Written in the Stars - Helen Rolfe

 

A hidden secret

Live every day as if it were your last – that’s the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess’s debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…

An unexpected arrival

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio’s world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.

A new beginning?

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other’s problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?

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

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of Helen Rolfe’s for a long time now, enjoying many great books, wonderful characters and settings. Written in the Stars is the second book in the Skylarks series – stories based around an air ambulance team in Dorset.

I loved the first book, Come Fly With Me, so was eagerly awaiting this one and it didn’t disappoint. Whilst it was nice to catch up with the characters of the first book, this time the focus was on Bess – critical care paramedic on the  team.

Bess lost her Dad a few years ago, since then she has been living (and spending money) like each day is her last. She has got herself in quite a mess but doesn’t know what to do. Shes proud and when reality hits, she needs to find support from somewhere but isn’t quite sure where.

Gio is a friend of Bess’. He is a firefighter and is also keeping parts of his life from others; having an alcoholic mother means his childhood wasn’t great, he cannot trust her even though he does still want to. When she turns up to stay with him, he gives her one chance but is convinced she will revert to type.

Gio has a great friendship with Bess, but as both their lives start unravelling in different ways, can they help each other, and will they both acknowledge their feelings for one another after all this time Both Gio and Bess learn that they must move forwards and not let the past dictate their present, put trust in people and be willing to follow their hearts.

 A cosy, seasonal romance that has drama and heart, highly recommended. 

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. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @HelenRolfeAuthor

Twitter: @HJRolfe

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Bookbub profile: @helenrolfe

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

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

My Review:

As the third book in this series, "A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital" by Jo Bartlett is a much welcome return to St Pirans Hospital, full of familiar characters – each with their own story to tell. If you haven’t read the first two books, don’t worry, each can be read as a standalone book, but I do highly recommend them, in fact everything Jo has written is worth a read. If you enjoy a series, check out The Cornish Midwives!

This latest book is yet another emotional story, interweaving themes of heartache, tragedy, shock with themes of hope, desire, love and compassion.

Isla wants to mark her father’s memory by doing something extremely special, when the opportunity presents itself via Aidan and Jase, it seems everyone is about to get exactly what they want. Aidan and Jase want to start a family, but Aidan has concerns as he has a difficult relationship with his own family, he worries he will turn out to be just like his unsupportive and evasive Dad. Jase’ family couldn’t be more different; they accept everyone as family, no matter what – that is what inspires Aidan to go after what they truly want.

Isla’s gift to them means she is a welcome addition to their family now, and when surprising events cast a shadow over what should be an exciting time, everyone needs to evaluate their priorities and how they will move forward, whilst still supporting each other.

Jo Bartlett's storytelling draws you in, becoming emotionally invested in all the characters. My heart ached for them, reading these books never fails to tug at the heartstrings whilst still feeling hopeful that things will work out well. I am a huge fan of how Jo is never afraid to tackle serious, sensitive issues but does so carefully and alongside happy and positive moments.

I do feel like this series is going from strength to strength, this is a fantastic summer read and I look forward to the next

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 –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_B_Writer 

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett

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/

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New Beginnings on Railway Lane - Alison Sherlock

 

When high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!

After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!

But a job’s a job. Right?

Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour.

Returning home to try to pick up the pieces of his parents broken marriage, he soon discovers that his family home, the railway station, is close to financial ruin

Can Katy use all of her skills and find a way to save the railway station?

And can Ryan rediscover his passion of cooking once more?

As winter in Cranfield begins to sprinkle its magic, perhaps Katy and Ryan can find their very own new beginning on Railway Lane.

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

 

My Review:

Having enjoyed Alisons previous books, I couldn’t wait to read New Beginnings on Railway Lane. Whilst you can read as a standalone, there are crossovers with previous books in terms of village and some of the characters. I am a huge fan of books that have strong friendships, welcoming communities and books where you can feel like you are part of things. If you have read previous books you will revisit old friends and catch up with their lives, but this time we focus on newcomer, Katy, who drunkenly takes on a position without actually realising what it entails.

A typical city girl, she is so far removed from her comfort zone, I admire her tenacity at agreeing to stick things out. As the story progresses and she gets involved with the railway station, makes friends and builds on connections, Katy soon finds the countryside might be more worthwhile than she ever imagines.

 A story about family, or creating your own family, supporting those who are in need and accepting support right back. I enjoyed the transformation in Katy, how much she changed but how much it was really what she needed. I thought it was clever that she didn’t quite lose sight of herself so much and that she brought her passion to the projects she aimed to create.

 It is warm, cosy and uplifting. A real feel good romance, that draws us in from the start and has us engrossed right until the very end. Characters who feel like friends, a village setting that I wish I could visit.

As always, I will keenly await another book, and another catch up with wonderful book friends. 

Author Bio:

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

Summer Nights at the Starfish Café - Jessica Redland

Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon... A new beginning...

As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.

 A fragile heart….

Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.

A summer to remember…

For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…

Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a wonderful summer at the seaside, full of love, friendship and community spirit.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3GxA5dk

My Review:

Summer Nights at the Starfish Café is the third and final book in the Starfish Café Series and what a way to go. This whole series has been brilliant – drama, emotion, ups and downs; a host of great characters (and not so great of course) but at the root of it is love, determination, over coming adversity and being surrounded by the best people. This third book sums this all up nicely, with old faces making a not so welcome return, heartbreak and strength playing a massive part in every characters story in some way.

Emotional rollercoaster doesn’t really do this one justice; prepare yourselves and get hankies ready. Hollie and Jake have been through so much, individually and together, happy endings, wedded bliss and a rosy future for book three? Well…. Not quite, not right away at least. I won’t say more but these guys are made of tough stuff.

Kerry and her brood are in for some surprises, a blast of the past returns to seek something they believe they should have and this reveals a whole history that causes pain and anguish. I think Kerry is amazing in this situation though, classy and putting those she loves most first every time. A dramatic rollercoaster tinged with healing hearts, new starts and interesting developments.

I didn’t think I would be so ok with this series ending but feel this book really did them all justice, I liked the cameos from Castle Street friends and love that there is always that nod to previous stories in other series.  I will miss them all and wish I could go visit though – for goodies and seals if nothing else.

Great writing as always by Jessica Redland, a go to author for great settings and loveable characters.

Looking forward to what is coming next!

 

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