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The Orphanage Girls Come Home by Mary Wood @Authormary @panmacmillan @RandomTTours #historicalfiction #romance #trilogy #bookreview

yvonnembee 36 Comments

I am delighted to sahre my review today for The Orphanage Girls Come Home by Mary Wood. It is the final part of the trilogy so a bittersweet moment. Each of the books has been fabulous and if you are a fan of historical romance, fiction and saga stories then this is an author you should look up.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my paperback from the publisher Pan Macmillan.

London, 1910
When Amy is chosen to be a part of a programme to resettling displaced children in Canada, her life changes overnight. Her great sadness is having to say goodbye to Ruth and Ellen, the friends who became family to her during the dark days at the orphanage. As she steps on board the ship to Montreal, the promise of a new life lies ahead. But during the long crossing, Amy discovers a terrifying secret.

Canada, 1919
As the decades pass, Amy’s Canadian experience is far from the life she imagined. She always kept Ruth’s address to hand – longing to return to London and reunite with her dear friends. With the world at war, it seems an impossible dream . . .

Separated by oceans, will Amy the orphanage girl ever come home?

MY REVIEW

This is the third and final book in The Orphanage Girls series and I have loved reading every one. This final one brings the lives of three girls to a conclusion as the author gives us the chance to see what happened to Amy. She was shipped off to Canada, it is supposed to be a fresh start but finds that life there can be just as dangerous as the one in the orphanage. It is 1910 when she sets out and while she is out there she never forgets her friends or where she came from.

Her life is taken up as a helper for families, she is to work like a servant in the homes of people, not all are trustworthy or treat her as they should. She does get the chance to move families and she begins to realise that there can be a chance of a new life. As things begin to settle the first world war breaks out and things change, lives are lost and hardship follows.

It is 1919 when Amy gets the chance to return and waiting are her two friends, Ellen and Ruth. They have been through some tough times as Amy has, but they have all come through it and want to discover more of their pasts. Over the years the girls have met new people and formed new friendships, but they have never forgotten each other.

Once again the author has woven a story of heartbreak for her girls, she has taken them and given them hardships in their lives that would be similar to what people would have been going through at the time. Poverty, disease, illness and deprivation were rife. Soldiers coming back from war struggled to cope and how the poorest found desperate ways to make a meal or pay the bills.

The story is about Amy, but it is also about bringing the lives of the girls back together again. The author has taken Amy and shown a different aspect of what life could be like, for those who had the promise of a new start and life in a different country. But at the same time, she is able to bring things up to date with the lives of Ellen and Ruth.

Working the storylines of the girls, their families and friends over the course of three books has been such a wonderful journey. The author takes you back in time to an era that is very, very different from what we now live in. Giving each of her characters a personality that shows differing perspectives, hopes, dreams and upbringings is a way of giving the reader a good cross-section of society at the time.

Another wonderful story of family, friendship, love and hope. One for fans of drama and saga stories, historical fiction and romance and one I would definitely recommend.

About the author

London, 1910
When Amy is chosen to be a part of a programme to resettling displaced children in Canada, her life changes overnight. Her great sadness is having to say goodbye to Ruth and Ellen, the friends who became family to her during the dark days at the orphanage. As she steps on board the ship to Montreal, the promise of a new life lies ahead. But during the long crossing, Amy discovers a terrifying secret.

Canada, 1919
As the decades pass, Amy’s Canadian experience is far from the life she imagined. She always kept Ruth’s address to hand – longing to return to London and reunite with her dear friends. With the world at war, it seems an impossible dream . . .

Separated by oceans, will Amy the orphanage girl ever come home?

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

If Mary is doing her usual competition on Facebook and you leave a comment,

I will be approving them throughout the day.

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

No Easy Answers by Robert Crouch @robertcrouchuk #mystery #crime #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for No Easy Answers by Robert Crouch. This is the 9th book in the series and it is a series that I have adored from the very beginning. This is such an appropriate title for this book and there really are No Easy Answers for Kent Fisher.

My huge thanks to Rob for asking me to be part of his Book Launch and providing me with an e-copy of his book for my unbiased review.

Confronting the past can be deadly.
As Christmas approaches, murder is the last thing on Kent Fisher’s mind.
When contractors employed by local entrepreneur Stephen Fox discover the remains of a woman on the site of Kent’s original animal sanctuary, old family secrets come to light, threatening those closest to him.
Fox believes it’s his missing wife. Despite intense pressure and a lucrative fee, Kent still refuses to investigate, having promised not to take on more cases. But when the police launch a murder inquiry, can he keep his promise?
Or will he investigate?
If he does, he risks interfering with a criminal investigation and losing the woman he loves.
If he doesn’t, the wrong person could be accused of murder.

‘A fantastic series that just gets better and better.’

MY REVIEW

I have to say I really enjoyed this latest in the Kent Fisher Mysteries. While Kent is still trying to come to terms with the fact that his wife, Gemma, had disappeared and then found she still is not ready to come home to him. The previous book was one that was emotional for Kent and this left Gemma feeling betrayed. One thing he has agreed to do is to stop his investigating, it is something this retired Environmental Health Officer had done at the same time as running the Animal Sanctuary and working. Trying to focus more on the sanctuary is not as easy as it once was.

The sanctuary was literally Kent’s sanctuary, it grounded him and while he only just made ends meet, the animals were looked out for. The sanctuary has moved and morphed into something more financial. Over the series, I have come to know Kent and he really isn’t a people person but he has staff, volunteers and visitors coming at him from all directions. One visitor wants his help, it means breaking his word to Gemma.

The tension and stress of this story is one that is evident throughout. Kent is struggling to keep to his word but when a missing person becomes a victim then the rules change. Especially when it is somewhere close to his heart. With the police trying to tell him to back off, but also knowing how he can be of use, they have an understanding.

The mystery of the body is one that had me hooked, with so many twists it gives it that whodunnit feel, not enough to be a crime thriller but also too much to be a cosy mystery. I do like the balance that the author has found with his characters, there is an element of danger which keeps you on your toes, but not the massive blood and guts that you can get.

What the author does bring is a tale and investigation that is quite complex but not while you are reading it. It has a great flow and just rolls along at the right pace. There are so many red herrings but also lots of clues. I did wonder if I had guessed the identity of the killer, but I had no real idea as to how things were linked until a lot later in the story when the author allowed me to slot the pieces together.

The story is one that does focus on Kent and the investigation but also on his personal life. He is trying to juggle two and not always well. Kent has some tough decisions in this one, while he may not be a huge people person he also doesn’t like to upset them. He is going to have to do this though. Who it is and why is revealed in this fabulously addictive story. The ending that the author came up with for this book made me grin and I cannot think of a better one.

This is a brilliant series that I have followed from the beginning, I do like Kent and various other regular characters, and yes there is one or maybe two that do wind me up. Then life is made up of people like that!

This is another addictive read for fans of crime mystery novels that have a big sleuthing feel to them. This is one, well I think I say this for all the books in the series, it is one that is better read as part of the series to understand the larger picture that has been developed over each one. Fabulous story and series that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert wanted to bring something fresh and original to the murder mystery novel.
He drew on his own extensive experience to create environmental health officer Kent Fisher, a different kind of sleuth to appeal to today’s readers. While neither a police officer nor a private detective, Kent has the enforcement skills, contacts and determination needed to tackle the most complex murders.
While Robert taps into his early experiences of injustice to explore the motivations that drive people to kill, he tempers this with irreverent humour and a hint of romance. A love of wildlife, nature and the environment help add a contemporary slant to the stories.
When not writing, Robert can be found walking among the gentle hills and the coast of the South Downs with his wife. Armed with a camera, or two, he likes to photograph the local wildlife and seek out settings for the next novel.
You can find out more about at his website, https://robertcrouch.co.uk, where you can also join his Readers Group for more news, insights and giveaways, including a free short story.

Keep an eye out for the other stops on the book launch…

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Changing Times at Harpers Rosie Clarke @AnneHerries @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #historicalfiction #saga #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of Changing Times at Harpers by Rosie Clarke. This is a fabulous series and now that World War I is over and people are getting back to how things used to be.

My huge thanks to Rachel for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book via NetGalley.

London Spring 1920
Harpers is beginning to flourish once more after the end of the war but for Sally Harper the problems continue.
Husband Ben is moody, sometimes distant, and she feels he is shutting her out at home and at work, but why?
It takes a terrible tragedy to make them realise their love and respect is still true.
The ladies and girls who work at Harpers continue to battle with problems in their own lives.
Marion is still trying to reach her war-damaged husband and Lilly is battling with her pain and shame.
It’s a period of transition for all.
The doors of Harpers are busy welcoming new and returning staff whilst bidding a fond farewell to others.
This is the beginning of a new era and there is a fresh buzz of excitement in the air.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

With the Great War over things are starting to return to normal, well as normal as it can be. It is 1920 and Harpers is beginning to see stock and also customers. There are new lines available as shipping and transport routes are now open. For some, it is a chance to get back to the way things used to be, for others they like the new freedom that they had. Women are being forced back into their previous roles as wives and mothers rather than workers. Some prefer to be out working and earning a wage though. Luckily for those who work at Harpers, there are things in place to help with this.

The Women’s Movement is becoming a little more prominent and they are gaining a footing. Some of the men returning have got mental and physical wounds that need to heal, it is now that we start to realise the psychological impact war has, it has a name ‘shell shock’.

For those at Harpers, there are changes afoot, people have come and people have gone, some have moved on and some have married. This is what Harpers is all about, giving people a chance and helping them where possible. With each of the books, there are a few new characters to get to know, and this story has some very interesting ones and some fabulous storylines.

Sally and Ben are still trying to deal with the store and their family, they will also have some other shocking news to cope with and it is going to test them. As for the new characters, well I will let you meet them, they are different but hard working, for the most part. They each have their own past and it does shape who they are in the story.

With war and death there is grief and how it is dealt with can affect how you are seen. Obviously, there will be sadness, but also resentment. The latter shows its head in various ways and can have some consequences that I didn’t see coming.

Once again the author brings in some of the news of the day, and these help remind the reader of the time and era they are in. The fashions and how women were so daring to wear a hemline just under the knee made me chuckle. There is still however poverty that has always been an issue and it has not gone just because the war is over. People are still overcrowded and families do tend to live together.

This is a fabulous series and I have read these in order, well I started from book 3, but I have been addicted to them from there. I am aware of things from the first two books as the author does give a brief but handy recap of things.

The story is one that shows how people are coming to terms with life after the first war, The Great War. How attitudes are changing and that things are never going to be the same. A sense of family and friendship is strong in this series and it continues with this book. One for fans of sagas, historical fiction and romance and one I would definitely recommend. I adore coming back to this series and seeing what the author has lined up for the girls at Harpers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –
Facebook – Twitter

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The Widow’s Weeds by Allie Cresswell @Alliescribbler #contemporaryfiction #friendship #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of The Widow’s Weeds by Allie Creswell. I do love this author’s books, her writing is wonderful and always captures me. This is the third book in her Wdiows series and it is a wonderful one.

One evening, Viola goes missing.
The explanation—a visit to her son—seems doubtful, and her women friends’ messages go unanswered. A spiky, caustic woman, Viola’s heavy drinking makes her tiresome company, but they know nothing of her troubled past.
Yet, Maisie misses Viola. Recently, their shared love of gardening has almost blunted Viola’s barbs, and Maisie is much in need of a close friend. Her house is a building site, her daughter’s wedding is looming. Most worrying is her friendship with handsome, formidable Oliver Harrington. She cannot work out what he wants from it, nor, really, what she wants, either. She barely has time to wonder where Viola has gone.
As Maisie grapples with her present-day preoccupations, Viola’s tale unfolds: a dark landscape of tragedy and suffering. Their two stories collide in an explosive finale. Can the two women rescue each other?
This third book in the Widows series stands alone. A story of weeds and wildflowers, tenacity and tenderness, and containing potentially upsetting details of domestic abuse, alcoholism, and bereavement, this is ultimately an affirmation of the strength and power of women’s friendships.

MY REVIEW

This is the third book in the Widows series, you don’t have to read these in order. Having read them myself I can say they are wonderful ones so it would be a shame not to read them.

This is an author who really knows how to draw you into a story, and all of these books in this series have been fabulous. The author has focused this book on Viola and Maisie. Viola is quite a snappy woman and seems very different to the others, so the author decided to show us more of her and what had happened to make her so. Maisie is the owner of a large house, it is being renovated and she is also dealing with her daughter’s marriage and various other things that her other friends are dealing with.

The widows are a mix of women who have come together in various ways, not all widows, but are single and are actually quite vulnerable. The author uses a wonderful analogy in this story to show how, as individuals, they are alone and not as strong, but as they come together they become stronger. The message behind this story is one that brings the struggles of single people who have been through hardships of one sort or another and rather than being victims, they become survivors.

I adored how the author has brought various stories out in this book. There are also mentions of domestic violence, and how people can be easily manipulated when they are unsure of how they should act. Being part of a couple is something different when you suddenly find yourself alone, you suddenly have to work out who you are as an individual.

The author does not shy away from bringing some tough subjects to the table with this story and with mentions of abuse, addiction and bereavement and she does it in quite an honest but also compassionate way. The problems are mentioned and how they have an effect on others, but also about how people come to terms with things that happen in their lives.

The author shows that there is enjoyment to be found after a tragic or heartbreaking event, but it is hard to deal with this if you are by yourself. I am a big believer in things happening at the right time, and that you have to be ready in yourself to deal with things as they come around. I know personally about living in a violent relationship. Reading the author’s story I was able to see things that had happened to me, and the author has made this a very relatable and also realistic story. I have moved on and so for me, the story did not bring up any issues. They did however highlight how you never really know someone until they are able to relate some of their experiences.

This is such a wonderful book, it is not all doom and gloom, instead, it carries the air of something better coming, of finding the belief that you can change and make a difference. A fabulous story for fans of contemporary fiction and one I would definitely recommend.

Check out the other stops on Allie’s Tour…

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A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse by Christie Barlow @ChristieJBarlow @0neMoreChapter_ #NetGalley #romance #contemporaryfiction #LoveHeartLane #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse by Christie Barlow. I adore this series and every book is a story in its own right, so yes they can be read as stand-alone books, but believe me when I say, you would be missing out on some amazing stories if you didn’t read them all 🙂

My huge thanks to One More Chapter for my e-copy that I was invited to read via NetGalley.

Publication Date – April 30th 2023

Preorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane series Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what When Bea Fernsby discovers her fiancé’s eyes have been wandering, she calls off the wedding and hits the road. The village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands is about as far away from home as she can get, and when she stumbles into the ideal summer job at The Little Blue Boathouse and meets gorgeous vacationer Nolan Hemingway, things finally start looking up. Now, as an old mystery surfaces and Bea and Nolan band together to find out what happened to his late grandfather’s one true love, fate throws Bea some unexpected curveballs…and promising opportunities. Bea’s stay is only supposed to last a couple of weeks, but as the old saying ‘Once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave…’

MY REVIEW

I love coming back to Love Heart Lane, it is very accurate when the residents of Heartcross say that once you arrive, you will never want to leave. It is a series that I adore and each book in the series is a story in its own right, but the author fills you in on what is happening with some of the other locals.

Bea Fernsy has had enough, she has jumped in her car and decided to get away from her cheating fiance and booked a stay in the B&B. It’s not the first time he has cheated, but it is the last as far as she is concerned. She needs a chance to discover who she is and what she wants to do with her life. She has lost her friends, works nights, doesn’t have a social life and has got stuck into the humdrum and mundane ruts of life. Hence the escape to Scotland and this gorgeous community.

When she arrives at Heartcross she discovers a warm welcome, everyone is so friendly. This is something she has been missing out on in her home in Staffordshire. What starts as a break to re-discover herself turns into a slightly extended stay when she takes on a holiday job at The Little Blue Boathouse. Her sister thinks that Bea has lost the plot, but Bea knows better.

I must admit if I lived somewhere like Heartcross I would not want to leave, the warm community, the welcoming atmosphere and the views. Not just the views of the mountains, lakes, and secret coves either, the view of Nolan boatowner sounds rather scenic as well!

With things changing and finding newfound freedom, she discovers that she is happy. Something that she has not felt for a long time, she isn’t the only one who looks forward to getting out of bed in the morning and seeing what the day holds either. Nolan is just passing and then will be on his way again. He is trying to find his late grandfather’s true love. He has discovered a letter for her in a box of nick-nacks. It will take bother Bea and Nolan to discover the identity of this mystery woman.

Every time I pick up one of the books in the series I am always amazed by how easily I slip back into village life. The names of friends met previously come back to say hello and then I also get to meet some newcomers. The author has made the community feel so real and when anyone new comes in they are welcomed. People have to fit in this community and Bea is a good fit from the start, everyone knows everyone and therefore they become a large extended family.

With the troubles that Bea is trying to leave behind, she is aware that Nolan is holding something back. It makes for some worrying moments in their gorgeous romantic story. Right through this storyline, there are expectations of things coming to an end, but there is also some shocks along the way as well for some of the older residents.

Once again the author has created another wonderful heartwarming story that had me grinning like a loon and I did have a few lumpy throat moments as well. It’s just the way the author brings the who setting and the characters to life as she writes that I adore. If you are a fan of romance, community, friendship and starting anew then this is a book you should look at. If you have not come across any of these books before then I urge you to add them to your shelf. Either as standalone stories or as a series in order, each one is very special. I adored her latest story about the Boathouse and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of twelve romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

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

An Unexpected Guest by Hannah Ellis @BooksEllis @Rararesources #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of An Unexpected Guest by Hannah Ellis.

This is a fabulous series and I am so embarrassed to say that I missed my spot for posting this as part of the Blog Tour. It should have been on Sunday !!! Huge apologies to Hannah and Rachel for my oversight 😦

A family reunion takes everyone by surprise…
Jago Treneary hasn’t been home since his father’s funeral three years ago. Now, he’s returning to the Isles of Scilly for his brother’s wedding and is intent on building bridges with his family.


When a last-minute guest arrives to stay at his mum’s house, the trip takes an unexpected turn.
Soon, he’s playing tour guide for Sylvie and rediscovering the beautiful islands he grew up on.
He never expected to feel so at home.


But with his attention on Sylvie he neglects his family.


Before long he’s faced with a choice: follow his heart and see where things lead with Sylvie, or put the work into making things right with his family.


One thing seems certain: he can’t have it all.


With his time on Scilly coming to end, he needs to make some big decisions… fast.

Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the 5th book in the series and it is the turn of Jago Treneary. He has been mentioned in previous books, but this is the first time we get to meet him in person. He doesn’t make a great first impression and a fellow traveller has decided he is a grumpy rude man, to be fair she isn’t wrong.

Jago has been in New York working and has returned for the wedding of his brother. The last time he was home on the Scilly’s it was for a funeral. He is nervous about returning and worries about how the other family members will react. Well, if you have read any of the previous books then you know pretty much how they are going to react. They will turn up in force and completely overwhelm him and anyone else who happens to be around.

I did mention a fellow traveller, her name is Sylvie. She has decided to visit the islands out of the blue. She has family here but they are estranged and have been out of touch for many years. Her sudden arrival isn’t the best time and so she finds herself being shown around various places by Jago.

Once again it is such a pleasure to be back on the Scilly’s with the Trenearys. They are a large family that sound like they are great fun and so welcoming. Jago finds himself wondering what to do with himself and Sylvie finds that she loves the idea of living by the sea. She does however have a home to get back to.

As I got to know the characters, well the new ones, the author also brought me up to date with what’s going on with the others that I have already met. With such a large family there are always comings and goings and there is also the odd quarrel. Things are not always easy for all the family, some hold their emotions deeper than is good for them.

As well as the banter and the good humour there are some more serious developments, some of which I was aware of from previous books, but they are expanded on. This felt like the right way to develop them further and it worked so well within the context of this book.

This is another fabulous book and series. I am a little sad that the author is leaving the Trenearys for a while to move on to others things, but I do hope there will be a chance for another chance to catch up with them again. Great for fans who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance novels. A warm and welcoming family in a gorgeous location and a wonderful storyline to snuggle down and read. One I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah spent many years working in childcare before deciding she’d like to write books. When she’s not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.


Social Media Links – FB – Twitter – Insta

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Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash. I adore this author’s books and it is always an absolute delight to settle down and read one.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for arranging my e-copy of this book from the publisher Boldwood Books.

Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove
A perfect new start in Cornwall…


Meredith’s life is at a standstill. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.


With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?


A delightful story about community, friendship and having the courage to start over, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Lucy Dillon


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

What an absolute delight this story was from this author. Both my Mum and I are huge fans of Kim’s books and we are always eager to read her latest ones. As I was reading about Meredith’s move to Cornwall and how local handyman Clem was helping her with renovations, I was chuckling at some of the scenes and comments. What made this even more amusing was that I know when Mum reads this book she will be chuckling away the same as I did 🙂

Meredith has moved, from “up country” and is now down here in Cornwall (my neck of the woods). She has been spontaneous and bought a lighthouse, well this is what some people do when they have had the odd vino! I know I would love the idea of living in a lighthouse, but I also know that I would soon curse the steps! Meredith however is determined to make a go of this new home, which turns out to be more than she had bargained for when she actually arrives and realises just how much she will have to do just to get it clean.

While she comes to terms with what could be a disastrous decision she is given a lifeline in the form of Clem. He has been recommended to her by some of the friendlier locals to help with some of the renovations and repairs.

There are some great chuckle-worthy scenes in this story and they come from various characters. Meredith does have a memorable moment in the builder’s merchants that made me laugh, it is this sort of humour that I like. A bit risque, quirky and just good all-around banter. Every time the author seems to get the note just right in her novels and they add to the feel of the story.

There is a small community and this makes the characters easy to remember, and not all are welcoming and there is the odd one who is a bit smarmy. I do like the mix of characters and each has their own personality that shines through. Getting this across in a 270-page book is great.

Along with the howlers, there are some wonderful heartwarming moments. If you have read any of this author’s books before you will know there will be something a little more serious. Again, she does this so well in so few pages but the story never felt rushed. I just wanted the book to keep going if I am being completely honest.

This is another fabulous story about starting afresh and finding your feet when you are a little bit older but still young enough to enjoy and try new things. I haven’t even mentioned the romance in this story! This is a rom-com and so the romance is there, fleeting and tentative but sometimes it is better to be friends… isn’t it?

This is one for fans of contemporary fiction, romance, and finding a place that feels right. Another wonderful book and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Nash is the author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction. She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (division of Hachette UK), and is a book blogger at http://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV.


Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – Bookbub

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Hunted by Shalini Boland @ShaliniBoland @SecondSkyBooks #NetGalley #paranormal #youngadult #fiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for the final book in the Vampires of Marchwood trilogy. Hunted by Shalini Boland brings the answers to the questions and settles old scores and while it has ended I am going to miss these books.

My huge thanks to Second Sky Books for granting my request to read these titles on NetGalley.

My name is Madison Greene and my boyfriend is a vampire. And not just any vampire, one with brooding good looks and a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. As I curl up against Alexandre’s side, our hands entwined, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Although our relationship hasn’t been easy. I’m human, so there were always going to be complications. But I thought we’d banished the demons from his previous life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…

Because there’s a new threat in the form of Nadia – a blue-eyed beauty who seems determined to do everything she can to break us apart. I trust Alexandre but I don’t trust her.

As I start digging into the truth to find out who Nadia really is, centuries-old secrets begin to unravel. And in order to set Alexandre free from the chains of his past, we must return to the ancient underground city of vampires to defeat Alexandre’s archnemesis once and for all.

Can I finally save Alexandre? Or will loving a vampire be the death of me?

MY REVIEW

After reading the first two books in this trilogy I was definitely eager to see what happened to Maddie and the rather unusual family at Marchwood. Maddie and her brother Ben have inherited Marchwood House and also discovered they have a family they knew nothing about. This family are o100 years old and are vampires. The previous two books have been brilliant at introducing the characters and then showing their journey together. Now, in this final episode, lives are at stake.

Once again the author has created a wonderfully addictive story. The previous books have followed a split timeline and with each book, the historical sections have got older and gone further back into history and time. This is where we begin to see some of the threads wrapping up and also to see what twists and surprises the author has had in store for us readers. I will admit now, I did not envisage the ending how the author did, but it does work brilliantly.

The journey from being alone to being part of a family has been a wonderful one. It has been fraught with danger but at the same time, it has brought these two branches of the family closer. Along with the two families, there is also Alex he was turned at the same time as the older members and is an important person in Maddie’s life.

Slipping back and forth between times is a great way of keeping up to date with present-day events, but also giving something more sinister that lurks from the past. I really enjoyed the way the author made the past events exciting and atmospheric with a sense of mistrust and an ancient being.

Even though this is a mix of horror and a fantasy book, the way it has been written is fabulous no matter what your age. There are some things in the books that reminded me of Twilight but this book also had a lot more uniqueness. There are several routes the author has gone down that make for riveting if at times quite a gory blood-fest. Among all this there is also a romantic element, this is one that has a good feel to it, while other is confusion and arguments there is also a sense of getting used to new situations and feelings. Of young adults finding their place and dealing with a whole array of challenges.

This final book had some great twists and it saw the series brought to its conclusion. It felt right and the author for me has finished it properly, by this I mean it does feel that their story is at an end. There is however a little opening that has been left, well you never know!

This has been a wonderful set of books and if you are a fan of horror, vampires, Young Adult stories, romance and vampires then you will enjoy this one. I am so glad I came across this series and I would definitely recommend this final book and the series as a whole.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shalini –  I write psychological thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!

See all the books in the series…

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

The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage by Christie Barlow #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage by Christie Barlow. This is the 10th book in the Love Heart Lane series and it is just a fabulous series to read.

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what

A new start…

When Jinny Birdwhistle is pushed over the edge one time too many times and quits her job as a tabloid journalist, an impromptu – and rather unconventional – job search leads her to a new house, car, and career making honey and chutney in the small Scottish village of Heartcross. And with handsome beekeeper Gabe Warner to help her learn the ropes, she’s ready to embrace ‘country girl life’ and leave the past behind her.

…uncovers an old secret

Yet there’s more to strong and silent Gabe than meets the eye and though Jinny planned to leave her journalistic instincts in London, she can’t help doing a little digging. Now, as she uncovers a mystery that links to her own history, Jinny realises that you can’t outrun the truth and the only way to move forward is to face the past. But now that she’s at home in Heartcross, she won’t have to do it alone…

MY REVIEW

I adore this series and it is great to meet another character who is due to become the next resident of Heartcross in the Love Heart Lane series.

Jinny is a journalist in London, he father owns the paper and she wants nothing. It is her father’s attitude that makes her stop and want to evaluate what she is doing. After an exchange of words, Jinny leaves London, her flat and her job to try to get a job in the adorable Scottish village.

Bumblebee Cottage used to belong to Dixie and George, it is now empty and waiting for the next chapter in its history. Jinny has big boots to follow but the gorgeous Gabe will be around to help her when she needs it. Did I mention that Gabe has a secret? No! Oh, he isn’t the only one who does though…

This is another gorgeous read and one that I really enjoyed from the outset. Jinny is a character who I liked, while she has had everything handed to her, including her job, flat and car, she has not had much in the way of choice. It is when her father wants her to intrude on someone’s private life that she realises that she doesn’t want this life, that people have rights and that her father has no moral boundaries.

Coming to Heartcross is a step away from everything she knows. Luckily the community is supportive and amazing, if you have read any of this series then you will already know this. If you haven’t then go to the beginning of the series and dread them, you will get to know the area, and the community and they are all amazing books.

Anyway, where was I? Yes, supportive community… and they do look out for visitors and guests. It turns out that Gabe has a few secrets and this is something that the journo in Jinny just has to delve into. Apart from that, if you knew you liked someone and wanted to know a bit more you would do the same thing. Before you sit there and shake your head and deny it, have you looked people up on Facebook, Instagram or other social media sites? Yep, I knew you had!

So the secrets, are good and they are also heartbreaking. But this is not a sad book, it is one about making fresh starts and Bumblebee Cottage is just the place for that. Once a thriving business makes chutneys and honey, it needs a new occupier to breathe fresh air into the jars and recipes. Will Jinny be the one to do that and can Gabe help her or is there too much hurt for them?

This is a fabulous book and one fan of cosy, heartwarming, contemporary fiction and romance will adore it. I have loved every book in the series and this is another that hits all the right spots and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of twelve romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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

The Potter’s House by Hannah Ellis @BooksEllis @Rararesources #romance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Potter’s House by Hannah Ellis. This is the 4th book in this series and I adored this one as much as the previous ones. It is a series that is best read in order as you get to meet the characters as they arrive on the Isles of Scilly.

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.

The Potter’s House
Sometimes facing up to the past is the only way to create a better future…

Since the tragic death of his father, Lowen Treneary has kept to himself in his pottery studio on the remote island of Bryher.

His quiet life is just the way he likes it.

Until Pippa comes along.

The local café owner plunges his peaceful existence into chaos and brightens his days while she’s at it.

Soon, he has an employee livening up his workplace with her determination to make his studio more profitable… and a growing attraction to Pippa which he’s trying hard to ignore.

Just as he starts to warm to the idea of letting people into his life again, a crisis hits the island, causing old memories to crash to the surface.

Can the events of the present help to heal wounds from the past? And will Pippa still accept Lowen when she learns the secrets he’s been keeping from everyone around him?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

Back again on the Isles of Scilly with the Treneary family. This is the 4th book in the series and each book has focused on one of the siblings. This time it is the turn of Lowen. He has been a character in the books but keeps his distance, which has made him a little bit of an enigma and I couldn’t wait for the author to get to him.

Lowen lives on Bryher, runs a pottery and supplies pots to Pippa who runs the cafe on the main island.

Lowen’s story is a little different to the others in the family and I will let you discover for yourself what the author has to tell you. He is a bit of a grumpy recluse, this is very different to the friendly and almost overbearing siblings. He delivers his pottery to Pippa but there is always a comment or a sarcastic comment between them. Neither really knows why, but it takes the blunt force of Pippa’s niece, Mia, to get past his gruff exterior.

Mia is like a breath of fresh air for Pippa. She has just finished uni and taking the summer to work in the cafe to save money for a year of travelling. The thing is that there isn’t really much for Mia to do in the cafe, but she has her eyes set on a different place to work.

The author doesn’t give much away in the synopsis, but if you have read the series then you are aware of the grief that this family went through. It has left a sort of rift, and anger that seems to simmer. Even though the islands are a lovely and wonderful place they are dangerous, it is something that the Trenearys know all too well.

While the author focuses on one particular member of the family, she doesn’t forget to keep up to date with the goings on of the others that have already had their turn in the spotlight. This for me is an essential part of the book as the family bonds are shown in each book and show how the family work together.

This is another gorgeous story that gives the reader a chance to step away and visit the islands, a chance to wander around the Potters House and discover more about living and working on the Isles of Scilly.

This is one for those who love to read contemporary fiction and romance novels where family and friendships are strong. Another wonderful book in the series and one that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah spent many years working in childcare before deciding she’d like to write books. When she’s not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.


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Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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