Publisher: Aria

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

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

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Magic Under the Mistletoe

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Sep. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Christmas and romance are in the air…

It’s December 23rd and while everyone else is rushing home for the holidays, workaholic Leesa Oliver is dreading switching on her out-of-office for the festive season. And it seems her equally driven boss, Cary Anderson, isn’t relishing spending Christmas at his family’s country estate either.

So together, they draft an unexpected Christmas contract: They’ll spend half of the holidays with each other’s families, pretending to be a couple. Leesa knows the insufferably good-looking Cary will make her Christmas more bearable, but what happens after the last of the mince pies have been eaten…?

Leesa signed off on a sensible business agreement, but somewhere, amongst the fairy lights and carols something seems to have changed… It seems there might just be some magic under the mistletoe this Christmas!

Review:

Heartfelt, festive, and romantic!

Magic Under the Mistletoe is a lovely, character-driven rom-com that sweeps you away to the city of Cardiff and into the lives of the devoted, workaholic Leesa and the arrogant, successful Cary as they discover that there may be more to their relationship than just work, pretend feelings, and fake dating.

The writing is warm and light. The characters are hardworking, complex, and supportive. And the plot is an irresistible, wintery treat bursting with heart, humour, self-discovery, secrets, heat, spirit, chemistry, Christmas cheer, and familial drama.

Overall, Magic Under the Mistletoe is another cosy, uplifting, delightfully enchanting story by Coleman that is the perfect holiday choice for any blustery afternoon read.

 

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

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

 

Giveaway:

Win a Signed paperback copy of Snowflakes over Holly Cove and Christmas Pamper Pack. (UK only)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Terms and Conditions – UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

 

#BlogTour & #BookReview The Last Day of Winter by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

categories: 9/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour & #BookReview The Last Day of Winter by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: The Last Day of Winter

Author: Shari Low

Series: A Winter Day #3

Published by: Aria on Oct. 3, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

One December wedding. One runaway bride. One winter’s day to bring everyone together again.

Today is the day Caro and Cammy are due to walk up the aisle. But Caro’s too caught up in the trauma of her past to contemplate their happy ever after.

Stacey’s decision to return from L.A. is fuelled by one thing – telling Cammy how she feels, before it’s too late.

Wedding planner, Josie, needs to sort the whole mess out, but she’s just been dealt some devastating news. Can she get through the day without spilling her secret?

On a chilly winter’s day, they have twenty-four hours to prove that love can lead the way to a brighter future…

Perfect for fans of Isabelle Broom, Sarah Morgan and Amanda Prowse.

Review:

Heartwarming, genuine, and undeniably affecting!

In this latest and final novel in the Winter Day series, The Last Day of Winter, we once again head back to Glasgow, Scotland where friendship will be savoured, tears will be shed, memories will be created, lives will be celebrated, and love will be forged and shared.

The writing is heartfelt and seamless. The characters are sincere, charismatic, eccentric, and lovable. And the plot is the perfect blend of heart, hope, humour, drama, and emotion.

The Last Day of Winter is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, dreams, heartbreak, friendship, family, and finding happiness and I absolutely adored it. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and in the end it left me smiling and was a wonderful, unforgettable, bittersweet ending to one of my favourite series of all time.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

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#BlogTour #BookReview A Question of Us by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker @aria_fiction

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour #BookReview A Question of Us by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker @aria_fiction Title: A Question of Us

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Published by: Aria on Sep. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 310

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Two best friends. Eight pub quizzes. One shot at love…

There are some people who seem like they have all the answers in life. Clarrie Midwinter isn’t one of them.

At the age of 26, tomboy Clarrie is still struggling to become a ‘proper’ grown-up. She’s eternally strapped for cash, she hasn’t had a date in nearly a year and her attempts to quit smoking tend to take a nosedive after the second pint. Most annoyingly of all, her ladykiller best friend Simon just won’t stop asking her out. The only thing keeping her sane is her pub quiz team, the Mighty Morphin Flower Arrangers.

But when Simon bets her a date their team will win the quiz league, Clarrie is forced to confront what she really wants out of life – and love. Is it finally time for her to grow up?

Gloriously irreverent, badly behaved romantic comedy from the author of Meet Me at the Lighthouse.

Review:

Cheeky, hilarious, and authentically British!

A Question of Us is an engaging, humorous, friends-to-more romance that features the determined, fun-loving Simon who finally wants something more than friendship with his best mate, and the hesitant, stubborn Clarrie who may finally have to take the risk and acknowledge her true feelings for her best friend.

The writing is amusing and witty. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are gregarious, lovable, and well developed. And the plot is a delightful blend of heart, humour, spirited dialogue, pub trivia, competitive rivalry, romantic gestures, and the complex dynamics between friends.

Overall, A Question of Us is a quirky, sweet, entertaining tale by Baker that’s full of laughs, creative characters, and touching moments.

 

This book is available now. 

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

                                     

 

 

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

 

About Mary Jayne Baker

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

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For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | |

 


#BlogTour & #BookReview One Last Greek Summer by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot @Aria_Fiction

categories: 8/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour & #BookReview One Last Greek Summer by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot @Aria_Fiction Title: One Last Greek Summer

Author: Mandy Baggot

Published by: Aria on Jun. 6, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 280

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Beth Martin is 31, newly divorced and wondering just what life holds for her…

Best-friend, Heidi, is adamant that all the answers lie in Corfu – the island where the girls’ partied away their youth.

So cue a trip to a sun-drenched Greek island, ouzo cocktails, a trip down memory lane…and Alex Hallas, the man Beth has never quite forgotten.

As they dance under the stars, the sand beneath their toes, old feelings begin to resurface and Beth might just have a chance to take back her life. If they can learn to love the people they’ve become…

Review:

Funny, colourful, and reflective!

One Last Greek Summer is an engaging, summery read that takes us to the lovely island of Corfu and into the life of Beth Martin as she meanders through the loss of her mother, a recent divorce, a potential change of career, a rekindled romance from the past, and a holiday with her best friend Heidi where nothing goes as planned.

The writing is effortless and lush. The characters are quirky, relatable, and lovable. And the plot is a charming mix of light drama, heartfelt emotion, funny mishaps, friendship, family, love, and second-chance romance.

Overall, One Last Greek Summer is a heartwarming, breezy, delightful tale by Baggot that once again highlights her incredible ability to bring a country to life through her exceptional knowledge and passion for its food, landmarks, and culture.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                                       

 

 

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

 

About Mandy Baggot

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. In 2017 she was signed by Ebury Publishing (Penguin Random House).

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | |

 


#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

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

#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Summer on the Italian Lakes

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Feb. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Bestselling Brianna Middleton has won the hearts of millions of readers with her sweeping – and steamy – love stories. But the girl behind the typewriter is struggling… Not only does she have writer’s block, but she’s a world-famous romance author with zero romance in her own life.

So the opportunity to spend the summer teaching at a writer’s retreat in an idyllic villa on the shores of Lake Garda – owned by superstar author Arran Jamieson – could this be just the thing to fire up Brie’s writing – and romantic – mojo?

Brie’s sun-drenched Italian summer could be the beginning of this writer’s very own happy-ever-after…

Escape the January blues with this sun-drenched, heart-warming story from the bestselling author of Snowflakes Over Holly Cove.

Review:

Winsome, engaging, and lush!

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the uplifting, humorous story of Brie, a young romance writer who heads to Lake Garda to help out at a writing retreat even though her own heart, focus, and self-confidence are in tatters after a recent, public breakup.

The writing is beautiful and vivid. The characters are endearing, intriguing, and authentic. And the plot is a wonderful mix of life, love, family, friendship, light drama, self-discovery, romance, and all the ins and outs of writing a novel.

Overall, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another sophisticated, tender, intriguing tale by Coleman that once again highlights her phenomenal ability to sweep you away to another place through her passion and knowledge for its food, landscape, and culture.

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

And now a little word from Lucy Coleman:

The fun part about being an author is that you get to spend your days in some wonderful locations, even if it’s virtually! But the only way to be able to sit down and really share with the readers what the experience is like, is to visit in person.

Lake Garda is a place I have visited several times over the years, and it will always be one of my all-time favourite holiday destinations. Whether you fly direct or are planning a grand European tour by road – it is a dream destination.

The villa featured in Summer on the Italian Lakes is fictitious but based on a composite of two properties in which I have stayed. But the descriptions of being up in the hills and the trips taken are real-life experiences.

Italy is an overload of stimuli – everywhere you look, every breath you take in, and everything you touch, fills your heart with love for the vibrancy and warmth of this beautiful country. It’s full of passionate people – for love and life. Fiery temperaments, fabulous food and wonderful wines; flavours that literally grab you with their freshness and taste. Wonderful music and art; scenery that will make your jaw drop; beautiful architecture around which to saunter and so many hidden gems to discover.

But up in the hills where it’s quieter, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with the inner you. For me a holiday has to combine everything – lots of exciting things to experience, but also some time to relax and chill.

So, it was the perfect setting for this book and the only sadness for me, was that I didn’t get to do a research trip! I didn’t need to as all of those memories are locked inside my head, and my heart – but, oh, Italy is calling me loud and clear! If you haven’t been, please do add it to your list of must-sees and Lake Garda is the perfect place to begin.

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

Thank you to Lucy Coleman for being featured on my blog today!

 

Competition/Giveaway:

Hello lovely readers and bloggers!

To celebrate the price drop to 99p I will be running a competition on Twitter for one lucky person to win some goodies –  an Aria tote bag, two beautiful hand-made Italian soaps and a limited edition mug!

No purchase is necessary to join in – just RT one of my lovely blogger’s Tweets for the 99p promo including @LucyColemanAuth and #SummerOnTheItalianLakes, to take part.

If you have already read/reviewed Summer on the Italian Lakes and take a photo of it on your reading device and/or send a link to your review in your Tweet – IF YOUR NAME is the ONE drawn by the third party, I will add two signed paperbacks from my backlist to the prize!

Don’t forget to include @LucyColemanAuth and #SummerOnTheItalianLakes so we can include your Tweet in the competition. Thank you so much for dropping by and good luck!

 

 

*Terms and Conditions – Competition closes noon GMT 29 April 2019; international; anyone can enter; prize to be provided by the author; prize winner will be announced on Twitter by @LucyColemanAuth and on Lucy and Linn’s website (competition page) at noon on 30 April 2019 after being selected at random by a third party.

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

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

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Summer on the Italian Lakes

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Feb. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Bestselling Brianna Middleton has won the hearts of millions of readers with her sweeping – and steamy – love stories. But the girl behind the typewriter is struggling… Not only does she have writer’s block, but she’s a world-famous romance author with zero romance in her own life.

So the opportunity to spend the summer teaching at a writer’s retreat in an idyllic villa on the shores of Lake Garda – owned by superstar author Arran Jamieson – could this be just the thing to fire up Brie’s writing – and romantic – mojo?

Brie’s sun-drenched Italian summer could be the beginning of this writer’s very own happy-ever-after…

Escape the January blues with this sun-drenched, heart-warming story from the bestselling author of Snowflakes Over Holly Cove.

Review:

Winsome, engaging, and lush!

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the uplifting, humorous story of Brie, a young romance writer who heads to Lake Garda to help out at a writing retreat even though her own heart, focus, and self-confidence are in tatters after a recent, public breakup.

The writing is beautiful and vivid. The characters are endearing, intriguing, and authentic. And the plot is a wonderful mix of life, love, family, friendship, light drama, self-discovery, romance, and all the ins and outs of writing a novel.

Overall, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another sophisticated, tender, intriguing tale by Coleman that once again highlights her phenomenal ability to sweep you away to another place through her passion and knowledge for its food, landscape, and culture.

 

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

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

 

Giveaway:

Win a Chocolate dipping set (UK only)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Terms and Conditions – UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

 

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood @lwestwoodwriter @rararesources

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

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood @lwestwoodwriter @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood @lwestwoodwriter @rararesources Title: Moonlight on the Thames

Author: Lauren Westwood

Published by: Aria on Sep. 4, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 455

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Worlds collide when two strangers meet at Waterloo station. It’s a moment they’ll never forget. Perfect for the fans of Milly Johnson. 

Christmas is a joyous time, but not everyone is merry and bright. 

Nicola is a rising star at the top of the corporate ladder, but her personal life is a disaster. Her office affair has lost its allure, and the last thing she wants to think about is Christmas. A night of cancelled trains and festive Christmas carols at Waterloo Station is just about the last straw… 

Dmitri loves conducting his pop-up choir during the festive season, meeting people, and spreading joy and cheer around London. But he carries deep secrets from his past that robbed him of his dream to become a concert pianist. 

Can their hearts and souls be unlocked by music and moonlight and will they discover the healing power of love?

Review:

Captivating, tender, and romantic!

Moonlight on the Thames is a charming, festive tale about the importance of lending a hand, confronting the past, taking risks, learning to trust, embracing the future, and being true to one’s self.

The prose is poetic and impassioned. The characters are hesitant, secretive, and wounded. And the plot sweeps you away into an engaging, touching tale about life, loss, friendship, family, heartbreak, trauma, tragedy, forgiveness, unconditional love, and the magic of music.

Overall, Moonlight on the Thames is another enchanting, uplifting, emotive story by Westwood that is beautifully written, positively beguiling and so much more than just another feel-good holiday read.

This book is available now. 

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

       

 

 

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

 

About Lauren Westwood

Lauren Westwood writes romantic women's fiction, and is also an award-winning children's writer. Originally from California, she now lives in England in a pernickety old house built in 1602, with her partner and three daughters.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Booktrail | Playlist

 

Giveaway:

 

Win 2 x Signed copies of Moonlight On The Thames (UK Only)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Terms and Conditions – UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

#BlogTour #GuestPost The Bloomsbury Affair by Anita Davison @AnitaSDavison @aria_fiction

categories: Guest Post, Historical Fiction, Noteworthy Book Releases
#BlogTour #GuestPost The Bloomsbury Affair by Anita Davison @AnitaSDavison @aria_fiction Title: The Bloomsbury Affair

Author: Anita Davison

Series: A Flora Maguire Mystery #5

Published by: Aria on Nov. 20, 2018

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 333

1905 London is a heady mix of unimaginable wealth and simmering political tensions, and with war looming Flora Maguire wants to keep her family safe.

So when her beloved charge Viscount Edward Trent is accused of murder, she’s determined not to leave the investigation to the police. Flora has trodden the path of amateur sleuth before, but with so much at stake, this time it’s personal.

Slowly the body of the victim found stabbed on a train bound for Paddington starts giving up its secrets, and Flora and her husband Bunny become mired in a murky world of spies, communists and fraudsters. And with the police more sure than ever that Edward is their murderer, Flora must work fast to keep him safe.

Anita Davison’s compulsive story-telling, combined with the irresistible mix of historical drama and gripping mystery, make this unputdownable.

 

And now Anita Davison with:

 

The Positives and Negatives of Writing a Historical Series

When I began writing about Flora Maguire, my amateur sleuth, I intended it to be a standalone story. However once published, I received e-mails from readers asking me questions like: What happened to Flora’s mother? Will she ever see Bunny again? What is Edward like as a grown up? etc.

When I was contracted to write Books 2 to 5, I began to wonder if my characters’ pasts were interesting enough to impact on their futures? Apart from the unique mystery at the core of each book, how could I develop the characters so they were worth reading about in themselves?

I implied in the first book that Flora’s mother, Lily Maguire disappeared mysteriously when Flora was a child. An incident in her early childhood related to her mother haunted Flora, giving her unexplained dreams.  I carried this theme into the next story, and although some aspects were covered, what happened to Lily wasn’t fully explained.  I didn’t want to drag out the mystery too long, so the full story was revealed in Book 4, giving closure for both the reader and Flora herself.

A disadvantage of an accidental series, is that I gave one major character an upper-middle class nickname, which seemed a good idea at the time, but after four books, I began to regret it, although it was too late to change. Some of my readers love the name, while others find it puerile and annoying – but I’m stuck with it.

One of the challenges which face me in each successive novel, is to make sure the information I included in a later book doesn’t contradict an earlier one. Eye colour and appearance is straightforward, but things like personal idiosyncrasies need to be dealt with. Flora had a nervous habit of chewing the base of her thumb which she acquired as a child; a reaction to her nightmares about what happened to her mother. Later on, when her questions are answered and her nightmares stop, she doesn’t do it anymore. It occurred to me recently that I have rationalised this to myself, but maybe I should have explained it to the reader as well?

Also, if a character’s childhood was portrayed as happy and secure in Book 1, introducing some new trauma as a reason for not entering a lift, or a graveyard jars with the reader as they were unaware of this. Bunny is a self-contained, loving man with a progressive attitude to women. I discovered there were many more like him too, but to suddenly make him into a wife controlling misogynist would anger some of my readers who adore him; especially the ones who point out if he is missed from more than one chapter!

Technology did not change as quickly in the early 20thCentury as it does now. For instance, telephones were few and far between right up until after WW1, so I cannot have everyone calling each other all the time.  Fingerprints were in the very early stages of being used in criminal cases, first used to convict someone in 1902, so weren’t universally searched for or used.  Identification of blood groups, X-Rays and the use of motor cars were all in their infancy Most people still used horse-drawn vehicles and women who ate in public on their own were rare enough to be remarked open, even criticised. All this, while suffragists were marching on Parliament, but weren’t yet smashing windows in Downing Street. Getting the historical timeline right is imperative – as inaccuracies can spoil a good story.

In a murder mystery series, the focus is on the mystery itself, so the history of the characters takes second place. However, I’m aware readers like to read about those characters. How their careers progress, their relationships with parents, husband, how many children they have etc. I enjoy aging my characters, some by popular demand, for instance the thirteen-year-old boy who made an appearance in Book 1 reappears in a later book as a young man. Flora also had a child of her own, one who might even get to talk back if the series continues.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this novel from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links!

         

 

 

About Anita Davison

Born in London, Anita has always had a penchant for all things historical. She now lives in the beautiful Cotswolds, the backdrop for her Flora Maguire mysteries.

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Thank you to Anita Davison for being featured on my blog today!

 

 

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#BlogTour & #BookReview Another Day in December by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

categories: 9/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour & #BookReview Another Day in December by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: Another Day in December

Author: Shari Low

Series: A Winter Day #2

Published by: Aria on Oct. 2, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 297

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

On a chilly morning in December… Forever friends Shauna and Lulu touch down at Glasgow Airport on a quest to find answers from the past.

George knows his time is nearing the end, but is it too late to come to terms with his two greatest regrets?

His Grandson Tom uncovers a betrayal that rocks his world as he finally tracks down the one that got away.

And single mum Chrissie is ready to force her love-life out of hibernation, but can anyone compare to the man who broke her heart?

After the success of the No1 best seller ONE DAY IN DECEMBER, comes the second unmissable read in Shari Low’s Winter Day trilogy.

Review:

Enchanting, absorbing, and exceptionally touching!

In this latest novel in the Winter Day series, Another Day in December, Low once again transports us to Glasgow, Scotland for one chilly day in winter when four lives will cross bringing closure for some, forgiveness for others, new family, old loves, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The writing is vivid, eloquent, and fluid. The characters are complex, quirky, and authentic. And the plot is a series of engaging, at times humorous subplots that unfold into an amusing, unputdownable story about life, loss, love, familial drama, secrets, misunderstandings, friendship, romance, acceptance, hope, and unconditional love.

Overall, Another Day in December is thoughtful, emotive, funny, festive, and endearing and with its rich characterization and beautiful storyline, it’s another stunning example of why Shari Low is one of my favourite authors of all time.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

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#BlogTour & #BookReview With or Without You by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

categories: 8/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour & #BookReview With or Without You by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: With or Without You

Author: Shari Low

Published by: Aria on Jun. 1, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 438

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Have you ever made a life-changing decision and then wondered if you made the right one…? A clever, captivating and bittersweet story of what might have been. Perfect for the fans of Jojo Moyes and Marian Keyes.

When Liv and Nate walked up the aisle, Liv knew she was marrying the one, her soul mate and her best friend.

Six years later, it feels like routine and friendship is all they have left in common. What happened to the fun, the excitement, the lust, the love?

In the closing moments of 1999, Liv and Nate decide to go their separate ways, but at the last minute, Liv wavers. Should she stay or should she go?

Over the next twenty years we follow the parallel stories to discover if Liv’s life, heart and future have been better with Nate… Or without him?

Review:

Intriguing, thought-provoking, and creative!

With or Without You is a moving, parallel-universe tale that takes us into the life of Liv, a young woman whose fate will be decided by the choice she makes one New Years Eve, and by dividing the story into two parts highlights the effects either choice has on her own life and those she loves.

The writing is emotive and fluid. The characters are flawed, supportive, and real. And the multi-layered plot is a heartfelt, absorbing story about life, loss, love, family, friendship, compassion, romance, happiness, and destiny.

Overall, With or Without You is a fascinating, pensive read that reminds us that life is complicated, things happen for a reason, and often the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                                       

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

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For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

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