Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall - Kate Hewitt

 

Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall

Spring is in the air in Starr’s Fall, and for two people, love may be just a roll of the dice away…

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

A totally gorgeous, unmissable, small town romance, perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls and Virgin River, from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/playingkeepsstarrsfall

My Review:

Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt is a heartfelt and compelling romance that blends small-town charm with deep emotional themes. The novel follows Maggie, a dedicated single mother, and Zach , good looking local with quite a reputation. Both are searching for a change and when their paths cross both find they start to open up to love and healing.

Hewitt excels at crafting complex, relatable characters with real-world struggles. Maggie is a strong and determined protagonist, balancing motherhood and personal sacrifice, doing all she can to make sure her son is happier and more secure. She has made the decision to uproot them to this small, local community and open a games café – with risks surrounding every decision she’s made, Maggie is determined this will work. Zach is tired of not being taken seriously, everyone having opinions including his own sister; meeting Maggie and her son starts things in motion that has things changing. Their chemistry is believable, and their slow-burn romance develops in a natural, touching way that keeps readers invested.

The backdrop of Starr's Fall, with its welcoming community and scenic beauty, enhances the story's cosy, small-town atmosphere. Hewitt also weaves in themes of family, self-worth, and resilience, adding depth to the romance.

While the story follows some familiar romance tropes, Hewitt’s excellent character development and emotional depth elevate the story beyond a typical love tale. The secondary characters add to the narrative, making the town of Starr's Fall feel like a place you'd want to return to. If you have read the first book you will enjoy catching up with already well loved characters.

Overall, Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall is a beautifully written, emotional romance that will appeal to fans of small-town love stories and strong character-driven narratives. It's a heartwarming read with just the right mix of warmth, personal growth, and love.

Author Bio:

Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called 'unputdownable' and 'the most emotional book I have ever read' by readers.

An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), and their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate's Reads, to discuss all manner of books. (Links can be found on her website.

Her latest releases are The Girl Who Risked it All, a WW2 novel based on the true story of the doomed refugee ship the St Louis, The Midnight Hour, the second in her dystopian series Lost Lake, and Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall, the second standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls. There's something for everyone so do check them all out, and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate's books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate's Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: KateHewittAuthor

Twitter: @author_kate

Instagram: @katehewitt1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateHewittNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-hewitt

Just the Beginning - Sarah Bennett

 

Just the Beginning

Everyone in Halfmoon Quay, the picture-perfect village clinging to the edge of the Cornish coast, knows Rick Penrose is the person to turn to for help.

Friendly and reliable, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, he’ll do anything for anyone. When his teenage crush Anya moves back to the quay for a fresh start, he has the perfect solution. She needs a job and his great uncle needs help to run his hotel. It’s a win-win.

Following the death of her husband, Anya Stokes discovered everything about her life was a lie. Without her beautiful home and the luxuries she took for granted, Anya and her daughter, Freya, have no choice but to move in with her aunt and uncle in Halfmoon Quay.

As she begins to turn her life around, Anya realises the perfect man might have been right under her nose all the time. But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over and Rick doesn’t always know where it is. Then Anya discovers he’s been keeping things from her and it’s like the past is repeating itself…

Head to the glorious Cornish coast with bestseller Sarah Bennett for this unashamedly heartwarming and uplifting read. Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase  Link - https://mybook.to/justthebeginning

My Review:

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is a heartwarming and delightful romance that captures the charm of small-town life and the beauty of second chances. Set in the picturesque seaside Halfmoon Quay, this is the first in a new series by the author and is the story of Anya, who, after a series of setbacks, returns to her childhood home to rebuild her life and her heart.

Bennett’s writing is warm and engaging, effortlessly pulling readers into the community and its vibrant characters. Anya is a relatable protagonist, dealing with life’s challenges with a mix of vulnerability and strength, making her journey feel authentic.

Being back in her childhood community means she’s surrounded with familiar friends and old faces, her connection with Rick is instant and it’s clear their chemistry will only lead to one thing. The romance is well-paced, full of sweet moments and undeniable chemistry but entirely believable and I was rooting for the pair of them from the start. The supporting cast of quirky, loveable townspeople adds so much to the book and I cannot wait to hear more about them as this series continues.

What I particularly enjoyed about Just the Beginning was its focus on family, friendships, and personal growth, alongside the romance. While the plot may be slightly predictable and follows a familiar but well-loved trope, Bennett’s skillful storytelling and emotional depth make it more than just a formulaic romance. The book delivers feel-good moments, along with some poignant reflections on loss, healing, and the importance of taking chances. I know picking up a book by Sarah Bennett will leave me feeling happy and full of heart.

Just the Beginning is a delightful, feel-good read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting escape. Sarah Bennett once again proves she knows how to craft a sweet romance with heart, leaving readers smiling by the end. If you're a fan of small-town love stories with a strong sense of community, this book is definitely worth your time.

Author Bio:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

 Social Media Links: 

Facebook: @SarahBennettAuthor

Twitter: @Sarahlou_writes

Instagram: sarah_bennettauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-bennett-b4a48ebb-a5c3-4c39-b59a-09aa91dc7cfa

Death at the Village Chess Club - Debbie Young

 

Death at the Village Chess Club

With her Curiosity Shop open for business, Alice Carroll is finally settling into life in the picturesque Cotswold village of Little Pride. But then her old life comes knocking… Alice’s ex boyfriend, Steven, who dumped her to travel the world, has run out of money and asks Alice to sell off his collection of chess sets.

Alice decides to host a tournament to showcase the boards, and her plan seems to be working. That is, until chess pieces begin to mysteriously disappear. And when a body is discovered outside the tournament, Alice realises that the victim was a pawn in another, far more dangerous game.

As the host of the event, Alice is eager to help the police investigate. She doesn’t know why anyone would be interested in stealing random chess pieces, let alone willing to kill for them, but she’s determined to find out. Can she solve the case before someone else gets hurt?

Or will this be one gambit too far for Alice?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/VillageChessClub

My Review:

Debbie Young’s Death at the Village Chess Club is a delightful cosy mystery set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow. Having enjoyed the first book in this series by Debbie Young, I was looking forward to this as I thoroughly enjoyed the quaint world of village life and wonderfully eclectic characters we’d met previously. It may be a small, close-knit community but an awful lot seems to happen, this time we have what should be a harmless chess club that becomes the place of intrigue and a sudden, shocking death.

The story kicks off when a member of the village chess club collapses mid-game, leaving the villagers puzzled as to whether it was a natural death or something more sinister. Enter Sophie Sayers, the ever-curious amateur sleuth, who, with her warmth and wit, quickly immerses herself in solving the mystery. As Sophie unravels the secrets of the club members, we see what makes each character tick and why they each have their own hidden motives.

I enjoy the mix of humour, intrigue and light-hearted storytelling. The mystery itself is well-paced, with enough twists to keep readers guessing without being overly complicated or hard to keep track. While the plot doesn’t take many dark turns, it’s the atmosphere of community, gentle humour, and Sophie's amateur detective work that make the book an enjoyable and cosy

Fans of the cosy mystery genre will love this book as it provides exactly the kind of light-hearted escapism that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Although it is the second in the series and I highly recommend the first - Death at the Old Curiosity Shop – you could read as a standalone.

Death at the Village Chess Club is a heartwarming and clever whodunit that fans of Debbie Young and cosy village mysteries will thoroughly enjoy , filled with charm, humour, and a good dose of intrigue.

Author Bio:

Debbie Young writes warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction inspired by life in the English village where she lives with her Scottish husband and their teenage daughter.

Her Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show" and the first seven books run the course of a calendar year in the life of a classic English Cotswold village. Originally intended to be a seven-book series, further books will follow, due to reader demand.

She also writes the romantic comedy mystery series, Staffroom at St Bride's, set in the staffroom of an English girls' boarding school. The series will eventually be six books long, running the course of an academic year, and the first book is "Secrets at St Bride's".

Her books were shortlisted in 2020 and 2021 for The Selfies Award, given to the best self-published adult fiction in the UK.

She also writes short stories and has published three themed collections, "Marry in Haste", "Quick Change", and "Stocking Fillers", and had stories included in many anthologies.

 When she's not writing, she does other bookish things, such as speaking or reading her work at literary events, such as Crimefest, the leading international crime writing event, the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival, the event that she founded for her local community.

She's a member of the Society of Authors and the UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She loves reading, bellringing, singing in the local choir, gardening, knitting, sketching and travelling with her family in their camper van. Her many hobbies mean she is never short of ideas for her gentle tales of rural life.

Social Media

Facebook: @DebbieYoungAuthor

Twitter: @DebbieYoungBN

Instagram: @debbieyoungauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DebbieYoungNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/debbie-young

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart - Laura Pearson

 

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…

Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?

Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Matt Haig, and The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ManyFutures

My Review:

Laura Pearson’s The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written, thought-provoking read. The novel follows Maddy Hart, a woman whose life has been shaped by an unusual happening which leads to a series of pivotal moments and decisions, each of which has the potential to change her future in unexpected ways.

This book is different, but typical in what I expect from this author – I always know I will get a great, interesting take on things. The story delves into various possible futures for Maddy, each reflecting different paths she could take based on the choices she alone can make. This keeps the reader intrigued as they follow Maddy through alternate scenarios, each one offering a new perspective on her life and the consequences of her actions. It made me consider how I would respond in a similar situation and how it must weigh heavy on you all the time.

Maddy is a great character, she’s relatable and completely likeable. Maddy’s struggles, desires, and personal growth resonate with how everyone struggles and must learn as they work their way through life. The book also does an excellent job of exploring themes like regret, ambition, and the search for meaning in life, without ever feeling preachy or contrived.

Ultimately, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is an insightful and poignant novel about the power of choices and the roadmaps of our lives. Pearson has created a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a brilliant read. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories. 

Author Bio:

Laura Pearson is the author of issues-based women’s fiction. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @LauraPearson22

Twitter: @LauraPAuthor

Instagram: @LauraPAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LauraPearsonNews

Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22

Stormy Waters at Harbour House - Fenella J. Miller

 

Stormy Waters at Harbour House

Wivenhoe February 1940

As the war clouds gather over Europe, the Roby family are thankful to have started their new life in Wivenhoe safe from German bombs…for the moment at least. And with the safe arrival of baby Grace, family life at Harbour House seems to be settling down.

But Emily Roby finds life stifling. She’s not keen on her new baby sister, doesn’t like her new school and feels as though sometimes her parents still treat her as a baby, but also a grown up when it suits them! Emily’s only friend is Nancy, the new girl working at Harbour House.

Nancy loves working at Harbour House, but war has brought many changes and she begins to wonder if there’s another life for her away from Wivenhoe. Her young man, Dan Brooks, is keen for them to get married and start a family, but at only eighteen, Nancy feels too young to settle down.

As a bargeman working on the river, Dan is often away for days and weeks on end, but Nancy knows he will always come home to her. But with the Germans U-boats turning their eyes to Britain’s waters, Dan’s job suddenly become more dangerous than ever before.

Suddenly there are troubled waters ahead for everyone at Harbour House and the future looks unsettling for everyone.

 A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StormyWaters

My Review:

Fenella J. Miller’s Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an engaging, heartfelt tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This is the second book of this series and it follows the lives of the residents of Harbour House, weaving together love, secrets, and the trials of living through WWII.

I am a huge fan of Miller’s books, the characters are well-written and relatable, with emotional journeys. I really felt we got to know more about the characters this time compared to the first book, it had a different feel to it and I hope that we learn more with the next.

The relationships in the novel are particularly well-explored—both romantic and platonic—adding depth to the story and making the reader care deeply about the characters’ fates. Nancy is a girl with gumption and I really liked her character, she showed determination, consideration for others and I was keen to see all work out well for her.

Overall, Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an extremely enjoyable and satisfying read. It’s perfect for those who love this genre – war time/ family saga; a book with a mixture of romance, personal growth, and family bonds not always being blood relatives. A great addition to Miller’s collection of heartwarming novels.

Author Bio:

Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of over eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @FenellaJMiller

Twitter: @fenellawriter

Instagram: @fenellajmiller

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/FenellaMillerNews

Bookbub profile: @FenellaJMiller

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft - Jessica Redland

 

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

New friends, new life, new love…

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Farm couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ForeverHomeatBeeCroft

My Review:

The third book in a wonderful series by Jessica Redland, this is a poignant, heartwarming story about following your heart, saying goodbye and embracing new beginnings. I adored Joel and Poppy’s story, both are wonderful characters  which is a common trait of Jessica’s - creating characters we feel connected to and want the best for!

We’ve previously met Joel in previous stories but now he is front and centre, deservedly so, I’ve been looking forward to know more about him. He’s so used to being seen as second best, a great guy but not THE guy. His daughter is his world and his ex seems to do all she can to limit their time together.

Poppy, what a character – I felt so emotional for her, having had so much to deal with losing her Mum but then having to be strong as her Dads health declined. Life hasn’t gone the way she thought it would and at best, she’s struggling to move forward in any way. It soon becomes clear she needs a break, and ends up discovering the perfect place, the perfect person and the perfect time away to see what she needs to do next.

I love when characters have chemistry that sparks from the page, Joel and Poppy do instantly. Not only was romance inevitable but it seemed each person found their best friend; a person who was completely on their side and willing to do whatever it took to make the other happy. A fast moving relationship but a clearly strong connection.

As always, there are ups and downs, misunderstandings and other people throwing spanners in the works; both have so much going on in their lives do they have the time for each other.

Jessica handles sensitive topics so sensitively, yet again highlighting issues and topics amongst the romantic, cosy element we all love. I highly recommend this one (and every one by the author!)

Always sad when a series comes to an end, but a gorgeous book to end on. I always look forward to the next book from Jessica.

 Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

 Social Media Links:  

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNews

Bookbub profile: ​​@jessicaredlandwriter

 

A Little Place in Prague - Julie Caplin

 

A Little Place in Prague

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

My Review:

Honestly, I could rave about Julie Caplin all day long, an absolute “ go to” author for me (as both Julie Caplin and Jules Wake) – I look forward to the next book from the moment I finish one. No pressure to write any faster at all 😊

A little place in Prague whisked us off to yet another brilliant location; these ‘Romantic Escapes’ books have allowed to travel all over the world from the comfort of your own armchair, I adore each of them. This isn’t a series where you need to have read previous books at all, each work as standalones but I cannot stress enough how great they all are and that you should read them. If you have read previous books you will spot little cameos from characters we’ve met before.

Supposed strangers, Anna and Leo, are thrown together in a flat share whilst competing in a beer brewing competition, each keen to learn and develop techniques for producing their own beer. This may be a strange set up for some but not for people that already know each other and have a significant history.

I adore their story; it’s testament to people wanting to change and better themselves, learning from past mistakes and showing that time can allow people to really change. Of course this story has ups and downs, neither character is perfect but they work well together; the chemistry is incredible.

It’s a gorgeously cosy read, perfect for the cooler days and dark evenings. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that are entertaining and some that are infuriating as well as mouthwatering descriptions of delicious local food dishes and drinks. A thoroughly gorgeous read.

Having visited Prague very briefly many years ago, this book was a lovely way to reminisce about that trip although I now realise I barely touched the surface of what Prague has to offer! What is very clear from reading A Little Place in Prague is Julie Caplin’s love for the city, she is shining such a spotlight on to the culture, architecture, foods etc that I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers would love to have their very own escape to Prague.

Another fantastic read – already looking forward to the next! 

Author Bio

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliecaplinauthor/