Book Escapes with BabsW67

Review – Welcome to Port Berry by KT Dady @kt_dady @JoffeBooks #PublicationDay #NewSeries #BookReview #PublicationDay #WelcomeToPortBerry

Since my first invitation to read and review the initial book in this author’s Pepper Bay series, I have been hooked. Her writing style is different to so many other authors, and I just love it. When KT Dady announced that she had signed with a publisher, I was thrilled for her, and I knew that she would be happy with Joffe books. I’m now looking forward to returning to Port Berry and following the stories of the residents there. If you’d like to read a couple of my previous reviews, you can follow these links: Starlight Cottage (the first in the series) and Silver Wish Farm.

I’m grateful to Joffe Books for providing my digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Welcome to Port Berry, where love is just around the corner.

Sophie Moore has sworn off men. Ever since her ex-boyfriend ran off with her, now ex-friend. So the appearance of handsome newcomer Matt Rose to Port Berry doesn’t bother her. Sophie knows her heart is safe.

Even if it does flutter annoyingly every time he smiles at her.

Matt Rose has arrived in Port Berry with no money or place to stay. He’s running from a troubled past and looking for a fresh start.

Matt gets a job with the local fisherman, Jed. But it’s Sophie, hearing Matt will be sleeping on the fishing boat, who offers him a place to stay at her home Cockle Cottage.

Now Sophie can’t escape bumping into Matt everywhere she turns. Neither can she avoid noticing the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles and how she looks forward to seeing him every day.

But she can’t risk another heartbreak.

Matt knows his feelings for Sophie are far more than just gratitude for her kindness. But can he convince Sophie he’s not the only one who needs a fresh start?

Review

Port Berry is a wonderful setting for this gorgeous new series. Cornwall plays host to this lovely village that’s filled with some incredible people who each want to help those in need. I’ve read plenty of books with a pay-it-forward café, but I certainly don’t remember a whole community pulling together to help rehabilitate the homeless. Of course, their intentions are aimed at individuals and not at solving an entire problem for all, but certainly one tired soul at a time.

With support from her grandfather, Jed, Sophie Moore is determined to offer a taste of normality where she can, and Matt Rose is their first candidate. With the help of their whole network, Matt soon receives a host of treatments, including a haircut and counselling, and he’s humbled to have discovered a village that cares.

This is a story that brought me real joy. I have donated through a local café and support a charity that helps homeless teens, but that never felt like enough. The idea that a complete network of help and support could be created was heartwarming, even though I know it was essentially fictional. I’m aware that there are more resources available, but there sadly isn’t enough.

Sophie is a beautiful person, and her kindness is something that the world needs more of. Her grandfather is a real treasure and feels like the kind of man we would all benefit from knowing. Sophie’s history with her ex is all too common, and I am relieved that he is in her past.

Matt had fallen on hard times and was homeless while struggling with alcohol addiction. His determination to become sober was admirable. He had walked from London to Port Berry after receiving a tip that he could find help in the Cornish town. Despite his challenging circumstances, Matt was a good person who just needed a break. It was interesting to read about his thoughts and experiences as he discovered a chance to break the cycle of despair.

The characters are warm, and the story is totally relatable, as I believe we have all seen rough sleepers and wished we could help, or is that just me?

I have high hopes for this series and am already looking forward to the next instalment.

Author Bio

Author, reader, mum, chocolate lover, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m baking cakes or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers. I’m the author of contemporary romance, middle-grade, and the thought-provoking thriller about mental illness, The Focus Program.

Social Media & Weblinks

Blog Tour – Palamedes PR @palamedespr #PalamedesPR

A change for me today as I share a post on behalf of Palamedes PR and a Q&A with Anthony Harvison of Palamedes PR

Book Bloggers

Book bloggers are no longer considered ‘fringe media’ but important vehicles to promote new titles, authors and publishers. Unlike mainstream news and feature outlets, which reach a wide but less targeted audience, blogs like BookEscapeswithBabsW67, BeingAnne & LindasBookBag are the go-to destination of choice for engaged consumers who return time and time again for expert reviews and advice.

According to Palamedes PR, the UK’s market-leading book marketing agency, bloggers can be instrumental in shaping the overall success of a new release and are an indispensable force in the public relations industry.

Here, we speak to one of its publicists, Anthony Harvison, to find out why book blogs are reshaping the literary marketing and sales landscape, and how they are an increasingly important advocate for underrepresented voices and genres.

Q: How has the landscape of book marketing evolved with the rise of book blogging, and what role does it play in promoting books?

Book blogging has become a powerful force in book marketing, offering a dynamic platform for readers to share their thoughts and recommendations. It plays a crucial role in creating buzz around books, reaching niche audiences, and influencing purchasing decisions.

Q: In what ways do book bloggers contribute to building a book’s online presence and visibility?

Book bloggers contribute significantly to a book’s online presence by writing reviews, hosting blog tours, and participating in social media discussions. Their authentic and personal recommendations can enhance a book’s visibility and attract a diverse readership.

Q: How do book publicists identify and collaborate with book bloggers to promote specific titles?

Book publicists often research and reach out to book bloggers whose content aligns with the target audience and genre of a particular book. Collaboration may involve sending review copies, organizing blog tours, or facilitating author interviews to generate interest among the blogger’s followers.

Q: Can you share examples of successful book marketing campaigns that heavily leveraged book blogging?

Successful campaigns often involve strategic partnerships with influential book bloggers. For instance, organizing blog tours with well-established bloggers, hosting giveaways, or encouraging book discussions on popular platforms can generate substantial online buzz and drive book sales.

Q: How do book bloggers contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of book promotion, particularly in highlighting underrepresented voices or genres?

Book bloggers have a unique ability to champion diverse voices and genres that might be overlooked in mainstream media. They can bring attention to underrepresented authors and stories, fostering a more inclusive literary landscape and broadening the range of books available to readers.

Q: With the prevalence of social media, how do book bloggers use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube to enhance their book reviews and recommendations?

Many book bloggers utilize social media platforms to share visually appealing book recommendations, snippets of reviews, and engage in real-time conversations with their followers. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube, in particular, provide a multimedia approach to book promotion, enhancing the overall impact of their reviews.

Q: How can book publicists and authors effectively engage with book bloggers to ensure a mutually beneficial collaboration?

Building genuine relationships is key. Publicists and authors can engage with book bloggers by offering personalized pitches, providing relevant content, respecting their schedules, and acknowledging their contributions. It’s essential to approach collaborations as a partnership that benefits both parties and their audiences.

Q: Looking forward, do you see any emerging trends or changes in the relationship between book blogging and book marketing?

As technology evolves, immersive experiences like virtual book clubs, interactive content, and multimedia reviews may gain prominence in book blogging. The relationship between book bloggers and marketing may deepen as influencers continue to shape literary conversations and bridge the gap between authors, publishers, and readers.

For more information about Palamedes PR and its book marketing services, go to www.palamedes.co.uk or call 0208 1036883

About Palamedes

Palamedes PR is a long-established and award-winning name in the book marketing field and the recognised UK market-leader.

Their specialist services include national and international press, TV and radio, and PR stunts.

For more information, visit www.palamedes.co.uk

Blog Tour – Silver Wish Farm by KT Dady @kt_dady @rararesources #BlogTour #BookReview #PepperBay #PublicationDay #SilverWishFarm

I genuinely look forward to visits to Pepper Bay and Silver Wish Farm is a story that I have been looking forward to reading. Rhett and Heath’s story has been hinted at since my first visit, so I was ready to learn more about their relationship. If you’d like to read a couple of my previous reviews in this series, you can follow these links: Pepper Pot Farm and The Gatehouse Café.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and support and for arranging for my digital advance reading copy, which I received without charge in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

Silver Wish Farm: After Rhett left Heath on their wedding day, things were never the same for them, but because they have a daughter, they’ve always tried their best to keep the peace. But then life changes for Heath, and he suddenly wants answers about their past and the future he believes he should have had, but will Rhett tell him the real reason she left him all those years ago?

Purchase Links

USA

Review

I was thrilled to learn more about Rhett and Heath and how they had gone from being love’s young dream to simply co-parenting their daughter. Whenever they were mentioned in previous books, it was obvious that there was more than a little falling out between them. Of course, not having read the other books will not put you at a disadvantage.

Heath is the wonderfully imagined local carpenter who also turns his hand to anything that is required, including converting his family home so that he has his own separate apartment within the Farmhouse. He has a loving family, and his daughter is definitely his pride and joy. His masculinity is not in question, and neither is it vaguely toxic, as he is totally in touch with his gentler side.

Rhett is a more complicated character, and it takes us quite deep into the story before we learn more about what drove her to make a life-altering decision, one that would leave her yearning for another chance at love. She is strong and feisty, often to her own detriment, but she is conflicted when faced with Heath.

Whilst this is not exactly a difficult story to figure out, there was plenty to keep the reader guessing about the reasons for their current situation and how they would ever find a happy ending. That’s not a spoiler as this author is a huge fan of a HEA. It’s a wonderful addition to a gorgeous series.

Author Bio

Hello, I’m K.T. Dady. I’m the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. I’m also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.

Social Media & Weblinks

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Twitter/X

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Please check out the other stops on this gorgeous tour

Publication Day Push – The Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J Scott @ElizaJScott1 @rararesources @Stormbooks_co #BookReview #PublicationDay #BookBlogger #Micklewick #TheLittleBookshopByTheSea

I first read and reviewed this gorgeous book back in June 2022, I was looking forward to reading future instalments and was delighted to learn that the author had a book deal with Storm Books, who have republished this one with another couple in the close pipeline. I’ve reshared my review below.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and support and to Storm books for gifting me the advance reading copies. My review contains my honest thoughts.

Synopsis

Welcome to your happy place…

Each morning as bookseller Florrie Appleton cycles along the promenade of her seaside hometown, watching the surfers far out in the bay, breathing in the fresh salty air, she counts herself lucky. She has a small but picture-perfect cottage overlooking the sea, a group of friends she can always rely on, and the job of her dreams at her favourite bookshop. But when tragedy strikes, her little slice of heaven is in danger of being lost forever.

To save the bookshop from closure, Florrie finds herself thrown together with the elderly owner’s handsome grandson, Ed Hartes, who has a habit of making butterflies dance in her stomach. But the only romance Florrie has time for lies within the pages of her favourite novels, and her instincts are telling her to be wary. There’s something Ed’s keeping from her, and she can’t face another heartbreak.

When Florrie stumbles upon a mysterious stash of yellowed letters in the storeroom, it seems Ed isn’t the only one with secrets. The old bookshop is full of stories waiting to be told, and they aren’t only in the pages of the books….

The perfect uplifting, feel-good read for fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Links

USA

Review

The story of Happy Hartes Bookshop and how it got its name was enchanting. I could easily imagine the shop front with eye-catching displays and Gerty, the black Labrador, laying in the sunshine. Florrie is a lovely character, and I took to her immediately. Her kindness may have seemed like nothing, to her, but the impact was clearly huge. I certainly wasn’t surprised by the unexpected situation that is mentioned in the synopsis and welcomed the developments that followed.

Ed takes the role of romantic lead, but he is flawed. His parents have not shown him the love and security that children deserve to receive; choosing to follow a more nomadic lifestyle that has impacted his ability to both settle and receive affection. While I understood that he had commitment issues, I was frustrated by his actions and inability to see what the Happy Hartes Bookshop had to offer, on many different levels.

For me, the story that develops as a result of the visiting poet was perfect. I hadn’t foreseen the connection that he would have to Mr and Mrs H, or to their friend, Miss Davenport, and loved every part of it.

I am convinced that this will be a wonderful new series and already love Florrie’s friends and the atmosphere in the Jolly Sailors. Even Ando Taylor has a softer side which may develop more as the next instalments are published.

Author Bio

Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour. She has written and self-published ten novels and has been an Amazon UK Kindle bestseller.

When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.

Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!

Social Media & Weblinks

Amazon author page: UK or US

Blog Tour – The Duke Wins a Bride by Nina Jarrett @regencyscribe @rararesources #BlogTour #BookReview #RegencyRomance #TheDukeWinsABride

I really do love reading Regency Romances. The romance of the era, now made internationally famous by Bridgerton, always provides a demure front to the raging powers of attraction, and a dangerous liaison is never far from the pages. Nina Jarrett is a new author to me, but I already know that this won’t be my last book from this author.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and for arranging my digital advance reading copy, which was provided to me without charge, in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Her betrothed cheated on her. The duke offers to save her. Can a marriage of convenience turn into true love?

In this steamy historical romance, a sheltered baron’s daughter and a celebrated duke agree on a marriage of convenience, but he has a secret that may ruin it all.

She is desperate to escape …

When Miss Annabel Ridley learns her betrothed has been unfaithful, she knows she must cancel the wedding. The problem is no one else seems to agree with her, least of all her father. With her wedding day approaching, she must find a way to escape her doomed marriage. She seeks out the Duke of Halmesbury to request he intercede with her rakish betrothed to break it off before the wedding day.

He is ready to try again …

Widower Philip Markham has decided it is time to search for a new wife. He hopes to find a bold bride to avoid the mistakes of his past. Fate seems to be favoring him when he finds a captivating young woman in his study begging for his help to disengage from a despised figure from his past. He astonishes her with a proposal of his own—a marriage of convenience to suit them both. If she accepts, he resolves to never reveal the truth of his past lest it ruin their chances of possibly finding love.

The Duke Wins a Bride is the delightful first book in the Inconvenient Brides series of steamy Regency romance books. If you like worthy heroes, strong heroines, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.

Purchase Links

Website

Amazon

B&N

Review

When we first meet Annabel, she is excited at the prospect of her forthcoming marriage to her fiancé. However, we realise that there is an element of convenience to the marriage, as her prospects are somewhat diminished by her father’s desire to get ahead and raise his own status. After witnessing her fiancé in a most compromising position, Annabel pledges to find a way to avoid fulfilling the obligations of her engagement.

I completely empathised with Annabel and understood why she was so adamant that her marriage would not go ahead. The more we learn about her, it becomes evident that she is not to be trifled with, as she is an accomplished horsewoman and will stop at nothing to ensure her personal happiness. With the family housekeeper as her confidante, Annabel is determined to fight back against her father’s ambitions and her fiancé’s indiscretions.

When we meet Duke Philip Markham, there is every reason to feel encouraged because despite being her fiancé’s cousin, he has his own reasons for holding a deep grudge. The Duke is widowed but has only recently realised that perhaps he should seek out another bride and move on with his life. The descriptions of this brooding man echoed the character of Mr Darcy, and there is definitely an immediate connection between him and Annabel.

As the synopsis mentions, this is considered a steamy Regency romance, so be prepared for some less-than-chaste exchanges!

Author Bio

Regency writer, retired Inc. 500 sales coach, former director of a drug rehabilitation center, and Amazon bestselling author of the Inconvenient Brides series.

Nina started writing her own stories in elementary school but quickly grew distracted when she finished school and moved on to non-profit work with recovering drug addicts. There she worked with people from every walk of life, from privileged neighborhoods to the shantytowns of urban and rural South Africa.

One day, she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA, where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She currently lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.

Social Media Links

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Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

Pinterest

Website

You can catch up with this tour across the blogs listed below

Review – Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar @HeraBooks #PublicationDay #ArcReview #LoveLettersAtTheBorrowABookshop

I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of one of Kiley Dunbar’s enchanting stories set in her fictional village of Clove Lore. If you’ve not yet visited, this would be the perfect time to be transported to this wonderful community and let the weight of the world melt away. If you’d like to read my earlier reviews of this series, you can follow these links: The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday and Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop.

For full disclosure, I received an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Can she write her perfect love story?

Austen Archer is on her dream solo bookselling holiday, the new ‘borrower’ at the Borrow-A-Bookshop in Devon’s Clove Lore. While she has always loved poetry, her words have dried up since being fired by her last boss, bestselling author, Callista Flyte, a year ago.

Austen distracts herself with the Borrow-A-Bookshop, as well as her flirty online exchanges with an anonymous Parisian bookseller. Hiding from the world, Austen doesn’t notice that wedding planner, Patti, is falling for her – and is too afraid to admit that she feels the chemistry too.

But as Patti and Austen grow closer, culminating in a magical day at the wildflower meadow, can Clove Lore work its customary magic and bring the two together? And will Austen find the confidence to risk her heart and write again?

Review

I have several book destinations that I would love to visit, and Clove Lore is certainly one of them. I just love the residents and the way newcomers seem to dissolve into the very essence of the place as though they were always there.

In a nutshell, this Devonshire village plays host to the Borrow a Bookshop, a place where bibliophiles can move in for two weeks and immerse themselves in the joys of running a bookshop. There have been some fabulous predecessors, and I was more than ready to read about Austen’s story and discover how she would fare with the quirky community.

If you’re familiar with the previous book, you may have already picked up a clue about Austen just from the synopsis. Of course, there’s more to this story than a simple girl-meets-girl, as there is the added intrigue of a romantic figure working in a Parisienne bookshop and all the romantic elements that come as part of that package.

Of course, there are other stories happening in the background my favourite one was the gentle romance finding its way into the heart of Mrs Crocombe, Clove Lore’s very own matchmaking ice cream lady. There was also the gossip mill that surrounded the new arrivals at The Big House and the new residents now living in one of the newly opened apartments. Jasper and Estee bring some intrigue into the mix and a real emotional conflict for Sam, who is juggling multiple jobs including the family laundry service, which is becoming onerous as she fights to protect her Mum’s business.

As usual, my review is spoiler-free, but I can promise that this is a wonderful book which I absolutely loved. The characters are so beautifully drawn that I could actually picture each of them making their way up and down the steep streets around the village. I cannot recommend this book more and truly hope you will enjoy it even half as much as I did. Easily a 10-star read, although I’m restricted to 5.

Author Bio

Kiley Dunbar writes heart-warming, escapist, romantic fiction set in beautiful places, with One Winter’s Night being shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel Award 2021.

She’s a Scot living over the border in North England and an academic, so it’s really Dr Kiley. She loves meeting her readers on social media.

Social Media Links

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Facebook

Website and newsletter

Cover Reveal – A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin @jaxandwillsmum @BoldwoodBooks #CoverReveal #ALoveLetterToParis

I love Rebecca Raisin’s writing style, so I was delighted to be asked to help out with this cover reveal. After reading the synopsis below, I’m very much looking forward to reading and reviewing it myself.

Synopsis

Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with a rumour. Apparently a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

8th of July 2024 and is £2.99 / $4.99 to pre-order on Kindle

Author Bio

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

Social Media Links

Blog Tour – The French Cookery School by Caroline James @CarolineJames12 @rararesources #BlogTour #BookReview #PublicationDay #BookBlogger #TheFrenchCookerySchool

Confession time! I’ve been aware of Caroline James for years, but have never been able to make my schedule work to squeeze her books in. That all changed with the French Cookery School, and I now get the buzz. This certainly won’t be the last one of Caroline’s that I read, and I’m thrilled that there’s a juicy back catalogue to visit. All I now need is more time.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the blog tour invite for providing my digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Mix together a group of mature students:

A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist.

Add in:

A handsome host

Season with:

A celebrity chef

Bring to the boil:

At a luxurious cookery school in France!

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors of La Maison du Paradis, his beautiful French home. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the ideal business plan.

Running away from an impending divorce, super-snob Caroline Carrington hopes a luxurious cookery holiday will put her back on her feet. Blackpool fish and chip café owner Fran Cartwright thinks she’s won the lottery when her husband Sid books her on a week working alongside a celebrity chef. Meanwhile, feeling she is fading at fifty, journalist Sally Parker-Brown hopes her press week covering the cookery course will enable her to boost her career.

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle?

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis, then sit back and enjoy The French Cookery School!

Purchase Link

Review

The only preconceived ideas I had for this book were that it would be funny and poignant. This opinion was based on reviews I’ve seen for her recent books. I can certainly confirm that my expectations didn’t fall short, as I laughed throughout and experienced a few damp eyelashes. La Maison du Paradis may have been billed as a cookery school, but it was so much more, as its magic affected so many.

For me, the main characters were Caroline and Fran. Caroline was difficult to warm to, but being a Blackpool girl myself, I adored everything about Fran. Their sparring was a great source of comedic content, but I kept hoping they would find a common ground. A special mention to journalist, Sally, who was able to see Fran as the wonderful soul that she was. Empowered by their friendship, they were always destined to find their own happy endings.

Everything about this book was special, from the sticky jelly babies to the midnight skinny dipping. There is a depth to the story that eventually reveals how men can also be vulnerable. The handling was skilful and refreshing. The setting was beautifully described, and I could almost feel the sunshine on my skin. It’s been decades since I visited France, and this book is another that has whetted my appetite for a trip.

With a perfect epilogue that beautifully closes the story, I was left with a wonderful, warm sense of contentment. It is definitely recommended.

Author Bio

Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.

The French Cookery School is Caroline’s tenth novel. Previously, The Cruise, described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ was an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller. Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.

She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA, ARRA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists. She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.

Books by Caroline James:

The French Cookery School

The Cruise

The Spa Break

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

Boomerville at Ballymegille

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

Social Media Links

You can follow this delicious tour across the blogs listed below

Blog Tour – A Single Act of Kindness by Samantha Tonge @SamTongeWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #BlogTour #BookReview #PublicationDay #boldwoodbloggers #ASingleActOfKindness

Unless you are new to my blog, you’ll be aware of the fact that I absolutely adore this author and have loved each of her books. Samantha Tonge sprinkles a little of her own experience into each of her books, and I delighted to enjoy them. When she posts her videos on Social Media, I always watch and usually feel better for doing so. If you’d like to read a couple of my earlier reviews, you can follow these links: Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage and When We Were Friends.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the blog tour invite and to Boldwood Books for providing my digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

Meet Tilda Wright…

Tilda has done everything she can to make her life neat, protected, tidy. No longer the girl who was scared of everything, whose family pushed her away, who hit rock bottom. Now she runs her life – as she does her successful business – with the utmost organization. As long as she keeps everyone at arm’s length, she will be fine. She will be safe.

But then a chance encounter with a man who’s fallen on hard times changes everything. Milo needs a break, and self-contained Tilda surprises herself by deciding she should help him. Just for a while. A few days at the most.

Maybe all he needs is someone to organize him, to help him clean up his act? She is sure she knows how to kick-start Milo into turning his life around.

What Tilda doesn’t know is that – with this single act of kindness – it might actually be her own life that’s about to change forever…

Purchase Link

Review

This marvellous book introduces us to two souls unaware that they may be about to arrive at a crossroads in their lives. Neat freak and strict follower of routine, Tilda is moved to help the rough-sleeping Milo after she sees him hit his own personal rock bottom. Nothing about her decision makes sense to either Tilda or me as a reader, but stick with it, as all will eventually be revealed.

I understood Tilda’s need for routine, as it is an easy mechanism to adopt in order to regain control. Naturally, she tries to share the methods that have helped her; he’d be daft not to want the peace and routine she enjoys. Well, experiences rather than enjoys.

Milo, on the other hand, is more relaxed. He subscribes to a different approach to controlling his demons and hopes that Tilda will open her mind to alternative options. However, he is grateful to have been rescued from living rough and to be able to rely on regular meals.

There is a limited cast of characters, from shy neighbour Anushka to Tilda’s team of cleaners, who all contribute to the success of her business. For me, though, it was her footballer brother Logan with his daughter Riley who truly captured my imagination.

I knew that this book would be a powerful read because I’ve seen Sam’s writing evolve with each book. She shares an unusually candid honesty that allows us to glimpse deeper into her personal life with each book. I didn’t anticipate this book would rip off the proverbial band-aid and offer a front-row seat into her personal struggles. Social media has provided a recent platform where this author has spoken about self-care and the restorative power of mindfulness. There’s also been some baked goodies to admire.

I urge you to read and enjoy this book. It absolutely resonated with me, and I genuinely benefited from reading it. It is created with depth, understanding, and a considerable volume of honesty. Sam, I salute you.

Author Bio

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 15 romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, was published in February 2022 and her move to Boldwood marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

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Please follow this tour across the blogs below

Blog Tour – The Cottage on Strawberry Sands by Holly Martin @HollyMAuthor #BlogTour #BookReview #AppleHillBay #TheCottageOnStrawberrySands

Holly Martin writes gorgeous stories that never fail to capture my imagination. Each of her series’ introduce wonderful characters and the books connect seamlessly to bring real joy to the reader. If you’ve somehow managed to not read any of her books, this is a great place to start, or you could also read the first in this series: Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach (link to my review).

I received a digital review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

They say there’s no place like home and for Roo Clarke this couldn’t be more true. Fourteen years ago she left the sparkling shores of Apple Hill Bay for America, leaving behind her childhood best friend Theo Lucas, and with him a piece of her heart. Nothing has felt right since then, and though she’s certain Theo has long since moved on from their hometown, Roo has high hopes that the exciting new job that’s brought her back here and the quirky beach hut she’ll make her own will fill her heart again.

But Theo hasn’t moved on, he’s right where Roo left him in Apple Hill Bay, and he’s even more gorgeous than Roo remembers. Fourteen years is a long time, but the secret crush she harboured as a teenager burns as intensely as if they’d never been apart. What if this is her chance to tell him how she really felt all those years ago? And what if he felt the same way? What if the lost years melted away, could they fall in love? Or could something unexpected ruin everything between them?

Review

I love Holly Martin’s writing, and this one has definitely secured a place as a favourite. If you’ve not read her books, then you can expect romance by the barrowload as she turns up the heat on mutual attractions.

Roo is a terrific character, she’s harboured a crush on Theo since their teenage years and she is determined to recapture the friendship that she once held so dearly. She didn’t have the best childhood but her ties to the local area bring back more joy than pain and she’s soon rediscovering the familiar faces from her youth. Of course, she’s delighted to find that Theo has remained in Apple Hill Bay and soon finds that her crush has stood the test of time and she’s pulled back to her old feelings.

Theo is a every inch the leading man and is determined not to ruin a second chance with Roo’s friendship. He’s clearly successful and has a new level of confidence that Roo never noticed before. He’s still a family man at heart and that family was one he always shared with Roo.

As Roo starts a new job with a local publisher, she has a massive shock that could mean the end of her plans to stay in Apple Hill Bay. Despite her initial wariness, she continues her work as a graphic designer and there’s a very special nod to Holly’s beloved dog, Skipper.

This is a gorgeous story, and it features a writing style that I relish with a dynamic that I love. Of course, I don’t include spoilers, so you’ll need to read the book if you want to learn more about their friendship. Holly Martin creates characters that are both relatable and completely authentic. Her characters are believable, and I was totally invested in their development. Having worked for a couple of publishing companies, it was fun to revisit that environment.

I even learned something new about squirrels…

Author Bio

Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly’s books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

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