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Women’s Fiction

19
Jan
2018

#BlogTour & #BookReview That Girl by Kate Kerrigan @katekerrigan @HoZ_Books

categories: 10/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Title: That Girl

Author: Kate Kerrigan

Published by: Head of Zeus on Jan. 1, 2018

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Head of Zeus, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

You can escape a place. But you can’t escape yourself.

Hanna flees the scene of a terrible crime in her native Sligo. If she can just vanish, re-invent herself under a new name, perhaps the police won’t catch up with her. London seems the perfect place to disappear.

Lara has always loved Matthew and imagined happy married life in Dublin. Then comes the bombshell – Matthew says he wants to join the priesthood. Humiliated and broken-hearted, Lara heads to the most godless place she can find, King’s Road, Chelsea.

Matthew’s twin sister, Noreen, could not be more different from her brother. She does love fiance John, but she also craves sex, parties and fun. Swinging London has it all, but without John, Noreen is about to get way out of her depth.

All three girls find themselves working for Bobby Chevron – one of London’s most feared gangland bosses – and it’s not long before their new lives start to unravel.

Review:

Compelling, beguiling, and undeniably moving!

That Girl is an enthralling story about dreams, courage, heartbreak, goals, secrets, adventure, new love, self-discovery, and friendship all set against the backdrop of 1960s London when King’s Road was alive and grooving and had more than its fair share of velvet, miniskirts, pubs, gangsters, and violence.

There are three main Irish lasses in this novel; Hanna, a young woman running from an abusive past; Lara a hardworking, brokenhearted seamstress; and Noreen a fun-loving gal, looking for a good time.

The prose is expressive and effortless. The characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters, including some determined, fearless women who learn through friendship and compassion to let go of the past and embrace the future. And the plot is the perfect blend of heart, humour, hope, surprises, and drama.

Overall, I have to say that Kerrigan has done a smashing job on this novel. That Girl is truly a fantastic read with a little bit of everything, suspense, romance, and even a dab of dark comedy and just in case you couldn’t tell already, I absolutely loved it!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Kate Kerrigan

Kate Kerrigan lives in County Mayo, Eire, with her husband and children. Her novels include Recipes for a Perfect Marriage, shortlisted for the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award and Ellis Island, which was a TV Book Club Summer Read.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

16
Jan
2018

#BookReview #BlogTour What She Left by Rosie Fiore @rosiefiore @AllenAndUnwinUK @rararesources

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Title: What She Left

Author: Rosie Fiore

Published by: Allen & Unwin on Aug. 17, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 383

Format: Paperback

Source: Allen & Unwin, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Helen Cooper has a charmed life. She’s beautiful, accomplished, organised – the star parent at the school. Until she disappears.

But Helen wasn’t abducted or murdered. She’s chosen to walk away, abandoning her family, husband Sam, and her home.

Where has Helen gone, and why? What has driven her from her seemingly perfect life? What is she looking for? Sam is tormented by these questions, and gradually begins to lose his grip on work and his family life.

He sees Helen everywhere in the faces of strangers. He’s losing control.

But then one day, it really is Helen’s face he sees…

Review:

Absorbing, intense, and immensely sobering!

What She Left is an emotional, character-driven novel that delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife and highlights the detrimental physical and psychological effects the breakdown of a marriage can have on the whole family unit.

The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, determined, and raw. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging story about life, loss, love, family, secrets, lies, collusion, selfishness, friendship, and the importance of self-identity.

What She Left is a poignant, clever novel that reminds us that true happiness comes from honesty, trust, and never losing sight of your own desires, needs, wants, and dreams.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Rosie Fiore, Allen & Unwin and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Rosie Fiore

Rosie Fiore was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied drama at the University of the Witwatersrand and has worked as a writer for theatre, television, magazines, advertising, comedy and the corporate market.

Her first two novels, This Year’s Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year’s Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus. She is the author of After Isabella, also published by Allen & Unwin.

Rosie’s next book, The After Wife (written as Cass Hunter), will be published by Trapeze in 2018, and in translation is seven countries around the world.

Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

14
Jan
2018

#BookReview Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams @TAWilliamsBooks @canelo_co

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Title: Dreaming of Florence

Author: T.A. Williams

Published by: Canelo on Jan. 8, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 254

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Canelo, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Fresh pasta, red wine, fine art… and love? Find enchantment this year in the magical city of Florence

When Debbie Waterson’s bicycle crashes into handsome doctor Pierluigi, she wonders if her luck has changed. Determinedly single after ending a long relationship, at last, a man worth bumping into!

Inspired to visit Florence, she soon runs headlong into that old foe: reality. But is Pierluigi the man of her dreams? Then there’s her booze obsessed boss, his forbidding secretary and her noisy inconsiderate neighbours. But could her luck be about to change? Will she find love after all?

Review:

Absorbing, enchanting and beautifully written!

Dreaming of Florence is a charming, romantic story about taking chances, overcoming challenges, developing new relationships, finding happiness, and falling in love.

The prose is light and incredibly atmospheric. The story is warm, engaging and full of tender moments, dramatic events, humorous hijinks, betrayals, acts of kindness, self-discovery, and friendship. And the characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are fresh, endearing, and quirky, and a setting, the City of Lilies, that is a character itself with its Renaissance architecture, lush landscape, and must-see monuments.

Overall, Dreaming of Florence is another sophisticated, sweet, entertaining tale by Williams that once again highlights his phenomenal ability to bring a city to life through his remarkable knowledge and passion for its food, culture, and history.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to T.A. Williams and Canelo for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

About T.A. Williams

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

03
Jan
2018

#BookReview Crazy Over You by Carol Thomas @carol_thomas2 @rararesources

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Title: Crazy Over You

Author: Carol Thomas

Published by: Matador on Oct. 28, 2015

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 250

Format: eBook

Source: Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Love can drive you crazy… in more ways than one!

When Abby met Simon, it was the start of something special, a love Abby believed would last a lifetime.

A wedding, two daughters and fifteen years later Abby’s world is falling apart. Having discovered Simon has had an affair her normally ordered mind is spiralling out of control. Crushed by the betrayal and shocked by her own reaction, she knows she needs to get herself together; she’s just not sure where to start.

With Simon on a mission to win her back and a close friend hiding a secret that could push her further over the edge, Abby finds strength and support where she least expects it. But as she attempts to gain control of her life and make decisions about her future, it may be more than the limits of Abby’s mind that are put to the test!

Review:

Affecting, absorbing, and delightfully entertaining!

Crazy Over You is an immersive story that delves into the intricate relationship between a husband and wife and highlights just how quickly life can get turned upside down.

The writing is effortless and smooth. The characters are genuine, strong, compassionate, and lovable. And the plot is an engaging, emotional tale that uses a past/present style to give good depth and understanding to the personalities, relationships, and motivations within it.

Crazy Over You is, ultimately, a story about secrets, heartbreak, infidelity, betrayal, friendship, family, love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It is a well written, pensive novel by Thomas that ended a little differently than I expected but was nevertheless surprisingly satisfying.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Carol Thomas and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

About Carol Thomas

Carol Thomas lives on the south coast of England with her husband, four children and lively young Labrador. She has been a playgroup supervisor and taught in primary schools for over fifteen years, before dedicating more of her time to writing. Carol is a regular volunteer at her local Cancer Research UK shop. She has a passion for reading, writing and people watching and can often be found loitering in local cafes working on her next book.

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01
Jan
2018

#BlogTour & #BookReview Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins @Kristan_Higgins @HarlequinBooks

categories: 10/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Title: Now That You Mention It

Author: Kristan Higgins

Published by: Harlequin Books on Dec. 26, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 10/10

One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

Review:

Mesmerizing, heartwarming, and brilliantly crafted!

Now That You Mention It is a touching story that immerses you in a tale about confronting the past, embracing the future, and discovering one’s true self.

The prose is well turned and fluid. The characters are unique, flawed, genuine, and lovable. And the story is an exceptionally absorbing tale about life, love, forgiveness, familial drama, friendship, courage, community, and happiness.

Now That You Mention It is the perfect mix of hope, heart, grit, and humour and undoubtedly Higgins at her best. It is so much more than expected. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, and leaves you with a smile, and I absolutely loved it!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Kristan Higgins

Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 18 novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. Her books have received dozens of awards and accolades, including starred reviews from Kirkus, The New York Journal of Books, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist. Her books regularly appear on the lists for best novels of the year. Kristan is also a cohost of the Crappy Friends podcast, which discusses the often complex dynamics of female friendships, with her friend and fellow writer, Joss Dey.

The proud descendant of a butcher and a laundress, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband. They own several badly behaved pets and are often visited by their entertaining and long-lashed children.

Photograph by Kristan Higgins.

10
Dec
2017

#BookReview #BlogTour Ours is the Winter by Laurie Ellingham @LaurieEllingham @HQDigitalUK @NeverlandBT

categories: Blog Tour, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Title: Ours Is the Winter

Author: Laurie Ellingham

Published by: HQ Digital on Nov. 17, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Journeying across the Arctic, their pasts are about to catch up with them.

Erica, Molly and Noah are embarking on the challenge of a lifetime, driving Siberian huskies across the frozen wilderness of the Arctic. Cut off from the world and their loved ones and thrown together under gruelling conditions, it isn’t long before the cracks start to show.

Erica has it all. A loving husband, a successful career and the most adorable baby daughter. But Erica has been living a double life, and as she nears her fortieth birthday her lies threaten to come crashing down.

Molly was on her way to stardom. But when her brother died, so did her dreams of becoming an Olympic champion. Consumed by rage and grief, she has shut out everyone around her, but now she’s about to learn that comfort can come from the most unexpected places.

Noah has a darkness inside him and is hounded by nightmares from his past. Tortured, trapped and struggling to save his fractured relationship, he knows this journey is not going to help, but try telling his girlfriend that.

As their lives and lies become ever more entwined, it becomes clear that in the frozen wilds there is nowhere to hide.

Review:

Riveting, affecting, and atmospheric!

Ours is the Winter is an emotive, absorbing novel that takes us on a journey into the icy, cold, Arctic where friendships will be formed, love will be lost, past tragedies will haunt, and secrets will surface and bind people forever.

There are three main memorable characters in this novel. Erica, a career woman, struggling with the pressures of being a good mother, wife, and sister. Molly, a young woman, crippled with grief over the loss of her brother. And Noah, a man grappling with extreme guilt and a relationship in tatters.

The writing is eloquent and vivid. The plot is well crafted and uses a past/present style to create a little suspense and a lot of emotion as it unravels all the histories, personalities, and relationships within it. And the characterization is well done with a cast of characters that are troubled, scarred, and raw; a group of Huskies that are intelligent, athletic and lovable; and a setting, the arctic wilderness, that is a character itself with its harsh weather, isolation, and physical challenges.

Ours is the Winter is a clever, poignant novel that reminds us that survival of any form takes strength and courage and the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is forgiveness.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

Giveaway:

Prize: 1 signed paperback of Laurie’s previous book, “One Endless Summer”.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Laurie Ellingham, HQ Digital, and Neverland Blog Tours for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

About Laurie Ellingham

When I’m not running around after my two children, my husband, our Cockerpoo Rodney, or just plain running, I love nothing more than disappearing into the fictional world of my characters preferably with a large coffee and a Twix (or two) to hand.

When I am in the thick of a character crisis, I can often be seen walking around the village with my jumper on inside out and back to front, chatting (and occasionally laughing) away to myself.

I have a first class honours degree in psychology and a background in Public Relations, both of which help in everything I do.

Website | Twitter

08
Dec
2017

#BookReview #BlogTour The Girl I Used To Know by Faith Hogan @GerHogan @Aria_Fiction

categories: 9/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Title: The Girl I Used to Know

Author: Faith Hogan

Published by: Aria on Dec. 1, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 298

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

A beautiful, emotive and spell-binding story of two women who find friendship and second chances when they least expect it. Perfect for the fans of Patricia Scanlan.

Amanda King and Tess Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn’t be more different.

Amanda seems to have it all, absolute perfection. She projects all the accoutrements of a lady who lunches. Sadly, the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart.

By comparison, in the basement flat, unwanted tenant Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love.

It takes a bossy doctor, a handsome gardener, a pushy teenager and an abandoned cat to show these two women that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations.

Review:

Uplifting, absorbing, and delightfully inspiring!

The Girl I Used To Know is a heartwarming story that immerses you in a tale about letting go of the past, embracing the future and discovering one’s true self at any age.

The prose is effortless and fluid. The plot is a wonderful blend of heart, humour, and hope. And the characterization is spot on with a memorable cast of characters, including two strong, determined, resilient women who learn through compassion and friendship how to move on, find true happiness and be unconditionally loved.

The Girl I Used To Know is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, dreams, heartache, infidelity, family, and romance. It is a beautifully written, beguiling novel by Hogan that highlights just how meaningful and powerful friendships can truly be.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Faith Hogan and Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

About Faith Hogan

Faith Hogan was born in Ireland. She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway. She has worked as a fashion model, an event’s organiser and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector.

She was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair – an international competition for emerging writers.

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05
Dec
2017

#BookReview #GuestPost Winter at Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin @jaxandwillsmum @HQDigitalUK

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Guest Post, Women's Fiction

Title: Winter At Cedarwood Lodge

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Series: At Cedarwood Lodge #4

Published by: HQ Digital on Dec. 1, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 403

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

This winter it’s time to fall in love at Cedarwood Lodge…

After years of dreaming, Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen and turning it into the perfect destination for celebrations, weddings and extravagant birthday parties. The huge property used to be a bustling holiday camp, now Clio wants to bring it back to its halcyon days – which will be a lot of hard work!

Returning back to the small town of her youth she’s glad to have one of her best friends still around to lean on, Micah who is just as solid as he used to be. But with her own secrets pushing her to run from her glamorous life in New York, she’ll have to tread carefully, especially when the far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good contractor, Kai, shows up on her doorstep…

Sure she’s here in Evergreen to change her life, but there is no way she’s falling in love!

Previously published as three novellas; Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, and Midnight & Mistletoe and now Includes bonus material!

Review:

Absorbing, enchanting, and sugary sweet!

In this latest compilation, Winter at Cedarwood Lodge, Raisin sweeps us away to a wintery paradise where the snow is falling, the accommodations are rustic, the food is scrumptious, and love is in the air.

The prose is light, atmospheric, and well turned. The characters are unique, flawed, and multi-layered. And the story is a compelling tale full of tender moments, humorous hijinks, self-discovery, friendship, family, community, happiness, love, a little mystery, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer!

Overall, Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is a charming holiday treat that’s perfect for a chilly afternoon curled up in front of the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate!

If you haven’t had a chance to read my review of The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin be sure to check it out here:

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

For more information about the Tour Schedule click Here

And now Rebecca Raisin with:

Twenty things to do this Christmas

When I wrote Winter at Cedarwood Lodge, the whole premise behind the lodge was that it be a place to go where you switch off phones and computers and go back to a simpler way of living where you’re not always contactable 24/7. The idea appeals to me so much, especially around holiday time when you just need to recharge and forgot about work and schedules for a little while.

But what to do if you’re not scrolling through Facebook…?

Write a letter to a stranger. Make them smile!
Invite that neighbor over for dinner, the one who waves but always seems to be alone.
Bake! Lots of cookies, ice them, dust them, eat them!
Get crafty, upcycle something!
Start the New Year fresh!
Plant a herb garden. Big or small, inside or outside!
Cuddle a cat or dog! Visit your local rescue center and ask about spending some time with those adorable fur babies for an hour or two.
Move your furniture around. A change is as good as a holiday or so the saying goes…
Build a snowman, or a sand castle! You are never too old, I don’t care what age you are!
Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time and arrange a coffee date.
Make pasta from scratch.
Write a poem or haiku.
Paint your nails.
Make a face mask from natural items in your pantry.
Put fresh sheets on your bed.
Read a book you’ve given up on before and see if anything has changed.
Send a postcard and say wish you were here.
Jump in a puddle.
Compliment someone you don’t know.
Go for a bike ride or a walk.

What else would you add to the list? I hope you have a fabulous festive season and have time to switch off and do something relaxing that you haven’t done for a while.

All the best,

Bec xx

Thank you to Rebecca Raisin for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review and for participating on my blog today. It’s an honour!

About Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been published in various short story anthologies and in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly believe in true love.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

27
Nov
2017

#BookReview A Pearl for My Mistress by Annabel Fielding @DearestAnnabel @HQDigitalUK

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Title: A Pearl for My Mistress

Author: Annabel Fielding

Published by: HQ Digital on Aug. 9, 2017

Genres: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8//10

A story of class, scandal and forbidden passions in the shadow of war. Perfect for fans of Iona Grey, Gill Paul and Downtown Abbey.

England, 1934. Hester Blake, an ambitious girl from an industrial Northern town, finds a job as a lady’s maid in a small aristocratic household.

Despite their impressive title and glorious past, the Fitzmartins are crumbling under the pressures of the new century. And in the cold isolation of these new surroundings, Hester ends up hopelessly besotted with her young mistress, Lady Lucy.

Accompanying Lucy on her London Season, Hester is plunged into a heady and decadent world. But hushed whispers of another war swirl beneath the capital… and soon, Hester finds herself the keeper of some of society’s most dangerous secrets…

Review:

Insightful, exceptionally researched, and richly descriptive!

A Pearl for My Mistress takes us back to the 1930s, the interwar period, and gives an in-depth look into the formation of the British far-right movement and Germany’s influence and infiltration of British politics and high society.

The prose is fervent and captivating. The main characters include the scarred, loyal, enamored Hester and the bold, independent, resourceful Lucy. And the plot unfolds chronologically with a nice mix of historical events, intriguing fiction, social strife, forbidden love, political manipulation, and heartfelt emotion that keeps the story flowing from start to finish.

A Pearl for My Mistress is a well written, fascinating novel that highlights Fielding’s incredible knowledge and enormous passion for a period of time that is often forgotten and overlooked.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Annabel Fielding & HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Annabel Fielding

Annabel Fielding, having graduated from the University of Arts London with an MA in Public Relations, is a PR assistant by day and a novelist by night. Being a self-professed history geek, she dedicates her free time to obscure biographies, solo travel and tea.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

23
Nov
2017

#GuestPost Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove by Emily Harvale @emilyharvale @rararesources

categories: Contemporary Romance, Guest Post, Noteworthy Book Releases, Women's Fiction

Synopsis:

Christmas is a time for family and friends, miracles and magic, falling snow and roaring fires, fun, laughter and festive feasts. In Snowflake Cove, it’s also a time for secrets to be revealed…

Evie Starr is hoping for more than a sprinkling of magic this Christmas. The family-run Snowflake Inn is virtually empty and the Starr’s financial future isn’t looking bright. But Evie’s gran, Jessie has a secret that might help.

Enigmatic, Zachary Thorn is every woman’s dream. He’s also ex-SAS, so his secrets are classified. The Christmas Special of his feel-good, TV show is set in Michaelmas Bay – until a phone call means he’s spending Christmas in nearby Snowflake Cove.

Evie’s best friend, Juniper thinks boyfriend Darren has a secret. Evie knows he does. And Evie’s niece, Raven is hiding feelings for Juniper’s brother – who has a secret crush of his own.

But the biggest secret in Snowflake Cove is the identity of Raven’s dad.

With snow falling thick and fast and secrets being revealed one after another, will everyone be snuggling up by the fire on Christmas Eve, or are some secrets best kept hidden…?

Extract No. 1

Here’s an extract from Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove. To give you an idea of what’s going on, this is Evie Starr, the heroine of the book, dealing with a guest she really doesn’t like, who is part of a group staying at the family-run inn. I can’t say too much without giving away some of the story, but Evie has a bit of a sarcastic streak. Enjoy the extract.

The menu was limited – as the harpy with two names was quick to point out – but Snowflake Inn was an inn, not a restaurant or posh hotel. Evie politely suggested that there were several good restaurants in Michaelmas Bay if Felicia would like to try them, but meals at the inn were included in the price during the festive season – whether eaten or not.

Felicia gasped when she saw the wine list. ‘This is a wine list?’

Evie smiled. ‘Yes. I’m sure you’ll be able to find at least one wine to your liking.’

‘If I were looking for wine vinegar, perhaps. Is there really no champagne?’

Evie maintained her smile in spite of the considerable effort required. ‘No. We do have a rather pleasant English sparkling wine from a local vineyard. I can highly recommend that.’

Felicia looked her up and down. ‘I’ll have a G&T. A large one. And so will Peter. He’ll be here shortly. And water. Bottled water. You do have bottled water, don’t you?’

‘Yes. I’ll go and fill a bottle for you right now.’

Zachary, who had come into the dining room with his family a few seconds before, gave a burst of laughter. ‘Evie’s teasing you, Felicia. There’s no need to look so horrified.’ He smiled at Evie.

‘I think there’s every need,’ Felicia replied. ‘Have you seen this list?’ She waved the wine list in the air.

‘No. But I’m looking forward to trying the local sparkling wine.’

Evie could almost feel the daggers in her back as she walked away from Felicia’s table, but Zachary continued:

‘There’ll be champagne for you tomorrow. John has very kindly put in an order with a local wine merchant who can deliver it in the morning, along with some other of our favourite wines. We’ve even managed to get a few bottles of Pop’s favourite, so everyone’s happy. There’ll be plenty to last for the duration of our stay.’

The Thorn party may be happy but Evie wasn’t.

About the Author:

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing… and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She’s an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily says, “I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happy endings.” When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both.

Thank you to Emily Harvale for being a guest on my blog today! It was truly an honour!

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For more information on Emily Harvale follow her on the following:

Facebook: EmilyHarvaleWriter

Twitter: emilyharvale

Instagram: emilyharvale