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/

The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove - Kim Nash

 

The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove

Escape to the beautiful coast in this heartwarming romance

Dare to dream big…

When Nancy opened her dream bookshop overlooking the golden sands and shimmering waters of Driftwood Bay, she may have taken on a little too much. She might know all about books, but doesn’t know the first thing about business! She did however, want to do something meaningful with the inheritance money she got from her beloved Aunty Theresa.

When Dennis, visiting grandson of one of her dearest friends, offers to help, Nancy knows she can’t say no. Dennis is a high-flying businessman, with a fancy London job and a successful banking portfolio to prove it.

Trouble is, he makes the worst first impression. Nothing short of an insufferable know-it-all, Dennis takes every opportunity to remind her how out of her depth she is.

But Nancy knows her strengths, and just as much as she needs Dennis, he needs her too. There’s plenty she can teach him, and the more she shows off her world of Driftwood Bay, where the pace of life is slower and the morning sunrises are the most beautiful thing you can witness, perhaps they could become more than just business partners?

An utterly gorgeous romantic read set by the beautiful Cornish coast, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Heidi Swain

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

My Review:

Delighted to be back in Driftwood Bay for this brilliant, Cornish Cove series created by Kim Nash.

This time we meet Nancy, a bibliophile who has managed the ultimate dream – to open her own bookshop. Whilst she had great ideas and a lot of passion, she isn’t great on the actual running a business element of things. Dennis is a well established and successful businessman, visiting family in the area, he soon comes to realise that Nancy could do with a helping hand although getting her to listen is a challenge.

There is real chemistry between the two characters, but obviously at first, they butt heads and clash. Given some time things change and things look up for the bookshop but miscommunication and misunderstandings between the two-cause drama and upset.

Kim Nash creates gorgeous characters; they are relatable, likeable and you will be rooting for them no matter how daft some of their choices are! Being a series, you do get to catch up with previous characters and I enjoy that this gives a real sense of community. You don’t have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one, but I would wholeheartedly recommend them anyway.

Whilst Nancy and Dennis do find their way eventually, the story is heartwarming and uplifting but with a rollercoaster of events and emotions.

Another wonderful visit to this wonderful Cornish village, a great community of characters that are well- written and a setting that I wish I could visit.

A great cosy read, highly recommended!  

Author Bio:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, romantic, feel-good fiction, having wanted to write books since she was a little girl. She works as both Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni. When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog and reading, as well as running a book club in Staffordshire and organising local and national reader/author events.

Social Media Links:  

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Bookbub profile: Kim Nash Books - BookBub

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

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

My Review:

This is another fantastic series from Jo Bartlett so I was keen to see what everyone is doing in the fourth book set at St Pirans Hospital.

This time we focus on Wendy and her family; rekindling love with a childhood sweetheart following a difficult divorce leaves her feeling both very lucky and extremely happy,  but she cannot help but feel pangs of hurt when her ex-husbands new girlfriend becomes close to her two daughters.

After initially feeling jealous of his young girlfriend Chloe’s bond with, she starts to see that actually Chloe isn’t the issue. Wendy’s family issues actually all go back to their Dad and his inability to commit to anything or anyone. When Chloe finds herself at her lowest and in need of support, Wendy finds herself stepping up to be the one Chloe can lean on. As the life they all know starts to unravel, can Wendy figure out a way to help everyone who needs it.

We also catch up with favourites from previous books. Danni’s pregnancy is nearing the end, she is excited about creating their own little family but also worry sets in that she will be like her own mother and not feel much of a maternal bond. She knows she can love, as she adores her Charlie but she is afraid that motherly love she craved as a child will pass her by as well.

When a situation escalates, Danni’s love is tested more than ever. Her dream has turned into a nightmare and she relies on the help of her friends and colleagues to make it end. Wendy has tried to do the best by everyone but has she missed signs of things being so dreadfully wrong, has she let everyone down?

A rollercoaster of emotions throughout, this tear-jerker will break your heart but also repair it. The community within the book is it’s heart, the friendships and relationships between characters are special. Some serious, upsetting themes used throughout but done so sensitively.

Another wonderful visit to this special, Cornish hospital/community. 

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @JoBartlettAuthor

Twitter: @J_B_Writer

Instagram: @jo_bartlett123

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett

Written in the Stars - Helen Rolfe

 

A hidden secret

Live every day as if it were your last – that’s the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess’s debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…

An unexpected arrival

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio’s world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.

A new beginning?

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other’s problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?

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

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of Helen Rolfe’s for a long time now, enjoying many great books, wonderful characters and settings. Written in the Stars is the second book in the Skylarks series – stories based around an air ambulance team in Dorset.

I loved the first book, Come Fly With Me, so was eagerly awaiting this one and it didn’t disappoint. Whilst it was nice to catch up with the characters of the first book, this time the focus was on Bess – critical care paramedic on the  team.

Bess lost her Dad a few years ago, since then she has been living (and spending money) like each day is her last. She has got herself in quite a mess but doesn’t know what to do. Shes proud and when reality hits, she needs to find support from somewhere but isn’t quite sure where.

Gio is a friend of Bess’. He is a firefighter and is also keeping parts of his life from others; having an alcoholic mother means his childhood wasn’t great, he cannot trust her even though he does still want to. When she turns up to stay with him, he gives her one chance but is convinced she will revert to type.

Gio has a great friendship with Bess, but as both their lives start unravelling in different ways, can they help each other, and will they both acknowledge their feelings for one another after all this time Both Gio and Bess learn that they must move forwards and not let the past dictate their present, put trust in people and be willing to follow their hearts.

 A cosy, seasonal romance that has drama and heart, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

 Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women's fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @HelenRolfeAuthor

Twitter: @HJRolfe

Instagram: @helen_j_rolfe

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Bookbub profile: @helenrolfe

Coming Home to Starr's Fall -Kate Hewitt

 

Coming Home to Starr's Fall

Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love…

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

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

 

My Review:

A cosy, heart warming story with a fantastic community feel. The start of a brand new series, I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed learning more about Starr’s Fall so I cannot wait to return.

The story focuses on Laurie, who decides to relocate to Starr’s Fall in order to follow a dream of running a pet shop/bakery. We soon learn she has another, big, reason and why Starr’s Fall wasn’t a random choice of location.

I really liked Laurie’s attitude to things, she had had a difficult life and doesn’t have many people in her corner but arriving in this small but welcoming community does her wonders. She is quick to build connections and relationships with the locals, who welcome her with open arms.

The most surprising turn of events is her relationship with grumpy book store owner, Joshua. I thoroughly enjoyed how she helped him change his ways, that instant spark growing into a adorable romance.

Settling into life in Starr’s Fall, Laurie soon makes discoveries that give her the answers she has wanted all her life, but is he prepared for what this will mean?

Brilliant writing and great characters I already adore,  Kate Hewitt has created a wonderful fictional town I’d love to visit, so I will eagerly await the chance to do so but recommend this book wholeheartedly. 

Author Bio:

Kate Hewitt is a million copy bestselling author of historical, contemporary and romantic fiction. An American ex-pat, she lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers.

Social Media Links

Facebook: KateHewittAuthor

Twitter: @author_kate

Instagram: @katehewitt1

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

Bookbub profile: @KateHewitt

Christmas Ever After - Jaimie Admans

 

Christmas Ever After

A picture-perfect way - expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit, much to Franca’s annoyance! But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn't know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff's magical snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

Franca’s determined to prove Raff’s business is built on lies. But when disaster strikes, and she’s left unable to make anything, she needs help. It’s just very frustrating that the only person offering is her gorgeous, annoying, nemesis himself!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. . But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open... But there’s one man standing in her

But maybe it's not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

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

My Review:

What a wonderful return visit to the enchanting ‘Ever After Street.’ I adore this magical community. Although part of a wonderful series, this festive book can be read as a standalone. I’m such a fan of Jaimie Admans’ books that I couldn’t resist Christmas in September!

I love an good enemies to lovers trope and this fits the bill perfectly. Our leading characters don’t seem to be able to co-exist as shopkeepers on the same street, this leads to a competition by the local council – only one can stay and each character has a challenge to complete. The reasons for their “enemy” status seems more one sided to me, and pretty petty but paves the way for a fun and cosy rom-com.

Franca runs the nutcracker store, she was a ballerina until injury put her on a very different path. She loves that the street she works on but is not a fan of Raf, the guy running the snow globe shop. She blames his store (inherited from his Grandfather) for the divorce of her parents.

As the festive season begins Franca is injured because of a mistake by Raf. She cannot possibly continue with making the nutcrackers for the festive market and the customer orders she has. Raf is instantly sorry for what happened and sets about doing all he can to make things right – no matter what it may cost him.

Great characters – Raf just sounds incredible and unfairly judged by Franca. Franca had a difficult childhood following her parents divorce. Her parents hate each other and she has  barely any relationship with either. Raf was surrounded by family, his grandfather build a great business that encouraged romance and played matchmaker for many couples. Raf doesn’t really want to continue this legacy, he just wants to build beautiful snow globes.

A story of both characters following their hearts, doing what they want and feeling supported doing so by those who love them.

A gorgeous, cosy, festive read - Jaimie Admans never fails for me. I highly recommend Christmas Ever After and I cannot wait to go back! 

Author Bio:

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. Her new series for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

 

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimieadmansbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/be_the_spark

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jaimie-admans

 

We were on a break - Jo Lovett

We Were on a Break

A summer to remember...

A love to last a lifetime...

Stranded in Rome, with all planes grounded due to volcanic ash, Callum gratefully accepts a lift back to London with a friend-of-a-friend who's on her way home after a European road trip in a campervan.

But when he meets her, his heart plummets - she's Emma, his ex, The ex, and he can't be stuck in a van with her.

 

When Emma sees Callum again, she's horrified. It's taken so many years to heal her heart - she really doesn't want to spend the next few days in close quarters with him.

As they embark on the drive of a lifetime, it begins to feel as though fate might have had a hand in reuniting them. But understanding what happened in the past and coming to terms with the present isn't easy. Can the gift of time - and forced proximity – bring them back together again?

A gorgeous romantic comedy set against the beautiful sights of Italy and France, perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Mhairi McFarlane

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

My Review:

Cross country travel, forced proximity and a not so fantastic shared history all lend to making this cute rom com a very fun, easy read. 

Callum and Emma didn’t think would ever see each other again, but a pesky Volcano spewing ash leads to planes being cancelled and the only way for Callum to get home is to hitch a ride.. with his ex!

It was clear they had chemistry from the start; I found Callum a bit rude and stand offish and Emma was fun and interesting. As the journey gets underway, we discover more about each of them but also what happened in their past. 

As the days pass the spark between to two ignites, but is it just because of being so close? 

Both characters have things they have overcome, they are very different to the people they once were. I wished we could have delved more into Callum’s history, it was such a big thing for his story. 

Well written and full of fun, laughs and entertaining moments; a must read for rom com lovers, a great summer read! 

Author Bio :

Jo Lovett writes heart-warming, feel-good romcoms. Her latest book, Can You Keep a Secret, published by Boldwood, was released in March 2024. Jo was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping/ Orion First Novel Competition 2018 and shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Award 2019.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @JoLovettAuthor

Twitter: @JoLovettWrites

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