Second Chances in Chianti - T.A. Williams

 

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking...

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

Purchase Link - mybook.to/SecondChancesChianti

My Review:

A charming, escapist read. Given the dreary weather this gorgeous, scenic story set in Tuscany, Chianti whisked me away and let me forget “the real world” for a few hours.

This is a brilliant story – stunning setting, an eclectic mix of characters and a funny, but cute, dog. What more do you need? Oh yes, a fantastic romance and gorgeous male lead!

Alice is quite the woman; having had a successful acting career she is know a Doctor in art history and wanting to pursue this as a career. An opportunity presents itself and she realises she may not have turned her back on fame after all.

I liked Alice a lot, she stuck to her principles and didn’t really suffer any fools. She was an independent, smart woman. She had plenty of male admirers to choose from, but she clearly had a spark with Matthew. It was great to read how they slowly got to know each other, the timings may not have been right but Guinness the dog clearly knew what he was doing, the little matchmaker.

T.A Williams has such a lovely way of writing, I felt I was there with Alice. I didn’t want to put it down at all and I read in one glorious sitting.

Highly recommended for those that enjoy a romantic, scenic escape!

Author Bio:

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

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

The Night We Met - Zoe Folbigg

 The Night We Met

As a man holds his wife's frail hand, he recounts a journey like no other...

Daniel and Olivia are destined to be together. At least, Daniel thinks this the night he sees Olivia across a sea of people. As he backpacks through Australia, Daniel and Liv continue to cross paths, yet never speak. Until one night, Liv joins Daniel for a drink. And that night everything changes.

Back in London, stuck in a monotonous routine, Daniel finds himself daydreaming of the woman with green eyes and fiery hair. Armed with only a name he vows to find her, yet with every passing moment, Daniel's hopes begin to disappear. What if it wasn't meant to be?

But then fate steps in, and Daniel and Olivia’s story can truly begin...

This is a tale of serendipity, missed chances and the power of love.

My Review:

This is an emotive book, with serious and heart-breaking content that may make some readers feel upset or quite sensitive. The Night We Met is a novel about a woman dying from cancer that asks her husband to write their complete love story for their daughters.

Yes the premise of this book is so sad, heart-breaking when we realise there are children who are losing a parent far too young, but it is a book littered with love and the idea that true love will always find a way.

The book is written in the now but also through varying points in the past from multiple locations. It demonstrates the lives the characters have led and how they were always intertwined before they were even together. I quite enjoyed reading things from different perspectives, I think you really get to understand the character this way. It was easy to follow and so well written, you didn’t feel like you were jumping around too much but more like they were snapshots into the past. As our characters travels we are taken from Australia to New Zealand to Milan, London, Switzerland, it’s like we are on our own armchair travels too.

This is a beautiful read, one of those ultimate love stories that show how time and maturity is all that is needed sometimes. Folbigg gives us a read that shows how love can be “at first sight” even if it takes time to realise this.

I loved the characters, Olivia is a sparky, interesting young girl but matures into a passionate woman; Daniel is full of heart and falls completely for her. I loved him and felt so sorry for what they were going through.

This book will hook you in and take you on an emotional rollercoaster, a special tale of love, friendship and of families and the many ways they can be created. 

About the author: 

Zoë Folbigg is author of Amazon number-one bestseller The Note, based on the true story of how she met her husband on her daily commute. Her second novel, The Distance, was released in 2018 and The Postcard – the sequel to The Note – was released summer 2019. Formerly a magazine journalist and digital editor, Zoë started at Cosmopolitan in 2001, was chief sub editor of its teen sister CosmoGIRL! and has since freelanced for titles including Fabulous, Glamour, Cosmo, Good Housekeeping, i newspaper, Healthy, Top Santé, Mother & Baby, ELLE, Sunday Times Style, ASOS and Style.com. Zoë wrote a weekly column in Fabulous magazine documenting her year-long round-the-world trip with ‘Train Man’ – and now lives with him and their two sons in Hertfordshire.

Follow Zoë:

Facebook: @zoefolbiggauthor
Twitter: @zoefolbigg
Instagram: @zoefolbigg

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KJZuI0

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

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

iBooks: https://apple.co/3sQJ0Pc

bookshop.org:https://bit.ly/3qKoNsM

Waterstones: https://bit.ly/366TbWa

Follow Aria

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

The Dog Sitter - Zara Stoneley

 

One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance.

Wanted: someone nice, normal and trustworthy to housesit a beautiful cottage in the Lake District while the owner is away on a business trip. Must like dogs.

Wanting to escape from crap bosses and useless boyfriends, Becky jumps at the chance of being a dog sitter and the perfect escape – rest, relaxation and a very cute pooch called Bella.

But looking after Bella comes with a catch, namely gorgeous, brooding, Chris Hemsworth-worthy Ash James, who claims Bella is his dog and will stop at nothing to get her back!

Becky’s not about to hand over lovely Bella to any Tom, Dick or Ash.  She’s determined to watch every move Ash James makes…even if it gets her very hot under the collar.

Purchase Link - https://smarturl.it/dogsitter

My Review:

In need of some inspiration and a break from her hum drum and mundane situation she finds herself in, Becky decides to take on a dog/house sitting gig in the Lake District. She hopes the beautiful scenery, a cute dog and a break will help reinspire her creativity. She also thinks it will help get over her nasty ex.

She arrives, after a somewhat comedic journey, to find gorgeous Bella. Georgie (who had employed Becky to dog sit) has built quite an Instagram following from Bella and is desperate to stop her ex, Ash from dognapping him. Becky has got more than she bargained for with this house-sitting job – can she ensure Georgie’s precious Bella is safe? She’s under strict orders not to engage with Ash at all, he is the enemy she must avoid; ignore but be prepared at all times!

Ash, easy on the eye swoon worthy Ash, soon shows Becky the lengths he will go to get HIS dog back. The more they meet, the more Becky starts to see his true colours, but does she need to watch out for sneaky moves on his part.

This book is so much fun, a cheerful little pick me up. I enjoyed getting to know Becky and I adored Bella. She is by far the standout little character for me. I could picture her zooming around the place, creating havoc for all. I liked Becky a lot, she seemed like she had been through it and could do with some luck, her ex sounds just awful and had stifled her creativity. I was happy seeing her rediscover her passions and push herself a little. There are some very sweet and quite moving moments. The relationship Becky has with “enemy” Ash is entertaining, he really does wind her up and keep her on her toes.

A really funny read that will keep you entertained with a smile on your face!

Author Bio:

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include ‘The First Date’, 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley (and Harry has his own! Harrys_pawprints)

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/zara-stoneley?follow=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B007WK307G

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet - Julie Caplin

 

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breath-taking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…

Food technician Minna has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/3jU2lKy 🌎 http://mybook.to/SwissSkiChalet

My Review:

This is a gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors; Julie Caplin (alter ego of the wonderful Jules Wake) never fails to whisk me away to somewhere new and make me believe if I open my front door I’d be right there. Bringing to life another stunning location, this is a fantastic addition to a series of romantic escapes. There is something very comforting and familiar about these books, each with their own story and in a different place across the globe, some characters may overlap and make appearances, but they are all standalone books – each very special in its own right.

This time we are whisked to the Swiss Alps with Mina, a food technician who’s love life has just taken a nosedive and so she decides to visit her godmother Amelie who owns a wonderful ski chalet. Thanks to Minas adventures and escapades in this book I feel like I’ve had my own personal adventure on the Alps, and that isn’t something I would really do. I feel I’ve lived vicariously through this down to earth, funny and caring character, Mina.

Amelie herself sounds truly special. I wish I could take a visit to her Swiss Chalet. She has the knack for seeing what her guests need and matching them up to create new friendships that nurture and encourage the best out of them. Everything about the chalet sounds wonderful – how cosy it is, what special friendships are forged and how delicious the food sounds. I mean who wouldn’t want a time each day dedicated to cake!

With mouthwatering descriptions that will soothe the weariest heart, The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, is a soul soothing and heart warming read. Yet another great escape in a time where we are all keen to ignore reality, Julie Caplin creates a home away from home in book form, with a warm, family feeling community of characters.

Curl up, be transported to the Swiss Alps, and enjoy. I cannot recommend this book enough – or any by Julie Caplin/Jules Wake. 

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 her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven 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 @juliecaplinauthor

Just Bea - Deborah Klée

 

Sometimes you have to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be yourself 

Bea Stevens and Ryan O Marley are in danger of falling through the cracks of their own lives; the only difference between them is that Bea doesn’t know it yet.

When her world is shaken like a snow-globe, Bea has to do what she does best; adapt. Homeless man Ryan is the key to unlocking the mystery of her friend Declan’s disappearance but can she and Ryan trust one another enough to work together? 

 As the pieces of her life settle in new and unexpected places, like the first fall of snow, Bea must make a choice: does she try to salvage who she was or embrace who she might become?

Just Bea takes the reader on a heart-warming journey from the glamour of a West End store to the harsh reality of life on the streets and reminds us all that home really is where the heart is.

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

My Review:

A charming, raw yet feel good story that tackles important social issues and misconceptions. It is a story of believing in yourself but importantly also about looking past first appearances and not judging a book by its cover, it’s about putting your trust in others as well as yourself.

At first, I wasn’t sure I would be able to warm to Bea, I thought she was cold and awkward but boy was I wrong. Throughout the book she grows as a person, learns to be more open and able to trust in others; she demonstrated a belief in people that many don’t have and displays a can-do attitude when most may have just given up.

She handles things with care and surprised herself, but I love to see this kind of character development. She is a quirky character but by the end she is utterly endearing.

This book does show just how fragile circumstances can be, you may have everything you need one moment but then the next it can all fall away. The relationship between her and Ryan is special, he does as much for her as she does for him and it’s great to see that these two souls can support each other.

Such a clever, emotional read that entertains and informs. I was really impressed by this author and will look forward to reading more. 

Author Bio: 

Deborah has worked as an occupational therapist, a health service manager, a freelance journalist, and management consultant in health and social care.

Her protagonists are often people who exist on the edges of society. Despite the very real, but dark, subject matter her stories are uplifting, combining pathos with humour. They are about self-discovery and the power of friendships and community.

Just Bea is her second novel. Her debut The Borrowed Boy was published last year.

Deborah lives on the Essex coast. When she is not writing she combines her love of baking with trying to burn off the extra calories.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.abrakdeborah.wordpress.com

Twitter @DeborahKlee

Facebook Deborah Klee Author

Asking For a Friend - Andi Osho

No woman gets left behind

Three best friends are going to solve their relationship woes once and for all

Forty-something Jemima’s life is on track – well, sort of. All she has to do is muster the courage to bat her niggly ex away for good.

Twenty-something Meagan is in the midst of her five-phase plan and is nearly ready for phase three – a relationship.

While thirty-something Simi has had more it’s not yous than any I dos.

Deciding it’s time to play the dating game by their own rules, they’re going to ditch the dating apps and ask people out in real life. The catch? They’re playing matchmaker and can only ask out potential dates for each other because the most important rule is that no woman gets left behind.

Comedian Andi Osho’s hilarious and uplifting debut novel features her trademark wit and is perfect for fans of Candice Carty-Williams, Lucy Diamond and Mhairi McFarlane.

My Review:

Asking for a Friend brings us the wonderful trio of Jemima, Meagan and Simi. These are three friends that have found some successes in their professional lives but are all united in the disaster that is their love lives. All looking for different types of men and differing kinds of relationships, each friend must face the past when looking for their “future.” During a night out the establish The Dating Game – asking out real life men in real life situations but for each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of characters, with each woman being unique and bringing something different to the friendship dynamic.  As it is written in third person, each of the characters are given their own voice and we see how each of them develop and grown throughout the book. While the are learning about themselves its interesting to see how they are continuing to learn about each other too. Even after years of friendship it seems they need to work on being the best friend they can be.

 I enjoyed reading this book, I found it amusing and well written. It had great pace, but I found the latter part of the book the best. I did enjoy reading from the different girls’ perspectives. Whilst it is funny, I didn’t find it laugh out loud hilarious, but it was entertaining and I would recommend it for a light, refreshing read.

Although this book is all about the girls finding romance with a man, and that is enjoyable and fun, I enjoyed that the main take away from this was about the strength and importance of friendships, supporting those we hold close and being someone who will be honest, support and understand the decisions of others. 

About the Author:

Andi Osho’s fifteen year career spans film, TV, theatre and stand up. As well as UK TV drama and comedy credits including Holby City, EastEnders and Death In Paradise, Andi played Jenny Donohue in Sky Atlantic’s street-race drama, Curfew, co-starring Sean Bean, Billy Zane, Miranda Richardson and Malachi Kirby. She made her US TV debut in Finding Carter and film projects include Lights Out, Swinging With The Finkels and Shazam!

Other projects include Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking HBO/ BBC drama, I May Destroy You, Ch4/Hulu co-production, National Treasure: Kiri, which became Channel 4’s highest rated drama and Olivier-nominated The Miser – Andi’s West End debut.

Andi has written for print, radio, film and TV for broadcasters such as Fox, BBC and Sky. She wrote and starred in Twin Thing made for Sky Arts with Sharon Horgan’s Merman Films and created her own E4 sketch pilot The Andi O Show. Andi is developing several TV and film projects and her debut novel, Asking For A Friend will be published with Harper Collins in 2021.