The Other Girlfriend - Alex Stone

 

She loves him…

Lizzie Green once loved Tom Murphy with a passion that bordered on obsession. All she wanted was his love to be returned. Then one night something terrible happened and Tom left Lizzie broken hearted. She swore she would never let him hurt her again….

She loves him not.

Now, ten years later, Tom turns up on Lizzie’s doorstep still as charming as ever. Lizzie knows he still has the power to break her heart and destroy her life again. But Lizzie can’t say no to him….

Can she?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3vNxKa9

My Review:

An intense yet slow burn, psychological thriller that kept my attention throughout. Although I will admit I wasn’t surprised by anything it was still a fantastic read, I was intrigued to see how everything would play out.

I enjoyed learning more about the characters, especially Lizzie. Written in such a way we fully support her, sympathise with her but feel frustrated that she cannot see the blatantly obvious. She seems set to be taken in by the same person that was happy to destroy her (not that she could see that).

We are given alternating chapters between the present day and the past, which I loved as it fully explained how Lizzie had got to where she had and why, but also how the other people in her life had played a part.

Story involved some serious themes around mental health, that were touched on a lot. I think its important such issues are included in stories and I found it to tie in well with the story and why these characters would struggle, not just added for effect.

Good writing, interesting characters (your gut instinct on one will be spot on!) and a gripping story. I highly recommend.

Author Bio:

Alex Stone, originally an accountant from the West Midlands, is now a psychological suspense writer based in Dorset. This beautiful and dramatic coastline is the inspiration and setting for her novels. She was awarded the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2019 and her debut thriller The Perfect Daughter was published by  Boldwood in October 2021.

Social Media Links:  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlexStoneAuthor

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

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-stone-69a67039-4aed-4e8c-9319-9e93eba46d5b

Ginger and Me - Elissa Soave

Wendy is lonely but coping.
All nineteen-year-old Wendy wants is to drive the 255 bus around Uddingston with her regulars on board, remember to buy milk when it runs out and just to be okay. After her mum died, there’s nobody to remind her to eat and what to do each day.

And Wendy is ready to step out of her comfort zone.
Each week she shows her social worker the progress she’s made, like the coasters she bought to spruce up the place, even if she forgets to make tea. And she even joins a writers’ group to share the stories she writes, like the one about a bullied boy who goes to Mars.

But everything changes when Wendy meets Ginger.
A teenager with flaming orange hair, Ginger’s so brave she’s wearing a coat that isn’t even waterproof. For the first time, Wendy has a real best friend. But as they begin the summer of their lives, Wendy wonders if things were simpler before. And that’s before she realizes just how much trouble Ginger is about to get them in…

An unforgettable debut novel from the winner of the Primadonna Prize 2019 which will stay with you long after the last page.

My review:

A fantastic debut from Elissa Soave, telling us the story of two extremely vulnerable people in society and how in differing ways both have been let down by the people supposed to be taking care of them. A warning to all about how easy it can be to neglect those that appear to be doing ok but really are just very good at covering up the truth.

A heart breaking, and at times difficult read – the friendship between Ginger and Wendy is that of two lost souls needing someone, both taking what they need from the relationship at different times. Wendy is a bus driver, happy with the route and regulars she sees doing this. Underneath she is lonely, her Mum was a big part of her life and is no longer there to pointing her in the right direction. Wendy manages to convince people she is ok, when really she needs help. Fixating on things and people, Wendy doesn’t see where things could go wrong.

Ginger is young, and surrounded by people wanting to use her for their own benefit. She is streetwise, experienced far too much far too young. She has nothing really in common with Wendy so it is a strange friendship at first.

At the beginning we find Wendy being taken away by the police with concerns for her friends; the story is then the events leading up to this. Its done in a very clever way, we understand Wendy and her reasons for doing the things she does, we see that she doesn’t have as much support as she needs really, despite having her own social worker.

It’s a brilliantly written story that is sad at time, upsetting, dramatic but is offset with moments of humour that will make you smile.

Highly recommended!

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE 

New Family Required - Carmen Reid

 

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Family secrets, warring siblings and a disastrous reunion… what could possibly go right?!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3sg7suR

My review:

An interesting, dramatic read at times. Families aren’t always the most fun to be around, especially for Sasha, who has always felt like the odd one out. Younger brother beau is adored by their mum and older sister has a special relationship with their father, so Sasha is used to feeling overlooked. 

Luckily she has her adoring husband Ben and their wonderful daughter, Loulou who mean the world to her. When their business hits a rough patch Sasha knows it’s not worth asking her parents for help. 

Anniversary celebrations throw the family together and it true fashion, there are dramas, secrets and fights ahead. Sasha uncovers various family secrets and to her it yet again reiterates she isn’t considered, but when an unexpected event means there is no chance of an escape, they all must learn to get along and communicate. Someone gets in serious danger, and when it counts the family work together.

Funny and dramatic, I felt for Sasha but was frustrated she doesn’t learn to speak up earlier. Ben makes his mistakes but he’s supportive. An interesting story of family and how keeping things secret will always come back to cause trouble. 

GREAT SUMMER READ.

Author Bio:

Carmen Reid is the bestselling author of numerous woman’s fiction titles including the Personal Shopper series starring Annie Valentine. After taking a break from writing she is back, introducing her hallmark feisty women characters to a new generation of readers. She lives in Glasgow with her husband and children.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/thiscarmenreid 

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carmen-reid 

The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove -Jaimie Admans

 

Her new start is about to bee-gin!

Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees an opening for a new beekeeper at the old manor house at Elderflower Grove she jumps at the chance – despite not knowing a thing about bees…

 The abandoned house holds a mystery of its own – the previous owner vanished years ago – and locals have been inventing stories about the manor ever since. Unable to resist the urge to look around, Kayleigh is shocked to find drop-dead-gorgeous gardener Carey living inside!

 Carey explains that the house and surrounding land is at risk of being demolished, endangering the bees, and he has been staying there to protect it.

 Convinced the secret of the house holds the key to saving Elderflower Grove’s bees, Kayleigh is prepared to do everything she can to help. But is she ready to find her own happy-ever-after too…?

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09Z757JFW

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z757JFW

My review:

Wonderful summer read, instant sunshine and happiness in a book. This is down to Jaimie’s unique style and interesting storylines. As a fully fledged fan of all Jaimie’s books, I knew to expect some crazy antics, mysterious shenanigans and things that just can’t be explained. 

Great characters, a setting that is so descriptive you feel you are right there, and a lot of information about bees and beekeeping I never knew before. I loved Kayleigh, she has a great attitude and a character I wanted to see do well. Carey grew on me, I had doubts and couldn’t believe he was for real. Elderflower Grove just sounds magnificent, also a little mysterious as Kayleigh and Carey discover.

If you suspend your sensible head and go with your imagination, this book will leave you make you smile from start to finish.

As always, great writing, interesting themes and a smashing summer read. 

Author Bio:

Jaimie is a 36-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

She is the author of several romantic comedies for HarperCollins - The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters, The Little Wedding Island, It's a Wonderful Night, The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea, Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm, The Little Bookshop of Love Stories, The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore, The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane, The Post Box at the North Pole, and The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/be_the_spark

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

Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake - Rosie Green

It was meant to be a gloriously romantic getaway in Wales for Ruby and Hudson. That was the plan, anyway. But then friends start inviting themselves along, lured by the idea of unwinding in a chocolate-box pretty cottage, wandering the lanes and the coastline, soaking up the sun and the stunningly beautiful Italian-inspired architecture. With Ellie, Jaz, Fen and Madison popping up around every corner, plus another sinister mystery to solve, will the lovebirds ever find time to indulge their desire for sun, sea and . . . strawberry shortcake?

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

My Review:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I LOVE this series of books, Rosie Green is brilliant! Twenty two books in this series, every one is new and full of character, charm, laughter and drama, There are not many series’ that would remain so fresh and interesting, but Rosie manages with ease. I look forward to each book, eager to discover a new character as well catch up with old favourites. 

 

I love that this time we are back with mystery (and crime) solving extraordinaries Ruby and Hudson, I have previously found stories involving them to be the funniest and most dramatic. This time we meet and they seem a bit off, something isn’t gelling as it was. Going on holiday might give them chance to refocus on them – well that’s the hope.

 

Meeting Bee, the holiday cottage cleaner; and her young  daughter Jodie kick starts a whole series of events, and strange occurrences that Ruby can’t help but start to investigate. I was completely taken in by the threats Jodie received and was trying to figure it out along with Ruby, I was completely engrossed.

 

We also hear from an old favourite, Jaz, and her story plays out alongside the mystery being solved, her marriage might be in trouble as husband Harry is spending a lot of time with another woman. Time away with the Little Duck Pond Ladies will always help and they just happen to go to the same place as their pal Ruby, who also really needs her friends support. 

 

I love this mixture of mystery and room com, the characters are well written and seem more like friends. I enjoy the storylines which are engaging and fun. I could read another 22 in this series so please keep them going Rosie!

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for ‘Clara’s Secret Garden’ out in August 2022.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88 

Finding Happiness at Heritage View - Helen Rolfe

 

Welcome back to Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea brimming with character, community and friendship. The perfect place to fall in love…

Running Heritage View Stables is everything Hazel ever dreamed of. She loves working with the horses and managing the business with her brother. But after a terrible incident, she’s not sure whether she'll ever be able to put things back the way they were.

Gus is ready to start over. He’s moved him and his ten-year-old daughter Abigail to Heritage Cove, where he’s opening his own vet practice. Everything is falling into place, especially as he watches Abigail start to come out of her shell for the first time since the accident.

Neither Hazel nor Gus is looking for love, but could they each be what the other needs? And is happiness even a possibility when their pasts won’t let them go?

Join new friends and old, as summer comes to Heritage Cove.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/37b81il

My Review:

I love the Heritage Cove series of books and ‘Finding Happiness At Heritage View’ (the fifth book in the series) is a smasher. I just couldn’t put it down I was enjoying it so much.

Not matter how long since the last visit to the Cove, it doesn’t take long to feel the sense of community as you read, catching up with characters you love and stories you have read. That being said, you could read this as a standalone, there is a enough backstory information included – but I do highly recommend the other books, they are simply brilliant.

Fantastic writing, great storylines and realistic, loveable characters – Helen Rolfe has genuinely created one of the nicest fictional communities. If only we could go and visit for real. I suppose I will have to be happy with our fictional jaunts with each book – please Helen don’t break our hearts and say there’s no more!

Hazel is a great character but she has her own demons, at first we don’t understand what they are, we slowly learn to understand the problem and hope that she can find the support and help she needs before it’s too late.

New vet, Gus, and his daughter Abigail are very welcome additions to the local community as is their horse. They have both been through so much and a fresh start may just help them move forward.

Hazel needs a boost to her confidence and recognises the in Abigail; the relationship they develop is very sweet and it benefits both as the book progresses.

Gus’ priority if his daughter and wanting to make life as easy for her as possible. He develops a friendship with Hazel but struggles to understand why she stops herself getting too close. There is definitely a spark between the two of them but can something become romantic if they are both needing to get over their own issues.

Absolutely adored the setting of the stables and getting to hear about the different horses. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new characters, catching up with old friends and spending more time in The Cove; I’m already looking forward to the next visit!

I cannot recommend this book enough, perfect for a hot summers day.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Helen Rolfe and Rach’s Random Resources for the chance to read and review. 

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. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HJRolfe

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-rolfe

The Wisteria Tree Cottage - Holly Martin

 

Get swept away to the sparkling Welsh coast this summer, where the sea glitters in the sunshine and love is in the air. From the bestselling author of The Blossom Tree of Dreams, this is the perfect romantic treat to escape with this summer

Meadow has only ever loved one man – the very gorgeous Bear Brookfield. Ever since they were children she’s dreamed of marrying him under the green canopy of Wishing Wood. But when a teenage kiss that held such promise was followed by a series of misunderstandings, Meadow lost all hope of a future with Bear. Years later, Meadow and Bear remain best friends, despite Meadow marrying and divorcing Bear’s brother Heath. Yet she’s sure there’s no chance they’ll be anything more.

What Meadow doesn’t know is that Bear has only ever loved one woman too. He was heartbroken when Meadow married Heath, certain she chose his brother over him. But there’s more to Meadow and Heath’s marriage than anyone knows...

With both Meadow and Bear convinced they can only ever be friends they set one another a dating challenge – will they meet their perfect match online, as Bear thinks, or in person at a dating event, like Meadow believes? Or will they finally discover that their soul mate has been right there in front of them, secretly loving them, all along?

Once you’ve arrived in Wishing Wood you’ll never want to leave! Treat yourself to a summer of love with this feel-good, heartwarming and deliciously romantic tale. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Sue Moorcroft

To purchase - click HERE

My Review:

I will always abandon my TBR mountain to read a Holly Martin book first. Never failing to provide us with fantastic characters, brilliant locations and storylines that warm the heart and soul. You may tell I am a big fan of hers, every ‘series’ seems to top the last in which will be my favourite (it’s genuinely hard to pick though!) and ‘The Wisteria Tree Cottage’ is firmly up there with the greats.

Bear and Meadow are characters we came to know and love in ‘ The Blossom Tree of Dreams.’  Although you can read this book as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first – just because it is a lovely story!

We already know these two characters have feelings for each other but for various reasons don’t feel they can act upon them so it was great to see how Holly would actually create their story and allow us to see if they’d get together.

I wasn’t expecting it to be smooth sailing, and it isn’t at all – cue misunderstandings, drama, online dates and connections. There are some very sweet moments, coupled with comedy – I couldn’t stop chuckling at some of the antics and thought Meadow was great for giving things a go.

It was nice to hear more from Meadows daughter Star, who is intent on catching the antics of the wildlife nearby, especially when a wolf may be on the prowl!

I loved catching up with this great group of characters, and I am really looking forward to the next visit. The setting couldn’t be more dreamy if Holly tried; I wish I could take a trip.

A perfect read, especially if you will be relaxing by the pool or on the beach. I cannot recommend this enough.

Thank you to Holly for the opportunity to read and review.  

One Last Secret - Adele Parks (HQ)

 

One Last Secret - Adele Parks
Published 7 July 2022 - HQ

Everyone has secrets, don’t they?
One last client A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort, and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front. One last chance It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems…One last secret Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life…

From the Sunday Times number one bestseller Adele Parks comes a blisteringly provocative novel about power, sex, money and revenge.

My Review:

There are certain expectations I’ve come to have with each new book by Adele Parks; that it will bring drama and tension; that things will not always be just as they seem and that I will not be able to put it down as I will be so engrossed in the story. One Last Secret did not fail to meet these expectations.

By the end of the first page I was hooked. This is a book where the tension builds as we go, we grow to know Dora, understanding her situation and what makes her tick. As we progress into the story there is suspense, drama, twists and turns that will keep you guessing – well mostly. You may figure some parts of this story out but you’ll still find yourself surprised along the way.

Primarily told from Dora’s viewpoint (with a few exceptions) we get to be drawn into her world, maybe changing initial opinions of what she does when we finally find out more about her life. By looking at her past we also get the depth of character we really need to fully support her.

Taking on one last ‘job’ leads Dora into the path of danger, and it’s only a matter of time before events take a dark and sinister turn. Parks writes this wonderfully, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, where Dora seems without options with time running out.

Engaging, dark and atmospheric, I think this is yet another hit from Adele Parks. I highly recommend One Last Secret. Thank you for HQ for the opportunity to read and review.

Available to purchase - HERE

Love You From A-Z - Linda Corbett

 

Experience has told Jenna Oakhurst that Happy Ever After may happen in all the best stories, but Happy For Now is the best one ought to expect in real life. Yet lately even that isn’t quite enough, so when a strange set of circumstances leads her to discover a mysterious letter in an abandoned storage unit, she takes the chance to embark on a journey into the unknown…just like the heroines from the storybooks.

Reaching out to the letter’s author, Henry Somners, changes Jenna’s world irrevocably and she starts to realise that the magic she believed in as a child might not be such a fanciful notion after all…

Purchase Link -mybook.to/LoveYouFromAToZ

My Review:

Love You from A-Z is a cosy read that is a hug in book form. I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised, it had loveable (and not so loveable) characters of human and furry variety – Jenna is our leading lady and is very organised and safe; she doesn’t want a life of risk but her partner seems to be the complete opposite and gets himself (and her) into risky, silly situations that she has absolutely nothing to do with but will always have to deal with the consequences. With each disaster or risk Jenna starts to realise they aren’t on the same page after all.

Soon Jenna finds herself in a whole different situation as well as living arrangement, but the positive in this is that she gets to meet Henry. He is confident, adventurous (in a good way) and could provide a more stable future but she really doesn’t know if he is just for fun right now or if it could work out in the long term.

Henry provides romance, safety and allows her to support her sister who’s guinea pig rescue is at risk. He learns the adjustments Jenna needs and brings her such happy times; it all seems too good to be true.

Jenna and her sister soon learn that appearances can be deceptive, but is there more to it than they think?

It is really refreshing to read a story with a main character with a disability, who needs an element of organisation and pre-planning in their lives yet still would like to experience things able bodied people do. Jenna is a good character and she wants it all, safety, security, romance and even adventure – she doesn’t want her disability to define her. The stories focus isn’t on her disability but is cleverly woven into it.

A lovely read with interesting characters and funny moments that will make you see guinea pigs in a new light.

Author Bio:

Linda Corbett lives in Surrey with her husband Andrew and three permanently hungry guinea pigs. As well as being an author, Linda is treasurer for Shine Surrey – a volunteer-led charity that supports individuals and families living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For many years she also wrote a regular column for Link, a disability magazine, illustrating the humorous aspects of life with a complex disability and she is a passionate advocate of disability representation in fiction. When not writing, Linda can be found papercrafting, cross stitching, or cuddling guinea pigs. Love You From A-Z is her first published novel.

Social Media Links –

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/lcorbettauthor

Instagram:          @lindacorbettauthor

www.facebook.com/lindacorbettauthor

A Leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

Midwife Izzy is devastated to learn that her beloved grandmother is dying. Abandoned as a baby by her own mother, her grandparents have been the only family Izzy has ever known and she wants to spend every last precious moment with them.

New locum vicar, Noah, is a wonderful support – kind, considerate and always there for Izzy whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on. But secretly Noah is battling his own doubts about his faith – how can he offer Izzy comfort if he doesn’t truly believe his own words?

When Izzy and Noah are brought together to support grieving parents, Noah reaches breaking point. He can't stay in Port Agnes and live a lie. But Izzy is adamant it’s the only place she can be….

Will love find a way or will Izzy's hopes of a future be dashed?

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

My Review:

An emotional return to Port Agnes and our favourite group of midwives. I thoroughly enjoy returning to this series with each new book giving us more about one of the lovely midwives we have already come to know. Whilst it’s great to catch up with the previous characters storylines, each can be read as a standalone – if you haven’t read any of this series don’t worry, this book in particular is quite a step away from what we have come to know and love (but in a brilliant way of course!)

Its an emotional, poignant read that will strike a chord with even the coldest heart. Whilst we still look at the lives of soon to be parents, and new born babies, Izzy’s story also lets us take a look at the sad, but realistic aspect of those getting to the end of their life too. Izzy has known her Nonna’s terminal illness has but a limit to the time she has left but everyone is determined they make the most of the time they have left. This leads to wonderful, life affirming, memorable moments but of course, it comes with sadness and heartbreak too.

In finding some final days of happiness, Izzy’s Gran turns to Noah, Port Agnes’ temporary Vicar, and the church gardens. Noah himself is having a crisis of faith, wanting to do good but not confident he has found the best way to do this. His chemistry with Izzy is instant but both struggle with their own personal battles and this could be the barrier neither can get over.

I really enjoyed A leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife; emotive and engaging but containing both heart break and heart-warming moments. As always the supporting cast of characters brought their own moments of entertainment and I am already looking forward to the next book.

A great summer read, I recommend everyone take a read of this book but also the others in this series.

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. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/J_B_Writer

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo_bartlett123/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett