Tag Contemporary Fiction

Wish Upon a Cornish Moon by Amanda James @amandajames61 @OneMoreChapter_ #contemporaryfiction #family #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Wish Upon a Cornish Moon by Amanda James. I do love this authors books and her latest one is just fabulous. A mix of past and present set in a wonderful Cornish cove.

‘I can see you don’t believe me, girl, but I’m telling you that there’s magic in the moon and that big sea out there.’ 1938
One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back. 1997
On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years… Present day
Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again…

MY REVIEW

Not many people believe in magic or love at first sight, but not many live at Chapel Porth Cove in Cornwall—an area of magic, mystery and wonderous things. Over the years there has been a young woman who wishes for something more and to find her one true love. It has happened over generations and whether you believe in magic or not, if you don’t try, you will never know.

Merrin is a hard-working single mum, who helps out where she can and is not looking forward to her daughter leaving for university. When she meets Morwenna, she tells Merrin of how the cove is also known as magic cove and if a message is placed in a bottle and the words are spoken on a June night when the moon is full your true love will find it and you will meet.

Merrin has not had much luck with true love, she has in fact had her heart broken so is not looking for anything else in life. She is happy with her life, work and family.

The author has laid her story out over several timelines, these are easy to follow as are the different places where she sets her story, although the majority of it is in Cornwall. Mixing the past event with present situations is a great way of telling a tale as it gets pieced together gradually.

The story of Morwenna and her sister Lamorna is a sad one, but one that also makes sense when you realise what was going on in each of their lives at the time. A chance for a new exciting adventure with the man of your dreams is something that most girls want, but not everyone gets that chance, and some, they miss their chance.

Mixing the historical aspect of the story with a present-day one is a great way of drawing similarities between characters of many years of difference. It also makes for a tantalising read, I could see some things coming but not always in the way I expected them. The way the family dramas were worked in was great and it was a way of bringing different perspectives and experiences.

The romance side of the story is one that I adored, it was a mix of drama, adventure, daring and taking the chance when it appears. Set over different generations, it was a great way of showing how the magic of the cove and the message in the bottle could work in many different ways. Some things happen quickly, and some take a little more time, but things happen for a reason.

If you are a fan of romance, historical and contemporary fiction then this is one that you may well be interested in, there is a wonderful sense of warmth and hope throughout and with a message of taking a chance and doing what is right for you. I adored this one a huge amount and I would definitely recommend it, fabulous story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda James has written since she was a child and even asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published. In 2010 the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published.

Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired every day by the wild and beautiful coastline. She can usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

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

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

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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…

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

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

The Little Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page @AriaFiction #NetGalley #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of The Little Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page. This was a lovely story and it was great to read something lighter after my few weeks of reading crime.

My huge thanks to Aria Fiction for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Publication Date – 13th April 2023

When Emily loses her job, house and boyfriend all within a matter of days, she’s determined to turn a negative into a positive and follow her dream of running a small cafe in the gorgeous Yorkshire village of Rosegarth.

But she quickly finds she’s bitten off more than she can chew when the ‘popular’ cafe she takes over turns out to secretly be a failing business. Emily desperately needs a way to turn things around, and help comes from the unlikeliest of places when she meets local board game-obsessed GP Ludek. But when a major chain coffee shop opens on the high street, Emily is forced to question if she’ll ever be able to compete.

Has she risked everything on something destined to fail? Or can a playful twist, a homely welcome, and a sprinkle of love make Emily’s cafe the destination she’s always dreamed of?

MY REVIEW

This was a really lovely story to read. Having lost her job, her house and her fiance she decides that it is finally time to follow her dream. When her mum was alive it was a dream they both shared, to own and run their own cafe. Taking the plunge, she spots a small cafe, it has potential.

Following Emily, as she negotiates a new business and the tables in her new cafe was wonderful. She soon has her rose-tinted glasses removed as she discovers that the business isn’t all the books made it out to be. She does have customers, well some days she may have as many as 2! Gradually with the help of the local GP, she manages to find her niche, something that makes her cafe memorable. As you have probably guessed from the title, that niche is board games. I never realised there were so many different games until I read this book.

With the help of a handful of people, the cafe starts to blossom, but just as she starts to feel a little more confident, once again the rug is pulled from under her feet.

With mentions of sumptuous food and delightful sounding colour and decor schemes for the cafe, the author has created a cafe that sounds wonderful. Adding in a colourful array of characters and various troubling scenarios to bring a woman’s dream to reality was an interesting one to follow.

There is a really lovely will they/ won’t they romance thread in this book, it was a nice one to follow and I was never sure how this was going to pan out.

A lovely story and one that if you are a fan of contemporary fiction and romance stories, I do think that you will enjoy this one. I would happily recommend this story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Page lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband Hermi and his very – no, make that extremely – large collection of board games. Her debut novel, The Little Board Game Cafe will be published on 13th April 2022. Jennifer writes light-hearted, cosy romantic fiction which was initially inspired by her own dating adventures. Before she met Hermi, she was single for 13 years and had pretty much given up on meeting The One.

When she isn’t writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games; since she met Hermi, she’s become even more obsessed with them than he is! She also loves cooking (though she’d never claim to be any good at it!), caravan holidays and walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

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

Check out the other stops on the Tour…

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

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

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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

Summer at Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanauth @emblabooks #Netgalley #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review for Summer at Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman. I have read several of this author’s books and her latest one is another fabulous read.

My huge thanks to Embla Books for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

How gorgeous and wonderful is this cover. I can almost feel the sun’s rays 🌞

A beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever…

Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.

But Linzi’s world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over.

When Elliot Montgomery first sets foot at Green Valley, Linzi’s worst fears are realised. He’s stepped straight out of the boardroom in shiny shoes and a tailored suit. How will a numbers man like him ever understand the magic of what they do here?

Elliot has his own demons, carrying the grief of his father’s death. Despite their differences, he has come to the vineyard for a new beginning, much like Linzi once did.

As the summer unfolds, Elliot and Linzi find themselves in an uneasy alliance while old secrets threaten to be revealed.

Could more be about to bloom here among the twisting vines than they ever thought possible?

MY REVIEW

This was an absolute delight to read. I do enjoy this author’s books so it was great to pick up her latest one. Working in a vineyard sounds like hard work, but for Linzi, it is her dream job. She is single, works hard and enjoys being out in nature and in the fresh air. When the grandson of the current owner is brought in to take over the running of the property there are worries. Will he change things, will he interfere or will the ethos of the vineyard, restaurant and hotel be ruined by his own vision? Elliot has already been told that he needs to work with Linzi, she will be a valuable asset and she is also knowledgeable.

This is a gorgeous book to sit and read during these nice sunny spring days that we have had recently. It was so easy to imagine how Linzi found pleasure and serenity in her job. Even though things could change she has a feeling of belonging to Green Valley Vineyard and do some of the main staff there. People are on edge as he spends a lot of time going through the accounts and seeing where money is being spent, what works, what doesn’t and of course how to improve the business? This is the thing though, with his background he will see this as a business and it is not just that, it is a place where people feel welcomed, at home and more importantly respected.

Elliot has a tough job on his hands. Taking over a business he wasn’t expecting to means he knows very little about it. He is going to have to learn and learn fast if he is to make things viable.

There has obviously been some good research done for this book and the author brings this into the story with details about grapes, vines, growing, nurturing and also the end product of the wine itself. I found this really interesting and it was a great part of the story. Bringing someone with knowledge together with someone who hasn’t is great. Both of the main characters have knowledge in their own fields, but they also need to understand the priority and responsibilities of the other. This leads to them working, chatting and discussing plans and possible future projects.

As they get to know each other they form a respectful friendship, both realise quickly that they will need to work together and with the odd gentle nudge from Linzi, Elliot starts to understand the passion of those who work there.

I adored this book a lot and there is more to this story than someone coming in to make a profit from vines. Each of the characters has their own demons and there are things that they are not really honest about with themselves, never mind sharing. As the story evolves they do start to break down some of these barriers.

I love being outside in my garden, but my goodness the author definitely works Linzi and Elliot hard. They seem to be constantly on the go, but this actually works well for their characters. For me, anything less would not make them the versions the author has in mind for them.

This is a fabulous book and if you have read any of this author’s previous books then you know you are in for a treat. A gorgeous contemporary fiction story that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.

Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.

‘It’s only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy – and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!’

If she isn’t online she’s either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!

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

Love on the Run by Suzie Tullett @SuzieTullett @rararesources @Bloodhoundbook #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Love on the Run by Suzie Tullett. It has been a while since I have read one of Suzie’s books and I enjoyed this one a huge amount.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

Love On the Run
With her ex and her kids away, a woman takes up running and meets a new man – but can they make it to the finish line?
Ten years after their divorce, this is the first time Hannah’s ex-husband has had the kids for more than a weekend. Her calendar is gloriously blank, ready to be filled with some self-care time.
That is, until Hannah’s BFFs push her to join a charity race for which she’ll need to start training – after all, she’s not doing anything else.
And her mum nags her to have Aunt Dorothy over for a visit.
So much for me-time…
However, Hannah’s not in tip-top shape, and running is a challenge to say the least. Maybe Gabe, the nice-looking personal trainer, can help with that? The more Hannah struggles, the more determined she becomes. But then Hannah is tripped up when she finds out Gabe has a shocking secret. Does this mean he’ll be out of the running for a place in her heart?


Purchase Links – AMAZON – UK or US

MY REVIEW

When Hannah gets a month to herself she imagines that she will adore it. The twins are off on holiday with their Dad and his girlfriend and Hannah will be able to do all the things she wants to do. The problem is she has always done everything for her children and forgotten what it is to be Hannah.

It is three of Hannah’s friends get together over drinks and decide that it would be a good idea to do something for charity. Hannah hasn’t run, she wasn’t sporty but tries to give it a go. Her first attempt doesn’t go well when she comes crashing into Gabe.

This is such a fun and lighthearted from-com but one that will resonate with quite a few people. Being a Mum, Dad, Wife or partner can mean losing your own identity. Hannah is just discovering this and along with her three best friends, she starts to do something about it. Add into the mix her Mum, Dorothy, and Roger and you have a wonderful story.

This is such a lovely story and one that I read in one sitting. I got caught up with Hannah as she tries her best to get fit and get used to the fact that her little precious bundles are now 15 years old. Being separated for a few years she has gotten used to being just her and the children and she feels she doesn’t need anyone else. It isn’t until the children are away that she realises how lonely life can be. This gives her a different perspective on life, but she is stubborn so and so!

Gabe is the other part of this story, he also has a past and this one comes crashing into his life making him realise he needs to deal with things. Each of Hannah’s friends has new interests and she feels like she is remaining static. Would meeting someone new like her friends make a difference, well you will have to have a read and find out.

This is a story that has some brilliantly funny moments between the characters. There are some more serious issues that are discussed but these fit in with the story and become part of moving on. A gorgeous rom-com that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. When she’s not busy creating her own literary masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else’s.
Suzie lives in a little Irish cottage by the sea, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs.

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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.

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The Other Guest by Heidi Perks #NetGalley @centurybooksuk #mystery #thriller #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Other Guest by Heidi Perks. I do enjoy this author’s books and I have read several of them. I would also like to wish the author a Happy Publication Day 🙂

My huge thanks to Century Books UK for accepting my request to review this title via NetGalley.

She thinks she knows the truth. But what if she’s wrong?

Laila and her husband arrive for a week’s holiday in Greece in desperate need of a reset.

As Laila sits by the pool she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the other family staying in their resort.

Em has no idea who Laila is, or that she has been watching her and her teenage sons and husband so intently.

Five days later their worlds will be blown apart by a horrifying event.

Laila thinks she knows the truth of what happened. But in telling Em what she’s seen, she stands to lose everything she holds dear.

And what if she’s got it wrong?

MY REVIEW

I do enjoy this author’s books and this one, The Other Guest has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.

Laila and her husband are having a getaway on a Greek island it is a chance for them to reconnect and try to get their marriage back on track. Things have been tough for them after several rounds of failed IVF, and Laila is distraught when she realises that there may be no more rounds to come.

At this luxury resort, they meet various couples and families, some they had seen on the journey to the hotel and they will inevitably bump into them at various points of their stay. What none of them expect is the death of one of the guests.

An inspector comes to ask and make inquiries about all those at the hotel, the author keeps her cast to a minimum. She does this by sticking to those that Laila has met or seen, this makes it easy to keep track of who is who.

While Laila has been dealing with her own inner turmoil she is aware of other things going on, she loves people-watching and while her husband thinks she can get obsessed, she has her own thoughts about things.

This is a great read and one that I found myself easily falling into and getting on with. There are plenty of twists and some red herrings and then there are some other much deeper and darker things that emerge.

While this is an engrossing book and one that I enjoyed, I did feel that the ending was dragged out a little too much, while there were still things that needed answering I just thought it could have been done sooner. It didn’t ruin the story for me but did take the edge off it a little.

An enjoyable read and one for fans of contemporary fiction and holiday crime and mystery readers. It is one I would happily recommend.

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