I Can’t Wait For . . . (Can’t-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore @SantaMontefiore @SimonSchusterCA #CWW #WOW

categories: #CWW #WOW, General Blog Posts, Noteworthy Book Releases

 

Can’t-Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings is a weekly post

to spotlight books we’re excited about that we have yet to read.

 

This week the book I’m waiting on is …

 

 

Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long you hold on to them . . .

Gracie Burton is a grandmother, living quietly in Devon. She has rarely left the village over the past forty years. Her daughter, Carina, is immensely high-powered with her own fast-paced business in London. She has very little time for her 17-year-old daughter, Anastasia, away at boarding school, and even less time for her aging mother. In many ways, the three of them barely know each other. Then Gracie stumbles upon an advertisement for a weeklong cookery course in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. She cannot resist and ploughs her life savings into the trip. Carina and Anastasia accompany her. They have no idea why Gracie has been drawn to this venture. They have no sense of her past; she has never spoken about it. They have no idea that Gracie is harbouring the secret of an extraordinary life that preceded them . . .

 

What do you think? It sounds good, doesn’t it! 

 

Have you had a chance to read The Temptation of Gracie or anything else by Santa Montefiore?

 

Will it be added to your TBR shelf?

 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my review copy!

 

#BookReview Finding Hope at Hillside Farm by Rachael Lucas @karamina @PGCBooks @panmacmillan

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BookReview Finding Hope at Hillside Farm by Rachael Lucas @karamina @PGCBooks @panmacmillan Title: Finding Hope at Hillside Farm

Author: Rachael Lucas

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Mar. 26, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 428

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

Finding Hope at Hillside Farm is a heartwarming tale of loss, love and new beginnings by Rachael Lucas.

Hillside Farm, nestled in the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside, is a safe haven for Ella. Working with her aunt Bron, she runs her own business, sharing her love of horses to help those in emotional need. Living on the remote farm, and with just the horses and her aunt for company, Ella thinks she has finally found a place where she can forget her own past and find peace.

But the arrival of a small girl called Hope and her father Harry changes everything. As Ella helps the pair come to terms with their loss, she realizes she too deserves happiness. But is it too late to find it?

Review:

Warm, poignant, and delightfully entertaining!

Finding Hope at Hillside Farm is a sweet, charming story about accepting the things you cannot change, letting go of the past, forgiving one’s self, and embracing the future.

The writing is well turned and fluid. The characters are flawed, lovable, and genuine. And the plot is a heartfelt, alluring tale of heartache, loss, grief, guilt, hope, friendship, family, forgiveness, courage, community, second-chance romance, and the healing power of animals.

Overall, Finding Hope at Hillside Farm is more than I ever expected. It’s an effortless, uplifting, beautiful tale by Lucas that reminds us that life is truly precious and should always be lived to the fullest.

This novel is available now.

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

                    

 

 

Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Rachael Lucas

Rachael Lucas juggles working as an author, coach, and freelance writer with the aid of quite a lot of tea. She and her partner (also a writer) live by the seaside in the North West of England with their six children.
She is the author of Finding Hope at Bramble Farm, My Box-Shaped Heart, Wildflower Bay, Coming Up Roses, and Sealed With a Kiss.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+

#BookReview Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA
#BookReview Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress Title: Heated Rivalry

Author: Rachel Reid

Series: Game Changers #2

Published by: Carina Press on Mar. 25, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 310

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…

Review:

Steamy, emotional, and alluring!

In this second novel in the Game Changers series, Heated Rivalry, Reid gives us a sweet and spicy, enemies-to-more romance that highlights the struggles and hardships of falling in love with someone of the same sex when you’re a professional athlete.

The prose is tender and titillating. The characters are bold, driven, and charming. And the plot is a sultry, push-pull tale full of sexual innuendoes, red-hot chemistry, flirty banter, familial drama, friendship, competition, support, acceptance, love and hockey.

Overall, Heated Rivalry is a smoldering, tantalizing novel that reminds us that sometimes you have to follow your heart regardless of the consequences and is a fabulous addition to a series that is, undoubtedly, quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites.

This novel is available now.

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

                   

 

 

 

Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachelle co-hosts a comic book podcast called Living Between Wednesdays.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

#BookBlitz #Giveaway Crazy For You by Sophia Henry @SophiaHenry313 @XpressoReads

categories: Book Blitz, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

#BookBlitz #Giveaway Crazy For You by Sophia Henry @SophiaHenry313 @XpressoReads

#BookBlitz #Giveaway Crazy For You by Sophia Henry @SophiaHenry313 @XpressoReads Title: Crazy For You

Author: Sophia Henry

Series: Material Girls #3

Published by: Krasivo Creative LLC on Mar. 21, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance

I’m gonna kill my brother.

I should be in the office keeping our tattoo ink distribution company together. Instead, I’m stuck dealing with a 22-year-old, tatted-up tinkerbell. Em Vicious is a walking, talking contradiction: a sassy, goth fairy with a body inked in flowers, stars, and jewels.

While she’s promoting Ambassador Ink, the flirtatious, free spirit needs a babysitter. And thanks to my brother and his wife who’s about to drop twins, I’m the one who has to accompany her during her tour as a guest artist at tattoo shops across the country over the next four weeks.

Sharing the same space with an immature artist is hard enough, yet something about her has me thinking about my own past.

When the barbs become banter, and desire flourishes from frustration, I should tell her to turn and walk away. I see too much of myself in her–and it scares me. I’m afraid the pressure of money and fame might lead her to the same place it lead me–the peak of a suspension bridge and ready to jump.

CRAZY FOR YOU is a full-length standalone novel in the Material Girls series. Happily Ever After guaranteed. WARNING: Be ready for playful banter, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and a sexy May-December romance.

 
 

 

 

EXCERPT:

From Chapter 4 – Zayne

I’m going to kill Louis for making me do this.

We haven’t even left the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and I need a drink already. When the hell do they start serving in coach?

Any attraction that I may have felt for Em Vicious that day I ran into her in the hallway at Ambassador has completely melted away after listening to her record a fifteen-second Instagram story video for the fiftieth time.

“You’ve gotta stop,” I say rubbing my forehead as I check my e-mails.

“Stop what?” she asks, lowering her phone and turning to me. She can’t be completely clueless as to how irritating it is to hear her record the same fucking message over and over.

“Just post the damn video. If I have to hear you say ‘Hey! This is Em Vicious on my way to Philly—’” I say in a shrill tone. “—one more time I’ll cut my ears off.”

Her nose wrinkles in disgust. “Simmer down, Van Gogh. I don’t even sound like that.”

“You’re right. You sound like nails on a fucking chalkboard.” It’s the worst comeback ever. I’m going to have to step up my sarcasm game if I’m going to last a month with her.

“Zayne,” she says in a condescending tone, patting my arm. “You wanted to be in the video, didn’t you? I’m so sorry I didn’t even think about it.”

She extends her arm and starts recording again. “Hey, all! It’s your girl, Em Vicious. And this is my buddy Zayne from the fabulous Ambassador Ink team. We’re on our way to Philly for the first stop on the EmVee takes over the North tour.”

When she throws up a peace sign, I groan and push her arm away. I don’t have the patience for this shit.

 

GIVEAWAY!

$25 Amazon gift card + a signed copy of Crazy For You, Copies of the first two books in the Material Girls series

(Blitz-wide, US/CAN)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About Sophia Henry

Award-Winning Author, Sophia Henry, is a proud Detroit native who fell in love with reading, writing, and hockey all before she became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with an English degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to the warmth of North Carolina for the remainder of her winters.

She spends her days writing books and tweeting too much. When she's not writing, she's chasing adventure with her two high-energy sons, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings, and rocking out at as many concerts as she can possibly attend.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

 

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#BookReview Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard by Jamie Raintree @jamieraintree @GraydonHouse @HarlequinBooks

categories: 9/10, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction
#BookReview Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard by Jamie Raintree @jamieraintree @GraydonHouse @HarlequinBooks Title: Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard

Author: Jamie Raintree

Published by: Graydon House on Mar. 26, 2019

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 9/10

The follow-up to Raintree’s sparkling debut Perfectly Undone, MIDNIGHT AT THE WANDERING VINEYARD brilliantly meshes the provocative relationship fiction of Jennifer Weiner with the nuanced family dynamics of Karen White in this story of a young woman who reconnects with her estranged best friend to complete their teenage bucket list, but the man who came between them years ago reappears to challenge their bond once again.

A young woman at a crossroads in her life returns home to her family’s vineyard in California when tragedy strikes and reconnects with her estranged childhood best friend. They decide to complete the bucket list they created the summer they were 18, the summer that saw their friendship torn apart. But when the man who came between them all those years ago reappears, it challenges their fragile new bond and pushes each woman to confront past hurts and buried truths.

Review:

Evocative, affecting, and heartfelt!

Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard is a heartwarming, touching story that immerses you in a tale about confronting the past, taking risks, being true to one’s self, following your heart, and the importance of never losing sight of your own wants, needs, and dreams.

The writing is vivid and impassioned. The characters are flawed, genuine, and endearing, And the plot is an exceptionally absorbing tale about life, loss, heartbreak, forgiveness, friendship, family, community, courage, happiness, and unconditional love.

Overall, Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard is an uplifting, emotive, alluring story by Raintree that reminds us that everyone that enters our lives, no matter the length of time, shapes and defines us. It is beautifully written, lushly depicted and like a good wine should definitely be savoured.

This book is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Jamie Raintree

Jamie Raintree is voracious student of life, which is why she became a writer, where she could put all that acquired information to good use. She is a mother of two, a wife, a businesswoman, a nature-lover, and a wannabe yogi. She also teaches writers about business and productivity. Since the setting is always an important part of her books, she is happy to call the Rocky Mountains of Northern Colorado her home and inspiration.

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I Can’t Wait For . . . (Can’t-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan @SarahMorgan_ @HarlequinBooks #CWW #WOW

categories: #CWW #WOW, General Blog Posts, Noteworthy Book Releases

 

Can’t-Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings is a weekly post

to spotlight books we’re excited about that we have yet to read.

 

This week the book I’m waiting on is …

 

 

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with this heartwarming novel about the power of friendship, love and what happens when an ending is just the beginning…

To celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, Grace has planned the surprise of a lifetime for her husband—a romantic getaway to Paris. But she never expected he’d have a surprise of his own: he wants a divorce. Reeling from the shock but refusing to be broken, a devastated Grace makes the bold decision to go to Paris alone.

Audrey, a young woman from London, has left behind a heartache of her own when she arrives in Paris. A job in a bookshop is her ticket to freedom, but with no money and no knowledge of the French language, suddenly a summer spent wandering the cobbled streets alone seems much more likely…until she meets Grace, and everything changes.

Grace can’t believe how daring Audrey is. Audrey can’t believe how cautious newly single Grace is. Living in neighboring apartments above the bookshop, this unlikely pair offer each other just what they’ve both been missing. They came to Paris to find themselves, but finding this unbreakable friendship might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them…

 

What do you think? It sounds good, doesn’t it! 

 

Have you had a chance to read One Summer in Paris or anything else by Sarah Morgan?

 

Will it be added to your TBR shelf?

 

Thank you to Harlequin Books for my review copy!

 

#BlogTour #BookReview The Hookup Handbook by Kendall Ryan @KendallRyan1 #bestfriendssister #friendstolovers #standalone

categories: 9/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance

#BlogTour #BookReview The Hookup Handbook by Kendall Ryan @KendallRyan1 #bestfriendssister #friendstolovers #standalone

#BlogTour #BookReview The Hookup Handbook by Kendall Ryan @KendallRyan1 #bestfriendssister #friendstolovers #standalone Title: The Hookup Handbook

Author: Kendall Ryan

Series: Escorts Inc. #2

Published by: Dream Press on Mar. 19, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 296

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Kendall Ryan

Book Rating: 9/10

My love wand is on a strike.

As bad as that blows, pun unintended, it’s ten times worse for me. I’m a male escort, but not just any escort, I’m the escort. The one with a mile-long waiting list and a pristine reputation that’s very well-deserved.

Only now, I’m on hiatus. Because after years of pleasing women all over the city, my man missile decides to get finicky. And the only woman he wants? Someone I can never have—my best friend’s younger sister, the nerdy and awkwardly adorable Sienna.

She’s working at the agency this summer, keeping me organized, handling paperwork, and most importantly, keeping me on track to finish writing my book about sex and intimacy, which is due to my publisher in thirty days.

She thinks I hate her, that I don’t want her here. The truth is much more twisted. I get hard every time she walks into my office. Her wide blue eyes and pouty mouth drive me wild with desire, and if she stays, I’m not sure how much longer I can stay away from her.

Little Miss Overachiever says she’s here to help? Fine. I’m going to put her nerdy, curvy tush to work.

Review:

Passionate, frisky, and sweet!

The Hookup Handbook is a charming, enticing tale that mixes the intelligent, hardworking Sienna who’s determined to help her new boss meet his deadlines this summer but not fall for him, and the cocky, successful Case who may just take the risk and act on his feelings for his best friend’s little sister who seems to be able to help him with more than just his career woes.

The prose is humorous and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are unique, friendly, and engaging. And the plot sweeps you away into a steamy storyline filled with snappy banter, shameless flirting, palpable chemistry, friendship, family, light drama, romance, and the ups and downs of life as an escort.

Overall, The Hookup Handbook is another fabulous addition to the Escorts, Inc series by Ryan complete with sexy characters, an entertaining storyline, and a dreamy happy-ever-after ending.

This book is available now.

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

               

 

 

 

About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Pinterest | Newsletter

 

Thank you to Kendall Ryan for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

#BlogTour #BookReview My Sister is Missing by Julia Barrett @Julia_Barrett_ @RedDoorBooks #MySisterisMissing

categories: 6.5/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BlogTour #BookReview My Sister is Missing by Julia Barrett @Julia_Barrett_ @RedDoorBooks #MySisterisMissing Title: My Sister is Missing

Author: Julia Barrett

Published by: RedDoor Publishing on Mar. 14, 2019

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 304

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: RedDoor Publishing

Book Rating: 6.5/10

I’m not the wife you think I am

Jess’s sister Stephanie loves being a new mum, and is besotted with her baby daughter Natalie. She’s tired and a bit anxious, but that’s natural, isn’t it?

However, one night Stephanie disappears, taking Natalie with her. Jess tries to convince herself that there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation but as time goes on and CCTV images appear of a young woman with a baby, jumping in front of a high-speed train, Jess fears the worst. But was it Stephanie? And if not, where has she gone? And what does husband Adam have to hide?

In turmoil Jess goes in search of answers, but she isn’t prepared for what she uncovers… or for what happens next.

My Sister is Missing is an intense, twisted, psychological thriller that will make you question what is real, and whether you really can trust those you love.

Review:

Suspenseful, complicated, and twisty!

My Sister is Missing is an intricate, psychological thriller that delves into the complex relationship between sisters and highlights the devastating effects secrets, emotional abuse, and trauma can have on the human psyche.

The prose is crisp and clear. The characters are vulnerable, impulsive, and damaged. And the plot told from multiple perspectives is a menacing tale of love, life, cruelty, deception, familial dynamics, violence, and mental illness.

I have to admit that My Sister is Missing captured my attention from the moment I read the synopsis and for the first half of the book I was exceptionally intrigued and curious, and even though I felt it dragged a little and had some repetition in the second half, and perhaps had too many subplots,  it certainly was a good debut for Barrett, and I look forward to reading what her imagination comes up with next.

 

This novel is available now.

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

 

 

Thank you to RedDoor Publishing and Julia Barrett for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Julia Barrett

Julia Barrett wanted to be a writer from a very young age, but it wasn’t until her late thirties that she plucked up the courage to take time out from her teaching career and focus on her writing. She is based in Essex and lives there with her husband and two children. She is currently working on her next novel and completing an MA in Creative Writing.

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For more information on Red Door Publishing visit them at:

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#BookReview Driven by Fire by Eden Rayna @edenrayna

categories: 7.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Erotica
#BookReview Driven by Fire by Eden Rayna @edenrayna Title: Driven by Fire

Author: Eden Rayna

Published by: FriesenPress on Nov. 6, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Pages: 384

Format: eBook

Source: Eden Rayna

Book Rating: 7.5/10

When Piper walks in on her boyfriend with another woman, she ends up alone, walking the highway leading into Fort McKay in Northern Alberta. Piper realizes how much she’s sacrificed for this relationship- her friends, her lifestyle, and most importantly, her career as a chef-and she determines to leave this small town behind and reclaim her independence. But when a semi-truck pulls up behind her and lurches to a stop, she fears her night is about to get worse.

Desperate for some respite from his gossip-worthy life, tech millionaire Brandon takes up long-haul trucking after a messy divorce. While driving into Fort McKay, he sees a woman walking on the side of the highway. Trying to be a gentleman, he pulls over and tries to offer her a ride. She refuses-yet the look in her eyes makes him feel protective of her at first sight.

When Piper and Brandon have a chance encounter the next day, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Neither is looking for love, but they end up spending a hot afternoon together. Brandon’s awaiting business in Edmonton and Piper’s newly-single mindset allow both to say goodbye quickly and get on with their lives. But wildfires raging in the area force Brandon to stay in Fort McKay, leading to a smouldering week with Piper. Despite Piper’s reluctance to depend on another man and Brandon’s determination not to fall in love, they both start to realize how incredible they are together. Piper opens up in ways she never knew possible, and Brandon remembers how it feels to love someone.

As the wildfires rage closer, evacuation orders pressure the lovers to decide on their future. Piper’s friend Danielle knows these two are falling in love and implores Piper to take a leap in this passionate relationship. But Piper has to make her own decision: Will she keep her promise to reclaim her independence, or will she follow Brandon back to his life in Edmonton?…

Review:

Tantalizing, atmospheric, and steamy!

Driven by Fire is a passionate, alluring tale that mixes the hardworking, focused Piper who’s determined to finally take some risks and put her own dreams and goals first, and the charming, secretive Brandon who after having a years break is finally ready to head back to his fast-paced, high society lifestyle.

The writing is smooth and seductive. The characters are hesitant, kindhearted, and endearing. And the plot, set during the wildfires that ravaged Northern Alberta, is a fervid tale of life, love, pleasure, friendship, self-discovery, emotion, instant attraction, insatiable desire, palpable chemistry, community support, and small-town hospitality,

Overall, I found Driven by Fire to be a dramatic, salacious, erotic treat by Rayna with a unique setting, engaging characters, and a whole slew of titillating romance.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                        

 

 

Thank you to Eden Rayna for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Eden Rayna

Eden Rayna was born in Calgary, Alberta. After several attempts to leave through travels and school in far off places, she realized there was no place better to call home than the sprawling city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. A lover of her family, Chinook winds and romance novels, Eden is thrilled to have published her debut novel, Driven by Fire.

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#BlogTour #BookReview The Forgotten Secret by Kathleen McGurl @KathMcGurl @rararesources @HQDigitalUK

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

#BlogTour #BookReview The Forgotten Secret by Kathleen McGurl @KathMcGurl @rararesources @HQDigitalUK

#BlogTour #BookReview The Forgotten Secret by Kathleen McGurl @KathMcGurl @rararesources @HQDigitalUK Title: The Forgotten Secret

Author: Kathleen McGurl

Published by: HQ Digital on Mar. 1, 2019

Genres: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 285

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 8/10

A country at war

It’s the summer of 1919 and Ellen O’Brien has her whole life ahead of her. Young, in love and leaving home for her first job, the future seems full of shining possibility. But war is brewing and before long Ellen and everyone around her are swept up by it. As Ireland is torn apart by the turmoil, Ellen finds herself facing the ultimate test of love and loyalty.

And a long-buried secret

A hundred years later and Clare Farrell has inherited a dilapidated old farmhouse in County Meath. Seizing the chance to escape her unhappy marriage she strikes out on her own for the first time, hoping the old building might also provide clues to her family’s shadowy history. As she sets out to put the place – and herself – back to rights, she stumbles across a long-forgotten hiding place, with a clue to a secret that has lain buried for decades.

For fans of Kate Morton and Gill Paul comes an unforgettable novel about two women fighting for independence.

Review:

Pensive, interesting, and insightful!

The Forgotten Secret is an intriguing tale predominantly set in County Meath during the summer of 1919, as well as present day, and is told from two perspectives, Clare, a middle-aged woman who stumbles across long-hidden family secrets after moving to Clonamurty Farm to rediscover herself and start afresh, and Ellen, a young girl in love who finds herself unexpectedly caught up in her country’s fight for self-identity and independence against Anglo rule.

The writing is fluid and thoughtful. The characters are strong, kindhearted, and courageous. And the engaging and fascinating plot is written in a past/present style that sweeps you back and forth through all the highs and lows of both Clare and Ellen’s life.

Overall, I would have to say that The Forgotten Secret is a warm, compelling, absorbing novel that does a lovely job of highlighting and reminding us of a time, where for years, Ireland endured rebellion, oppression, political upheaval, and economic instability.

 

This book is available now.

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

    

 

 

Thank you to Kathleen McGurl, HQ Digital, and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kathleen McGurl

KATHLEEN MCGURL lives near the sea in Bournemouth, UK, with her husband and elderly tabby cat. She has two sons who are now grown-up and have left home. She began her writing career creating short stories, and sold dozens to women’s magazines in the UK and Australia. Then she got side-tracked onto family history research – which led eventually to writing novels with genealogy themes. She has always been fascinated by the past, and the ways in which the past can influence the present, and enjoys exploring these links in her novels.

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