Source: Harlequin Books

#BookReview The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @htp_books @HarlequinBooks #TheSisterEffect #SusanMallery #HTPbooks #HarlequinTradePublishing

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BookReview The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @htp_books @HarlequinBooks #TheSisterEffect #SusanMallery #HTPbooks #HarlequinTradePublishing Title: The Sister Effect

Author: Susan Mallery

Published by: HQN Books on Mar. 7, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 9/10

Beloved bestselling author Susan Mallery brings readers an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story that explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever…and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

Review:

Sincere, sentimental, and rewarding!

The Sister Effect is a warm, intimate tale that immerses you into the lives of the McGowan family, especially sisters Finley and Sloane, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, forgive, take chances, repair fractured relationships, move on, and embrace the future.

The prose is expressive and fluid. The characters are troubled, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, secrets, responsibilities, alcoholism, addiction, familial drama, redemption, sisterhood, friendship, and hope.

Overall, The Sister Effect is another heartwarming, uplifting, nostalgic tale by Mallery that reminds us that the true meaning of family is unconditionally loving, respecting, accepting, and supporting each other through all the highs and lows. It’s the perfect read for spring and proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but root for, Mallery is one of the best!

This book is available now.

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

          

 

 

Thank you to HTP Books – Harlequin Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Susan Mallery

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

Photo by Annie Brady

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#BookReview The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan @ReneeRyanBooks @Harlequinbooks #TheSecretSocietyOfSalzburg #ReneeRyan #LoveInspired

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan @ReneeRyanBooks @Harlequinbooks #TheSecretSocietyOfSalzburg #ReneeRyan #LoveInspired Title: The Secret Society of Salzburg

Author: Renee Ryan

Published by: Love Inspired on Dec. 27, 2022

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 9/10

London, 1933. At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.

Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.

From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.

Review:

Compelling, intense, and absorbing!

The Secret Society of Salzburg is a charged, intriguing tale set between the mid-1930s to the end of WWII that takes you into the lives of Hattie Fetherstone, a young British artist with a love for opera and a kind heart, and Elsa Mayer-Braun, an Austrian operatic singer, who after befriending a devoted fan and discovering just how dangerous the world is about to become, creates a network with the help of her new friends to transport as many Jewish people as possible out of Nazi-occupied Europe to the safety of the United Kingdom.

The prose is fluid and rich. The characters are resourceful, loyal, and trustworthy. And the plot is a captivating mix of life, love, loss, secrets, passion, heartbreak, betrayal, tragedy, survival, danger, friendship, art, opera, and war.

Overall, The Secret Society of Salzburg is an enticing, heart-tugging, atmospheric tale by Ryan that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters you can’t help but be fully engrossed and completely invested throughout.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                

 

 

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

 

About Renee Ryan

Renee Ryan grew up in a Florida beach town outside Jacksonville, FL. Armed with a degree in Economics and Religion from Florida State University, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and a large, fluffy cat many have mistaken for a small bear.

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#BookReview When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally @JoMcNallyAuthor @KayePublicity @HarlequinBooks #JoMcNally #WhenSparksFly #RendezvousFalls #KayePublicity

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally @JoMcNallyAuthor @KayePublicity @HarlequinBooks #JoMcNally #WhenSparksFly #RendezvousFalls #KayePublicity Title: When Sparks Fly

Author: Jo McNally

Series: Rendezvous Falls #5

Published by: Harlequin Books on Aug. 9, 2022

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books, Kaye Publicity

Book Rating: 8.5/10

What if the one who’s off-limits…is really the one?

Between her business, her recent divorce and her teenage daughter who needs her right now, Zoey Hartford has her hands full. Thank goodness she has her best friend, Mike McKinnon, to keep her laughing. Zoey and Mike have gone through everything together—from chemistry class to heartbreak. They would never risk their friendship…until one unexpected but sizzling night changes everything.

Mike is torn. Funny, down-to-earth Zoey in her flannel shirts and messy ponytail always seems so in control…until she melts into his arms. But he won’t come between Zoey and her daughter. They’ll just keep it casual. No drama. No feelings. No messiness. What could go wrong?

But the meddling, matchmaking book club won’t be denied. They may not have set them up, but they recognize a perfect match when they see one. And they’re determined to help Zoey see what’s been right in front of her for so long…

In Lost in Love, single mom Andrea will do anything to make the fall festival a success…even ask the town bad boy for his help.

Review:

Engaging, heartfelt, and fun!

When Sparks Fly is an alluring, tender, friends-to-lovers romance that transports you to the idyllic Rendezvous Falls and into the lives of the reliable, handsome Mike McKinnon and the hardworking, single mother Zoey Hartford as they discover that even though they’ve been the best of friends forever perhaps there’s a little something more underneath that’s worth taking a chance on.

The writing is light and playful. The characters are supportive, kind, and genuine. And the plot is an entertaining, amusing mix of friendship, family, community, responsibilities, parenthood, snappy banter, undeniable chemistry, humorous moments, small-town antics, and unconditional love.

Overall, When Sparks Fly is a sexy, sweet, uplifting tale by McNally with characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with, a charming storyline that kept me engaged from start to finish, and a happy-ever-after ending that made me swoon.

 

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 and Kaye Publicity for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Jo McNally

Jo McNally lives in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – her slice of the bed is very small. When she's not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed...), she can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends, listening to great music. If the weather is absolutely perfect, she'll occasionally join her husband on the golf course, where she always feels far more competitive than her actual skill-level would suggest.

Photograph by Jo McNally.

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#BookReview Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch @jessicarpatch @HarlequinBooks #HerDarkestSecret #JessicaRPatch #LoveInspired #HarlequinBooks

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch @jessicarpatch @HarlequinBooks #HerDarkestSecret #JessicaRPatch #LoveInspired #HarlequinBooks Title: Her Darkest Secret

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Published by: Love Inspired on Jun. 28, 2022

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8.5/10

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

Review:

Relentless, intricate, and addictive!

Her Darkest Secret is a sinister, action-packed thrill ride featuring the tenacious FBI special agent Fiona Kelly and the volatile FBI agent Asa Kodiak as they join forces to hunt the cold, calculating serial killer with a penchant for reenacting nursery rhymes that Fiona once, almost two decades ago, was the victim of herself.

The writing is taut and intense. The characters are meticulous, tormented, and persistent. And the plot is a suspenseful, engrossing whodunit full of twists, turns, lies, deception, revelations, familial drama, obsession, depravity, spirituality, violence, and murder.

Overall, Her Darkest Secret is an eerie, tortuous, fast-paced tale by Patch that was so much better than I ever expected, and one that did an exceptional job of highlighting that evil can live easily amongst us, often simply hidden behind masks of normality.

 

This book is available June 28, 2022.

Preorder 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 Jessica R. Patch

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists. When she's not hunched over her laptop, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she'll probably never cook.

Photo courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview Love Blooms by Jo McNally @JoMcNallyAuthor @KayePublicity @HarlequinBooks #JoMcNally #LoveBlooms #RendezvousFalls

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Love Blooms by Jo McNally @JoMcNallyAuthor @KayePublicity @HarlequinBooks #JoMcNally #LoveBlooms #RendezvousFalls Title: Love Blooms

Author: Jo McNally

Series: Rendezvous Falls #4

Published by: Harlequin Books on Jul. 27, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books, Kaye Publicity

Book Rating: 8/10

It’s never too late for a second chance…

Tonight should be the best night of Lucy Higgins’s life. Tomorrow she’s finally marrying Owen Cooper. She’s been waiting to start a life of wedded bliss, like the happy marriage her parents have. Except…she just learned her parents are divorcing and she’s freaking out. Owen has been so distant lately, shutting her out. Suddenly this big wedding seems like a really bad idea. Packing up her car, Lucy bolts for Rendezvous Falls and finds work at a flower shop while she gets her life together. The last thing she expects is for Owen to show up, wanting her back.

Owen Cooper’s carefully planned out life is ready to begin. He’s home from the military to join the family business and marry the sweet girl who captured his heart…until Lucy runs out on him. That was not part of the plan. Armed with an article that promises to help him win her back, Owen heads to Rendezvous Falls. But from the moment he sees her again, she seems…different. Happier, more confident and at ease. Can he convince this new version of Lucy that he’s become the man she deserves? He might need a little help from the local book club to accomplish this mission…

Review:

Amusing, heartwarming, and charming!

Love Blooms is a lighthearted, emotive, second-chance romance that takes you into the life of the confused, stressed-out Lucy Higgins, who after fleeing the church on her wedding day, stops trying to please everyone else, rediscovers passions long forgotten, finds a new place to call home, and works with the one man she left at the altar and who is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back to rediscover happiness, passion, their best selves, and a life they both deserve.

The writing is genuine and fluid. The characters are kind, attentive, and authentic. And the plot is a heartfelt, uplifting blend of friendship, family, introspection, drama, community, tricky situations, romantic gestures, unconditional love, and new beginnings.

Overall, Love Blooms is a big-hearted, engaging, cosy tale by McNally that is another wonderful addition to the Rendezvous Falls series with characters you can’t help but root for and a happy-ever-after ending that leaves you smiling, satisfied, and ready for more.

 

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 and Kaye Publicity for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Jo McNally

Jo McNally lives in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – her slice of the bed is very small. When she's not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed...), she can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends, listening to great music. If the weather is absolutely perfect, she'll occasionally join her husband on the golf course, where she always feels far more competitive than her actual skill-level would suggest.

Photograph by Jo McNally.

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#BookReview Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson @HTPBooks @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #LadiesoftheHouse #LaurenEdmondson #Bookclubbish

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BookReview Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson @HTPBooks @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #LadiesoftheHouse #LaurenEdmondson #Bookclubbish Title: Ladies of the House

Author: Lauren Edmondson

Published by: Graydon House on Feb. 9, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 9/10

No surprise is a good surprise. At least according to thirty-four-year-old Daisy Richardson. So when it’s revealed in dramatic fashion that her esteemed father had been involved in a public scandal before his untimely death, Daisy’s life becomes complicated—and fast.

For one, the Richardsons must now sell the family home in Georgetown they can no longer afford, and Daisy’s mother is holding on with an iron grip. Her younger sister, Wallis, is ready to move on to bigger and better things but falls fast and hard for the most inconvenient person possible. And then there’s Atlas, Daisy’s best friend. She’s always wished they could be more, but now he’s writing an exposé on the one subject she’s been desperate to avoid: her father.

Daisy’s plan is to maintain a low profile as she works to keep her family intact amid social exile, public shaming, and quickly dwindling savings. But the spotlight always seems to find the Richardsons, and when another twist in the scandal comes to light, Daisy must confront the consequences of her continued silence and summon the courage to stand up and accept the power of her own voice.

Review:

Fresh, uplifting, and witty!

Ladies of the House is a charming, engaging tale that takes us to Washington, DC, and into the lives of three, strong, unique women as they each learn in their own way to cope with the death of their patriarch, Senator Gregory Richardson, and the subsequent trail of adultery, deception, controversy, scandal, and corruption he left in his wake.

The writing is clever and sharp. The characters are complex, angry, insecure, and loyal. And the plot unfolds and unravels quickly into a tender tale of family, friendship, trust, reputation, financial ruin, unrequited love, independence, happiness, and finding one’s true self.

Overall, Ladies of the House is an enjoyable, entertaining, modern retelling of Austen’s Sense and Sensibility that’s an outstanding debut by Edmondson with its endearing characters, heartfelt moments, contemporary storyline, and ending that will leave you with a smile.

This book is available now.

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

            

 

 

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

 

About Lauren Edmondson

Lauren Edmondson has a BA from Williams College and an MFA in fiction from Sarah Lawrence College. She teaches English at Northern Virginia Community College and lives outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and daughter. Ladies of the House is her first novel.

Photo courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler @SEmorgenthaler @SourcebooksCasa #EnjoytheView #MooseSprings #SourcebooksCasa

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler @SEmorgenthaler @SourcebooksCasa #EnjoytheView #MooseSprings #SourcebooksCasa Title: Enjoy the View

Author: Sarah Morgenthaler

Series: Moose Springs Alaska #3

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca on Jan. 19, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book Rating: 9/10

A grouchy mountaineer, a Hollywood starlet
And miles of untamed wilderness…
What could possibly go wrong?

Former Hollywood darling River Lane’s acting career is tanking fast. Determined to start fresh behind the camera, she agrees to film a documentary about the picturesque small town of Moose Springs, Alaska. The assignment should have been easy, but the quirky locals want nothing to do with River. Well, too bad: River’s going to make this film and prove herself, no matter what it takes.

Or what (literal) mountain she has to climb.

Easton Lockett may be a gentle giant, but he knows a thing or two about survival. If he can keep everyone in line, he should be able to get River and her crew up and down Mount Veil in one piece. Turns out that’s a big if. The wildlife’s wilder than usual, the camera crew’s determined to wander off a cliff, and the gorgeous actress is fearless. Falling for River only makes Easton’s job tougher, but there’s only so long he can hold out against her brilliant smile. When bad weather strikes, putting everyone at risk, it’ll take all of Easton’s skill to get them back home safely…and convince River she should stay in his arms for good.

Review:

Charming, refreshing, and light!

Enjoy the View is a tender, amusing tale that takes us back to Moose Springs, Alaska and into the lives of documentary filmmaker River Lane and broody mountaineer Easton Lockett as they navigate a treacherous mountain climb, a potentially tragic accident, a four-legged, furry friend with a serious crush, and an underlying simmering attraction that may be the only thing that keeps them warm on a few cold, blustery nights.

The writing is cute and funny. The characters are stubborn, impulsive, and dependable. And the plot is a heartwarming, humorous mix of life, love, family, friendship, small-town living, adventurous endeavours, dangerous mishaps, romance, and a lovelorn, adorable marmot.

Enjoy the View is the third title in a series that, for me, just keeps getting better and better. It’s a sweet, sincere, steamy tale by Morgenthaler that in my opinion shouldn’t be missed.

 

This book is available now.

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

     

 

 

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

 

About Sarah Morgenthaler

They say if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life. Well, I LOVE my job. Even when it’s hard work!

I write sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy set in Alaska, with quirky, fun-loving characters who fall in love despite their best efforts not to! I’ve even been known to write a moose or two! I’m a 2017 and 2018 RWA® Golden Heart® finalist. When I’m not writing, I can be found playing with the sweetest little rescue pit bull, Sammy, hiking with my husband, or nose deep in a great book. I love God, my family, old pickup trucks, and red wine. All the best things in life!

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview Mistletoe & Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler @SEmorgenthaler @SourcebooksCasa #MistletoeMrRight #MooseSprings #SourcebooksCasa

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Mistletoe & Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler @SEmorgenthaler @SourcebooksCasa #MistletoeMrRight #MooseSprings #SourcebooksCasa Title: Mistletoe & Mr. Right

Author: Sarah Morgenthaler

Series: Moose Springs Alaska #2

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca on Oct. 6, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book Rating: 8.5/10

How the moose (almost) stole Christmas.

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can’t stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana’s determined to prove that she belongs…even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town’s hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really…how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it’s not getting any easier now that his dream girl’s back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it’s clear she needs help, fast…and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It’s an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong…together.

Review:

Humorous, sweet, and romantic!

Mistletoe & Mr. Right is a lighthearted, amusing tale that takes us back to small-town Alaska and into the life of the hardworking, wealthy Lana Montgomery as she juggles a demanding family, a successful career, a town determined not to like her, and an introverted pool hall owner who’s slowly stealing her heart.

The writing is tender and playful. The characters are quirky, fun-loving, and endearing. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, friendship, introspection, attraction, community spirit, hilarious mishaps, spirited shenanigans, Christmas cheer, and a moose with a dislike for holiday decorations.

Mistletoe & Mr. Right is the second title in the Moose Springs, Alaska series, and once again Morgenthaler has written a heartwarming, engaging, satisfying tale with just the right amount of heart, hope, and humour to keep me yearning for more, especially one featuring the broody, scrumptious Easton Lockett. Bring it on!

 

This book is available now.

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

     

 

 

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

 

About Sarah Morgenthaler

They say if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life. Well, I LOVE my job. Even when it’s hard work!

I write sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy set in Alaska, with quirky, fun-loving characters who fall in love despite their best efforts not to! I’ve even been known to write a moose or two! I’m a 2017 and 2018 RWA® Golden Heart® finalist. When I’m not writing, I can be found playing with the sweetest little rescue pit bull, Sammy, hiking with my husband, or nose deep in a great book. I love God, my family, old pickup trucks, and red wine. All the best things in life!

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick @NicolaCornick @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #TheForgottenSister #NicolaCornick #Bookclubbish #HTPBooks

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick @NicolaCornick @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #TheForgottenSister #NicolaCornick #Bookclubbish #HTPBooks Title: The Forgotten Sister

Author: Nicola Cornick

Published by: Graydon House on Nov. 10, 2020

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8.5/10

In the tradition of the spellbinding historical novels of Philippa Gregory and Kate Morton comes a stunning story based on a real-life Tudor mystery, and of a curse that echoes through the centuries and shapes two women’s destinies…

1560: Amy Robsart is trapped in a loveless marriage to Robert Dudley, a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Surrounded by enemies and with nowhere left to turn, Amy hatches a desperate scheme to escape—one with devastating consequences that will echo through the centuries…

Present Day: When Lizzie Kingdom is forced to withdraw from the public eye in a blaze of scandal, it seems her life is over. But she’s about to encounter a young man, Johnny Robsart, whose fate will interlace with hers in the most unexpected of ways. For Johnny is certain that Lizzie is linked to a terrible secret dating back to Tudor times. If Lizzie is brave enough to go in search of the truth, then what she discovers will change the course of their lives forever.

Review:

Engaging, mysterious, and immersive!

The Forgotten Sister is an intriguing time-slip novel set in England during both the sixteenth century as well as present-day and is told from two different perspectives, Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester whose untimely death is laced with suspicion and doubt, and Lizzie Kingdom, a young star who after getting mixed up in a scandal where history seems to be repeating itself uses her psychometric abilities to uncover what truly happened.

The writing is eloquent and smooth. The characters are complex, troubled, and endearing. And the plot using a past/present, back-and-forth style captivates and entertains as it sweeps you away into a suspenseful tale of life, loss, love, familial responsibility, duty, honour, betrayal, friendship, passion, mystery, and a silver of the supernatural.

Overall, The Forgotten Sister is another well-paced, creative, entertaining novel by Cornick that does a wonderful job of interweaving a satisfying blend of historical facts, compelling fiction, budding romance, and a touch of magic.

 

This novel is available now.

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

            

 

 

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

 

About Nicola Cornick

International bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes romantic historical mysteries and witty and passionate Regency romance. She studied History at London and Oxford and was awarded a distinction for her dissertation on historical heroes. It was a tough study but someone had to do it. Nicola has a “double life” as a writer and guide at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House. Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them on her blog.

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#BlogTour #BookReview Pretending by Holly Bourne @holly_bourneYA @HTPBooks and @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #Pretending #HollyBourne #Bookclubbish

categories: 8/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction
#BlogTour #BookReview Pretending by Holly Bourne @holly_bourneYA @HTPBooks and @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #Pretending #HollyBourne #Bookclubbish Title: Pretending

Author: Holly Bourne

Published by: Mira Books on Nov. 17, 2020

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

In this hilarious and heartbreaking debut novel perfect for fans of Fleabag, a woman struggling to move on after a traumatic relationship pretends to be “the perfect girl” in an act of vengeance that goes awry when she finds herself emotionally compromised.

He said he was looking for a ‘partner in crime’ which everyone knows is shorthand for ‘a woman who isn’t real’.

April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal – yet she can’t seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she’s found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. Until she realizes that what men are really looking for is Gretel.

Gretel is perfect – beautiful but low maintenance, sweet but never clingy, sexy but not a slut. She’s a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems.

When April starts pretending to be Gretel, dating becomes much more fun – especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua. Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?

Review:

Intense, emotional and heartwrenching!

Pretending is a raw, honest, caustic tale that takes you on a journey into the life of the traumatized, suffering April as she struggles with the devastating and enduring physical and psychological effects of rape, a career that though rewarding is hard to bear, a deep desire for companionship and love, and a dating life composed of a neverending stream of untrustworthy men.

The writing is sharp and direct. The characters are complex, angry, insecure, and troubled. And the plot using a mix of narration, internal monologues, and text messages unfolds into an emotive tale of friendship, trust, consent, sexual dynamics, power, shame, self-blame, violence, denial, pain, and mental health.

Overall, Pretending is not at all what I was expecting and is quite a heavy, jaded read at times. It’s a tale that packs a punch tackling important social issues such as sexual abuse, inequality, and mental illness through a feministic lens, and yet remarkably still manages to be hopeful, insightful, and a touch romantic.

 

This book is available now.

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

           

 

 

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

 

About Holly Bourne

Holly Bourne is a bestselling UK-based YA and Adult Fiction author and is an Ambassador for Women’s Aid. In 2019, she was an Author of the Day at the London Book Fair, and was named by Elle Magazine’s weekly podcast as one of “Six Female Authors Changing the Conversation in 2019”. Pretending is her US debut.

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