📖 Book Review ~ Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Fontana 
2025

One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from…or why…

His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers.

Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

📖 My Review..

A mysterious octogenarian arrives in the small American town of Golden, known only by his first name, Theo, is intrigued by the beautifully drawn portraits which adorn the walls of the local coffee shop. An idea of returning the portraits to their original owners soon blossoms and with the help of a few people Theo begins his mission to purchase all ninety-two drawings. In returning them to their owners Theo learns much about the people of Golden and as he sprinkles a little of his magic over the town so lives begin to be changed by Theo’s special kindness.

Beautifully written, Theo of Golden is balm for the soul, it restored my faith in the goodness and kindness of strangers and showed that a good deed, however humble, can make such a difference to someone’s life. Paying it forward is not a new idea but the story does well to remind us of this concept and to live our lives with an awareness of others and to do good whenever and wherever we can.

“the best portion of a good person’s life is ‘the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

In this run up to Christmas , Theo of Golden is the book I never knew I needed to read but once read I know that I’ll never forget it.

About the Author

Allen Levi is attorney, judge, singer/songwriter and author. He lives in and cares for family acreage near a small town in Georgia, USA. Theo of Golden is his first novel.

📖 Book review ~ A Scottish Highland Surprise by Julie Shackman

One More Chapter
20 April 2022

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book

When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.

Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.

And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.

📖 My Review...

When Sophie Harkness resigns from her role as wedding planner at the prestigious Castle Marrion she follows her heart and opens a crockery shop in the small Scottish town of Briar Glen. Sophie's love of fine porcelain comes from her maternal grandmother who also had a love for teapots, cups and saucers, so when an unusual antique tea set is left at Sophie's shop, it sparks an interest in the past and the need to get to the heart of a mystery.

I enjoyed this feel-good story, I mean what's not to like about a story filled with beautiful items of crockery and with an enigmatic arts expert who makes Sophie's heart flutter, Xander North definitely adds that element of will, they won't they to the story. I liked how the author brought the strands of the past into the main body of the story especially learning more about Sophie's grandmother and of the sad secrets of the antique tea set which added a nice touch of both history and mystery.

A Scottish Highland Surprise is a gentle story which has all the right elements to entertain and brighten up a dull afternoon.

🍵Best read with...tea from a porcelain cup and saucer.  

About the Author

Julie Shackman trained as a journalist and studied Media & Communication before turning her hand to women's fiction. She lives in Scotland with her husband and two teenage sons.

Twitter @G13Julie

@0neMoreChapter

📖 Blog Tour ~ Let in the Light by Gerard Nugent

Delighted to host a stop on this blog tour

Stormlight Press
January 2021

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

A feelgood story about love and music and the power of a single song.

Songwriter, Richie Carlisle never wanted to be famous.

After stumbling into the limelight five years ago, he soon found himself crashing back out of it. Now, he spends his days working in a small music shop in Edinburgh, attempting to live a quiet life as a part-time dad.

But his 15 minutes of fame have taken its toll. His inspiration for songwriting, music and life in general seems to have all but disappeared.

When Richie is given a flyer advertising the first meeting of the Hope Street Songwriters’ Circle, it’s a chance to step back into the world. But after years of hiding away, letting in the light won’t be easy,

📖 My Thoughts..

Richie Carlisle spends his days working in a small music shop in Edinburgh, quietly going about his life, which far from perfect, gives him something of a sense of stability. However, just occasionally, echoes of Richie's more successful past invades his privacy, and we go back to a time when music was in his heart and soul. Richie's association with music is special but for five years he has cut this out of his life, that is, until he is encouraged to once again take a chance and let in the light. 

Let in the Light is a clever look at the vagaries of the music industry when the lure of fame can so easily prove to be a temptation which is hard to resist, however, as we discover throughout the story giving up a successful career brings it's own set of problems. By cleverly dividing the story into periods of now and then I had a real sense of  Edinburgh in the present time, along with a good impression of what was happening to Richie some five years before. 

There's an ease to the writing which makes the story flow really well and I liked the way the story developed gradually so that we got a sense of, not just Richie's character, but also of those who helped to shape his life. I really enjoyed getting to know Richie, he's a likeable character, given to moments of introspection but, by and large, scraping by, trying to be a good son, and part-time father, and yet all the while we get the impression that there is something missing in his life.

Let in the Light is not just about the music, although it does feature quite strongly, it's also about being a good person, trying your best to deal with whatever life throws at you, and of the friends and family who are with you through good times, and bad. I've really enjoyed this debut novel and hope to see more of this author's stories in the future.

About the Author

Gerard Nugent is a writer living in Yorkshire. 'Let in the Light' is his debut novel, although he has been writing songs for years. Gerard was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. He moved to England in his 20s and worked in various northern towns before settling in beautiful Yorkshire with his family and two guinea pigs. In 2019, he attended a writing class to help him generate ideas for further songwriting, but, instead, started writing a novel.

From the 29th March and throughout April the book is on special promotion and is available for 99p from Amazon UK

Profits from the book will be going to Health in Mind - an Edinburgh based charity that creates awareness of mental health and well being within communities. Find out more about the charity by clicking here

The YouTube trailer for the eBook can be viewed by clicking here

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Book Review ~ The Marseille Millionaire by Kaya Quinsey Holt

Coco Rose Books
January 2020

My thanks to the author for my ecopy of this book

While selling a million-dollar home in Marseille, will Elise Laird cash in at her chance at love?

From Ashfield, USA, to Marseille in the South of France – this is a romance not to be forgotten! The first in a new series following ambitious Elise Laird in her struggle to achieve more than she ever imagined for herself… all in the heart of the South of France!

Elise Laird has just sold the most expensive home in the history of Ashfield, USA, at $4.2 million dollars. The French multimillionaire whose home she sold is thrilled – so much so that he recommends her to a fellow French friend. And when Luc Dubonier steps off of his private jet with the intention of investing in some of Ashfield’s best properties, Elise is shocked to find that the successful tycoon is single.

At least, until she gets to know him. In a series of blunders, Elise learns that Luc may be tough in business, but couldn’t imagine anyone’s personal life being more of a mess. After she impresses him with her sales pitches, Luc asks her to do one more sale for him – his $88 million home in Marseille, France. 

When Elise arrives in France, she learns that there is more to the house, and Luc, than meets the eye. If she sells the house, the commission check will be more than her lifetime salaries combined. But after learning why he is selling it, Elise finds herself conflicted, wanting to convince Luc to keep it. 

Will Elise choose between her bank account or her heart? And while selling million-dollar homes, will Elise cash in her chance at love?

What did I think about it..

What a lovely time I have had escaping into the sunshine of this story which moves effortlessly from its lovely beginning in the USA, to the beautiful French resort of Marseille.

Elise Laird is in real estate and enjoys selling high end properties to the rich, so when she is recommended by a wealthy French client to help out with a property search for a friend of his, Elise is only too pleased to try and help out and is especially intrigued when she learns that her handsome new client, Luc Dubonier, is deliciously single. Elise is intrigued when Luc asks her not only to find him an exclusive property in the US, but also to sell a fabulous property, which is worth millions of dollars. The only complication is that Luc's property is situated in far away, Marseilles, France.

What then follows is a delightful story which is both sweetly romantic and unashamedly feel good and the author does a great job of keeping the story alive with some great characterisation along with a story which brings the delightful allure of Marseilles into the narrative. The author writes well and keeps the momentum of the story intriguing so that I enjoyed spending time with both Elise and Luc as they discover more about themselves, life and ultimately, love.

I found the The Marseille Millionaire to be the perfect antidote for the troubled times which we are currently experiencing.

About the Author

Kaya Quinsey Holt writes romantic comedies. She holds her undergraduate and masters degree in psychology. Her first novel, Paris Mends Broken Hearts, was released in April 2018. Since then, her books have sold in seven countries. They have been translated into multiple languages and been formatted into audiobooks. Kaya's passion for culture, travel, and psychology intertwine for books that are romantic and full of surprises.

Website

Twitter @kayaquinseyholt

Amazon.com

Blog Tour ~ When Life Gives You Lemons by Fiona Gibson

Thrilled to host a stop on this Blog Tour

Avon Books
5 March 2020

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book and the invitation to be part of the blog tour

Sometimes life can be bittersweet . . .

Between tending to the whims of her seven-year-old and the demands of her boss, Viv barely gets a moment to herself. It’s not quite the life she wanted, but she hasn’t run screaming for the hills yet.

But then Viv’s husband Andy makes his mid-life crisis her problem. He’s having an affair with his (infuriatingly age-appropriate) colleague, a woman who – unlike Viv – doesn’t put on weight when she so much as glances at a cream cake.

Viv suddenly finds herself single, with zero desire to mingle. Should she be mourning the end of life as she knows it, or could this be the perfect chance to put herself first?

When life gives you lemons, lemonade just won’t cut it. Bring on the gin!


What did I think about it..

Viv's life seems to be tootling along quite happily and despite being plagued by the night sweat and hot flushes of impending menopause, Viv hopes that she will come through this time in her life with her sanity, and family, intact. However, in the midst of her own uncertainty, Viv discovers that her husband of twenty five years has been having an affair with a much more svelte and sophisticated colleague. With everything around her in disarray, Viv is devastated but keeping her family safe is so important but then she also discovers that being single suddenly has its advantages. With the chance to get her life back on track,Viv starts to put herself first with interesting consequences.

I've really enjoyed getting to know Viv, every fifty-something woman, I think, will be able to identify with here, her angst about work, home and love certainly ring true. She's a great personality, and with her friends there when she needs them, Viv starts to gain in confidences and assurance. There's some genuinely funny moments which made me smile and the cast of interesting characters who come and go in Viv's life are a lively bunch and add some lovely light and shade to the story, but it is Viv's relationship with her friend, Penny, which is rather special.

The author does this genre so well and I know that whenever I pick up a Fiona Gibson book I won't be disappointed. Her ability to get right into the heart of her characters always brings her stories to life in a lovely light hearted way. When Life Gives You Lemons is a great feel good read and is perfect way to pass an afternoon of self isolation.

About the Author

Fiona was born in a youth hostel in Yorkshire. She started working on teen magazine Jackie at age 17, then went on to join Just Seventeen and More! where she invented the infamous ‘Position of the Fortnight.’ Fiona now lives in Scotland with her husband Jimmy, their three children and a wayward rescue collie cross called Jac.

Twitter @FionaGibson #WhenLifeGivesYouLemons

@AvonBooksUK

Blog Tour ~ The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman

On Publication Day I am delighted to be hosting one of today's Blog Tour stops 

One More Chapter
13 March 2020

My thanks to the author, publishers and Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of this book
and the invitation to the blog tour

 Sam Huxton doesn’t do one-night stands, especially not with men she’s just met! But the hot guy at the bar was hard to resist and their one night together is one she’ll never forget.But one night is all they share–no names, no numbers, just some much needed fun...Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee.Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits.But after-hours...one thing can lead to another. Can Sam trust her heart and her business with the new guy.

What did I think about it..

Sam Huxton meets an attractive guy in a bar and decides on the spur of the moment to have some fun. A one-night stand is not something she has done before, but the undeniable attraction she feels for this handsome stranger overrides her hesitation. However, fate has a fickle way of interfering and so imagine Sam’s horror when it turns out that the new guy she has just employed to help turn her technology business around, turns out to be, none other than the hot  guy from her one-night stand.

What then follows is a delightful ‘will they, won’t they’ rom-com which has all the angst of a powerful work based attraction, along with the undeniable sizzle of passion which seems to smoulder every time Sam and the new guy meet up. Sparks fly, jealousies fester and emotions run high in a story which entertains from start to finish. I really enjoyed reading the insightful descriptions of running a modern day technology company but it is in the developing relationship between Sam and the new guy where the story really starts to take off. I loved both characters and wanted everything to work out for them, of course, whether it does, or not, is something you must discover for yourselves.

Sometimes a story comes along at just the right time, I’m always convinced that stories find you rather than the other way round, and most definitely The New Guy had everything I needed at this moment in time. It gave me such a warm glow, and more importantly, it made me smile, which is testament to the author’s undeniable skill at weaving realistic emotion into every word.

The New Guy has everything we have come to expect from this talented author. It’s warm and witty, wise and wonderful. Sizzling with passion one minute, filled with heart wrenching emotion the next, there is no doubt that this latest story is the author writing at her absolute best.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart isa medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers-and heroes come in many disguises.

Website

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

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Amazon UK

@rararesources

Book Review ~ Springtime at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes

Lion Hudson
21 February 2020

My thanks to the publishers and Midas PR for my copy of this book

Springtime at Hope Hall is the first book in a new heart-warming trilogy by the familiar face of BBC Songs of Praise and successful author, Pam Rhodes.

Inspired by community halls that are the glue for so many people in Britain, Springtime at Hope Hall brings together a series of endearing stories and colourful characters who all congregate under one roof.

Its rooms are filled with gossipy grandmas, body popping teenagers, dance groups, a choir without one decent singer to their name, knitters who natter, caterers who bake glorious cakes, slimmer’s nibbling chocolate, and a nursery group where it’s the grown-ups who are near to tears.

It's all in a day’s work for administrator Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone in the community. Kath has a wonderful team but she knows they are struggling. Their caretaker, Trevor, has a terminally ill wife and Maggie, their unflappable cook, has been left by her husband.

Whilst the team work to pull off their ambitious Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realises that reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Shirley comes onto the scene to save the day. The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath’s old flame unexpectedly arrives, she suddenly has some tough decisions to make…

Coming from Hope Hall are stories of struggle, passion, and joy. It’s a place that’s full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute and dabbing your eyes the next. Like so many community halls dotted around the country, Hope Hall is at the heart of life and the local community.

What did I think about it..

The delightfully named Hope Hall is right at the heart of the community and provides a welcome meeting place for all sorts of people. From the tiny tots at the playgroup, to the old and bold in their armchair exercise group, there is never a moment when the warmth and friendliness of Hope Hall doesn’t work its own special kind of magic.

Beautifully organised by a happy band of people, Kath, the Hall’s administrator, hides her own sadness beneath an air of efficiency and as the story progresses it soon becomes obvious that some of the helpers who make Hope Hall such a roaring success, are at times, struggling with their own individual problems.

The author writes with a lovely light touch and brings warmth, empathy and understanding to each of the character’s individual stories and allows each of them to have their own special time in the spotlight. There are some poignant moments which tug away at your heart strings but there’s also some laugh out loud funny bits which help to connect everything together in a really meaningful way. I think what’s so lovely about Hope Hall is the way that both the place and the people are immediately relatable and anyone who has ever been part of a local project will recognise the similarities and appreciate just how vital these places are to small communities.

Springtime at Hope Hall is the first in a trilogy of novels which is based around those who bring Hope Hall to life and as I finished this first book I was already looking forward to the next story, Summer’s Out at Hope Hall is planned for April 2021.

Recommended : Absolutely ✅ especially if you enjoy beautifully written stories with a warm heart of gold.

About the Author

For more than three decades, Pam Rhodes has been the familiar face of BBC’s SONGS OF PRAISE, where she is known for her sensitive interviews with hundreds of people who face huge life challenges. Pam never forgets a story, and that rich tapestry of life experience has been wonderful inspiration for her down-to-earth, heart-warming books which now number more than twenty. Pam’s wide experience of Christian church life both in Britain and around the world has provided a backdrop for most of her novels, although her books always have a wide mainstream appeal. 

Pam cut her teeth in broadcast journalism, working widely in TV, Documentary and Radio, especially Premier Christian Radio where she presents her much-loved Sunday morning programme ‘HEARTS AND HYMNS’. She is often on the road compering evenings at churches and other large musical events across Britain, and she has been very active for years in her official roles with several national and local charities. Most dear to her heart is The Leprosy Mission of which she is a Vice President. The appeal video she made at Anandaban Hospital in Nepal raised over £4m in 2019. In January of 2020, her visit to Bangladesh will continue her determination to do all she can to eradicate leprosy from the world at long last.

Pam is a mum and a grandmother, and she and her husband Richard run a boarding cattery at their Bedfordshire home where they care for RSPCA cats who are looking for new owners.

Website

Twitter @LionHudson #SpringtimeatHopeHall

@midaspr

Blog Tour ~ The Cottage in a Cornish Cove by Cass Grafton

Delighted to be hosting one of today's Blog Tour stops

on Publication Day

Tabby Cow Press
11 February 2020

My thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book
and the invitation to be part of this blog tour today

A heart warming tale of discovering all you never wanted is exactly what you needed. 

Orphaned as a baby and raised by indifferent relatives, much of Anna Redding’s happiness as a child came from the long summer holidays spent with an elderly family friend, Aunt Meg, in the quaint village of Polkerran. With Aunt Meg’s passing, Anna is drawn back to the West Country, relocating to the Cornish cove where she was once so happy. Filled with memories, she hopes to perhaps open a B&B and perhaps cross paths with Alex Tremayne again, a local boy she used to have a major crush on and who only had to walk past Anna to make her heart flutter. 

Settling into her new life, and enjoying her work for the older, reclusive and to be honest often exasperating Oliver Seymour, Anna is delighted when Alex reappears in Polkerran and sweeps her off her feet. 

The stars are finally aligned, but just as Anna thinks all she’s ever wished for is within reach, a shock discovery brings everything under threat, and she finds herself living a dream that isn’t hers. Can Anna rescue the new life she has made for herself and, when the testing moment comes, who will be there to hold her hand? 

The Cottage in a Cornish Cove is the first in an uplifting series of romances from Cass Grafton. Get to know the locals, wallow in the quaintness of Polkerran, and fall in love with romance all over again.

What did I think about it..

Anna Redding is at something of a crossroads in her life, but then, fate has a funny old way of interfering, and before she knows it, after an unexpected legacy, Anna is soon heading to the pretty seaside resort of Polkerran, in Cornwall, to take up residence in a gorgeous seaside property that once belonged to a much loved family friend. Anna soon finds herself embraced by the Polkerran people, and being in the heart of this quirky community is what makes this book so special. There's such an abundance of lovely characters who help Anna settle into her new life and it is their warmth and wit which really give the story its heart and soul.

The author really knows how to bring the atmosphere of Cornwall alive and I could soon picture the ruggedness of the Cornish coast and felt the sting of salt water and the cry of the seabirds but most of all I fell in love with Anna, she's such a lovely character, the type of person you would want as a best friend, and I could quite easily see myself sitting in her kitchen, sipping coffee, and eating one of her delicious cream scones.

Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time to fulfill a need, and The  Cottage in a Cornish Cove is definitely one of those comfortable reads which filled me with a lovely warm feeling of contentment. The story flows beautifully and such is Anna's personality that you really start to feel at ease in her company and only want the best for her but hey, this is fiction after all, and the author does a wonderful job of creating tension in some places and heartwarming scenes in others so that neither one outshines the other.

The Cottage in a Cornish Cove is every bit as wonderful as I expected from this talented author and I'm already looking forward to seeing where this series goes in future stories.

About the Author

An avid bookworm since childhood, Cass Grafton writes the sort of stories she loves to read heart warming, character driven and strong on location. Having moved around extensively and lived in three countries, she finds places inspiring and the setting of her novels often becomes as much a part of the story as her characters. 

She leans heavily towards the upbeat and insists on a happy ever after. As one of her favourite authors, Jane Austen, once wrote, ‘let other pens dwell on guilt and misery’. 

Cass loves travelling, words, cats and wine but never in the same glass. She has two grown up children and currently splits her time between Switzerland, where she lives with her husband and imaginary cats, and England, where she lives with her characters.

Blogs : Cass Grafton Writer 

Tabby Cow

Facebook 

Twitter @CassGrafton 

Instagram @cassgraftonauthor

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Blog Tour ~ Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Headline Review
ebook 31 October 2019
paperback original 12 December 2019

My thanks to the author, publishers and Random Things Tours for my copy of this book
and the opportunity to take part in this blog tour

Do you need to find out where you've come from before you can know what the future holds? 

Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover. But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met. City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor. But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought. There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ... 

What did I think about it..

The big house at Teach Mhor, on the Isle of Geamhradh, known locally as Winter Island, is as remote as its occupants and yet it has long been the home of Hector Macquarrie and his carer Lachlan, two men who are about to change Ruby Mac's life forever. Ruby has a promising singing career but she has a difficult choice to make because even though she knows that going to a remote Scottish island to help a grandfather she has never met is the right choice, she really should try harder to look after her singing voice and head to a healing retreat on Tenerife.

I was entirely captivated by this story, not just because of the beautiful remoteness of Winter Island, but also because of the strength of the characters who call this stunning place their home. It has a real island feel to it, with everyone knowing each other's business, and what they don't know for certain they make up, so there is much speculation about Ruby's mysterious visit to the island, and as the real reason for her time on the aptly named Winter Island becomes apparent so the story starts to capture your heart ♡

The author really knows how to hold the reader's attention and gives us a story which looks at some difficult topics, love, loss, and family responsibilities all vie for our attention and yet there is also hope in abundance and throughout the story there is a real sense of 'coming home'.

I loved reading Coming Home to Winter Island it made me laugh, smile and even shed a few tears. It's a really lovely warmhearted story about finding love and a sense of belonging in the most unexpected of places.

About the Author

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, first for BBC Radio 5, before moving on to Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show. In 2013 Jo won the RNA Katie Fforde Bursary. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.

Website

Twitter @Jo_Thomas01

@headlinepg

#RandomThingsTours

Summer Read ~ The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson

 ✨ And it's a very Happy Publication Day for this wonderful summer read ✨

Simon&Schuster

11 July 2019

My thanks to the publishers and edpr for my copy of this book

Behind every successful man is a woman. 

Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But all is not as it seems on the surface. And Sophie has had enough.

Stepping out of his shadow and taking time away to think, she finds herself part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing  properly for the first time. Now she must decide where does her future lie?

What did I think about it..

Blonde, beautiful, and with impeccable breeding, Sophie Mayhew is the perfect trophy wife for an up and coming politician. Always relied upon to do and say the right thing, Sophie astounds the gathered media when the words she utters are not those of her husband's spin doctor, whose attempt to mitigate John's latest misdemeanor backfires spectacularly. Fleeing to a place of safety, Sophie takes a good long look at her life, and finds comfort and friendship in the most unlikely of places.

In many ways this is a very timely novel especially in light of the political shenanigans which, quite possibly, go on behind the scenes as spin doctors seek to mitigate mistakes made by those who seek high office, and yet, this is not a political book. It's a lovely warmhearted story of a magnificent woman who has, quite simply, reached the end of her tether, and who looks to heal the wounds of indifference by going to the one place her husband would never look to find her.

As always, the author writes with an instinctive eye for what makes people tick and with such warmth that I can hear her characters speaking very clearly to me as they go about their literary adventures. Sophie is, perhaps, one of my favourite characters ever and I found that I was cheering with glee one minute as she deals with a dreadful situation, and then reading with a huge lump in my throat the next as she attempts to find out just what she wants from her life. Such is the pull of the story that, I quite literally, carried the book from room to room as I didn't want to put it down. There's an amazing cast of strong characters and I won't say too much about them as I don't want to give any thing away but I found that my heart melted on more than one occasion ♡

I think, as readers, we all have a literary first aid box, you know it well, it's that group of authors who will never let you down, whose stories bring you entertainment and laughter, and whose words comfort you when you're feeling down and a bit jaded. Milly Johnson is, most definitely, in my literary first aid box, she makes me laugh out loud, she also makes me cry, but consistently her good Yorkshire commonsense and sound judgement make her novels, for me, such a joy to read.

The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew kept me engrossed from start to finish and it's high on my list as a magnificent summer read.

About the Author

MILLY JOHNSON is a Sunday Times Top 5 bestselling author of sixteen novels with millions of copies of her novels sold to date. Known as the‘Queen of Feel-Good Fiction’, Milly’s novels always feature friendship,family, love, betrayal, good food and that little bit of magic in life that sometimes visits the unsuspecting. Milly is a columnist for her local newspaper and is an experienced broadcaster on radio and TV. She is also patron of several local charities with community, literacy and animal welfare issues close to her heart.

  Twitter @millyjohnson #BeMagnificent

@simonschusterUK

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Blog Tour ~ A Cornish Summer by Catherine Alliott

Delighted to be hosting today's stop on A Cornish Summer Blog Tour

Penguin Random House
13 June 2019

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book 
and the invitation to take part in this blog tour

Flora’s been in love with her husband for twenty years. The only trouble is, he’s been married to someone else for the past fifteen. When she’s invited to spend the summer in the shady lanes and sandy coves of Cornwall, it should be perfect – except she’ll be staying with her former mother-in-law, Belinda.

And when she gets there, she discovers that she’s not the only one who’s been invited.

Can Flora spend the summer playing happy families with her oblivious ex-husband, the woman who stole his heart, and the mother-in-law who might have had a hand in it? As the weeks go by, she soon discovers that there may be even more at stake than she thought…

My thoughts..

When single mother Flora gets an invitation to spend the summer in Cornwall she is apprehensive about staying with her ex-in laws, however, the thought of beautiful beaches and a stay in an idyllic cottage helps to overcome her fears, that is, until certain unexpected guests alter Flora's peace of mind.

It's a bit slow to start, but once the story started to take off, I really enjoyed reading about this lovely Cornish summer. Flora's interaction with the other characters, particularly her ex-father in-law Roger, made me laugh, however, it is her fractured relationship with her domineering ex-mother-in-law, Belinda, where some of the real problems lie. There's such a lot going on in the story and whilst I can't say much without giving too much away there's a lovely authentic feel to the story and the author has infused all her characters, and there's quite a lot of them, with some quirky personality traits which makes them all such fun to get to know.

This is a complex family drama about all those angst ridden problems which seem to beset a modern family, we have, ex in-laws, second wives, mistresses, half siblings, old friends, new friends, lost love and new love and all with Flora firmly entrenched in the heart of all the action.

A Cornish Summer is a lovely warmhearted story and whilst its a bit of a slow burner, and overall it's quite a long story, I do think that this lends itself to being a good summer read and ideal for those lazy afternoons in the garden or on the beach.

About the Author

Catherine Alliott is the author of fifteen bestselling novels including About Last Night, My Husband Next Door, A Rural Affair, One Day in May, The Secret Life of Evie Hamilton, and Wish You Were Here. She lives with her family in Hertfordshire.

Blog Tour ~ Amazing Grace by Kim Nash

Jaffareadstoo is delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Amazing Grace

Hera Books
10 April 2029

Thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of the book
and the opportunity to be part of the blog tour

She’s taking her life back, one step at a time… Grace thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with head teacher husband Mark and gorgeous son, Archie, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted. Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary - and her perfect life fell apart. Now she's a single mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV clad in greying pyjamas, and she can’t remember the last time she had a kiss from anyone aside from her dog, Becks… Grace’s life needs a shake up – fast. So when gorgeous gardener Vinnie turns up on her doorstep, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answer to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she’ll never reconcile with the dad he loves. So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he’s changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness?

My thoughts..

Grace is a young single mum, she adores her ten year old son, Archie, and takes Becks her labradoodle for long walks in the woods. However, having to cope on her own hasn't been easy for Grace and dealing with the emotional scars left over from her marriage to her domineering ex-husband has sort of prevented her from trying to have a meaningful relationship with anyone else. That is until her friend, Monica, persuades Grace to try the dating scene with disastrous results, and then she meets Vinnie...

What then follows is a lovely story by an author who really knows just what's needed in women's fiction. There are an abundance of strong characters who tug away at your heartstrings, a delightful dog who makes you want to slip on your walking boots and head to the forest, and the most gorgeous leading man, who makes your heart skip a beat every time he appears on the page.

There's lots going on and it's not all hearts and flowers in this romantic tale as there's more than enough angst supplied by the dastardly ex-husband, who you really hope will get his comeuppance! But throughout it all is Grace who really is amazing and who is such a warm and lively character that you can't help but warm to her, and ultimately, want what's best for her.

Beautifully written from start to finish, Amazing Grace, is one of those proper stories which has a lovely beginning, a wonderful middle and an awe-inspiring conclusion. It's also a fabulous debut from a talented new author and I hope that this is just the first of many stories from her. I can't wait to read more 😊

About the Author

Kim Nash lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA. When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs. Amazing Grace is her debut novel with Hera Books.

Twitter @KimtheBookworm #AmazingGrace

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🎄Blog Tour ~ The Mother of All Christmases by Milly Johnson

Jaffareadstoo is thrilled to be hosting The Mother of All Christmases Blog Tour

Simon Schuster
November 2018

My thanks to  the publishers and edpr for my copy of this book
and the invitation to be part of the blog tour

The brand new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Perfectly Imperfect Woman; a gorgeous read full of love, life, laughter - and crackers! 

Here are thoughts about it..

Three very different women discover that they are expecting a Christmas baby. For one it’s a dream come true, for another it’s a case of being a bit slap dash with the birth control pills, and for the youngest of the three, it’s a baby conceived in rather unusual circumstances. They bond over tea and biscuits at the aptly named Christmas Pudding Club and as their friendship begins, so the details of their lives start to emerge.

The Mother Of All Christmases is a festive treat, from its setting in a winter wonderland theme park, at the gloriously named Winterworld, to making hand-made crackers in the Christmas cracker factory, there is never a moment when the story doesn’t pull you into the fabulous world that this author so lovingly recreates.

What Milly Johnson does so well is making her characters feel real. Anne, Evie and Palma could be any of the women you know. Their worries and problems, high spots and low ebbs are so relatable that after a few pages you forget that you are reading a novel as this just feels like you’re having a natter, over a cappuccino, with your best girlfriends. There is so much to enjoy about this heartwarming story, for readers who are already fans of her work it's another chance to meet up with some of the characters from a previous story and for new readers it is a perfect standalone story to enjoy.

The Mother of All Christmases is an absolute triumph from an author who is absolutely at the top of her game. It’s warm, witty, wise and wonderful and there really is no better tonic at this stressful time of year than settling down with a pot of tea, a plate of mince pies and let Milly Johnson take you into the magical world of her imagination.

About the Author

Photo credit: Charlotte Murphy

Milly Johnson is a Top Five Sunday Times bestselling author of fourteen novels with plans for many more. Her novels are about the universal issues of friendship, family, love, betrayal, good food and a little bit of that magic in life that sometimes visits the unsuspecting. 

Milly is a columnist for her local newspaper and is also an experienced broadcaster on radio and TV. She is also patron of several local charities, including Yorkshire Cat Rescue and The Well at the Core, with community and animal welfare both things that are very close to her heart.

Website

Twitter @millyjohnson #TheMotherOfAllChristmases

@simonschusterUK

@ed_pr

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Blog Tour ~ A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft

Jaffareadstoo is thrilled to be part of the Blog Tour for A Christmas Gift

Avon Books UK
My thanks to the publishers for the invitation to the blog tour and for my copy of the book to review

What's it all about..

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all?

My thoughts about it..

There's always something exciting about reading a Christmas story and although it's only October this is one of those lovely Sue Moorcroft stories which is perfect reading for the forthcoming festive season... which will be here before we know it !

Georgine loves the festive season but this year, after a break up with her boyfriend, she is struggling to make ends meet and so, to help take her mind of her financial worries, she puts all her efforts into producing the Christmas show at, Acting Instrumental, the local performing arts college where she works as events director. However, Georgine is unprepared for the effect that her handsome new assistant, Joe Blackthorn, has on her, but, as she is about to discover, sometimes events from the past can't be kept buried forever.

The author writes her lovely stories with a cast of wonderful characters who stay with you long after you have finished reading of their adventures. I really enjoyed getting to know Georgine, as she is a feisty and determined heroine, and, of course, the added inclusion of a handsome hero, with something of a dark past, made reading the story all the more interesting! The added snippets of what goes on behind the scenes as the Acting Instrumental students get ready for their Christmas performance adds a lovely light touch which counteracts some of the darker elements of the story. 

There is no doubt that the quaint village of Middledip with its snow covered streets and festive tree will get you right into the Christmas spirit with a story which is made all the more festive by being wrapped up in the most delightful cover. A Christmas Gift is a wonderful seasonal story about the possibilities of love and friendship, of being able to put the past behind you and move forward into a new future.

About the Author

Sue Moorcroft writes ward winning contemporary fiction of life and love. She also writes short stories, serial, articles, columns, courses and writing 'howto'.

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Twitter @SueMoorcroftAuthor #AChristmasGift

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