The Last Party at Silverton Hall - Rachel Burton

 

A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.

Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...

1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...

2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?

Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?

'I was absolutely transported to Silverton Bay... I loved it and wanted to savour every page.' Kathleen McGurl

My Review:

Enchanted by this story from start to finish. I think a combination of setting and characters won me over and I was reluctant to put it down!

I think for a dual timeline to work, both elements have to be captivating, whether by character or storyline but this was written perfectly, the “older” timeline playing out in clever ways, hinting at what was to come, drip feeding tasty titbits. I was fully investing in both stories, although they are both part of one. Vivien and Isobel are both strong women in difficult or uncomfortable circumstances. Vivien promised one life but presented with something she never anticipated; Isobel finding herself at a point where she can reassess her life and reconnect with those she holds close in her heart.

A beautiful story of secrets, choices and opportunities; it highlights the importance of being honest, open and willing to see things from another point of view.

With great writing, strong and likeable characters. I wishes it continued on a little longer; a must read for fiction fans. 

Praise for Rachel Burton:

'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North, author of Safe at Home

'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters'  Jenny Ashcroft

'With her signature nostalgia, swoon-worthy hero and wistful setting, this is a romance to whisk you away any time of the year' Victoria Cooke

About Rachel:

 Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband in Yorkshire. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @RachelBWriter

Follow Rachel:

On Twitter: @RachelBWriter

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachelburton74

On Instagram: @rachelbwriter

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#TheLastPartyAtSilvertonHall

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Party-Silverton-Hall-ebook/dp/B0B3SCGXYF/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-party-at-silverton-hall/rachel-burton/9781803287256

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 Bookshop Christmas - Rachel Burton

 

A Snowstorm. A stranger. A Spark. It should be the perfect start to the perfect love story.

But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor’s family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.

When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place. Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…

My Review:

A bookshop, Christmas, and some romance – is there anything more you could possibly need?

I loved curling up and enjoying this festive, heart warming treat.

Full of heart, character and a sprinkling of seasonal delight, I found myself wishing to spend time in the bookshop as well as learning everything for the party, it sounded like such fun. I loved the story between Megan and Xander, both alike and wary of letting anyone close. I could fully understand Megans frame of mind, having been there myself, and my heart went out to her every step of the way. It is difficult to move forward when part of you will always be stuck in the past.

Xander was more complex and harder to take to heart but what a team he and Megan made. I was rooting for them, yes as a couple, but for each individually as well. Both deserved to be happy.

There are a fab cast of characters who will really entertain, some needed light hearted relief at times.

A very enjoyable tale that book lovers, and romance fans, will thoroughly enjoy this Christmas. 

About the Author:

Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. Now she writes from a small bedroom looking out over hydrangeas, lavender bushes and rambling roses, in a little house in Yorkshire that she shares with her husband and their three cats. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order).

Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter or follow her blog at rachelburtonwrites.com.
 
Follow Rachel:
 
Twitter: @RachelBWriter
 
Facebook: @Rachelburton74
 
Instagram: @RachelBWriter
 
#ABookshopChristmas

When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place.

Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…

Christmas by the Coast - Mandy Baggot

 

A Christmas romance set in the Hamptons. Can love letters from the past pave the way to a brand-new future between Harriet and ex-soldier Mack? 

As snowflakes fall, romance blossoms across open fires, ice skating rinks, and a tiki bar. Harriet Cookson knows exactly what she wants from life. She has a plan, she has ambition and she knows she has to keep busy. But when her beloved Nana Lorna passes away, Harriet has to put everything on hold as she flies out to the Hamptons to say goodbye and be with her Grandfather. Whilst across the Atlantic, over a plate of canapes, Harriet’s eyes connect with ex-soldier Mack's – the one that got away, the person she least expected to see – and everything begins to change. Mack is determined to win back Harriet’s heart, and prove to her that Christmas, and a future, in the Hamptons could be just what she’s looking for. He'll show her that the plan she’s so carefully cultivated might not be what she wants. This Christmas, find out if love letters from the past can pave the way to a brand-new future…

My review:

Fancy a festive trip to the Hamptons? Let Mandy Baggot take you there with ‘Christmas by the Coast.’

Harriet hasn’t been to visit her grandparents for a while when a tragic event means she must take the journey back to their Tiki Bar in Montauk. Whilst her reason for having to travel is sad, it was a real treat to hear about traditions for the festive season. It sounds so much fun, I’d love to experience them.

Whilst she is visiting and supporting her Grandfather again, fate plays it’s hand and when a blast from the past throws her life into turmoil, Harriet must take a look at what is most important to her and her dreams. Is Harriet ready to make big life changes?

Harriet’s boyfriend, Iain, isn’t the most endearing character you could meet, and in my opinion she could do so much better.

There are moments of sadness, grief, loss and despair but also moments of absolute joy, humour and happiness. It’s festive, romance and a story of self discovery all rolled into one. You will have all the warm and fuzzies with this read. Mandy Baggot never fails to whisk you away or give you a story full of heart and charm. With a cast of interesting and highly amusing characters, you will be laughing one minute, and feeling nostalgic for your own festive traditions the next.

An absolute treat and highly recommended. 

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EcHITE

Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3pBJ6LF

About the Author:

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer.

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy’s books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:

Twitter: @mandybaggot

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor  

Instagram: mandybaggot

#ChristmasByTheCoast

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Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club - Faith Hogan

 

Three women. Three different stages of life. United by one thing: the chance to start again.

 'Uplifting, emotional and brimming with warmth and humour' – Cathy Bramley

When Elizabeth's husband dies, leaving her with crippling debt, the only person she can turn to is her friend, Jo. Soon Jo has called in her daughter, Lucy, to help save Elizabeth from bankruptcy. Leaving her old life behind, Lucy is determined to make the most of her fresh start.

As life slowly begins to return to normal, these three women, thrown together by circumstance, become fast friends. But then Jo's world is turned upside down when she receives some shocking news.

In search of solace, Jo and Elizabeth find themselves enjoying midnight dips in the freezing Irish Sea. Here they can laugh, cry and wash away all their fears. As well as conjure a fundraising plan for the local hospice that will bring the whole community together...

From bestselling Irish writer Faith Hogan, The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club is an emotional story about finding new friends and living life to the fullest, that will appeal to fans of Sheila O'Flanagan, Heidi Swain and Liz Fenwick.

 

My Review:

One of those life affirming, inspiring reads that stays with you long after you close the book. I was absolutely charmed by this book; Faith Hogan has written a book full of emotion and spirit, with characters you will take instantly to your heart. Touching on Irelands history of forced adoption as well as homosexuality, illness and the true impact that living a lie can have on all the people trying to maintain a level of respectability and responsibility within their local and small community.

Faith Hogan paints a gorgeous scenic picture, it isn’t hard to imagine ourselves in Ballycove and taking a dip in the Irish Sea.

With the focus on the three ladies, Elizabeth, Jo and Lucy, we have three people in very different situations, all dealing with things that are weighing them down. They find some freedom, calm and release in the midnight dips in that freezing water. It was good to see the story told from their points of view and how each character impacted and supported the rest. Each character is special in their own way, seeing the growth and independence of Elizabeth and the inspirational strength of Jo.

Although there are serious themes and emotional moments (grab the tissues!) it is littered with moments of humour that provide a nice balance. Faith Hogan’s writing is brilliant, the story is very well paced and engaging – I didn’t want to put it down!

Heartwarming, tender and will enrich your heart, I highly recommend this book – definitely one of my favourites this year. 

About the author

Faith Hogan is an Irish award-winning and bestselling author of five contemporary fiction novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favourites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.

She is currently working on her next novel. She lives in the west of Ireland with her husband, four children and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She's a writer, reader, enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger - except of course when it is raining!

Follow Faith:

Facebook: @faithhoganauthor

Twitter: @gerhogan

Website: www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PtPN2C

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Pv0K3X

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3vrHN1y

Apple: https://apple.co/3sX4XuP

Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/3aNtmwL

Waterstones: https://bit.ly/32SOgWP

Easons (Ireland only): https://bit.ly/3sUxpNX

Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage by Samantha Tonge

 

A new start can come from the most unexpected places...

It's been years since Lizzie Lockhart spoke to her parents. But she was safe in the knowledge she knew everything about them. Once upon a time, they were as close as could be. Until they weren't.

After receiving the earth-shattering news of their passing, Lizzie decides it's time to unearth some family secrets and find out just who her parents really were... starting with Streamside Cottage. A cottage Lizzie never knew existed, in a place she's never heard of: the beautiful English village of Leafton.

Leaving behind London, and the tattoo parlour she called home, Lizzie finds herself moving to the countryside. Faced with a tight-lipped community, who have secrets of their own, Lizzie is at a loss for what to do, until her rather handsome neighbour, Ben, steps in to help.

As Lizzie finally begins to piece together the puzzle of her family history she realises she has to confront the truth of the past in order to face her future.

My Review:

Brilliant! Easily my favourite from this author. I love that we have a really unique main character, and not your standard run-of-the-mill rom com heroine, Lizzie is fabulous and amazingly creative. The book is full of intrigue, sentiment and memories, this story is one to tug on the old heart strings! Lizzie searches for answers, not knowing what or who she may find; this book brings everything you need in – mystery, romance, friendship, and a sense of community. We see the brilliant Lizzie evolve and connect with her past, in more ways than one! I took great pleasure in losing myself in this book for a few hours. I was caught up in what was happening and just wanted the see how things would work out. Let me tell you, everything I expected, or thought didn’t quite work out as I imagined, which I love, I do enjoy being pleasantly surprised. I often say how much I enjoy books set in rural, countryside, smaller communities with fun, locals and this book is exactly the type. Reading them makes me want to up sticks to a village somewhere everyone knows each other and welcomes you with open arms! Pure escapism, what a happy couple of hours reading this book. I highly recommend. Buy links: Amazon: https://amzn.to/31Uuyd2 Kobo: https://bit.ly/3msO5KM Google Play: https://bit.ly/3dCuQdU Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/3fPAzjm About the author Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely. When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women's magazines. She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo. In 2019 she was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association romantic comedy award. Follow Samantha: Facebook: @SamanthaTongeAuthor Twitter: @SamTongeWriter Instagram: @samanthatongeauthor

Staying Out For Summer - Mandy Baggot

 

After a summer of staying in, it’s time to let your hair down and escape to Greece!

For Lucie Burrows, it's time to embrace Greek life and put the past behind her! Having spent the summer of 2020 battling a global health crisis, Lucie Burrows is looking forward to a summer out of lockdown.

When best friend, Gavin, finds them the perfect Greek escape Lucie finally starts to think this summer might just go without a hitch. But after a landslide puts the village into a local lockdown, Lucie is thrown together with Michalis Andino, the super sexy village doctor. It's not quite the holiday she had planned, but things could certainly be worse.

As Lucie relaxes into the Greek way of life, she begins to wonder whether this lockdown might just end in a new life, a new love...

My Review:

Without fail, Mandy Baggot manages to whisk you away from reality to a sun filled, gorgeous sounding, Greek getaway. I love knowing I can pick up her books and find myself in a beautifully scenic location, with characters to adore, food descriptions that will make my mouth water and romance that sizzles off the chart. Staying out for the Summer takes us to beautiful Corfu for a story full of sun, sea and sheer escapism. After a difficult year for all of us, this book is the perfect tonic whilst it also acknowledges the events of the pandemic. Our characters, Lucie and Gavin are the best of friends who have fought on the frontline throughout the pandemic as NHS nurses. They have had the worst year and Gavin manages to convince Lucie they need, and quite rightly deserve, a few weeks of relaxation. Cue an interesting trip to Corfu, where they are greeted with an *interesting* welcome drink, a community that has a great older population, a community of interesting characters who all help make this a trip Lucie will never forget! When an earth tremor causes a landslide, cutting off the village, the pair find themselves in a lockdown of a different kind. Michalis is back in the village after fighting the same battle as a Doctor on the mainland. Reconnecting with his sister and father, he meets Lucie and the attraction is instant for them both. They keep getting thrown together but are very conscious of their limited time. Will Lucie open up? What is Michalis hiding about what happened in his past? What a fantastic array of characters – quirky, funny and interesting. Bad-ass butcher Nyx, flamboyant Gavin and safe Meg. I’ve only been to Corfu via Mandy’s books but I am absolutely desperate to go, it always sounds so wonderful. I can always picture the scenery and the local cuisines, I am desperate to try, and if there is any Greek men like the ones Mandy Baggot creates then that wouldn’t be the worst thing! I wasn’t sure if reading a book with references to COVID-19 would be pleasurable or just an awful reminder, but I think Mandy has balanced the serious with lighter fun scenes, and I feel that it is a worthy nod to those members of staff who, like these characters, have had a hell of a year and will continue to live with the traumas they have witnessed. I am always a fan of Mandy Baggot books, this is brilliant and will take readers to sunnier times – even if we can’t jet away ourselves just yet! About the author Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IlGbDt

Kobo: https://bit.ly/36R5TJy

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gxtjXP

bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/36SETt8

Follow Aria 

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Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

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A Perfect Paris Christmas - Mandy Baggot

 Keeley Andrews knows more than anyone that you only live once. So when she receives an invitation to spend two weeks in Paris, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance.

Ethan Bouchard has had the worst eighteen months of his life. He's ready to give up on everything, including his hotel chain. So when he meets Keeley, it simply isn't the right time.

As Keeley and Ethan continue to bump into each other on the romantic Parisian streets, they can't help but wonder whether this is fate telling them to let go of the past and leap into the future...

Head to Paris this Christmas and fall in love under the lights of the Eiffel Tower with best-selling author, Mandy Baggot.

My Review:
If you are a looking for a festive hug in a book; something to whisk you away and give you both heart warming and heart squeezing moments, then this is it. Perfect for cosy afternoons, ignoring the miserable wet, dreary weather. An escape via book form, Mandy Baggot always manages to whisk us away and give us brilliant stories, characters to adore and a smile from ear to ear.

With a host of characters that each bring their own special quality to love, I couldn’t pick a favourite. Instant chemistry between Keeley and Ethan, even with the added chaos of an escaped penguin. I was laughing at the thought. A classic Mandy Baggot book gives you a hero to love, this book is no exception you will fall in love as quickly as Keeley. Watch out for Pepe, your heart may just be stolen.

The references to living in a post COVID world were subtle but there i.e. anti-bacterial gel, distancing etc, I wasn’t bothered about this inclusion at all if I’m honest but can appreciate for some this may not be welcome.

The book does contain some quite deep and meaningful issues which show the fine lined balance between living a good life and actually fully living for the fun and adventure it should be; as its clearly shown how fragile life is. The difference in Keeley living her adventures after being given another chance and her friend Erica who is unable to have all the exciting adventures she desires (although she lives vicariously through Keeley).

It is a romantic treat, with heart and emotion. You will be left with the warm fuzzy feeling and definitely ready for the festive season. If you haven’t enjoyed any of Mandy’s books yet, treat yourself they are all wonderful and this is a perfect starting point!

About the author 

 

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:   

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor

Twitter: @mandybaggot

 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MpVrh4

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3072QtL

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gOPHvv

iBooks: https://apple.co/2D35zuK

bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/2Ih3gXS

 

Follow Aria 

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Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

The Summer Island Swap - Samantha Tonge

About the book

Sometimes the best holidays are the ones you least expect...

After a long and turbulent year, Sarah is dreaming of the five-star getaway her sister has booked them on. White sands, cocktails, massages, the Caribbean is calling to them.

But the sisters turn up to tatty beaches, basic wooden shacks, a compost toilet and outdoor cold water showers. It turns out that at the last minute Amy decided a conservation project would be much more fun than a luxury resort.

So now Sarah's battling mosquitos, trying to stomach fish soup and praying for a swift escape. Life on a desert island though isn't all doom and gloom. They're at one with nature, learning about each other and making new friends. And Sarah is distracted by the dishy, yet incredibly moody, island leader she's sure is hiding a secret.

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Mandy Baggot and Heidi Swain.

My Review:


Summer Island Swap is an easy to read story about Sarah, who is dreaming of the perfect relaxing get-away with her sister. In a twist, she is not going on the all-inclusive, glamourous getaway but instead she is on a conservation trip for the whole month (her sister secretly swapped trips before they were set to go

Will Sarah stick at it or will she decide that it really isn’t her thing and head home?

I have to admit, it took me a good while to get into this one… I found it a bit slow at first but once we really got into the project on the island, I was all in. To be honest I was angry for Sarah and would have been fully supportive if she’d had upped and left, by the end though I was so glad she stays to suffer it out.

With a whole cast of interesting characters, all with their own wonderful backgrounds and story, you will laugh out loud, by sympathetic and even be annoyed by people at various parts of the story. Keep an eye out for the fantastic, fun and entertaining Chatty though – my favourite character.

The Summer Island Swap is a sweet book to read and was enjoyable, I definitely saw things from a new point of view. It’s well written and had me dreaming of the next time I can go on holiday!

About the Author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied

German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women's magazines. 
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo. In 2019 she was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association romantic comedy award

Follow Samantha

Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Twitter: @SamTongeWriter

Facebook: @SamanthaTongeAuthor

Buy links:

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

Kobo: https://bit.ly/333XuPn

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2IuyI1q

Sing me a Secret - Julie Houston

About the book
The four Sutherland sisters have all had very different paths in life, but one secret and a slighty tense production of Jesus Christ Superstar are about to bring them all back together again…

When the news that pop-superstar Lexia Sutherland is returning to Westenbury, not everyone is thrilled by the news – including Lexia. There are too many memories she doesn’t need to face – or need re-surfacing. Meanwhile, Juno Sutherland just wants a little peace and quiet.

As the local village doctor, she’s got her priorities in order; kids, job, husband, tenacious pony, a role in the village musical… So when the sexy new locum turns up – and steals her office – the last thing she needed was to be hit with rising temperatures and an over-active imagination.

Will these sisters be able to uncover the past, deal with the future and put on the performance of a lifetime?

My Review:

A charm of a book, a gorgeous read that will have you laughing out loud and will warm your heart. If this is a snapshot of village life, then I would love to be part of this kind of community.


As with families there are secrets as well as the emotional ups and downs but as you read through the story you do see strong family bonds, sisterly love, and support as they work through problems and situations.


Brilliantly written, I immediately felt like I knew these characters and that they were friends who I cared for.  Overcoming adversity, using the power of song to come together with each other and the community.

Julie Houston writes with nice attention to detail; characters feel realistic and the story develops at a lovely pace.

A genuinely uplifting book that I recommend for those looking to get lost in a book.

Highly enjoyable!

Buy links:

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

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

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

About the author

Julie Houston is the author of THE ONE SAVING GRACE, GOODNESS, GRACE AND ME and LOOKING FOR LUCY, a Kindle top 100 general bestseller and a Kindle #1 bestseller. She is married, with two teenage children and a mad cockerpoo and, like her heroine, lives in a West Yorkshire village. She is also a teacher and a magistrate.