characters. They are all well-rounded, even if some are not quite who they seem to be. And of course there is the hero of the tale, who is more than swoon-worthy!

There was so much more to this story than I thought at the beginning. It develops nicely, going deeper than I expected - which made it an absolute joy to read.

About the Author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of 'The Wedding Date'.

She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

You can find Zara on various social media platforms:

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/zara-stoneley?follow=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B007WK307G

Blog Tour: Bridesmaids by Zara Stoneley

I'm delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Zara Stoneley's new book, Bridesmaids, which is published by HarperImpulse. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and @rararesources for the advanced reading copy.

You can buy your copy from Amazon  iBooks  Waterstones and other good retailers.

The Blurb

Meet Rachel, the beautiful bride with BIG plans for the perfect day! The venue is a castle and the dress is designer. It’s just a shame her husband is a rat.

Maddie and Sally have only one thing in common – they both love the same man!
Beth is a newly single mum with a mystery baby daddy. Surely the father isn’t someone the girls all know?

And then there’s Jane, the glue holding them all together, but being dumped doesn’t make her the happiest bridesmaid…especially with gorgeous flatmate Freddie complicating things. 

Will the bride say, ‘I Do!’? Or will her bridesmaids save the day…and find love along the way? 

The most hilarious, feel-good rom com of the year!

My Review

This is the first book I've read by Zara Stoneley, and I have to say... I loved it! Fun, flirty and fabulous - the perfect elements for the perfect light-hearted read.

Dumped on her own hen night, Jane is understandably a bit anti-weddings. But not as anti as everyone around her thinks she is, she has her own reasons for casting doubt when her best friend announces The Wedding of All Weddings.

Add to that some friends Jane hasn't seen since school - not all of whom were bosom buddies - and the friends' reunion isn't without it's own issues... the girl who had everything but the boy, now has the boy who was everything to the other girl, and the girl who was the life and soul of the party is keeping her lips sealed about the father of her baby - except secrets have a way of coming out. 

A series of misunderstandings, assumptions and accusations lead Jane, the panicky chief bridesmaid, a merry dance as she tries to ensure everything runs smoothly for her friend.

It's a wonderful mix of characters and their secrets and lies. Jane is wonderful; despite her own heartbreak she is determined to do the best for her friend but is torn between telling her the truth and protecting her from it.

Then we have the husband-to-be - has he changed for the better? And the ex-husband-to-be is back on the scene... and the perfect but spiky Sally who is determined to hang on to her man, but is he really hers to keep?

And to complicate matters, there is Jane's other best friend, flatmate Freddie, who is actually rather hot. But Jane is scared of risking that friendship by taking anything further.

Bridesmaids is a fun, frenzied, chaotic read which sweeps the reader along on a wave of hilarious situations and misunderstandings. 

Rich, fruity layers with beautiful, sweet icing on top, it's the perfect book version of a wedding cake!

About the Author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com

Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley

Blog Tour: Amazing Grace by Kim Nash

I'm delighted to be part of the Blog Tour, run by Rachel's Random Resources, for the lovely Kim Nash's novel, Amazing Grace, published by Hera Books on April 10th, 2019. 

You can buy your copy here:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MIAM7k

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2GeKm0D

Apple: https://apple.co/2MMvJD2

The Blurb

She’s taking her life back, one step at a time…

Grace thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with head teacher husband Mark and gorgeous son, Archie, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted. 

Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary - and her perfect life fell apart.

Now she's a single mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV clad in greying pyjamas, and she can’t remember the last time she had a kiss from anyone aside from her dog, Becks… 

Grace’s life needs a shake up – fast. So when gorgeous gardener Vinnie turns up on her doorstep, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answer to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she’ll never reconcile with the dad he loves. 

So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he’s changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness? 

A funny, feel good romance about finding your own path and changing your life for the better – readers of Cathy Bramley, Jill Mansell and Josie Silver will love this uplifting read.

My Review

What a lovely, heartwarming story!

Grace's world revolves around her 10 year old son, Archie, determined to make life the best she can for him. She dotes on him and misses him terribly when he goes to stay at his Dad's. Grace needs to get a life of her own, and has some 'help' from a friend, resulting in some hilariously disastrous dates. 

But Grace has her eye on Vinnie, and quite frankly, who wouldn't? Kind, thoughtful, and seriously hot, Vinnie could be the answer to her prayers. But how is another man going to fit into her life without causing disruption to Archie?

And then there's the ex-husband, who wants the family back together. That would mean Archie has his mum and dad, and Grace wouldn't have to suffer when Archie was at his dad's...

We all know the ex, is a controlling, selfish twat, and Vinnie is hot stuff! But poor Grace is torn between forging a new life for herself and making everything perfect for Archie.

It's a lovely story of a mother trying to balance her absolute love for her son with the need for her to have her own life. The relationship she has with Archie is adorable, but I was screaming at the pages whenever Mark was lurking around - surely Grace couldn't sacrifice everything for him? I genuinely thought this could go either way, because if anyone can make the best out of a situation, it is Grace.

It is fabulously written, with an emotive storyline that kept me reading through the night - just another chapter, oh, just another one... I was hooked!

I can't wait to read more from Kim Nash!

About the Author

Kim Nash lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. 

Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA. 

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs. 

Connect with Kim on Social Media here:

Twitter: (@KimTheBookworm) https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm/

Instagram: @Kim_the_bookworm

Blog Tour: Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

I am delighted to be involved in the blog tour for the latest novel by Christie Barlow, Love Heart Lane! My thanks to the publisher, @HarperCollins, @Netgalley and Rachel's Random Reads.

The Blurb

Welcome to Love Heart Lane…

When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

My Review

Love Heart Lane is a lovely, cosy story best served with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, cashmere socks and a warm, soft blanket. Even if you haven't got those things to hand, you'll feel like you have when you read Love Heart Lane!

Perfect for these dark, cold January days, this tale of family, friendship and community is written with love and warmth, and is the perfect escape. Christie's writing is so evocative that I shivered when I was reading the snowy scenes at the beginning. Fergus soon melted my heart though!

The themes of heartbreak and loss also runs through the book, and we learn that tragedy can pull a community together, as well as tear it apart.

It truly is a heartwarming book, and it's the first in a series, so I'm looking forward to reading more and getting to know the residents of Heartcross even better.

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

website www.christiebarlow.com

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Heart-Lane-Christie-Barlow-ebook/dp/B07DX1YXKM/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Heart-Lane-Christie-Barlow-ebook/dp/B07DX1YXKM/

 

Blog Tour: The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the second novel by Dan Mooney, The Great Unexpected, which is published by Legend Publishing. You can buy it here, and you can also read my review of Dan's first book, Me, Myself and Them, here.

The Blurb

“If you’re going to end it, you better make it big. No slipping off bridges, it’s undignified for men of our vintage. Go big or don’t bother.” 

Joel lives in a nursing home and he’s not one bit happy about it. He doesn’t like being told when to eat, when to sleep, when to take his pills. In fact, he doesn’t like living at all, and he’s decided he’s going to end his life on his terms.

When he tells retired soap-actor Frank about his dark plan, Frank urges him to go out with a bang. Together, they embark on a mission to find the perfect suicide, and along the way, discover the strength of friendship when you really feel alone.

My Review 

Well now, this is an absolutely amazing second novel.

Suicide is a very dark subject, and it is countered by light. Dan does this brilliantly, injecting a gentle, wry humour throughout Joel's story, which had me smiling when reading much of it.

Joel has been miserable since his beloved wife, Lucey, died. His routine is disrupted when the inimitable Frank moves into his room, and despite himself, he finds himself drawn to the irrepressible old actor.

The various escapades enjoyed by the two old men are hilarious and heartwarming, interspersed with poignant moments of heartbreak and sadness.

It highlights the plight of our elderly today, and how they are shipped off to die, out of the way, in a home. Obviously in some cases, that may be for the best, for them and their families, but to subject people like Joel and Frank to 'incarceration' should be criminal.

People need just that little bit of humanity and the encouragement to live.

About the Author

Dan Mooney is a writer, air traffic controller and amateur filmmaker, with one of his short films broadcast on national TV. Dan is also a fan of amateur dramatics, rugby and is a friend to many cats. He wrote his first piece of fiction for a child-operated local newspaper at age ten and has been writing ever since.

He is the author of Me, Myself and Them (June 2017) and The Great Unexpected (2018).

Follow Dan on Twitter @danielmoonbags

Blog Tour: A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow

I'm delighted to be part of the blog tour today for Christie Barlow's new novel, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, published by HarperImpulse on 6th April 2018. Click here for your copy!

The Blurb

A family secret

One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker’s world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Alice’s life was changed forever…

A second chance

Now, thirteen years later, Alice’s American dream is over. With her life in tatters, there is only one place Alice wants to be… home at Honeysuckle Farm. So, when Alice learns her beloved Grandie is ill, she knows this is her last chance to heal the family rift.

A forever home?

But secrets still swirl in Brook Bridge, and Alice is no closer to discovering the truth. And for some reason her new friendship with local heartthrob Sam Reid seems to be making the locals tense.

Sick of the lies Alice knows it’s time to lay the past to rest once and for all. But could the truth ruin her hopes of ever calling Honeysuckle Farm home again?

My Review

I love Christie Barlow's books. They are light-hearted without being fluffy, featuring strong women who don't take any nonsense from anyone, and who inspire those whose lives they enter, and of course, there is always at least one gorgeous man ready to win our heroine's heart (and our own!).

Alice Parker is no exception. Having stayed in New York to please her mother, she is drawn back to her childhood home of Honeysuckle Farm when she hears her beloved Grandie is ill. Estranged from him as a young child for reasons unknown, Alice is desperate to reconnect with her grandfather.

She is welcomed back into the village, which has a real sense of community - until it comes to Sam Reid. His family has been ostracised for years; but no one will tell Alice why. She ignores the animosity towards Sam, as she finds herself more and more attracted to him.

Unearthing old memories and secrets, Alice realises she is exposing old wounds, but sometimes these wounds have to be debrided in order to heal properly. Although Alice arrived full of embarrassment at her failure to succeed in New York, she finds she does have a lot to offer here at her true home. 

Honeysuckle Farm is full of warmth and emotion, and the author brings her characters to life in such a wonderful way, I felt as if I knew them all personally. I'd quite like to live there myself!

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream and A Home at Honeysuckle Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world. 

She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website www.christiebarlow.com Twitter @ChristieJBarlow and Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Follow Christie on the rest of the blog tour!

Book Review: The Sunday Lunch Club by Juliet Ashton

Thank you to Sara Jade Virtue and everyone at Books and the City, Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy. The Sunday Lunch Club will be available to buy on 19th April. 

The Blurb

The first rule of Sunday Lunch Club is … don't make any afternoon plans.

Every few Sundays, Anna and her extended family and friends get together for lunch. They talk, they laugh, they bicker, they eat too much. Sometimes the important stuff is left unsaid, other times it's said in the wrong way. 

Sitting between her ex-husband and her new lover, Anna is coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy at the age of forty. Also at the table are her ageing grandmother, her promiscuous sister, her flamboyantly gay brother and a memory too terrible to contemplate.

Until, that is, a letter arrives from the person Anna scarred all those years ago. Can Anna reconcile her painful past with her uncertain future?

Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.

My Review

Ah, Sunday lunch. The bringing together of family and friends. That one meal where we all get to catch up; where the news can be as varied as the menu.

They are not quite the traditional meat, roasties and two veg type of family. There are other ingredients, more exotic influences which make the meal much more appealing. On the whole, the Pipers are a close family; with the exception of the absent parents, an intriguing rift in the  family dynamics. Everyone else gets along, even the ex-husband and wife, who get on even better now than when they were married. 

The characterisation is perfect. I loved Anna, slow-cooking her own special recipe, who along with with elder brother Neil (whose husband is delicious - I think he might just be the most perfect man alive...) takes care of the two younger siblings; Maeve, a spicy, heady mix, and the delicate Josh. Not forgetting the Granny Dinkie, the basic robust ingredient no dish can do without.

And the delectable, perfect Italian, Luca... bellisimo!

The secret ingredient, common in each menu, is love and warmth, whatever happens. Subtle secrets flavour the main course throughout with a hint of the unexpected, but never spoil the meal.

The literary equivalent of a glorious roast you haven't had to cook yourself. With dessert. And lashing of lovely warm custard. If only every Sunday Lunch was this good.

You can read my reviews of other books by Juliet - The Woman at Number 24 and These Days of Ours.

About the Author

I enjoy writing almost as much as I love reading. Books are constant friends; no fall-outs about borrowed shoes, no lusting after the same man. The books I write are about love in all its colours. Romantic love, of course - it makes the world go round, after all - but also family love, the way we feel about our friends and children and colleagues and the woman we see every day on the bus but never say 'hello' to.

There's no end of inspiration. Most authors are baffled by that commonly asked question, "Where do you get your ideas from?" The answer is simple: YOU. People are inspiring, with all their niggling faults and shimmering virtues. The tangles we get ourselves into, and the ludicrous ways we attempt to untangle ourselves, are a never ending source of material. In fact, most authors daren't use too much real life in their books because it would sound too much like fiction.

I've just remembered that this is supposed to be a biog, so here's some info about me. I live just outside London with my daughter, Niamh, who's 12, and my husband, Matthew, who's considerably older than that. The house hums with creativity, as I scribble downstairs and Matthew composes music for theatre and TV upstairs. We have two dogs, one of whom is wildly energetic, one of whom was born an old lady and prefers to sleep all day.

Hmm, what else? I'm Irish, but you wouldn't know that from my accent. I can't sing. My favourite crisp flavour is Roast Chicken, but I reserve the right to change that at short notice.

I hope you enjoy my books. They are the way I speak to the world.

Cover Reveal: Heart Note by Cassandra O'Leary

I'm happy to be able to share with you the cover reveal for a lovely new Christmassy novella by Cassandra O'Leary - Heart Note.

Da da-da daaaaaah...

Isn't she gorgeous? This festive read will be published on 6th November 

The Blurb

Love is like a fine perfume. The top note draws you in, an instant attraction, but the Heart Note is the true essence. Like true love. A great perfume should be a woman’s perfect match.

At least, that’s what Lily Lucas tells the perfume counter customers. Personally, Lily is tired of perfumes with a sickly sweet top note that make her dizzy. She definitely does not want to stick her nose in another scent with a base note of stinky old socks. 

After leaving her home in Sydney, Lily moves to Melbourne and a new job as a perfume counter manager in a major department store. One day she wants to own a Parisian-style perfumerie, but at the moment she’s spritzing perfume on unsuspecting customers and ringing up purchases until she falls off her high heels at the end of a long day. 

The high point of Lily’s work life is Christos Cyriakos, the ex-cop senior security guard, who happens to look like a Greek god. She’d happily stare at him all day, but keeps falling at his feet like a klutz. It’s kind of embarrassing. No other man has ever had this effect on her. He smells so good up close, she gets a little woozy. But in a good way.

Rumours about Christos swirl around the department store staff. There’s a scent of scandal. The reason he quit the police force wasn’t a happy one. But he’s the strong, silent type. A mystery box. Lily hopes she can get close enough to unwrap him. When he asks for her help, it seems like the perfect opportunity to get to know him better…if she can trust him.

It’s almost Christmas and the whole store is bedecked with decorations, and Lily has to gift wrap and sell eleventy billion gift sets assisted by a team of glamorous spritzer chicks. Meanwhile sneaky guys are trying to get into the store room at night and stock is going missing. It could be an inside job. Lily helps Christos setup a sting. They are a team, sort of. But why won’t he confide in her?

She’d like to be kissed by Christos (and more) preferably not while wearing the hideous red velvet onesie and reindeer antlers all the spritzer chicks are supposed to wear. But can they solve a crime, and get it together to go on an actual date before Christmas?

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HGRTGN

Amazon Canada - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076HGRTGN

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076HGRTGN

Amazon Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/d/B076HGRTGN

Universal Link - https://www.books2read.com/HeartNote

About the Author​

**Winner of the We Heart New Talent contest, HarperCollins UK. Nominated for BEST NEW AUTHOR in the 2016 AusRom Today Reader's Choice Awards for excellence in Australian romance fiction.**

Cassandra O’Leary is a romance and women’s fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. 

In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut romantic comedy novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Cassandra was also a 2015 finalist in the Lone Star writing contest, Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America, and a 2014 finalist in the First Kiss contest, Romance Writers of Australia.

Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she’s also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting ‘research’ trips, that would be splendiferous. You’ll find Cassandra online, drinking coffee and possibly buying shoes. Oh, yes. And writing.

Find Cassandra on Social Media:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/cassandraolearyauthor

Twitter – @cass_oleary

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/cassandissima/heart-note/

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

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15272644.Cassandra_O_Leary

Website – http://cassandraolearyauthor.com/

Book Review: Big Sexy Love by Kirsty Greenwood

The Blurb

Olive Brewster is living a small, safe life. She’s happy enough with her job at the local market, it’s no big deal that doesn't have boyfriend, she even likes that she still lives in her childhood home. No drama and no fuss means no problems! And that's just how she likes it.

Except … Olive's best friend in the world​, Birdie, is dying.

Birdie has one final wish. She wants to track down her first love, her epic once in a lifetime love, her "Big Sexy Love", Chuck. And because she's stuck in the hospital she needs Olive's help to do it. But there’s a teeny problem: Chuck is somewhere in New York and Olive has never even left her home town, let alone roamed the crazy streets of Manhattan!

As if the big city isn't scary enough, Olive has to contend with Seth, a cocky comedy TV writer who thinks she’s a joke; Anders, a bored socialite who’s taken a shine to her; and the fact that no matter how hard she tries to track down Chuck, he does not seem to want to be found.

Can Olive learn to overcome her fears, abandon her old safe routine and fulfil her best friend’s dying wish? It's going to take extra bravery, one badass attitude and a whole lot of Big Sexy Love to make it happen …

My Review

Well, what can I say about Big Sexy Love? It's an outrageous tale, about an ordinary woman who gets into the most outrageous and extraordinary predicaments. How anyone could end up in so much trouble is beyond belief. It's totally over the top.

But it is also just about the funniest book I have ever read.

Olive has lived her life as safe as possible. She doesn't like change. But then her friend, Birdie, has a dying wish that only Olive can fulfill; Olive doesn't really get a choice in the matter.

So off she goes, to New York, and her troubles start when she bumps into the most arrogant man ever, the irritatingly very handsome Seth. She also meets other larger than life characters; the mysterious and very strange Anders, and outspoken elderly neighbour, Mrs Ramiriz.

Yes it's bonkers, mad, a helter-skelter riot of a read, and as I said, Olive's adventures are utterly outrageous. 

I loved it! 

Think I've found another favourite author...

Buy it here and read it now!

About the Author

Kirsty Greenwood is the author of three fast-paced, funny and fearless romantic comedies. She is also the founder and editor in chief of Novelicious.com.

Kirsty sends out a really cool letter each month with wonderful giveaways, bookish updates and general good stuff. You can sign up to get the letters here.

Kirsty Tweets at @KirstyBooks, Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Her favourite thing is when readers get in touch to say hello!

Book Review: The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse

With her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter thinks she finally has it all: a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

But becoming parents proves much harder to achieve than Lucy and Jonah imagined, and when Jonah’s teenage daughter Camille comes to stay with them, she becomes a constant reminder of what Lucy doesn’t have. Jonah’s love and support are unquestioning, but Lucy’s struggles with work and her own failing dreams begin to take their toll. With Camille’s presence straining the bonds of Lucy’s marriage even further, Lucy suddenly feels herself close to losing everything…

This heart-wrenchingly poignant family drama from bestselling author Amanda Prowse asks the question: in today’s hectic world, what does it mean to be a mother?

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, and the author, Amanda Prowse for the review copy.

The desperation of one woman to have a baby is the overriding theme of this heartbreaking story. Lucy has the perfect life; a wonderful husband, Jonah, a cosy home, and a great career. The only thing missing is a baby.

Unfortunately Lucy seems to be unable to carry a baby to term; and we feel her sheer heartbreak when she miscarries. Miscarriages are fairly common, we are told, but the grief and despair felt by would-be parents can be all-consuming. The author writes with a great deal of sensitivity, with no mawkishness or huge drama, depicting Lucy as a strong, capable woman who has to suffer what so many women go through.

Her life is further complicated when Jonah's daughter. Camille, comes to stay with them. Lucy struggles to bond with the girl, who is so dismissive of her stepmother, but of course Jonah cannot see how cruel and rude his daughter is, alienating Lucy and making her feel even more useless in her ability to be a mother.

Her relationship with her own mother is a complicated one too, and their story shows how much families need to communicate.

The author has created a great character in Lucy; I just wanted to give her a hug! Jonah and Camille are both great in their supporting roles, the latter being wholly understandable as a stroppy teenager. It is undeniably an emotional read, but heartwarming too.

Motherhood can be so important to a woman, sometimes the very essence of being female, and when that is held back from you, it's hard not to feel inadequate. But there are other ways to realise your potential, even if it's not quite what you had mapped out.

You can buy The Idea of You from Amazon or other retailers.

Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author who has published sixteen novels in dozens of languages. Her recent chart topping No.1 titles ‘What Have I Done?’, ‘Perfect Daughter’ and ‘My Husband’s Wife’ have sold millions of copies around the world.

Other novels by Amanda Prowse include ‘A Mother’s Story’ which won the coveted Sainsbury’s eBook of the year Award and ‘Perfect Daughter’ that was selected as a World Book Night title in 2016. Amanda’s latest book ‘The Food of Love’ went straight to No.1 in Literary Fiction when it was launched in the USA and she has been described by the Daily Mail as ‘The Queen of Drama’ for her ability to make the reader feel as if they were actually in the story. 

Now published by Lake Union, Amanda Prowse is the most prolific writer of contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also score the highest online review approval ratings for several genres.

A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda Prowse is a regular panellist on the Channel 5 show ‘The Wright Stuff’ and numerous daytime ITV programmes. She makes countless guest appearances on BBC and independent Radio stations where she is well known for her insightful observations of human nature and her infectious observational humour. 

Become friends with Amanda on Facebook: AmandaProwseAuthor and follow her on Twitter: @MrsAmandaProwse or Instagram: MrsAmandaProwse. For more information on her books, lifestyle and inspirational advice see www.amandaprowse.com

Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...