Month October 2020

Futures Beckon, Pasts Threaten by Nia Lucas @BooksNia #PublicationDay #Contemporaryfiction #Bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am absolutely delighted to share my review today for Futures Beckon, Pasts Threaten, the second book in The Choices Series by Nia Lucas. I would like to thank the author for my advanced copy of this book and to also wish her a Happy Publication Day 🙂 xx

The first book, I absolutely adored and was eager to be able to read the second. The third is also Published today and as I have that one on pre-order it should be say on my kindle ready to go.

So a double Publication Day Celebration 🥂xx

Let me show you more about this book…

Synopsis…

Following on from ‘Choices Shape, Losses Break’, eighteen-year-old Lorna Davies is doing everything she can to blend in at University, hiding the challenges of her past. As her closest friends guard the secrets of the girl they love, Lorna tentatively grasps a life less complex.

Terrified of risking everything she holds dear, Lorna discovers that building a secure future is hard when the weight of the past threatens all that she has.

As adulthood beckons and a life is shaped, are safe choices truly the right ones? When the secrets explode from their guarded boxes and the full extent of Lorna’s history is set free, will anyone survive the fallout?

Purchase link from Amazon UK

My Review…

Having recently read the first book in the Choices series the emotions are still quite fresh as I started this next book. It follows on Lorna’s story. It is one that starts as she is now heading to University but the months after the loss of Lee and Shay have been tough, really tough and she doesn’t know how she has got through it. It is the year of firsts for her without them.

The book sees Lorna almost on auto-pilot as she drifts to classes and sits on the edge of things. Gradually she finds ways to fill her time and gets a job as well as being at uni. Being at home isn’t an option but she does have her brother Dan, and her friends Han and Nico at the end of the phone. These are her support system, they are there for her and they will help her as much as they can but the tough choices are hers to make.

As she works her way through Uni she meets Rob and another support is added to her arsenal. This is where the title of this book is very clever and so suitable. Lorna needs to decide how she will face the future and how much of the past she can leave behind, but more how much of the past will stay left in the past.

Once again the author follows the emotional thread and in fact, it was more emotional knowing what had gone on in the previous book. I really liked how the author started to analyse the past through Lorna and how these became realisations of sorts. Even though Lorna has had different experiences she still needs to work out how to grow up and find her place in society and find out who she is.

I adored this book as much as I did the first, it still has quite a strong sexual thread but once again it becomes part of Lorna’s emotional story and how things for her have changed. I did wonder how the author would lead Lorna through this next section of her life and I have to say she has done it wonderfully. Lorna is dealing with normality and the everyday things rather than the fast-paced and adrenalin-fuelled days of her past. But the past still echoes around her.

This is a story that I read in a couple of days, it is a sort of coming of age but with some serious themes woven into it. I really do think that the books need to be read in order to understand the full history of where Lorna ios now and I would definitely recommend them both and I am looking forward to seeing where the author goes next.

The Choices Series with Amazon Links (these are affiliate links)

Choices Break, Lossess Break

Futures Beckon, Pasts Threaten

Ties Bind, Love Finds

About the Author…

I am a UK based author of Contemporary women’s fiction who is passionate about writing amazing, strong and very relatable female characters who readers really invest in- I love to deliver the best mate you wish you’d had! My Welsh heritage and my life as a practising Social Worker with teenagers and their families heavily influences my work as does my love of all things 90’s, especially Rave and Clubbing culture. My first novel, ‘Love Punked’ is rated 5* on Amazon and my second 5* rated Novel ‘Choices Shape, Losses Break’ is now available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!

My Facebook Page is Nia Lucas Books where my latest news and updates are posted and readers can also follow me at @BooksNia on Twitter or @nialucasbooks on Instagram.

You can also visit Nia’s Amazon Author Page where you will find another brilliant book that I also adored – Love Punked.

Many thanks for reading my post, alike or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Until We Can Forgive by Rosemary Goodacre @HeraBooks @rararesources #histfic #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to one of the Bloggers opening the Blog Tour today and to share my review today for Until We Can Forgive by Rosemary Goodacre. This post also has a great sadness to it as this wonderful author passed away earlier this month. My thoughts are with her family xx

“We’re honouring her memory with her last book and blog tour, finishing off the trilogy that she leaves as a legacy” by Rachel @rararesources

I would like to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for introducing me to Rosemary’s writing with earlier book tours. My thanks once again to Rachel for my stop on this Tour and also for arranging my copy of this book.

Let me show you what the book is about…

Synopsis…

They survived the Great War, but will life ever be the same?

Spring 1919: WW1 is over and a fragile peace has descended over the country. Now living in Cambridge with husband Edmond, Amy Derwent is settling into her new life as wife and mother to little Beth. But the shadow of the Great War looms large, particularly as the injuries Edmond sustained at Ypres still take their toll on him today.

Edmond’s cousin, Vicky, has now grown into a fine young woman, eager to help her country. Throwing off her privileged background to train as a nurse, she spends her days tending to the many soldiers still suffering the after-effects of their time on the battlefield.

Meeting Maxim Duclos, a young Frenchman who has arrived in Larchbury, fills her heart with joy – but when it is discovered that Maxim may be hiding the truth about his past, Vicky is faced with an impossible choice. Follow her heart’s desire and risk her family’s disapproval or keep her family – but deny herself the chance of true love?

The war may be over, but Edmond, Amy and Vicky must all face a new battle, finding their own peace in a country wounded by loss.

Purchase Links

AMZ: https://amzn.to/3ichWUY

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2GHIIqv

My Review…

(I wrote this review before I was aware of the authors passing)

This is the third book in The Derwent Chronicles and continues the story of the characters from the previous books. Because this is an ongoing story I am going to say it would be better to read the books in order, but they also do work as stand-alone.

This is set just after the end of World War I, some men have returned home, some are still in Europe and of course, there are those that will never return. The author does such a wonderful job of depicting life as people try to look forward, to new starts and also to peace. For families to return to some sort of normality and daily routine.

While this book doesn’t have the danger of the War there are still plenty of other things going on in everyday life that add drama, tension and also danger. Everyone has lost someone and feelings over the repatriation of the fallen is mentioned along with Poppy Day, the building of the Cenotaph and also the troops that remain in occupied Germany.

While some have been discharged due to injuries there are still those who are enlisted. Each one has there own problems whether it is coming to terms with living a civilian life or wanting to be back home with loved ones. There is still animosity towards Germany and also a wariness with the Americans, the country wants to get back to how things were but with so much change there has to be compromise.

The author has done a wonderful job of continuing the story of Amy and her husband Edmond and those that cross their paths. There is a real sense of wanting to get on and not to complain, worry or moan as things are still fresh from the years during the war. As I mentioned, this has a different backdrop but there are still struggles and worries.

A wonderful next instalment in this saga that sees how opinions of family and friends can make things difficult, how friendships and relationships can overcome differences. It is one for those who love historical fiction, sagas and family life. A wonderful read that had me hooked and One I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

Rosemary Goodacre is thrilled to have a three book deal with Hera Books. Her World War I romance Until We Meet Again will be released on 31/10/19. Her heroine, Amy, faces many challenges as she works as a nurse and struggles to spend time with Edmond, her sweetheart.
Previously Rosemary has had a novella published, entitled A Fortnight is not Enough, and a science fiction story in the anthology Telescoping Time.
Rosemary has always loved languages and travel, mainly in Europe. In her spare time she enjoys country walking, bridge and classical music. She lives in Kent, England.

Here are the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books ( w/e 25th oct) #lovebooks #recommendedreading

yvonnembee 2 Comments

Another week has been and gone and i think we can definitely say that summertime is over. We have had a lot of wind and rain over the past few days so it is good to snuggle down in the warmth with a good book and I have read three excellent books this week.

Regular visitors to my blog will know I am a big fan of Tony Forder and I love his Bliss and Chandler series. Fifteen Coffins is a step away from from his fabulous series and I thought it was brilliant. It see’s Sydney Merlot, FBI Special Agent coming home to wrap up her fathers Private Investigator business. Going through the last few cases on his books and also looking into a fathers determination of his sons innocence. This is a cracking read and keep an eye out for the Blog Tour for this one. Pre-order HERE release date 2nd Nov 2020

Leopold Borstinski is another regular author on my Blog, Casino Chiseler is the 4th in the Alex Cohen historical fiction series and it is another fabulous read. Set in 1940’s America, Alex makes his way to Vegas to start fresh with his old colleagues after a spell in Sing Sing. Vegas is the new area of speculation for those that run racketeering, profiteering and gambling. A step up for Alex but the same problem is always in the background, who can be trusted? Brilliant series and brilliant read, keep an eye out for the Blog Tour. Order your copy HERE

This is an author that is new to me and The Phoenix Project by Michelle Kidd did not feel like a 618 page read as I absolutely blasted my way through it. This is a brilliant read that is action packed and adrenaline fuelled all the way through. A mystery, crime thriller that is heavy with deception, lies, conspiracy secrets and multiple government agencies. It was refreshing to read a book that didn’t have weaponry details and just focused on the story and what a twisted story it was. Secret upon secret, lies upon lie made it intriguing and very hard to put down. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour for this one. Order a copy HERE.

Another week done, another month nearly over. I wish you all a brilliant week ahead and Happy Reading,

Take Care, Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Dead Perfect by Noelle Holten @nholten40 @BOTBSPublicity @OneMoreChapter_ #DeadPerfect #crime #bookreview

yvonnembee 9 Comments

Today I am delighted to share my review for Dead Perfect by Noelle Holten. This is the 3rd book in the series and another great read. My huge thanks to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side Publicity for my spot on the Bog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this wonderful book.

Synopsis…

A murdered woman…

When the body of a young woman is found in a local park, DC Maggie Jamieson knows she’s dealing with no ordinary killer.  The murder victim has been disfigured; her outfit changed to resemble someone else.  Someone Maggie knows all too well…her close friend Dr Kate Moloney.

A determined detective…

Maggie is determined to keep her friend safe, but with Kate already struggling with a threatening stalker, Maggie now fears Kate’s life is in real danger.  Who else would want to harm Kate and why else would the killer be turning his victims into exact replicas – his living dolls? 

Can Maggie find the depraved killer?  Or will Kate become his next living doll?

Purchase Links – Amazon UK (this is an affiliate link)

My Review…

Dead Perfect continues where the previous book left off, with this in mind I do think it is a series that should be read in order, you could read it as a stand-alone, but you would miss out on a lot of detail.

DC Maggie Jamieson is the main character and when her boss calls her to say there is a body that looks like one of her friends Maggie does go into a spin. Frantically trying to get hold of Kate who is notorious for not having her mobile phone with her! Kate is found and the story unfolds of a body that has a very specific wound, not a pleasant one as there is not the level of blood and gore that some murders have, but still an unpleasant one!

The author uses more of a police approach to this story as it is a focus on the investigation from Maggie’s perspective that takes s precedence. The previous books have had more focus on inter-agency involvement in her stories, while other agencies are mentioned in this story they do take more of a backseat.

For Maggie though, this is more personal, Kate is a colleague and also a friend. The author does bring the insecurities and worries from the previous case into this one and injects doubts. Maggie feels under more pressure and finds that her temper is frayed, her mood is short and I think the feeling of being on the edge of overwhelmed has been done so well.

This is story has a much more personal feeling, it is a story that explores Maggie’s emotions as well as how Kate deals with a stalker. For Maggie, the emotions and strain are more evident as she works in a team and so interacts with more people. I should also mention that there is another voice, it pops up occasionally and it is that of the killer.

Now, I did get the identity pretty early on, and I didn’t waver on my initial thought. Yes, I was right but the full extent of the why the crimes were committed was a revelation. It is a story about the journey rather than the who did it.

This is a police-procedural murder mystery book and one that general crime readers would definitely enjoy. I did and therefore I would recommend it.

About the Author…

Noelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She is the PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of risk cases as well as working in a multi agency setting. She has three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice – and a Masters in Criminology. Noelle’s hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog.

Dead Inside – her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson.

Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:

Subscribe to Newsletter : Twitter : Facebook : Blog FB page : Website : Bookbub Author page : 

Check out the other stops on the Tour…

After today I am taking a short break from social media so I will see you all soon 🙂 xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

A Place to Belong by Cathy Mansell #histfic #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Place to Belong by Cathy Mansell. This is one for historical fiction readers and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Synopsis…

A Place to Belong is the gripping and heartwrenching novel from Cathy Mansell, set against the sweeping backdrop of Dublin and rural Ireland in the 1940s. 

She lost everything in one night. Now she must fight for happiness.

It’s 1943 and Ireland has escaped the worst of the war raging in Europe, but life is not without its hardships. When fire breaks out at the convent in Cavan where she has spent the past ten years, orphan Eva Fallon barely escapes with her life.

She’s offered a bed for the night by Ma Scully, whilst her nephew Cathal, visiting from Dublin, helps battle the blaze. Seventeen-year-old Eva has never known such kindness but she’s too proud to take advantage, and finds a job at Blackstock’s farm, setting in motion a chain of events that will change her life forever.

Amidst tragedy and hardship, the only ray of light is the friendship of Ma Scully and her growing, secret love for Cathal. And through it all Eva clings to her hope that one day she will find a place where she can truly belong.

Purchase link – Amazon UK (this is an affiliate link)

My Review…

This is the first book I have read by this author and I absolutely adored it. I am so pleased that there are several more books for me to read by her.

This is set in 1943, WWII rages in Europe. Ireland is not affected as much by bombs like the UK and apart from rations life does seem to progress as normal for Eva. The story begins when there is a fire at the orphanage where Eva lives. Not everyone gets out. Eva comes across the wonderful character of Ma Scully, a straight-talking woman who keeps her eye on Eva. Once Ma realises that Eva is indeed trustworthy she helps her to find a job on the Blackstone farm as a scullery maid. Life there is hard and the mistress Aggie holds no favour for Eva, in fact, she goes out of her way to be as horrid as possible.

A turn of events causes Eva to leave quickly and she makes her way back to Ma Scully. Bad news seems to follow Eva as much as bad luck. Eva finds her self in the midst of an investigation that is no fault of her own. But, as much as there are many nasty people in the world, Eva has the good fortune to have met some very genuine, honest and caring people, especially in Ma Scully and her nephew Cathay.

This was such a gorgeous story that completely wrapped me up. A fabulous historical fiction that starts with a tragedy and finds Eva followed by heartache and worry. Eva is such a lovely character her innocent outlook on life and her naivety are just so nice to come across in a story. But obviously, with those nicer qualities, there are those that will try to take advantage. Don’t think for a moment thought that Eva is a walkover, she will stand up for herself and fight her corner.

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the settings, with the odd mentions about the war helping to keep me firmly planted in the time of the story. There are some mentions of politics, but only briefly as the main focus of the story is Eva and the people who come into her life.

A truly wonderful story that I think readers of historical fiction, historical romance will enjoy. I loved the setting, the characters and the storyline and I would absolutely recommend this wonderful book.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (w/e 18th October) #books #flowers #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 9 Comments

Hello and welcome to my weekly book update of books I have read. Before I start with the books I have a few plant pics. Earlier this year I received a gorgeous gift box from my bosses at the care home I work at. In there was a gorgeous tea rose. Well, on further investigation I discovered it was actually 4 roses in the pot. Me being me thought well ideal I can get 4 roses potted on and here is the one I kept in the kitchen, just in case the ones that went outside didn’t make it (they did by the way 🙂 )

This rose is now bigger than the original four that first arrived!

Even though it is autumn my window sills are full of colour. My impatient cyclamens decided they had enough of waiting and have flowered much earlier than they normally would. The lazy orchid has now decided to join the party and has finally decided to open as well!

I tell you, I would be lost without kitchen window sills 😍😂

So, time for the books I have read this week…

I could have sworn I had read Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh but it turns out I hadn’t so I was delighted to discover this brilliant story. Devious as usual and also very twisted that had me second guessing myself so many times. Yes I know it was a sister that was responsible for the crime, but which one and why, well… Excellent story and so addictive as well. Ideal for crime, thriller, mystery readers who like a psychological edge to their reading.

So from crime I decided to go back in time, to the end of WW1 to be exact with Until We Can Forgive by Rosemary Goodacre. This is the thrid book in the Derwent Chronicles, and yes I suppose you could read as a stand alone but then you would miss out on the bonds that make up the friendships. This doesn’t have the danger and drama as the previous book as it was set during the war, but it does have a different drama of trying to get back to real life, for soldiers returning to civilian life, for dealing with life changing wounds and also the loss that people feel for those that never returned. This is a gorgeous book and one that historical fiction and saga readers will love. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour.

Oh my goodness this book!!!! I recently read the first book (Choices Shape, Losses Break) in this series and Futures Beckon, Pasts Threaten by Nia Lucas continues the contemporary fiction and edgy story of Lorna. A teen who had so many troubles and is trying to come to terms with a future without two important people in her life. As the previous book is still in my thoughts I was already invested in this character and cared about what happened next. Oh my poor emotions went through the wringer and the author has once again done such an exceptional job with Lorna. This is a contemporary fiction, it does have adult themes and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I do have it on pre-order.

Well, that is me done for another week. Im off to turn the roast potatoes and get the veg on, it is Sunday Morning as I write this after all. In case your wondering its roast pork this week, with apple & mixed berry crumble 🙂

Have a wonderful week, take care and Happy Reading

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Nesting by C.J. Cooke @CJessCooke @RandomTTours #RandomThingsTours @fictionpubteam #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 9 Comments

I am absolutely delighted to share my review today for The Nesting by C.J. Cooke. This book has a gorgeous cover and the story inside is just brilliant. Huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for arranging my copy of the book and also for my spot on the Blog Tour.

Synopsis…

It was like something out of a fairytale…

The grieving widower.

The motherless daughters.

A beautiful house in the woods.

Deep in a remote Norwegian forest, Lexi has found a new home with architect Tom and his two young daughters. With snow underfoot and the sound of the nearby fjord in her ears, it’s as if Lexi has stepped into a fairy tale

But this family has a history – and this place has a past. Something was destroyed to build their beautiful new house. And those ancient, whispering woods have a long memory.

Lexi begins to hear things, see things that don’t make sense. She used to think this place heavenly, but in the dark, dark woods, a menacing presence lurks.

With darkness creeping in from the outside, Lexi knows she needs to protect the children in her care.

But protect them from what?

Purchase from Amazon UK (this is an affiliate link)

My Review…

I am going to start with the cover for this book and say that I absolutely adore it. The relevance of the cover image is something that is gradually revealed as the mysterious and atmospheric story unfolds.

The story is about Lexi taking someone’s identity and finding herself in Norway in a remote woodland being a Nanny to Gaia and Coco, Lexi is known as Sophie. The house she stays in is creepy, full of weird noises and there is a certain creepiness to it. Why the need for a Nanny, when Aurelia died Tom needed help to look after his daughters while he was finishing the building the eco-friendly house.

Ecology plays a part in this story as does a folk-lore of the land looking after itself. The author has used her own Scandinavian feeling fairy tales to add a folklore vibe to this story. It gives it a wonderful sense of the old world or ancient woodland that fits in so well with this mystery. The atmospheric air is suspense-filled but not over the top spooky. There is the ever-present presence of something lurking in the background and it does give a certain eerie chill.

The story itself is one that had a lot more than I first expected, as much as it is a story of discovering the mystery it is also about one of the characters discovering herself. In fact, the characters all have something that they hold back, giving tension to the book.

I really liked this book and once I started it I found it difficult to put down. It has the feel of a Scandi-Noir and it does have folklore, gothic feel as well as being a mystery and to a certain extent a mystery thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is one that I would definitely recommend.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Rough Magic: Riding the World’s Toughest Race by Lara Prior Palmer #nonfiction #memoir @EburyPublishing #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 5 Comments

When I posted my weekly book updates on Monday about what I had read Rough Magic by Lara Prior-Palmer was one that caught a few peoples eye so I have decided that rather than leave it until next week I am bumping it up the list and posting my review today.

This is an amazing book and I loved it, let me show you more about it…

Synopsis…

The Mongol Derby is the world’s toughest horse race. A feat of endurance across the vast Mongolian plains once traversed by the people of Genghis Khan, competitors ride 25 horses across a distance of 1000km. Many riders don’t make it to the finish line.

In 2013 Lara Prior-Palmer – nineteen, underprepared but seeking the great unknown – decided to enter the race. Driven by her own restlessness, stubbornness, and a lifelong love of horses, she raced for seven days through extreme heat and terrifying storms, catching a few hours of sleep where she could at the homes of nomadic families. Battling bouts of illness and dehydration, exhaustion and bruising falls, she found she had nothing to lose, and tore through the field with her motley crew of horses. In one of the Derby’s most unexpected results, she became the youngest-ever champion and the first woman to win the race.

A tale of adventure, fortitude and poetry, Rough Magic is the extraordinary story of one young woman’s encounter with oblivion, and herself.

Purchase from Amazon UK – the paperback version is only £4.99 (this is an affiliate link)

My Review…

Wow! What an amazing story and an amazing adventure the author took me on as she recounts her decision to take part in the Mongol Derby. Not only is it the world’s wildest horse race, but it is also the loneliest and one of the most gruelling. Riders ride the equivalent to two marathons a day.

Most riders prepare and train for this race, not however Lara. She impulsively decides to sign up and she is only 19 years old. She doesn’t have any prep, she is unprepared but her impulsive nature is something that will carry her across the 100km. The Derby is in recognition of Ghengis Khan’s postal riders and the great distances they traversed.

This is a country where horses are revered, the safety and health of the horses are paramount and the horses are changed at each leg of the 25 legs of the race. Time penalties are given for a horse who has been overworked or has been ridden past the cut-off point for each day.

This is an amazing journey and one that I absolutely enjoyed as Lara filled in details of each stage and also her emotions and feelings as she rides. For someone that is so unprepared her journey is quite remarkable, it is the endurance of the rider that is the challenge and if they can last the course both mentally and physically.

A remarkable story of determination and as soon as I had finished it I wandered over to the internet to watch videos and put faces to the people mentioned. This is a story of an intrepid adventure that is fraught with danger and difficulty. That see’s Lara not only become the youngest person to win the race but also the first female!

An outstanding read that I would highly recommend.

I was going to put a link to the video’s I watched, but then I decided not to. Why? Well, not because I am mean, but I read the book then watched the video and it worked better this way. I was able to experience the whole race from Lara’s perspective and then watch snap shots of the race after the book. In my opinion this was the better order 🙂

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Boomerville at Ballymegille by Caroline James @CarolineJames12 @rararesources #rararesources #bookreview

yvonnembee 5 Comments

I am absolutely delighted to share my review today for Boomerville at Ballymegille by Caroline James. THis is the second book in the Boomerville series and yes it could be read as a stand alone, you would miss out on a lot of fun and giggles though!

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book. Let me show you more about it…

Synopsis…

Boomerville is back!

Join Hattie and Jo as they head to Southern Ireland to open Boomerville Manor, a holiday retreat for guests of ‘a certain age’. There’s Irish craic and shenanigans aplenty for the colourful cast of characters as everyone gathers for the grand opening.

Meet Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. Along with local bobby Harry the Helmet, ageing aquatic team the Boomerville Babes, eccentric artist Lucinda Gray, and heartthrob Finbar Murphy, they gather in Ireland and the fun begins. But murder is in the air and there’s mischief afoot. Will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

Set in the beautiful Irish countryside, ‘Boomerville at Ballymegille’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, fears and new beginnings.

Purchase Links Amazon UK or US

My Review…

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book when I first got to meet some of the author’s amazing characters and I was recalling the characters as I got going with this second book. It is a fabulous story that I just could not put down.

It does have a slightly sombre start with a funeral but rather than being the end it is the start of something new. Hattie returns back to Boomerville and her friend Jo. Boomerville is a hotel for people who are a little older but still very much full of life and wanting to try new things.

Two such new guests are Bill, a recluse and in someways a very odd fellow but one that I liked. For all his odd and standoffish ways he does start to come out of himself and join in with the various activities.

Melissa is the other new guest, and in some ways, she is very much like Bill as far as being a loner and wanting to stay on the edge of things. She, however, does have a reason for this as she is petrified her husband will find her and make her go back with him.

The one thing about Boomerville is that Hattie and Jo make a point of making sure their guests are ok, whether it is cajoling them into visits with the shamen or taking part in art classes. But, they also know when to stand back and give people space but letting them know they are there if a shoulder or a friendly ear is needed.

I was absolutely enchanted with the cast and residents of Boomerville. Hattie, Jo, Melissa and Bill are the main focus but there are also more characters that add so many madcap antics to the story. This is a story that will have you grinning, snorting with laughter and also the odd tear.

The journey Jo makes to Ireland is one that comes a little further in the book. I thought this was nicely done as I got to know Bill and Melissa more before Boomerville made its way to Ireland to a new Boomerville at Ballymegille.

The story then takes a very interesting and still more addictive turn. It felt more dramatic and more personal for some of the characters. As much as I love Boomerville I also love this new business venture Jo has started to add to her portfolio.

This is a book that I could just keep going on and on about, it is gorgeous reading and the author has done such a wonderful job of wrapping me up in the pages once again. Absolutely adored it from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book for readers who want to experience the warmth of friendship with plenty of giggles, amazing characters and with some serious and sad moments.

In case you hadn’t realised I loved this book so much and I would absolutely and most definitely recommend it.

About the Author…

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can.

A public speaker, which includes talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. She is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer’s & Journalists and the Society of Authors and writes articles and short stories, contributing to many publications. Caroline also runs writing workshops.

In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking up a mountain with her two Westie dogs, sipping raspberry gin or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Books by Caroline James:

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

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Some Like It Greek by Sue Roberts #contemporaryfiction #NetGalley #bookouture #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 5 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Some Like It Greek by Sue Roberts. This is the second book I have read by this author and another very enjoyable read. Let me show you more…

Synopsis…

There’s nothing like a summer escape. A sun-kissed story about living life to the full.

In the month-from-hell, incurable optimist Anna has lost her father and her job, and her trademark smile is dimming. Clearing out her dad’s house, she discovers a postcard of a beautiful sandy beach and a map with a route plotted to the Greek island of Kefalonia. With an empty summer stretching ahead, Anna’s eyes stray to her father’s old camper van. Next thing she knows, she’s hitting the road with friend Demi in tow, on a course from Salford to Skala!

Over one unforgettable summer, Anna and Demi make their rickety way along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, the hot sun shining down on their frequent mishaps with cheerful local characters. It’s the trip of a lifetime, and the scent of lemons in the air – as well as an unexpected romance – are just what Anna needs to awaken her inner Greek goddess.

But there are big surprises in store when they arrive at the island paradise, which could change both women’s lives forever. And as summer comes to an end, Anna has to decide whether she has had enough of the Greek life, or whether this is only just the beginning…

A joyful, hilarious summer read, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

Purchase from Amazon UK (this is an affiliate link)

My Review…

If you have ever thought about a road trip from the UK through Europe to Greece then this is the book you need to pick up. The synopsis for this book gives such a wonderful idea of what you are going to get, but the author has exceeded my expectations as I journey with Anna and Demi through France, across the Alps, into Italy and onto Demi’s childhood home in Greece.

The is an age gap between the women and the author pulled off their friendship with such natural ease. While Demi is older she is so full of life and energy more so than her younger friend. Anna takes advantage of voluntary redundancy in a firm she has worked in for 12 years and decides to recreate her fathers trip in his old converted fish van. Demi wants to return after too long away from her family as well as for a more personal reason.

This is just an amazing read and with such an easy flow to it. The main female characters have an easy companionship that really suits the style of the story. It is also a chance for them to get to know each other better and also make some of their own personal realisations. In essence, a story that is about family, relationships, friendships and realisations.

Then there is Dara! Yeah, a little bit of a swoon moment here! He sounds so amazing, yes there is a small romantic aspect to the story but one with doubts, what if’s because after all, a holiday fling is just a holiday fling!

A gorgeous read from start to finish that has left me wanting to try numerous Greek dishes from the mouthwatering descriptions the author gives. There is an obvious affinity for this area and culture as the love of the food, people and location just oozes from the pages.

I loved this book, the story, descriptions, the characters, food and well… yeah pretty much everything about the story. It is one I would absolutely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post,a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx