Category Choc Lit

A Stitch in Time by Amanda James @amandajames61 #histfic #romance #20booksofsummer #bookreview

yvonnembee 9 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Stitch in Time by Amanda James. I first came across Mandy’s books when she was with Bloodhound and I have read every book since then and loved each one. It has taken me until now to pick up a book before that time!

This is one of my picks on the #20booksofsummer reading challenge, and it is book 12 out of 20.

A stitch in time saves nine… or does it? Sarah Yates is a thirty something history teacher, divorced, disillusioned and desperate to have more excitement in her life. Making all her dreams come true seems about as likely as climbing Everest in stilettos.

Then one evening the door bell rings and the handsome and mysterious John Needler brings more excitement than Sarah could ever have imagined. John wants Sarah to go back in time…

Sarah is whisked from the Sheffield Blitz to the suffragette movement in London to the Old American West, trying to make sure people find their happy endings. The only question is, will she ever be able to find hers? 

My Review…

I have read several of this authors later books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I wanted to read some of her earlier novels and A Stitch in Time fits the bill perfectly.

This is essentially a love story between Sarah and John. Sarah is a disgruntled school teacher who is struggling with a couple of her students. Stuck in the everyday. John offers Sarah a chance to change her everyday life to one that will take her back in time. Ideal for a history teacher.

Yes a mix of romance with a little bit of time travel. This was easy to follow and the time travel but added a nice twist to a really lovely story. The author did explain the travel bit, but like Sarah I am still bewildered! You don’t need to understand it, but it does work very well within the context of the story.

I really liked how the author brought the two characters together, and then threw obstacles in their way. A couple who are interested and obviously want to be together, but not everyone thinks the same way.

Will they get the ending they deserved? Only time will tell.

A fabulous book that shows a different side to this author writing. A wonderfully heart-warming story and one that I found delightful and very addictive. It’s one I would definitely recommend. 

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

Reach for a Star by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 @rararesources #Bookreview #choclit #Giveaway (open INT)

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my thoughts for Reach For A Star by Kathryn Freeman. My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite onto the Blog Tour and also for arranging my e-copy of this book.

Let me show you what it is all about…

What if your dreams were so close you could reach out and touch them? 
How could anyone resist Michael Tennant, with his hypnotic blue eyes and voice like molten chocolate? Jessie Simmons certainly can’t. But Jessie’s a single mum who can’t sing to save her life – there’s no way she’ll ever cross paths with the star tenor. 

At least that’s what she thinks until she’s unexpectedly invited to take part in a new reality TV show. The premise? Professional singers teach hopeless amateurs how to sing. The surprise? Jessie’s partner is none other than Michael Tennant!

As she becomes better acquainted with the man behind the voice, will Jessie find out the hard way that you should never meet your idols? Or will she get more than she bargained for?

Purchase Links – Amazon UK or US

When Jessie’s two boys Luke and Jack set their mum up and enter her into a singing TV competition she is stunned. She gets to sing with her favourite singer Michael Tennant, in fact he isn’t just her favourite singer he is her idol and she has a real fan girl crush on him. Oh! Did I mention that she is not a very good singer!

I love the way this author has used two people from very different worlds as the focus of this story. Jessie is a single mum with two sons, works in a pharmacy and is friends with her ex-husband. Michael is a famous tenor, travels the world and has adoring fans and gorgeous women who admire him. But what the author has done is go beneath the fame and the everyday to create a magical and heartwarming story. It is a story full of endearing moments, insecurities, guilt, low self esteem and lost confidence.

Using the main two characters the author has created a story that focuses on the problems any new relationship has, but has taken it further as this relationship comes with some additional obstacles. This made for a story that had me guessing all the way through as to whether the differences between Jessie and Michael could ever be overcome.

I loved the cheeky comments from Luke and Jack, they added a down to earth feel to the story. They reminded their mum that she had responsibilities tot them as well. Again this added to the will they / wont they aspect of the story.

This is a fabulous read that had me welling up with tears one moment and laughing the next, with the occasional heart in my mouth moments added for good measure. A great balance of emotions and intrigue with some wonderful dry humour.

If you love Choc Lit books then you are going to love this. I read it easily in one sitting, I had to know how things ended. A fabulous read and one that I would Definitely Recommend.

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links –

Website – Facebook –  Twitter 

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of Oh Crumbs by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

See what other Book Blogger think by following the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, if you entered the Giveaway I wish you Good Luck 👍😊

One Summer In Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell @AngelaBritnell @rararesources @ChocLituk #Review

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for One Summer in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell. My huge thanks to Rachel for my spot on the Blog Tour and also to Angela for my e-copy of this fabulous book.

Let’s have a look and see what it is about…

Could one summer change your life?

When high-flying American lawyer Samantha Muir finds out she’s lost her partnership whilst on an assignment in London, she has a dramatic reaction.

Rather than returning home, she resigns, leaves her business suits behind and jumps on the first train to Cornwall at the encouragement of a friendly stranger.

The village of Little Penhaven, where Samantha eventually ends up, is a world away from her life in Knoxville, Tennessee – and local farmer Cadan Day is certainly a world away from any man she has met before. But could the Cornish village and Cadan play a part in Samantha’s summer of self-discovery?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK – Amazon US

My Thoughts

Sam Muir is beyond disappointed when she doesn’t get the partnership she spent the last 10 years working towards. She kind of goes off in a huff and catches the first train to anywhere, it just so happens she ends up in Cornwall. She meets locals who make her feel welcome Oh and also warn her off local bad boy Caden Day!

I soon realised within a few chapters that this author knows Cornwall, she had me sniggering at the infamous tale-backs during the holiday season, and frowning at the second homes, and nodding in agreement with the setting. Along with the local vernacular, this author managed to create a setting that takes in the Cornish Scenery around the St. Austell area.

Now then, to Sam and Caden… well they say opposites attract! Sam is a feisty American and Caden a rough around the edges and a rather hunky sounding Cornishman. Rumours and gossip play a huge part in Caden’s life, rather than argue and prove his innocence he justs lets the rumour mill run. for Sam, however, this provides intrigue, a mystery even as she wants to know more.

Along with Sam and Caden, there are a few other characters that make up the local community. They add their own stories and opinion as well as the odd surprise.

This is such a lovely read and one that I quite happily lost myself in for a few hours. It flows nicely and has a good pace.

If you are a fan of Choc-lit and romance that has a really good storyline and a great cast then this is one that you will enjoy.

It’s one I would recommend.

About the Author

Author Bio – Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee. A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she’s visited or lived on her extensive travels. After more than three decades of marriage to her American husband she’s a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after. Over the last twelve years she’s been multi-published and sold over 25 novels. She also writes short stories for women’s magazines. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers.

If you’d like to find out more of what Angela gets up to (Advance warning: this may include references to wine, chocolate, Poldark and the hunky Aidan Turner) check out www.angelabritnellromance.com or follow her on www.facebook.com/angelabritnell , www.twitter.com/angelabritnell and on Instagram as Angela Golley Britnell.

See what other Book Blogger think by following the tour

Crikey a BodyGuard by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 @rararesources #Review #ChocLituk #Giveaway (INT)

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to be sharing my review today for Crikey a Bodyguard by Kathryn Freeman My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for accepting my request to join the Blog Tour and for organising my e-copy of this book.

She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle …When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity! 
Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe?

Purchase links for Amazon – UK or US

When Dr Kelly Bridges voices concerns to her parents that she feels she may be being followed, her parents call in a security firm to provide a bodyguard. Enter Ben Jacobs…

The two main characters are Kelly and Ben and initially they appear that they are like chalk and cheese in so many ways, or maybe I should say they are brains and brawn! Kelly is a genius when it comes to her career and her research into viruses, she is all about her work. Ben is macho and just a bit yummy sounding… ok!… a lot yummy sounding! He, like Kelly is also all about work, he takes his job seriously, he is intense in quite a few ways. Kelly is reluctant to have a bodyguard and thinks it just an over-reaction, but Ben soon proves that he is actually needed.

This was such a fabulous story to get caught up in. The threat to Kelly is such a good plot line to have for this story, it fits in well with Kelly’s work and the author has wrapped up a little bit of science in there as well! It was just the basics, but enough to get a grip on Kelly’s work.

Kelly and Ben as individuals are as I said very different, however, the further I progressed the more I realised they are also similar in the respect that they are also two very lonely people. Both caught up in their work with little time for any social activities. I was expecting sparks to a certain extent, and there was some wonderful smouldering and definite sparks moments. This is not a straight forward romance instead the author had her characters dancing like puppets on strings as they wove their way through the story.

There was such a good amount of banter through this story and a nice balance of humour that had me smirking. It gave a lighter touch to the story and also added to the romantic suspense.

The author has done a wonderful job mixing a science, romance, threats, suspense and romance into this story. This was a book I read on my kindle, I originally planned on reading 50% and was then going to watch a film… I never got to the film… instead, I got to the end of the book!

So it gets a definitely recommended from Me

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links – Website – Facebook – Twitter

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of Oh Crumbs (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER HERE

Follow the Blog Tour to see what other readers think!

Many thanks for r eading my post, a like or share would be amazing! Good luck to you if you entered the Giveaway 🙂 xx

A Little Christmas Charm by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 @rararesources @ChocLitUK #BookReview #Giveaway (Open Int’lly)

yvonnembee 6 Comments

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I am delighted to be sharing some festive fiction with you today in the form of A lIttle Christmas Charm by Kathryn Freeman as part of the Blog Tour with Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Huge thanks to Rachel for the invite and to Choc Lit for my e-copy of this book.

Synopsis:

A Little Christmas Charm

Would you swap sea and sunshine for tinsel and turkey?
Gabby Sanderson is used to being let down – even at Christmas. Which is why she’s happy to skip the festive season completely in favour of a plane ticket and sunnier climes.

But this Christmas could be different, because this time she might not be spending it alone. Can Owen Cooper charm Gabby into loving Christmas in the same way he’s charmed his way into her life, or is he just another person who’ll end up disappointing her?


Purchase Link –  Amazon UK

My Thoughts:

Festive fiction and romance lovers will love this wonderful story about Gabby and her trust issues and Own the office flirt. A story about two people that looks at first glance like it should fail before it starts, but when you get under the bluster and bravado you find two people who are more than first meet the eye. Add into the recipe a young girl, an unwavering PA, a grumpy old man and a mother, mix them all up and you will get a book that will add some festive sparkle and cheer.

Oh, this story really did suit me, picked it up to read a few chapters, and then read a few more and didn’t actually put it down until I had run out of chapters to read. I had reservations about Owen, the office flirt, but after a few cha[ters I got to know the man rather than the facade. As for Gabby, she was so aloof and standoffish but here again I got to see what made her tick. There was so much more to the story than I first realised, and also to the shiny, polished, professional exterior of the characters as well.

Trust is a delicate thing for Gabby and at times it leaves her irrational to least but, also vulnerable as she doesn’t always get the way things work. Getting to know how she sees life was a journey that added many emotional ups and downs. I liked the additional characters and the way they were introduced into the story, adding sparkle along the way.

There are some wonderful heartwarming moments as old wounds and grievances are looked at and explored. Past hurts are finally addressed and it was nice to see Owen’s patience and understanding. It gave a wonderfully uplifting and heartwarming feel.

A story that has a great feel-good factor to it, definitely festive in feeling and perfect to read by a roaring fire or snuggled under a blanket. One I would definitely recommend.

 

About the Author:

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A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links –  Website – Facebook –  Twitter

Giveaway –

Win a paperback copy of A Little Christmas Faith by Kathryn Freeman

(Open Internationally)

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*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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. *****ENTER HERE*****

See what other Book Bloggers think by following the tour

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

My Summer Reading List.

yvonnembee 30 Comments

Plans for my summer reading.

As some of you may be aware I am planning on taking a break from Blog Tours over the three months of the summer as work gets crazily busy, I work in a tourist destination and this means long hours and not much time for reading. Even though this was a tough call to make it was also the best call, this way I am not letting any organisers down if I struggle to meet a schedule, also it means I am not rushing to read a book and possibly not enjoying it as much as I should.

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As well as working I do like to get out in my garden, mainly vegetables and some flowers, walking around beautiful Cornwall gardens, coastline and hidden away places. I always have a book with me and my camera.

Then there are my two dogs Billy and Buster, I couldn’t resist putting them in this post. They alert me to the postman/woman arriving so I can intercept (this translates as hides some of the books hehehe) the books that I have bought or been sent 🙂

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So I thought I would make a list of the books that are at the top of my list from my TBR, I have photo’s “woohoo” so you see my physical books and then I will mention some of the books on my kindle. I am obviously not going to be able to read all the books that I am going to list, but it will be great to look back and see how I got on.

So here they are:

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Now to those I have on my Kindle:

I have managed to buy various book series on my kindle and the vast majority are from recommendations and reviews from fellow Book Bloggers. The series I really want to read are

Angela Marsons – DI Kim Stone series. I have heard so many good things about this author and I’m really looking forward to reading this series. ( I know I will get many “about time” comments about this lol)

Barbara Copperthwaite: I was over the moon to have won a copy of “Flowers for The Dead” and it is an amazing read. I have since bought all her other books and I am desperate to read them all.

I love the covers and the sound of Bella Osbourne’s “Ottercombe Bay” series and have quite a few of these ready for the odd sunny summers day reading that I may get.

I have been collecting Karin Slaughter books and as yet have not read any, so another new to me author that I am excited to read.

I don’t know if I dare mention that I have not read any Anne Cleaves (Oh I know the shame of it), my husband loves to watch the series Vera and I must admit to following it and cannot wait to get into these and the Shetland ones.

So as you are all responsible for this rather large Kindle (1,122) and also physical books (500+) it will probably be increasing rather than decreasing, as there are some fantastic books coming out. I have a couple of questions for you…….

  1. What book/ series would you start with ?
  2. What is not on my list that should be ? ( I cannot believe I am asking this as I know I will be adding even more to my groaning TBR 🙂  )

 

Any hows, I have to go to work ( surprise, surprise) and I will catch up with you all later. Have fun and read lots

Yvonne xx

#BlogTour : Little Teashop of Horrors by Jane Lovering @janelovering : @rararesources @ChocLitUK : #PromoPost

yvonnembee 6 Comments

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I am shining a spotlight on “Little Teashop of Horrors” by Jane Lovering. I really wanted to read this book and as time escaped me yet again I thought I would share the #booklove as part of the Blog Tour by Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources.

Synopsis:

Secrets, lies, carrot cake and an owl called Skrillex!

Amy Knowles has always been the plain sidekick to her pretty best friend Jules. And whilst the tearoom they both work in on the Monkpark Hall estate in Yorkshire is not exactly awash with eligible bachelors, it’s obvious where the male attention is concentrated – and it’s not just on the cakes!

There is one man who notices Amy. Joshua Wilson also works at Monkpark, where he flies his birds of prey for visitor entertainment. He lives a lonely existence but he has reasons for choosing isolation – and, in Amy, he may have found somebody who understands.

Then a management change brings slick and well-spoken Edmund Evershott to Monkpark. He’s interested in Amy too, but for what reason? Josh suspects the new manager is up to no good – but will Amy? Because Edmund could leave her with much worse than a broken heart…

Purchase links for this book from ~ Amazon UK ~  Amazon US ~  Kobo

About the Author:

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Jane was born in Devon and now lives in Yorkshire. She has five children, three cats and two dogs! Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and has a first-class honours degree in creative writing. Jane writes comedies which are often described as ‘quirky’. Her debut Please Don’t Stop the Music won the 2012 Romantic Novel of the Year and the Best Romantic Comedy Novel award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Her Christmas novella, Christmas at the Little Village School, was the winner of the RONA Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2018.

Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Website

See what other Book Bloggers think by following the tour

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Many thanks for reading my post, share the love by sharing or liking the post 🙂 xx