BLOGTOUR: Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe - Rosie Green

Wedding fever is in the air in the village of Sunnybrook.
With Ellie and Zak's Big Day on the horizon, the sun is shining brightly on the Little Duck Pond Cafe community. But when dark clouds begin to roll in from more than one direction, several close relationships look to be under threat. Will the wedding of the year actually take place at all?

My Review:

I recently came across Rosie Greens work after reading ‘A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Café’ - see my review:
https://comfychairbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/blogtour-bakery-at-little-duck-pond.html

I was so excited when I knew I’d been given the chance to read and review Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Café too. Such cute novellas that give a true sense of community via that café and bakery. Although the focus is on Ellie and Zack for this one we still get to know what the other characters have been up to.

Admittedly, I anticipated a light, fluffy, fun filled rom com novella with only a couple of twists to throw us off course but an ultimate love fest by the end. Well, I was surprised with the level of drama in this one, crikey, I was on the edge of my seat at some points. It was all rather quite emotional too; I couldn’t put it down and yet I hardly dared read on in case I saw something I didn’t want to happen.

There IS a lot of wedding-esq fun but so much more including a roaming cow, new villagers, a special day and trips to the coast!

While the ending may not be completely what I expected, I think it was really very very sweet. I may have been late to the Rosie Green party but I am so happy to have stumbled across this series. I will definitely look forward to the next visit.

I would definitely recommend Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Café – but more importantly – I recommend you read the whole series!

To purchase: https://amzn.to/2Iqghul

Author Bio:

Rosie Green has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. Back then they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’. Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all, unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

​

​Rosie’s brand new series of novellas is centred on life in a village café. Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe will be the sixth in the series

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988 

BLOGTOUR: To the Stars and Back - Camilla Isley

To the Stars and Back

When Hollywood’s sexiest bachelor meets the girl next door their relationship doesn’t follow the script…

On-screen, Christian Slade is America’s favorite heartthrob. Off-screen, letting romance into his life isn’t as easy. The women he dates all seem to want a piece of his glamorous life rather than his heart, and trust doesn’t come easy for him.

Then along comes Lana. A beautiful rocket scientist who’s also sweet, smart, sexy, and has absolutely no idea who he is. But what will happen when she finds out?

Will their worlds prove too far apart or could love really be like in the movies?

My Review:

I’ve been living in a cave maybe, but this is this book is a first from Camilla Isley for me... so, although it is part of a ‘series’ it read really well as a standalone. If anything, it has definitely made me want to catch up with what I have missed!

I adored the absolute contrast between our main characters – a superstar, Hollywood actor and a super smart rocket scientist who has absolutely no idea of who she happens to meet in a cupboard and who she has that instant connection with.

This romantic tale is full on rollercoaster of ups and downs, but it has some sweet romance running throughout. Who wouldn’t like the romantic gestures a Hollywood heartthrob could throw your way?!  I enjoyed how the book was written, it was easy to read and flowed nicely. I read it in one sitting because I was really involved.

Lana was a lovely character, sweet and yet so strong minded. Willing to put up with the intense paparazzi interest etc but come on, how lucky was she to end up being in the closet a Hollywood superstar chooses to seek security from. I think her complete innocence as to who he was kept her endearing. Christian is a stud.. but he is so sweet and kind, the way he is with Lana and how much he cares is very clear to see. Not necessarily what you’d imagine his character to be like.

This book is fun, cute and I really enjoyed it. It’s an easy read, light and a really sweet tale. In keeping with a rom-com film. I will look forward to reading more.

Treat yourself to this lovely summer read! Purchase Link - http://smarturl.it/clw67x

Author Bio:

Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/camillaisley

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

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

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/camillaisley/

COMPETITION TIME!
WIN THIS INCREDIBLE TOTE BAG*

ENTER HERE: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494236/

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize

BLOGTOUR: The Perfect Moment - Alix Kelso

Is there ever a perfect moment to begin again in life?

Ever since tragedy threw her life into turmoil, Laura has taken refuge at her waitressing job in Valentino’s restaurant in Glasgow's leafy Fairhill. Serving lattes and lunch specials means she’s too busy to think about all she lost, or the dreams she was forced to abandon. So when her beloved boss announces she’s selling the business, Laura is devastated. Hatching a plan to set her up with the local pub owner, Laura hopes the two of them will make a connection that might just change her mind.

Recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, Bruce is also in hiding from the world, and working in his uncle’s pub while he wonders how to restart his life. When Laura asks for help with her matchmaking scheme, he finds himself unable to refuse. She has a smile he can’t resist, no matter how much he wants to.

 But as their plan is set in motion, the matchmakers begin falling for each other. Yet Laura thinks she’s happy with her dull boyfriend, and Bruce won’t risk another broken heart. As the future of Valentino’s hangs in the balance, can these two lost and lonely people find the perfect moment to start their lives again together?

My Review:

I was so pleased to get the chance to read and review this novel from Alix.  This is the first book in a series of books set in the Fairhill area of Glasgow.  It’s a debut novel and I have to say I’m happily surprised as I think the writing style is on par with many, more experienced, authors. I hope that doesn’t sound rude or insulting to Alix, as it is meant as a compliment.

I’m a fan of many genres but I do have a soft spot for a good romance so I was very intrigued to find out what Alix would give us – I can say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a beautifully written romance, full of fun and charm that I felt so swept up by the story, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out what happened.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Laura. Her boss is selling the business and Laura is keen on persuading her not too. Along with Bruce, nephew of the pub landlord opposite, Laura decides her boss just needs a bit of matchmaking and they set her up on a date with Keith.

I enjoyed the relationship between Laura and Bruce, there is a spark between them and while they have this fledgling friendship, I was hoping that it may turn into something more. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see what happens in future. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I’m hooked.

A must read for romance, easy read fans and even if you’re not a real romance fan, this is one book you should try.

Thank you Alix for giving me the opportunity to read and review. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
Treat yourself to THE PERFECT MOMENT, a sweet, funny, emotional romance about new beginnings and being brave enough to follow your heart.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P87FYHX/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P87FYHX

About the Author:

Alix Kelso is the author of the Fairhill novel series. She’s happiest with her nose in a book and has been known to lash out dangerously if disturbed while reading. Having previously worked as a shop assistant, waitress, hospital cleaner and dishwasher, she eventually became a university lecturer. Although she loved the academic world of teaching and researching and helping her students, she always enjoyed writing stories in her spare time and finally decided to pursue her dream of publishing a novel and becoming a full time writer.

She lives in her home city of Glasgow with her husband and their rescue lurcher, Maggie. She enjoys pottering in the kitchen, walking in Glasgow’s many lovely parks, and is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of a long lunch with a big glass of wine.

Social Media Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlixKelsoAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlixKelsoAuthor

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

BLOGTOUR: Mulberry Lane Babies - Rosie Clarke

About the book

1941, Mulberry Lane, London. War rages but new arrivals bring new hope. Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Cathy Sharp.

Life is hard for all on Mulberry Lane as the war rages into yet another year. Desperate times push people into dangerous situations.

Menacing shadows lurk on dark street corners, threatening the safety of those who are alone and vulnerable.

When Peggy's twins are born early, Maureen and Nellie are there to lend a helping hand. The mothers of Mulberry Lane stick together despite the grim conditions of war-torn London and a shadowy fear that stalks their lives. Neighbours and friends look out for each other and new life brings hope and joy to the Lane.

My Review: 

Mulberry Lane Babies is the third in the Mulberry Lane series from Rosie Clarke, but it is personally my first visit. I don’t think it’s essential to have read the others – it read well as a standalone book, in my opinion. You probably would benefit from reading the others, as it is always nice to read any book series from the start – you may find out things about the characters that I have missed out on.

We are given the stories of several women who go about their lives with loved ones away at war or having already been lost, they are either having, expecting or hoping for babies. The lives of these very endearing ladies are taking very different paths and each girl is having to cope with cruel or surprising twists and turns. It’s a good thing they have each other for support and they try to keep on.

There's a fair dose of drama within the book, a mixture of happy and sad times. I really enjoyed Rosie Clarkes style of writing, everything flowed nicely and was lovely to delve into their world. A fantastic book that fans of historical romance will love. I recommend. 

About the author 

Rosie is happily married and lives in a quiet village in East Anglia. Writing books is a passion for Rosie, she also likes to read, watch good films and enjoys holidays in the sunshine. She loves shoes and adores animals, especially squirrels and dogs.

Follow Rosie:

Twitter: @AnneHerries

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2El4Djg

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ElTyhR

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2LSRROX

iBooks: https://apple.co/2WPWKcK

Follow Aria:

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

COVER REVEAL: The Secret - Violets Story by Eliza. J Scott

The Secret – Violet’s Story

It’s been two years since glamorous and ambitious Violet Smith fell head-over-heels in love with blacksmith Jimby Fairfax, and moved back home to the North Yorkshire village of Lytell Stangdale to be with him.

Life couldn’t get much sweeter. Their romance is blooming and Romantique - the business she set up with Jimby’s sister Kitty, designing luxurious underwear and burlesque costumes with the odd wedding dress throw in - is thriving.

But on a romantic weekend break, a face from her past triggers a series of events which send Violet into turmoil. She finds herself with no alternative but to reveal a secret she’s buried deep for the past sixteen years. A secret she hasn’t shared with anyone, not even her best friends, Kitty and Molly, and they share everything.

With the revelation forcing a wedge between herself and Jimby, heartbroken Violet fears that he won’t ever be able to think of her in the same way again and won’t want anything more to do with her.

As ever, Kitty and Molly rally round, offering their advice and support but Vi is worried that keeping her secret was just a step too far for Jimby.

Will she succeed in showing him their love is strong enough to overcome it?

The Secret – Violet’s Story is book 3 in the Life on the Moors Series.

Pre-order Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RNLR4M5

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RNLR4M5

Publication Date: 8^th July

About the Author:

Eliza lives in a 17th-century cottage on the edge of a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories with happy endings.

Social Media Links –

Blog: Eliza J Scott - elizajscott.com

Twitter: Eliza J Scott – @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscott

Facebook: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscottauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ElizaJScott

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-j-scott

REVIEW: I Heart Hawaii - Lindsey Kelk

Available Here

Join Angela and Jenny in the series finale of the bestselling I Heart books…

When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.
 
At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.
 
A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…

My Review:

Ten years – I can barely believe it! I’ve loved this series of books from the moment I got my hands on I heart New York (I got my first, very original copy with a magazine, can anyone remember which it was?) But I was hooked and an instant Lindsey Kelk fan.

I know many of us feel so invested in Angela and friends, and to think this would all be over with this book was truly a saddening moment, but I knew that Lindsey would do it in style and we’d have fun and adventure in I heart Hawaii. As it comes to endings, I think this book gave us the perfect one, very emotional, like a rollercoaster of feelings. From the prologue, where I was pretty concerned and quite upset if I’m honest, to the final ‘The End,’ I heart Hawaii gave my hardened heart a battering.

I’ve always loved the mixed bag of characters ‘I heart...’ gives us and Angela is one of my favourite characters ever- funny, loving, spirited and well just blooming ace. Jenny, well there aren’t really words to describe her sass and epic coolness, we could all do with being a little bit Lopez. Alex is the epitome of leading men, he’s gorgeous, a cool superstar and just the right person to balance Angela. Tip of the iceberg with great characters though. After all they have been through, all the characters have matured over the series and yet they are still the same characters we fell in love with. How I wish I could be in their friendship group!

I loved that other characters from some of Lindsey’s books popped up in I heart Hawaii; with this being the destination I hoped there would be a little crossover from another series, and I was not disappointed. I did also like the references to other authors’ characters too. See if you can find them 😉

I Heart Hawaii finds Angela trying to juggle motherhood with a new job, then the guilt at leaving baby Alice with Alex for 5 days while she heads off to basically unwind and have fun. I believe we see Angela at her very best in this book – motherhood is suiting her but it’s nice we get a glimpse of the Angela we all love so well when she goes to Hawaii.

As with any I heart book, this is full of fun and adventure. There are some hilarious scenes (the horses!!), real laugh out loud moments and everything we expect from this bunch of characters but, as with every one of the books, it includes some sensitive, serious, heart-warming moments, that show the depth and strength of true friendship.

I have always enjoyed Lindsey’s writing style, chatty and animated and naturally very funny; she can evoke emotion at just the perfect moment though so watch out for surprise tears. The books are easy to read but that never takes anything away from the wonderful stories being told. I read I Heart Hawaii in a few hours – mainly because I couldn’t put it down, I wanted to see how it would end yet I never wanted it too either.

If you haven’t read any of the I Heart series, then I would suggest going back and reading the others before this one simply because THEY ARE BRILLIANT! I’m sure it could work as a standalone book but it’s hard to tell when you’re already so involved with them isn’t it?!

I don’t want to spoil or lead anyone in any direction with the review, so I don’t really want to say too much about what happens. I think people need to go into this without knowing what will happen at all. I will say it’s a beautiful end to an incredible series.  

Thank you, Lindsey Kelk, for creating wonderful stories with great characters that we have grown to love like our own friends. Although it’s hard to know we won’t get any more ‘I heart’ books I’m sure we can all imagine what they’re all getting up in the future.  Great things must come to an end (*cries*) but I know Lindsey will have brilliant things for us in future.

Anyone for an ‘I heart’ film or TV series?

Comfy Rating:

👍👍👍👍👍

Meeting the lovely Lindsey with  the equally wonderful Paige Toon - 01/06/2019