Genre: Women's Fiction

#BookReview A Dog’s Chance by Casey Wilson @CaseyWilsonAuth @grandcentralpub #ADogsChance #CaseyWilson

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#BookReview A Dog’s Chance by Casey Wilson @CaseyWilsonAuth @grandcentralpub #ADogsChance #CaseyWilson Title: A Dog's Chance

Author: Casey Wilson

Published by: Grand Central Publishing on Nov. 9, 2021

Genres: Women's Fiction

Pages: 256

Format: Paperback

Source: Grand Central Publishing

Book Rating: 8/10

A reminder of the unbelievable bonds we form with the dogs in our lives. No matter how broken you are, the unconditional love of a dog can piece you back together in this book that’s perfect for fans of A Dog’s Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain, and Marley and Me.

Madison knows her fourteen-year-old daughter Abbie is struggling. She wishes she could give Abbie stability, the promise of a forever home in Millbury, but she is scared to stay in one town for too long, and every day Abbie seems more anxious. Until a chance encounter with a beautiful, boisterous golden retriever puppy called Duke changes everything…

Duke bounces into the community centre where Madison is working and when Abbie meets him she stops pacing the room. Duke is tugging his owner, seventy-five-year-old Arthur, along for the ride, and instantly Madison sees a way she and Arthur can help each other. She offers to train Duke so that Abbie gets to see him, and from that moment the four of them become a family.

Madison finally feels like she has a second chance at life and a reason to stay in town, but when her past catches up with her they are all at risk. Duke may have united this family, but will he be able to keep them together?

Review:

Moving, charming, and uplifting!

A Dog’s Chance is an optimistic, engaging novel that takes us into the lives of four main characters. Arthur, a kind-hearted widow whose loneliness is palpable and who spends the better part of his days thinking of his lost wife, Rosie; Madison, a nurse practitioner who would love to settle down but knows she must always keep one step ahead of her past; Abbie, a troubled teenager, struggling with anxiety and a place to fit in; and Duke, a stray golden retriever who is determined to bring together all those around him and ultimately find himself a forever home.

The prose is reflective and sweet. The characters are caring, endearing, and resilient. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, loss, friendship, tension, kindness, self-discovery, generosity, happiness, taking chances, unconditional love, growing old, and the healing power of pets.

Overall, I found A Dog’s Chance to be a heartwarming, emotive, touching novel by Wilson that reminds us that family can be any unit created by love and not limited to those related by blood and that life should always be lived to the fullest.

 

This book is available now.

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

         

 

 

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Casey Wilson

Casey Wilson is the author of A Dog's Hope. Born and raised in the United States in Nevada, she is the owner of a gorgeous golden retriever, who may or may not have inspired the dogs in her novels.

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#BookReview A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery @erikamwriter @StMartinsPress #ASummertoRemember #ErikaMontgomery #StMartinsPress #SMPInfluencers

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#BookReview A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery @erikamwriter @StMartinsPress #ASummertoRemember #ErikaMontgomery #StMartinsPress #SMPInfluencers Title: A Summer to Remember

Author: Erika Montgomery

Published by: St. Martin's Press on May 11, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: Hardcover

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 8/10

For thirty-year-old Frankie Simon, selling movie memorabilia in the shop she opened with her late mother on Hollywood Boulevard is more than just her livelihood–it’s an enduring connection to the only family she has ever known. But when a mysterious package arrives containing a photograph of her mother and famous movie stars Glory Cartwright and her husband at a coastal film festival the year before Frankie’s birth, her life begins to unravel in ways unimaginable.

What begins is a journey along a path revealing buried family secrets, betrayals between lovers, bonds between friends. And for Frankie, as the past unlocks the present, the chance to learn that memories define who we are, and that they can show us the meaning of home and the magic of true love.

Experience the salty breeze of a Cape Cod summer as it sweeps through this sparkling, romantic, and timeless debut novel tinged with a love of old Hollywood.

“The perfect read for summer. A novel with depth, real emotions, lyrical writing, and flawed characters with whom to fall in love.”–New York Times bestselling author Karen White

Review:

Poignant, romantic, and nostalgic!

A Summer to Remember is a refreshing, moving tale that sweeps you away to the idyllic island of Cape Cod and into the life of Frankie Simon, a thirty-year-old movie memorabilia Hollywood shop owner who, after her mother’s death, journeys to the east coast to unravel the secrets of her mother’s past and to potentially finally discover the identity of the father she’s never known.

The prose is reflective and sweet. The characters are easygoing, intriguing, and likeable. And the plot using a past/present, back-and-forth style, intertwines and unravels effortlessly into a touching tale of life, loss, family, friendship, drama, emotion, secrets, heartbreak, passion, old Hollywood, self-discovery, and love.

Overall, A Summer to Remember is a heartfelt, sentimental, escapist debut by Montgomery that was so much more than I ever expected, and I look forward to reading whatever lovely story she manages to come up with next.

 

This novel is available now.

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

            

 

 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Erika Montgomery

A card-carrying cinephile and native New Englander, novelist Erika Montgomery lives with her family in the Mid-Atlantic where she teaches creative writing and watches an unspeakable amount of old movies. A Summer to Remember is her debut novel.

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #TheBloomGirls #AmyPine

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#BookReview The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #TheBloomGirls #AmyPine Title: The Bloom Girls

Author: Amy Pine

Published by: Forever on Aug. 3, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Source: Forever

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Gilmore Girls meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding in this humorous, multi-generational story about a mother and daughter who discover that life happens when you least expect it.

Gabi Bloom doesn’t believe in signs. She believes in photographic evidence, the view through her camera lens, and the snap of the shutter. It’s why she traveled to Europe—to satisfy her wanderlust and to kick off her photography career. But in Ireland, all of that changed when Gabi gazed into the impossibly blue eyes of an American bartender. She wasn’t prepared for their intense and immediate attraction, or the fact that she’d be bringing Ethan home with her . . . as her fiancé.

Gabi’s upcoming marriage is the cherry on top of her mother’s current predicament. Stumbling toward forty, Alissa is a pastry chef who raised her daughter single-handedly while Gabi’s father traveled the globe. Now her baby girl is getting married after a whirlwind romance and Alissa—well, Alissa is pregnant. Again. And not only is her ex the father, he wants her back. For good. Until she can figure out that part of the puzzle, Alissa is hiding her big little secret even as she helps Gabi plan a happily-ever-after wedding. But somewhere between disaster and hope, life might just bloom in a way that is breathtakingly unexpected . . .

Review:

Heartwarming, moving, and sweet!

The Bloom Girls is an intimate, sentimental tale that sweeps you into the lives of the Bloom family, Gabi, Alissa, and Matthew, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, take chances, repair relationships, and embrace the future.

The prose is genuine and smooth. The characters are hesitant, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, responsibilities, familial drama, parenthood, friendship, hope, second chances, and new beginnings.

Overall, I found The Bloom Girls to be a nostalgic, uplifting, charming tale by Pine, complete with strong female characters, a heartfelt storyline, and an insightful look into the complex ties that bind us as family. 

 

This novel is available now.

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

                

 

 

Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Amy Pine

A librarian for teens by day and a writer by night, Amy Pine can't seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn't have it any other way. When she finds that twenty-fifth hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV to nourish her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far-off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

Photo courtesy of read-forever.com.

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#BlogTour #BookReview Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens @SophieCous @centurybooksuk #JustHaventMetYouYet #SophieCousens

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#BlogTour #BookReview Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens @SophieCous @centurybooksuk #JustHaventMetYouYet #SophieCousens Title: Just Haven't Met You Yet

Author: Sophie Cousens

Published by: Century on Nov. 11, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback

Source: Arrow Publishing

Book Rating: 9/10

Tell me the story of how you two met…

Laura has built a career out of interviewing people about their epic real life love stories.

When she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport, Laura wonders if this could be the start of something that’s written in the stars.

From piano sheet-music to a battered copy of her favourite book, Laura finds in the bag evidence of everything she could hope for in a partner.

If Laura’s job has taught her anything it’s that when it comes to love, you can’t let opportunity pass you by. Now Laura is determined to track down the owner of the suitcase, and her own happy ending.

But what if fate has other ideas?

Review:

Intimate, poignant, and romantic!

Just Haven’t Met You Yet is an addictive, uplifting, slow-burning tale that takes you into the life of Laura Le Quesne, a young woman who, after heading to the Channel Islands to investigate and write the story of her late parent’s epic love affair, also finds herself on the hunt to identify and meet, with the help of a broody cabbie, the one she has been waiting for her whole life after she picks up the wrong suitcase of a man who seems, based on his possessions, to be her fated soul mate.

The writing is warm and sweet. The characterization is spot on with a delightful cast of characters that are endearing, genuine, and kind. And the plot is a charming tale full of hope, heart, and humour.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet is, ultimately, a story about love, loss, life, trust, family, friendship, community, ageing, self-discovery, happiness, and fate. It is a sentimental, absorbing, compelling novel by Cousens that does an exceptional job of highlighting that true love is not just roses, chocolates, and grand gestures but all the tender, touching, supportive moments in between. I absolutely adored this novel and look forward to reading all of this author’s previous novels as soon as I possibly can.

This novel is available now.

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

              

 

 

Thank you to Penguin Random House UK – Arrow Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sophie Cousens

Sophie Cousens worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years and now lives on the island of Jersey in the UK, balancing her writing career with working for an arts charity and taking care of her two small children. She is the author of This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

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#BookReview The Attic on Queen Street by Karen White @KarenWhiteWrite @uplitreads @BerkleyPub #TheAtticonQueenStreet #KarenWhite #TraddStreet #UplitReads #gifted

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#BookReview The Attic on Queen Street by Karen White @KarenWhiteWrite @uplitreads @BerkleyPub #TheAtticonQueenStreet #KarenWhite #TraddStreet #UplitReads #gifted Title: The Attic on Queen Street

Author: Karen White

Series: Tradd Street #7

Published by: Berkley Books on Nov. 2, 2021

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: Hardcover

Source: Uplit Reads

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Return to the house on Tradd Street for one last time as the bestselling series featuring psychic medium Melanie Trenholm comes to a hauntingly spectacular finale.

After the devastating events of the past few months, the last thing Melanie Trenholm wants is to think about the future. Why, when her husband, Jack, has asked for a separation—a separation that might have been her fault? Nevertheless, with twin toddlers, a stepdaughter leaving for college soon, a real estate career to resume and a historic home that is still being restored, Melanie doesn’t have much time to wonder where it all went wrong—but that doesn’t stop her from trying to win her husband back.

Their relationship issues are pushed aside, however, when longtime nemesis, Marc Longo, comes to them with a proposition: allow their Tradd Street house to be used as the filming location for the movie adaptation of Marc’s bestselling book, and he will help Jack re-establish his stalled writing career. Despite Melanie’s hesitation, Jack jumps at the chance. But Melanie’s doubts soon prove to be well founded when she uncovers ulterior reasons for Marc wanting to be back in their house—reasons that include a hidden gem so brilliant that legend links it to the most infamous jewel of all, the Hope Diamond.

But Melanie has an unexpected ally in protecting the house and its inhabitants—the ghost of a Civil War era girl warns her of increasing threats to her family. But she’s not the only spirit who is haunting Melanie. A malevolent ghost seems determined to stop Melanie from investigating the decades-old murder of a friend’s sister, and this spirit will stop at nothing to protect its secrets—even from beyond the grave.

Melanie and Jack must work together to find the answers before evil spirits of past and present destroy everything they love.

 

Review:

Rich, atmospheric, and satisfying!

The Attic on Queen Street is a quirky, mysterious, entertaining tale that takes us back into the lives of Melanie, Jack, and the whole Trade Street gang, including a few intriguing newcomers, as they work on repairing fractured relationships, begrudgingly allow a movie production crew onto their property, and use the help and guidance from those long past once again to solve and close some tragic, unfinished cases.

The prose is vivid and descriptive. The characters are eccentric, lovable, and clever. And the plot is a well-paced, quirky tale full of amateur sleuthing, scandalous behaviour, treasures, ghosts, history,  suspects, deduction, and an abundance of southern charm.

The Attic on Queen Street is the seventh and last novel in this wonderful series by White. And even though it is a little bittersweet to say goodbye to the lovely gang we’ve come to know and love over the last seven novels, it has been an absolute pleasure to be able to indulge in all the mystique, adventure, mishaps, and romance that’s happened on Tradd Street over the entire series.

 

This novel is available now.

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

            

 

 

Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Karen White

Karen White is the New York Times bestselling author of 28 books, including the Tradd Street series, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of Glass, A Long Time Gone, and The Time Between. She is the coauthor of All the Ways We Said Goodbye, The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. She grew up in London but now lives with her husband near Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo by Marchet Butler.

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#BookReview Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey @kristywharvey @uplitreads #christmasinpeachtreebluff #kristywoodsonharvey

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#BookReview Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey @kristywharvey @uplitreads #christmasinpeachtreebluff #kristywoodsonharvey Title: Christmas at Peachtree Bluff

Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey

Series: Peachtree Bluff #4

Published by: Gallery Books on Oct. 26, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Source: Uplit Reads

Book Rating: 9/10

“When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband James announce that they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

When the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Vivi’s recklessness forces her, along with Ansley and her husband Jack, to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances in Peachtree Bluff become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission.

With Caroline’s boat the Starlite Sisters in tow, Sloane and Emerson set sail loaded with supplies. When they arrive, they find not only their family in need, but also an entire community desperate for help. Putting aside their own plans for December, they decide to stay in Peachtree, rebuilding their beloved town—as well as their family—just in time for the yuletide season.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.”

Review:

Quaint, heartfelt, and evocative!

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a delightfully amusing, festive tale that sweeps you away to Peach Tree Bluff, Georgia and immerses you into the lives of the Murphy family, especially four strong women, as they gather to celebrate, support, interrogate, heal, grow, communicate, close doors, open new ones, take chances, and survive mother nature.

The prose is vivid and expressive. The characters are genuine, compassionate, and reliable. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel effortlessly into a bewitching tale of life, love, friendship, family, self-reflection, determination, community, happiness, holiday traditions, romantic moments, blossoming relationships, stormy weather, and the special bonds between sisters.

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is another absorbing, uplifting, magical tale by Harvey that does a brilliant job of highlighting her exceptional ability to create relatable characters, idyllic places, and memorable storylines that thoroughly enchant from start to finish.

This novel is available now.

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

            

 

 

 

Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the USA TODAY bestselling author of six novels, including Feels Like Falling, The Peachtree Bluff series, and Under the Southern Sky. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her work has been optioned for film and television, and her books have received numerous accolades including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parade’s Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weekly’s Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the co-creator and co-host of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel.

Photo by Jay Ackerman.

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#BookReview Someone I Used To Know by Paige Toon @PaigeToonAuthor #someoneiusedtoknow #PaigeToon #feelitall #TheHiddenPaige

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#BookReview Someone I Used To Know by Paige Toon @PaigeToonAuthor #someoneiusedtoknow #PaigeToon #feelitall #TheHiddenPaige Title: Someone I Used To Know

Author: Paige Toon

Published by: Paige Toon Press on Jun. 24, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback

Source: Paige Toon

Book Rating: 10/10

So much can change in half a lifetime…

Then

At fifteen, George is the foster brother Leah never asked for. As the angry, troubled boy struggles to come to terms with his circumstances, Leah finds herself getting drawn closer to him.

Theo’s wealthy family have mysteriously pulled him out of boarding school and he’s now enrolled at the local state school with Leah and George. When their worlds collide that summer, the three teenagers form a bond they believe will be unbreakable. But life doesn’t always go to plan…

Now

Shocking news brings Leah back to Yorkshire, baby daughter in tow. But Emilie’s father Theo isn’t with them, and George has unexpectedly returned. After half a lifetime, have they healed the scars of their pasts? Will coming back home set their hearts in a new direction?

Review:

Absorbing, romantic, and incredibly heart-wrenching!

Someone I Used To Know is an intimate, moving, sentimental tale that sweeps you away to the Yorkshire countryside and into the life of Leah, a young mother who finds her life unexpectedly turned upside down when a tragic accident one night irrevocably changes her life forever, her father passes away out of the blue, and the boy who stole a little piece of her heart when he left without a trace almost thirteen years ago suddenly returns home.

The writing is heartfelt and tender. The characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters that are generous, scarred, caring, and kind. And the plot, using a past/present, back-and-forth style, unwinds and unravels effortlessly into a lovely tale full of heart, hope, healing, and angst.

Someone I Used To Know is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, expectations, trauma, grief, trust, forgiveness, family, friendship, community, foster care, second chances, and discovering one’s true self. It is a touching, addictive, immersive novel by Toon that does an exceptional job of highlighting that life is not only about the highs and lows but also all those quieter moments in between and reminds us that family is not limited to those related by blood but any unit created by love. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year.

This novel is available now.

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

         

 

 

Thank you to Paige Toon for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Paige Toon

Paige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has written fourteen women's fiction novels, a three-part spin-off series for young adults and a collection of short stories. Her novels have sold 1.5 million copies worldwide.

In Spring 2021, Paige and her publishing team launched ‘feel it all’ branding for her novels, which is inspired directly by her readers and what they have been telling her for years: that when they read a Paige Toon novel, they experience a myriad of emo>ons, from love, heartache and passion, to grief, happiness and hope. The message is simple: get lost in one of Paige’s stories and you really will feel it all.

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#BookReview Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks @panmacmillan #TheSecretPath #KarenSwan

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#BookReview Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks @panmacmillan #TheSecretPath #KarenSwan Title: Midnight in the Snow

Author: Karen Swan

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Oct. 1, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 464

Format: Paperback

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a wonderfully romantic novel from Karen Swan, bestselling author of The Secret Path, The Christmas Party, and Together by Christmas.

Midnight in the Snow is the story of a forbidden attraction in the dramatic surroundings of the snow-covered Austrian Alps, by Canadian and international bestseller Karen Swan.

It’s the red carpet life for filmmaker Clover Phillips. Her documentary on surfer Cory Allbright is winning awards around the globe for shining a spotlight on life after his tragic accident. Now she’s free to choose her next subject.

But everything changes when Cory is found dead and his widow needs answers. Clover makes a promise to find out the truth about what happened the day his life fell apart, turning her attention to the man responsible, disgraced surfing champion Kit Foley. Rejected by the sport he loves, he’s starting over as a snowboarder in the Austrian Alps. Kit wants nothing to do with the film but his new sponsor has other ideas. Soon Clover and her team are shadowing him on the slopes and in the chalet.

It’s dislike at first sight but boundaries become dangerously blurred as Clover finds herself drawn into Kit’s power games. Each of them vie for control over the project – until a revelation blows Kit’s secretive past wide open. Finally Clover has her answers, and the material for her explosive new film. Kit Foley is everything she ever said he was… Isn’t he?

Review:

Absorbing, intense, and delightfully addictive!

Midnight in the Snow is an intriguing, atmospheric tale set predominantly in the Austrian Alps that immerses you into the life of documentary filmmaker Clover Philips as she searches for answers from the one man, Kit Foley, whose reputation proceeds him, has seamlessly moved on to conquer a new sport, and remarkably still seems to have nothing to say about that one fateful decision he made that cost his fellow professional surfer his health, livelihood, and eventually his life.

The writing is effortless and smooth. The characters are multilayered, withdrawn, infuriating, and dedicated. And the plot is an entertaining mix of hope, heart, angst, drama, and mystery.

Midnight in the Snow is, ultimately, a story about relationships, competitive rivalry, adventure, heartbreak, scandal, secrets, guilt, grief, expectations, and protecting those you love that highlights just how relentless and unscrupulous the media can be. It is a wonderfully alluring tale that sweeps you away to the snowy mountains of Europe, charms, satisfies, and, at least for me, kept me up way past my bedtime to finish.

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 Karen Swan

Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest outside Sussex, England, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs.

An internationally bestselling author, her numerous books include The Rome Affair, The Paris Secret, Christmas Under the Stars, and The Christmas Secret. 

Photograph by Alexander James

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#BookReview #Audiobook The Wish by Nicholas Sparks @HBGCanada @NicholasSparks @grandcentralpub @HachetteAudio #NicholasSparks #TheWish #GrandCentralPub #HachetteAudio

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#BookReview #Audiobook The Wish by Nicholas Sparks @HBGCanada @NicholasSparks @grandcentralpub @HachetteAudio #NicholasSparks #TheWish #GrandCentralPub #HachetteAudio Title: The Wish

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Narrator: Mela Lee, Will Collyer

Published by: Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Audio on Sep. 28, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Length: 11 hrs 42 min

Format: ARC, Audiobook, Paperback

Source: Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Audio

Book Rating: 10/10

1996 was the year that changed everything for Maggie Dawes. Sent away at sixteen to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she meets Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Handsome, genuine, and newly admitted to West Point, Bryce gradually shows her how much there is to love about the wind-swept beach town—and introduces her to photography, a passion that will define the rest of her life.

By 2019, Maggie is a renowned travel photographer. She splits her time between running a successful gallery in New York and photographing remote locations around the world. But this year she is unexpectedly grounded over Christmas, struggling to come to terms with a sobering medical diagnosis. Increasingly dependent on a young assistant, she finds herself becoming close to him.

As they count down the last days of the season together, she begins to tell him the story of another Christmas, decades earlier—and the love that set her on a course she never could have imagined.

Review:

Pensive, absorbing, and profoundly moving!

The Wish is a beautifully written, touching novel that takes us into the life of Maggie Dawes as she spends her last Christmas savouring all the little things, enjoying time with those she loves, reaping as much pleasure and joy out of each day, and having no regrets before her battle with cancer comes to an end.

The prose is eloquent and reflective. The characters are strong, compassionate, and endearing. And the plot is a compelling, highly emotional tale of life, love, friendship, kindness, generosity, honesty, humour, contemplation, and acceptance.

Overall, The Wish is a charming, insightful, bittersweet tale by Sparks that, unlike most of his books that usually make me a little teary, this one absolutely slayed me. I think there was more than once when tears were trickling down my face. However, saying that this is the most exquisite, good for the soul story I’ve read in a while, and I do hope everyone grabs a few tissues and picks this one up in any version, as the audiobook narrators, Mela Lee and Will Collyer are fabulous, and spends a few hours immersed in a story that is guaranteed to remind you that life is short and every moment is truly precious.

 

This novel is available now.

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

           

 

 

Thank you to HBG Canada & Hachette Audio for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Nicholas Sparks

With over 100 million copies of his books sold, Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. His novels include fifteen #1 New York Times bestsellers, and all of his books, including Three Weeks with My Brother, the memoir he wrote with his brother, Micah, have been New York Times and international bestsellers, and were translated into more than fifty languages. Eleven of Nicholas Sparks’s novels–The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven, The Lucky One, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle–have been adapted into major motion pictures.

Photography courtesy of Grand Central Publishing Website.

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#BookReview A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts @_Sheila_Roberts @uplitreads @HarlequinBooks #ALittleChristmasSpirit #SheilaRoberts #UplitReads #gifted

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#BookReview A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts @_Sheila_Roberts @uplitreads @HarlequinBooks #ALittleChristmasSpirit #SheilaRoberts #UplitReads #gifted Title: A Little Christmas Spirit

Author: Sheila Roberts

Published by: MIRA on Sep. 28, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Uplit Reads

Book Rating: 9/10

Single mom Lexie Bell hopes to make this first Christmas in their new home special for her six-year-old son, Brock. Festive lights and homemade fudge, check. Friendly neighbors? Uh, no. The reclusive widower next door is more grinchy than nice. But maybe he just needs a reminder of what matters most. At least sharing some holiday cheer with him will distract her from her own lack of romance…

Stanley Mann lost his Christmas spirit when he lost his wife and he sees no point in looking for it. Until she shows up in his dreams and informs him it’s time to ditch his scroogey attitude. Stanley digs in his heels, but she’s determined to haunt him until he wakes up and rediscovers the joys of the season. He can start by being a little more neighborly to the single mom next door. In spite of his protests, he’s soon making snowmen and decorating Christmas trees. How will it all end?

Merrily, of course. A certain Christmas ghost is going to make sure of that!

Review:

Bighearted, festive, and uplifting!

A Little Christmas Spirit is an amusing, tender tale set in the quaint town of Fairwood, Washington, that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Lexie Bell, a young single mother whose main focus is raising her son and making their first Christmas in their new home as memorable as possible, and Stanley Mann, an elderly widow who prefers his own company and is still struggling to adapt to living each day without the love of his life.

The prose is light and sweet. The characters are lonely, considerate, and kind. And the plot, using a back-and-forth, past/present style, is a delightfully touching tale about life, loss, love, marriage, parenthood, family, friendship, a touch of romance, happiness, and grief.

Overall, A Little Christmas Spirit is another cosy, uplifting, delightfully enchanting story by Roberts that reminds us to surround ourselves with those we love, especially during the holidays, and to always live life to the fullest.

This book is available now.

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

            

 

 

Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sheila Roberts

Sheila Roberts is happily married and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her books are best-sellers, and have been made into movies for the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When she’s not speaking to women’s groups or at conferences or hanging out with her hubby or girlfriends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

Photography courtesy of Author's Website.

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