The Many Futures of Maddy Hart - Laura Pearson

 

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…

Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?

Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Matt Haig, and The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!

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

My Review:

Laura Pearson’s The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written, thought-provoking read. The novel follows Maddy Hart, a woman whose life has been shaped by an unusual happening which leads to a series of pivotal moments and decisions, each of which has the potential to change her future in unexpected ways.

This book is different, but typical in what I expect from this author – I always know I will get a great, interesting take on things. The story delves into various possible futures for Maddy, each reflecting different paths she could take based on the choices she alone can make. This keeps the reader intrigued as they follow Maddy through alternate scenarios, each one offering a new perspective on her life and the consequences of her actions. It made me consider how I would respond in a similar situation and how it must weigh heavy on you all the time.

Maddy is a great character, she’s relatable and completely likeable. Maddy’s struggles, desires, and personal growth resonate with how everyone struggles and must learn as they work their way through life. The book also does an excellent job of exploring themes like regret, ambition, and the search for meaning in life, without ever feeling preachy or contrived.

Ultimately, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is an insightful and poignant novel about the power of choices and the roadmaps of our lives. Pearson has created a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a brilliant read. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories. 

Author Bio:

Laura Pearson is the author of issues-based women’s fiction. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @LauraPearson22

Twitter: @LauraPAuthor

Instagram: @LauraPAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22

Stormy Waters at Harbour House - Fenella J. Miller

 

Stormy Waters at Harbour House

Wivenhoe February 1940

As the war clouds gather over Europe, the Roby family are thankful to have started their new life in Wivenhoe safe from German bombs…for the moment at least. And with the safe arrival of baby Grace, family life at Harbour House seems to be settling down.

But Emily Roby finds life stifling. She’s not keen on her new baby sister, doesn’t like her new school and feels as though sometimes her parents still treat her as a baby, but also a grown up when it suits them! Emily’s only friend is Nancy, the new girl working at Harbour House.

Nancy loves working at Harbour House, but war has brought many changes and she begins to wonder if there’s another life for her away from Wivenhoe. Her young man, Dan Brooks, is keen for them to get married and start a family, but at only eighteen, Nancy feels too young to settle down.

As a bargeman working on the river, Dan is often away for days and weeks on end, but Nancy knows he will always come home to her. But with the Germans U-boats turning their eyes to Britain’s waters, Dan’s job suddenly become more dangerous than ever before.

Suddenly there are troubled waters ahead for everyone at Harbour House and the future looks unsettling for everyone.

 A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.

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

My Review:

Fenella J. Miller’s Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an engaging, heartfelt tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This is the second book of this series and it follows the lives of the residents of Harbour House, weaving together love, secrets, and the trials of living through WWII.

I am a huge fan of Miller’s books, the characters are well-written and relatable, with emotional journeys. I really felt we got to know more about the characters this time compared to the first book, it had a different feel to it and I hope that we learn more with the next.

The relationships in the novel are particularly well-explored—both romantic and platonic—adding depth to the story and making the reader care deeply about the characters’ fates. Nancy is a girl with gumption and I really liked her character, she showed determination, consideration for others and I was keen to see all work out well for her.

Overall, Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an extremely enjoyable and satisfying read. It’s perfect for those who love this genre – war time/ family saga; a book with a mixture of romance, personal growth, and family bonds not always being blood relatives. A great addition to Miller’s collection of heartwarming novels.

Author Bio:

Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of over eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @FenellaJMiller

Twitter: @fenellawriter

Instagram: @fenellajmiller

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

Bookbub profile: @FenellaJMiller

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft - Jessica Redland

 

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

New friends, new life, new love…

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Farm couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

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

My Review:

The third book in a wonderful series by Jessica Redland, this is a poignant, heartwarming story about following your heart, saying goodbye and embracing new beginnings. I adored Joel and Poppy’s story, both are wonderful characters  which is a common trait of Jessica’s - creating characters we feel connected to and want the best for!

We’ve previously met Joel in previous stories but now he is front and centre, deservedly so, I’ve been looking forward to know more about him. He’s so used to being seen as second best, a great guy but not THE guy. His daughter is his world and his ex seems to do all she can to limit their time together.

Poppy, what a character – I felt so emotional for her, having had so much to deal with losing her Mum but then having to be strong as her Dads health declined. Life hasn’t gone the way she thought it would and at best, she’s struggling to move forward in any way. It soon becomes clear she needs a break, and ends up discovering the perfect place, the perfect person and the perfect time away to see what she needs to do next.

I love when characters have chemistry that sparks from the page, Joel and Poppy do instantly. Not only was romance inevitable but it seemed each person found their best friend; a person who was completely on their side and willing to do whatever it took to make the other happy. A fast moving relationship but a clearly strong connection.

As always, there are ups and downs, misunderstandings and other people throwing spanners in the works; both have so much going on in their lives do they have the time for each other.

Jessica handles sensitive topics so sensitively, yet again highlighting issues and topics amongst the romantic, cosy element we all love. I highly recommend this one (and every one by the author!)

Always sad when a series comes to an end, but a gorgeous book to end on. I always look forward to the next book from Jessica.

 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:  

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

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