The Nurse - Valerie Keogh

 

Do No Harm…

Bullied, overlooked and under-appreciated, Lissa McColl learns at an early age to do very bad things.

As a nurse, she is respected and valued for the first time in her life. But Lissa hates her job and the selfish, rude and inconsiderate people she has to deal with.

But being underestimated in this job had its advantages. Lissa can get close to people, find out their secrets… sometimes with deadly results...

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

My Review:

Dark and fascinating to read something from the point of view, and the understanding of a killer. I wasn’t sure I would get into this but how wrong I was, hooked and didn’t want to put it down.

Lissa is our killer, premeditated murderer, clever young lady and actually quite a messed-up person that does have feelings (in some ways!) and actually isn’t a killer for killings sake.

Bullied at school, not seen by fellow students unless it is to mock or tease, Lissa quickly comes to realise her intelligence can help change the situation, she doesn’t want to be popular, she just wants a level of respect that all young girls should receive. She formulates a plan and sees it through with ease, no suspicion of wrongdoing at all. This gives Lissa a strange sense of power that we see stay within her as she gets older.

Lissa’s home life isn’t always great, neglected at times and almost forgotten by her parents, her dad works away and her Mum cannot handle being without him. When their lives change and the truth causes repercussions for all, Lissa must be the one to find solutions – no matter what it may take.

Lissa trains as a nurse, she works hard because she has responsibilities, but she hates rude, inconsiderate people. Lissa uses her intelligence and thirst for knowledge to her advantage; she has a great way at discovering secrets and those often can reap benefits for her.

I actually quite liked Lissa, she is a murderer, she has done very bad things but she feels justified in doing so, she is quite outraged by any suggestion she kills for the love of killing.

The story is fast paced, addictive and dark. You cannot trust anyone or anything. Added little twists at the end always spice things up when you think you have it all guessed, I enjoyed that we were still kept on our toes.

The first time I have read a book by this author but it will not be the last.

I would like to thank #BoldwoodBooks for my ARC of #TheNurse in exchange for an honest review.

Author bio:

Valerie Keogh is the internationally bestselling author of several psychological thrillers and crime series, most recently published by Bloodhound. She originally comes from Dublin but now livesin Wiltshire and worked as a nurse for many years. Her first thriller for Boldwood will be published in August 2022.

Social Media Links –  

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The Start of Something Wonderful - Jessica Redland

 

Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer.

So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?

Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.

But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn's walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?

A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?

Join million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a brand new series, full of love, friendship and community.

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

 

My Review:

Jessica Redland is one of my “go to” authors, I have loved every book, every series, all the characters and locations, so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into another series in a brand new setting!

This new series, set in the Lake District, has started strong, I loved getting to meet new characters, fell in love with the locations (as always Jessica describes it wonderfully) and couldn’t put it down once I started!

Autumn is our leading lady, but we also get to know Dane, Rosie and Alice well too. Beatrix Potter has clearly been an influence as this book is littered with references to her life and work; which is something Autumn and Dane bond over. As you read more about Beatrix, her story is mirrored in some ways by Autumns – it’s hard not to draw comparisons.

As an Illustrator, the Lakes give Autumn inspiration but she feels something is missing, Dane is also looking for some creative inspiration and so the pair agree to help each other.

Rosie has been Autumns penpal for a very long time, having her nearby has only helped strengthen their friendship. We were given tiny glimpses into her life, but I feel (and hope) there will be more to learn about Rosie.

It’s a story with ups and downs; long lost love, poor timings, heartbreak and pain but also hope, a fresh start and new chances.

Autumn is a lovely character and I hoped her time in the Lake Distract would be the start of great things for her. I’ve never been to the Lake District but I felt like I could easily imagine the village, the walks etc.

Great start to the series, I cannot wait for the next book!

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links:

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street - Jaimie Admans

A picture-perfect town; a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street's shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can't hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

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

My Review:

What an enchanting tale from Jaimie Admans, who never fail to capture my heart with her romantic, magical tales. This is a charming read, suspend reality and enter the fairytale world of Jaimie’s creation, where magic, fairytale endings could exist.

Whilst it feels very familiar in theme, you will pick up on the Cinderella-esque storyline, it is modern, full of funny and lightheaded humour as well as being romantic and a cute tale of girl meeting boy, overcoming some issues and trying to each find their own happily ever after.

Sadie is our modern day Cinderella, a great character with a heart of gold. Life hasn’t always been great to her and she dreams of being able to follow her mothers path, creating wonderful dresses in the shop she owned. Unfortunately she has an Aunt, who isn’t quite “wicked step mother” but isn’t exactly helpful nor appreciative of Sadie’s talents. Throughout the book Sadie gains confidence, belief in herself and in how she must do what is right, follow her dreams and show she is willing to leave the community she adores if it means doing the right thing.

Witt is our ‘prince’, I guessed the “revealing” information about Witt pretty early on but I loved how Sadie didn’t work things out. He is another character that has much to overcome, painful memories and personal problems. He may have no confidence himself but he certainly helps Sadie gain hers.

A romantic tale I didn’t want to finish, happy ever afters are all well and good but I would love a return to Ever After Street and more magical, fairy tale fun. 

Author Bio:

Jaimie is a 37-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching Hallmark movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She writes quirky and uplifting romantic comedies and loves nothing more than escaping into a good book, whether by reading them or writing them!

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/profile/jaimie-admans

Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

The emotional finale to the bestselling Cornish Midwife series! Get your tissues ready!

Midwife Jess is so used to helping other mums achieve their dreams that she’s put her own hopes of motherhood firmly on hold. After having her heart broken once before, Jess is determined to focus all she has on her small family and stepson Riley and make sure he feels safe, happy and loved.

But when Jess is asked to care for a tiny baby and new mum in need of support, she’s torn. Jess wants to help, but she isn’t sure her battered heart could cope with saying goodbye to another baby she’s fallen in love with.

Jess knows this could be the happy ever after she’s always dreamed of, but what if it costs her more heartache along the way? Is she brave enough to take one last chance at motherhood?

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

My Review:

I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the beginning, a wonderful setting, a great cast of characters, storylines that have taken us on emotional journeys for each of the midwives. Although I hate to say goodbye to any series, I can have hope they may appear one day in the future in some way shape or form, I feel we’ve become friends and I should like to know how they are doing from time to time.

Happy Ever After…the ultimate ending for all, but I can honestly say there were times reading this I was not altogether sure that would be possible. As always, emotional twists and turns along the way, our lovely Jess, who we have seen endure so much, takes one of the central roles this time and we learn what more Jess must face. Times to make your heart ache but also moments that fill it with pure joy. I love Jess’ character, she is inspirational in how she continues to support so many others when she herself is in pain.

When an opportunity presents itself, Jess is worried at first, is she able to take risk in order to get what she has always wanted, even if it may end up breaking her heart just a little more.

We also have Megs story, which is very surprising. She is put through the ringer too, it’s very emotional and difficult times for her but with every dark cloud comes some sunshine, and after a big shock, Meg comes to the realisation that she cannot be the one to solve every issue and that her priorities must change.

I loved our final visit to the to midwives, I love Jo’s writing and I look forward to whats to come. Happily Ever After for the Cornish Midwives is a great read, I highly recommend, but I do suggest reading the others first – it’s worth it!

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:  

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A Sister’s Destiny - Rosie Clarke

 

As war looms in Europe, 18-year-old Jane Shaw, runs the household as an unpaid servant on a meagre budget.

When tragedy strikes and she loses her beloved younger brother in suspicious circumstances, Jane takes a position in service looking after Ned, a troubled young boy. Here she meets dashing David Heron, Neds Uncle and they form an immediate attachment until she is dismissed after being accused of stealing a piece of jewellery.

Returning home, Jane and her sister, Melia are soon orphaned and left at the mercy of their Aunt Alice. When War breaks out Jane decides to strike out on her own and do her bit for King and Country in the Nursing Corp. Here, despite the terrible conditions she finds her true vocation and her one true love. But Jane’s destiny has many more twists and turns to come.

Will Jane ever find her peace and get her happy-ever-after? and where does her destiny lie and with whom?

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

My Review:

As huge fan of this author, I was very excited to read A Sisters Destiny – it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the start and what an emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

Jane Shaw, a young woman who shows compassion, is determined, hard working, willing to do anything she can for those that need her and a girl that is more than happy to make sacrifices for the good of her family.

My heart broke for Jane time and time again in this book, her mother depends on her yet treats her badly, her father gets himself into a state and cannot figure out how to rectify things, she’s treated atrociously by so many people, I despaired on her behalf. I couldn’t believe how much poor luck and sheer grief one young woman could endure, yet Jane seems to do so. She is determined her sister completes her education and goes further than she did.

Janes story is indicative of the time period in many ways, sometimes it is hard to put yourself in that situation as I kept thinking she should stand up for herself more etc.

As the story moved on, Jane found times of joy, found a profession and also found love. Jane found herself cared for by many people, and it showed that sometimes family is who you chose it to be.

A saga full of angst and drama. Rosie's writing, as always, was brilliant and engaged me from start to finish. Brilliant! 

Author Bio:

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rosie-clarke-119457351778432/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneHerries

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosie-clarke

The Lottery Win, Little Duck Pond Café - Rosie Green

 

Krystle has always yearned to live a different kind of life, so when she hits the jackpot, quite literally, she's over the moon. At last she'll get the chance to live in a gorgeous house, drive the car of her dreams and maybe even track down that elusive soulmate at last! It all sounds perfect – but can reality ever live up to your dreams?

My Review:

A series I love,  I always look forward to the next book. Whilst there was little Duck Pond Café in this book, we still have that sense of community and we still come across familiar characters.

Krystle has got herself in a little bit of trouble and really doesn’t want to have to seek the help of her twin, who always has her life together. Krystle really surprised me at the start, I hadn’t imagined the character getting herself into such a pickle, she seemed a bit immature and I think this only served to emphasise how much she developed and matured as the story progressed.

Who hasn’t dreamt of winning the lottery at some point? When Carries numbers come up she automatically shares with her twin, and it happened just in the nick of time.

Krystle does get a little carried away at first and becomes wary of people getting in touch just because of the win. Her ex suddenly wants to see her, and other men suddenly seem quite keen; she isn’t sure who she can actually trust, especially when things don’t seem to really add up. She keeps being told things but finding evidence to prove they are lies, can she actually trust the people around her anymore? Adam is her best friend, he keeps her grounded and since one snog, Krystle has wondered if there could be any more between them.

We certainly had some twists and turns with this one, at the start I wasn’t fully keen on Krystle but she grew on me as we read on. I think this is a wonderful addition to the series, it can be read as a standalone though so don’t worry if you haven’t had chance to catch up yet.

A fun, light-hearted novella with loveable characters and of course, Rosie's wonderful writing style that keeps you entertained throughout.  

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/42S4f5s

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of Little Duck Pond Café novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. ‘The Cheesecake Challenge’ is out now. Look out for ‘A Kiss under the Stars’, out in August 2023.

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

The French Chateau Dream - Julie Caplin

 

The French Chateau Dream

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while.

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau. 

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau.

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead?

My Review:

If I need a book that will lift my spirits, fill me with dreams of beautiful settings, give me mouthwatering descriptions of foods and drinks and of course, fill my heart with romance, I know I can do no better than pick up one of Julie Caplins romantic escape books. The French Chateau Dream is the 10^th in this series and if full of sunshine, dreams and of course, romance.

Hattie, oh Hattie, is a great character. We briefly met her in ‘The Christmas Castle in Scotland’ and now she’s heading to France to a Chateau as a wedding planner for her cousins upcoming nuptials. Fresh from a relationship break up, Hattie really wants to prove she is capable of planning this wedding, keen to establish her business she is determined to make this a success.

Arriving in France, Hattie meets Luc who lives at the Chateau and is keen to start making champagne again. He isn’t altogether on board with the wedding but knows they need the money if he is to make a go of things at all. Hattie is a force to be reckoned with in her own way and I admired her tenacity, especially when she comes up against sabotage. It is evident who is to blame but Hattie can more than handle herself.

Hattie falls for the chateau, is quite keen on the gorgeous Luc and starts believing that she could achieve what she has always wanted but knows her time there is limited especially when a face from the past pulls on her heart strings once again.

I absolutely adored reading this one, location, characters, storyline – all fantastic. I didn’t want to put it down but didn’t want it to end. I love this series as you can read any one at any time, but for those, like me, that love to read things in order you will spot the cameos from previous stories and it is great to catch up them even for a moment.

There would never be a time I didn’t champion any book by Julie/Jules – an author that enables the reader to have a true connection to the characters, where we feel like they are just like any of us and that we want the best for them – like a friend.

Julie/Jules’ books are familiar, like a comfort blanket or a ray of sunshine on a grey day. The French Chateau Dream is a gorgeous read, perfect for this summer by the pool, in the garden; highly recommended.

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 a 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/

Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage - Helen Rolfe

 

Welcome back to Little Woodville.

Visit old friends and new in this super, summer escapist read.

Morgan Rosewood finds herself at a crossroads in her life after returning home to Forget-Me-Not Cottage to care for her ailing mother. She and boyfriend Ronan, had plans, big plans, but all these hopes and dreams are put on hold when Morgan's mum suddenly dies.

Morgan’s emotions are in turmoil but she sets about the task of clearing the house and running her late mother’s vintage market stall.

Nate Greene has his own reasons for staying away from Little Woodville. Nate needs to reconcile his past and tackle the long overdue task of decluttering the place he once loved - his abandoned wood workshop, filled to the brim with his creations.

He secures a stall at the local market to showcase his wares and it isn't long before the workshop reignites the passion he once shared with a special person.

Thrown together Morgan and Nate have their own personal battles to overcome.

Can the beautiful little Cotswold village teach two lost souls what matters,

and more importantly, will it give them each something they didn't come here for? Love...

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

My Review:

Helen Rolfe is one of my absolutely, must-read authors; every book is a joy to read. I loved the first book in this series so getting the chance to read and review Summer at Forget Me Not cottage, well I obviously jumped for joy!

Locations can really make me fall in love with a book/series and this idyllic setting (and its locals) just make me want to bag my bags. Helen describes the homes and surroundings so beautifully; you really do feel like you are right there.

Morgan moves back home to support her ailing Mother, leaving her partner to move to Scotland without her - for now. She fully intends on joining him as soon as possible, but months after her Mum’s death she is still there and doesn’t seem to be making any plans on joining Ronan. Morgans sister joins her, to sort through the cottage and suggests Morgan may actually like to stay there for a while longer, live there and figure out what it is that she wants to do.

Nate is back to visit his Dad, Trevor. Having lived in Wales for some time he is concerned that his Dad is struggling and would like to convince him to move to Wales too. Nate struggles being back, he feels guilty and is still coping with the loss of his Mother.

Thrown together at the local market by having to share a stall, Nate and Morgan are both working through struggles, both hurting and not quite sure of what to do for the best.

The prefect cosy read and a wonderful escape, a story about letting go; of hurt, of the past and allowing yourself to be happy again. Finding new beginnings in old haunts.

A great summer read, I can never recommend Helens books enough!

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.

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