No Ex Before Marriage - Portia MacIntosh

 

It's not over until someone says 'I do'...

While her friends join the "Wife Club" one by one, Poppy feels like that part of her life is done and dusted. Already married and divorced she's not desperate to go through all that again.

But what if her divorce never actually went through...?

After a shock revelation Poppy not only discovers she is still married, but that Zac is about to have his second wedding!

Coming face to face with her (almost) ex-husband after six years apart is never going to be easy. And when Zac panics and tells his new wife-to-be that Poppy is family, things can't get much worse as she is welcomed with open arms as part of the wedding party!

As the memories flood back, can Poppy really leave the past where it is? And can she watch the first love of her life walk down the aisle to say 'I do' once again?

My Review:

Full of fun, laughs and crazy moments – a brilliant rom-com read from an author that always delivers exciting stories and great characters.

Poppy is really feel like the odd one out in her friendship group, the only single friends, well, technically the only one to have been married and divorced by the age of 30. Finding her inner wild child at the latest wedding, she finds a kindred spirit and new friend in Kat, and she reminds her how to have fun and live a little.

Discovering she might not be quite as divorced as she thought and that her (ex) husband is about to remarry, she hightails it up to Scotland with Kat in the hope she can quickly get him to sign the papers. In classic rom-com style, this doesn’t quite go as smoothly as it could as Poppy and Kat end up staying with the wedding party in a secluded castle, where she is pretending to be a spy and trying to figure out who is causing trouble.

The more time she spends in this castle, the more time she is spending with Zac and she starts to think that maybe her past decisions/actions were done in haste and that her feelings have never quite disappeared.

It’s a fun tale of reconnection, rediscovery and following your heart; learning that time can change people but can also mean you see things from a different perspective. A story of second chances that will lift your spirits.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3mzUVzP

Author Bio:

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of over 15 novels, including Stuck On You and The Plus One Pact. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

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

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow - Jessica Redland

 

It's time for the wedding we've all been waiting for...

Life at Hedgehog Hollow is never dull, although Samantha hopes that the new year ahead will be a little less chaotic as she prepares to marry the love of her life, Josh. But disaster strikes when she checks the rescue centre's bank account after the festive season and discovers it has been emptied. Who would do such a thing, and why? With the future of Hedgehog Hollow now in jeopardy, planning a wedding has lost its shine.

Phoebe is desperate to escape the shadow of her family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha's beloved rescue centre. Could the kindness of the Hedgehog Hollow team be the chance she needs for a fresh start, or will her family's secrets continue to drag her back?

My Review:

A lovely return to Hedgehog Hollow, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this next book in the hedgehog loving series and let me say – the wait was worth it!

I flew through this book; I just didn’t want to put it down as I was so keen to know what was happening. Jessica Redland has been so clever in encompassing many issues within this storyline, tackling some very serious and sensitive problems that will have readers riding an emotional rollercoaster. I was ranging from outraged to concerned, from upset but then full of hope, with lots of happiness and a heart full of love.

Whilst we primarily are catching up with Sam and her wonderful family/friends and hogs, we are also given a chance to discover Phoebe’s story. She is the accountant Sam has sources vis the local college and she has more then one secret she is trying to hide.

The more I read of Phoebes life, the angrier I became. Working in the profession I do; this is something I hear of regularly and it never changes how it makes you feel; Jessica Redland has done such a clever job incorporating this storyline into the book.

Sam’s character is slowly moving forwards after events in the past but that doesn’t mean she’s completely over them; when reminders threaten to set back the progress, she’s made she must be careful with choices she makes regarding the people she keeps close by.

An excellent and very enjoyable read, even if a little hard going to at time. I will (impatiently) wait for the next book in the series and see what happens next at Hedgehog Hollow.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3nVUBLA

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland is the top 10 bestselling author of over thirteen novels, including The Secret to Happiness. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

Social Media Links: 

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

Heartcross Castle - Christie Barlow

                 

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what

A second chance…

When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle. As a single mum of three, Grace has no idea what she’s going to do with it – but who can say no to a roof over their kids’ heads and a chance to get away from past hurts?

And a forever home

Heartcross Castle is full of secrets – especially a lost security deposit box that holds the truth to everything… But when celebrity chef Andrew Glossop sets his eyes on the castle and, to make matters worse, mistakes Grace as the new housekeeper, Grace tells him there is absolutely NO CHANCE he is getting his hands on her home.
 
Devastated to have got it so wrong, Andrew will do anything to make it up to her – but is she willing to listen? 

My Review:

Christie Barlow has created a series of books that I am always eager to return to – I don’t think she can write them as quickly as I would like to read them though. The Love Heart Lane series is going from strength to strength, Heartcross Castle is our next visit to Scotland and the community I know I have fully taken to heart.

I think Heartcross Castle is my favourite yet, although I probably say that every time. Grace Power is really one of those characters you get behind from the start and root for every step of the way and above everything you just want things to work out well for her and those three adorable (and fun loving) sons.  

Emotive, dramatic and heartfelt; Grace and her boys go on a journey of discovery, from escaping their current situation to living in a castle; finding things are not always as they are imagined to uncovering old secrets, re-establishing old friendships and learning to live alongside someone who seems to have it all when you have nothing.

I was swept away by Grace’s determination, her passion for providing the best for her family and just how hard she worked to make things happen. I loved that we saw all our favourite characters and yet again saw they pull together to support one of their own.

There are moments of sadness, moments of fun, times where you will laugh and times where you may just become a little teary.

As an ardent fan I always recommend this whole series to everyone, but Heartcross Castle is a little bit special. As always well written, nicely paced and guaranteed you’ll want to cosy up and read in one sitting. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B091BL4DX3

US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091BL4DX3

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.

Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.

Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

The Library - Bella Osborne

 MY FAVOURITE READ OF 2021

Two different generations. Two unusual people. Thrown together to save their local library.
Tom is a teenager and blends into the background of life. After a row with his dad, and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Tom unwittingly ends up with a bagful of romance novels and comes under the suspicion of Maggie.
Maggie is a pensioner and has been happily alone for ten years, at least that's what she tells herself. When Tom comes to her rescue a friendship develops that could change her life. As Maggie helps Tom to stand up for himself, Tom helps Maggie realise the mistakes of her past don't have to define her future.

They each set out to prove that the library isn't just about books – it's the heart of their community.

Together they discover some things are worth fighting for.

Purchase your copy: HERE

My Review:
What more can I say other than I LOVED it?! My absolutely favourite read of 2021.

The Library by (the always lovely) Bella Osborne is truly something very special. With a move away from her normal type of work, Bella hasn’t given us the light hearted romance than fans know and love. Whilst still written with her undoubtable skill and sensitivity, she uses this story to tackle more serious, hard hitting topics. 

A wonderful cast of characters, of different backgrounds, ages etc but they are all flawed and with their own issues. They have been carefully written, relationships have been delicately nurtured so to engage the reader, such as the relationship between Tom and Maggie. Their bond and connection started so small, with a simple act but grew into something life changing. 
When a common cause unites members of the community you quickly see how bonds grow and how those bonds can affect a person in many ways. They are trying to save the community library but through doing so they are also saving themselves. 

I didn’t want to put it down, and once I got to the end it stayed with me long after turning that last page. 

A charming, heartfelt story that I will recommend to all. 

For more from Bella please follow her on Twitter : Bella Osborne (@osborne_bella) / Twitter

A Spring Surprise For The Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

Brand new from the top 10 bestselling author of The Cornish Midwife.

Midwife Jess knows she’ll never have a baby of her own, but she’s determined to still be a mum. So Jess decides to foster, providing love and support for children who desperately need it – something Jess never had as a child when she was in foster care.

Jess loves caring for the precious babies who come into her life, but letting them go again breaks her heart every time - can she really be a mum after all?

But then Jess finds a surprise on her doorstep – a newborn baby! As the search for the missing mum begins, Jess cares for the precious babe day and night. She desperately wants to reunite mum and baby, but knows that when the day comes, her own heart will shatter.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3EBUtY3

My Review:

It’s lovely to return to a series that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I will say that I have really enjoyed each ‘Cornish Midwife’ book but this one to me is a standout favourite.

A Spring Surprise for The Cornish Midwife is full of drama, surprise and heart-breaking sentiment. There are moments of joy coupled with times of anguish. Your emotions will be pulled in every direction with this one.

This time we focus on Jess and her plans to foster children in need following the breakup of her marriage. Working with the team at the maternity unit means she is fully supported and has friends who need her as much as she needs them. Whilst we follow Jess’ story we do get to catch up with previous characters which I love. That being said you could read this as a standalone book though (I would recommend reading the other books in this series).  

I really liked Jess, down to earth, kind, caring and deserving of some happiness. She has been through so much it seems like its her turn for something good to happen. I won’t give any spoilers but after this rollercoaster read, I really felt every emotion Jess did. I did not like

As always it sounds lovely in Port Agnes and makes me want to run away to Cornwall myself. I am so keen to see what happens next. Jo Bartlett has created a brilliant community of characters, with well written storylines that will keep you invested from start to finish.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of 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. Boldwood published the first title in The Cornish Midwife Series - part of a twelve-book deal – in April 2021.

Social Media Links.

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/j_b_writer?lang=en  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo_bartlett123/?hl=en

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/JoBartlettNewsletter

The Cocktail Bar - Isabella May

 

Rock star, River Jackson, is back in his hometown of Glastonbury to open a cocktail bar… and the locals aren’t impressed.

Seductive Georgina is proving too hot to handle; band mate, Angelic Alice, is messing with his heart and his head; his mum is a hippie-dippy liability; his school friends have resorted to violence – oh, and his band manager, Lennie, AND the media are on his trail.

But River is armed with a magical Mexican elixir which will change the lives of three lucky people. Once the Mexican wave of joy takes a hold of the town, he’s glad he didn’t lose his proverbial bottle.

Pity he hasn’t taken better care of the real one…

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

 

My Review:

The Cocktail Bar is a definitely a read that is full of fun, humour and drama. We have magic, mystery, and of course enough cocktails to please every reader. A really interesting read!

Whilst I didn’t think all the characters were likeable, they were all so well written. River has returned to Glastonbury to open a cocktail bar; throughout the story we are taken to further climbs – from Mexico to Prague, Bath to London.

River is hoping the locals take to his new bar, although met with instant trouble and disdain. He really needs to get locals onside and uses every trick in the book to do that. Georgina is using her feminine charm to lull River into trusting her, get ready for the crazy there. When we see the return of Alice, well, sparks fly, and we see that Georgina will not give up without a fight.

The mystical elixir given to River is going to change lives and I couldn’t wait to see what happened and how their lives would “change.” Is it really this special ingredient that has such powerful effects?

Spiritual and sexy, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish. A lovely escape and perfect for those heading off for a beach holiday, sip on a cocktail or two and enjoy The Cocktail Bar

Author Bio:

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Social Media Links:

www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/

Instagram - @isabella_may_author

 

Giveaway to Win Kindle Copies of all of Isabella May’s Eight currently published books in the Foodie Romance series (Open INT)

Prize includes, The Cocktail Bar, Oh! What a Pavlova, Costa del Churros, The Ice Cream Parlour, The Cake Fairies, The Chocolate Box, Bubblegum and Blazers, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.