Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts

Thursday, 26 May 2022

The Italian Job - Kathryn Freeman

 

Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancĂ©. 

A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…

When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…

…With the last man on earth she’d choose!

The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!

My Review:

A castle in Italy? Enemies to lovers? TICK AND TICK for me.
This is the story of Anna and Jake, neighbours who have never really seen eye to eye but now have to rely on each other to make their dreams come true. Anna is cheated on, losing both the love of her life and her job. She is told to find her “dream job” and she does just that – managing a castle in Italy. Her dream job doesn’t come easily though, there is a catch; applicants must be in a couple. Single Anna needs this job and so enlists the help of the last person she ever imagined asking for help.

On the surface Jake is a lad with a past; having spent time in prison for punching someone – he is out and now finds the community not exactly welcoming, although he had his reasons for what he did. He is loyal to those he cares about and is soon showing his true colours. He is looking for an opportunity to prove himself, and when Anna provides and opportunity he must decide if he can handle everything that is to come.

Great characters – both having their own issues and insecurities I found they balanced each other out brilliantly and had a positive effect on the other. Both characters evolved throughout the story, with a nudge or disagreement to help them on their way. There is drama, mishaps and miscommunications as well as romance and some light-hearted moments along the way.

This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and I don’t think it will be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, think it moved along at a good pace. I liked the characters (well the ones that we are supposed to like – there are some rotters in the mix as you can imagine).

I think this is a perfect summer, holiday read. 

Purchase Links

Link UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09RFF6X5Q

Link US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RFF6X5Q

Author Bio:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of
The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thursday, 24 March 2022

An Escape to Remember - T.A. Williams

 

She needed a getaway. What she found was a home.

When Louise surprises her boyfriend by returning early from a work trip, safe to say she wasn’t expecting to see him in flagrante delicto with another woman. Heart-torn and vowing to stay away from men, when Louise’s next project involves restoring an ageing hotel in Italy, she leaps at the chance to get away.

Managed by a crew of sextagenarians, the Grand Hotel del Monferrato needs all the love and care Louise can give it. But it’s hard to stay focused on the job when her thoughts keep straying to Vito, the reclusive and mysterious neighbour.

With his tragic past and her no-romance policy, Louise knows they can’t have a future. Yet something keeps pulling the two together…

A beautiful romance set in the hills of Turin.

My Review:

Oh to be under warm Italian skies right now..

T.A. Williams is a master at whisking readers away to glorious locations; I long to jump on a plane every time I get chance to read of his books. Set just outside Turin, this rural, descriptive setting is a wonderful backdrop for this heartwarming romance.

Our main character, Louise heads to a run down, old hotel with the mission to revive and turn it around. She heads there nursing a broken heart and is looking to find her rightful place in life. She isn’t looking for romance at all but when she is knocked off her feet, quite literally, her heart is soon taken. Leo may just be the key to her rediscovering herself.

Local Vito is living a secluded life, he is content at already finding his true love and he needs nothing or nobody else. Highly sought after in his field, an opportunity arises that he cannot turn down but there is one thing holding him back. Can he find a solution?

Oh I was engrossed from the start, it has all the elements to make a gorgeous, head well and truly stuck in, read. Romance, scenery, mouth-watering food descriptions, characters with heart that are very likeable and a brilliant storyline that will keep you cheering on your favourites and hoping it all turns out for the best.

Perfect for the armchair traveller or those who are looking for a great beach read!

Purchase Link - mybook.to/AnEscape

Author Bio:

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing escapist romance is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

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



Thursday, 8 July 2021

Secrets on the Italian Island - T.A Williams

 


Her work has got in the way of relationships before – but never like this

Anna’s job as a geologist takes her all over the world, including to the beautiful island of Elba, where she’s sent to look for precious metals. And the island isn’t the only thing that’s gorgeous – she can’t believe her luck when she meets windsurfer Marco and sparks fly.

But Anna must keep her role on Elba a secret to avoid upsetting the locals, which means lying to Marco even as they grow closer. When her old friend Toby visits, Anna suddenly finds herself torn between the attentions of the two men. However, Anna’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Is Marco being entirely honest with her? And why did Toby really come to visit?

A fun and escapist romance, perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

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


My Review:

Let T.A Williams whisk you away this summer with the brilliant escapist read. The third book in the Escape to Tuscany series; each a standalone but a wonderful selection of reads – I highly recommend! Fantastic descriptions of scenery and surroundings; I could picture myself there among the action – I wish! 

Anna is a hardworking geologist, with no work life balance. She is at a point in life where she thinks a change may be needed, no matter how much she loves what she does. Her work takes her to the stunning island of Elba; an Italian dream destination, in search of precious metals. 

She soon makes friends in the local community and struggles to keep the reason for being there a secret. Elba residents are protective over it’s natural and undisturbed habitat and Anna realises just how difficult a position she is in. Anna tries to come to some conclusions about her life – in terms of relationships and who is right for her as well as what she wants from her career.

I liked Anna, she seemed kind, caring and passionate about what she does as well as those she cares about. I was worried she would be easily led by those that couldn’t be trusted. 

Great writing, wonderful location and interesting characters make this one book you need to pick up! A great summer read, romance and adventure galore - I highly recommend. 

Author Bio:
I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links –:

Website:
www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

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


Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Under the Italian Sun - Sue Moorcroft

 

The #1 bestseller is back with an uplifting, escapist read that will brighten the gloomiest day!

A warm, sun-baked terrace.

The rustle of verdant green vines.

The sun slowly dipping behind the Umbrian mountains.

And the chink of wine glasses as the first cork of the evening is popped…

Welcome to Italy. A place that holds the answer to Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmersmany questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name.

When Zia discovers that her mother wasnt who she thought she was, she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family shes never known.

However, as she delves into the secrets of her past, she doesnt bargain on having to think about her future too. But with local vineyard owner, Piero, living next door, Zia knows she has a serious distraction who may prove difficult to ignore…

This summer, join Zia as she sets out to uncover her past. But can she find the future shes always dreamed of along the way?

My Review:

Longing for a glorious, sun filled, action packed holiday? Annoyed you can’t jet off *easily* at the moment? Well.. let this brilliant book from Sue Moorcroft beat the holiday blues.

I was hooked from the start and devoured each chapter quickly. Heavily involved in Zia’s quest to find some answers meant I flew through this one and loved every moment.

Zia has uncovered family secrets and made discoveries that would shake anyone to their very core. She is desperate to find the truth and also figure out if her desire to move to Italy could actually become a reality. When a bit of digging uncovers links to the town of MontelibertĂ , Zia and best friend Ursula take the trip of a lifetime for an extended stay in the hope of getting answers.

Very soon into her trip Zia uncovers complicated family secrets, forms wonderful relationships and finds herself attracted to gorgeous Italian next door, vineyard owner Piero.

Piero and his family are trying to find the best way forward for their family business so that all are happy and get what they want. Will Zia’s advice be a help or a hinderance?

Zia and Piero are both headstrong and have been hurt in the past. There is a great chemistry between the two but it isn’t smooth sailing for this pair.

With fantastic descriptions, the setting, the food, I felt right there with Lucia, Zia etc. I’ve never been to Italy but this makes me long to visit one day. I have such images in my mind thanks to Sue’s writing. Although at heart this is a gorgeous romance filled story, it touches on some very serious issues surrounding mental health, manipulation and of loss. The story explores the depths and importance of friendships, delicate and complicated families and following your heart, both in romance and in dreams.

A wonderful array of characters (I love Lucia!!), I highly recommend this book for a slice of escapism. 

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Italian-Sun-Sue-Moorcroft-ebook/dp/B08L5RPD2W

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/under-the-italian-sun

Apple: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/under-the-italian-sun/id1545319265

W H Smith: https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/under-the-italian-sun/sue-moorcroft/paperback/9780008393021.html

Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/under-the-italian-sun/9780008393021

Author Bio:

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has reached the #1 spot on Kindle UK. Shes won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, ReadersBest Romantic Novel award and the Katie Fforde Bursary. Published by HarperCollins in the UK, US and Canada and by other publishers around the world.


Social Media Links:

Website [www.suemoorcroft.com]

Blog [http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com]

Facebook profile [Sue.Moorcroft.3]

Facebook author page [https://www.facebook.com/SueMoorcroftAuthor

Twitter  [@suemoorcroft]

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/suemoorcroftauthor/] @SueMoorcroftAuthor

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemoorcroft]



Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Italy Ever After - Leonie Mack

 

Escape to the sun and head off to Italy, with the wonderfully warm and ever-so-page-turning Leonie Mack!

TV journalist Lou feels battered and bruised after her divorce from Phil, the father of her daughter Edie. Her confidence and sense of fun have steadily been drained away, and she isn’t sure who she is any more.

When the opportunity arises to accompany Edie on a music camp in Italy for a month in the summer, Lou jumps at the chance for new adventures, new horizons and new friends. The hazy warmth of the summer sun, shining brightly over the stunning Lake Garda, slowly brings Lou back to life. 

Nick Romano, Edie’s music teacher, loves being home in Italy, but coaching his students for their concert in Milan, is bringing back difficult memories. His blossoming friendship with Lou is the perfect distraction, although a summer fling would be easier to conduct without the scrutiny of his mother Greta, not to mention the interference of his extended Italian family.

As the summer passes, full of sunshine and breath-taking scenery, gelato and delicious feasts, Lou and Nick get ever closer. But as the time for farewell creeps up on them, will they be able to say goodbye and leave their memories behind in the Italian sun, or can a summer romance last a lifetime?

Leonie Mack is back with a sizzling, sun-baked love story, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Links: https://amzn.to/3qfXhDq

My Review:

A heart warming tale of soul searching, believing in yourself and acceptance. This Italian based story will have you hankering after a holiday in the sun. Leonie Mack transports us to gorgeous Italy with fantastic descriptions of the food, scenery, language, and culture.

It was really interesting to see how the relationships between the characters changed over the course of the book; whether that was Lou’s relationship with her ex-husband, with music teacher Nick, or whether it was Nick’s relationship with music.

Lou did bother me – I just wanted to stop her searching endlessly for a talent, her self-confidence and belief is at a low and understandably so, but as a character that seemed interesting and engaging, I was a little annoyed she couldn’t see all the qualities everyone else could or take their compliments!

Nick clearly has his own issues, with talent in abundance, his own past demons still play a role in his lack of self-worth and often he seemed grumpy or hot headed. A catalogue of miscommunication and misunderstandings often get in the way of him and Lou throughout the duration of their stay in Italy resulting in Lou having to take extreme action to make her point.

An interesting story, with lovely characters, some fun and laughter as well as fantastic descriptions.

Highly recommend for a summer read. 

Author Bio:


Leonie Mack is a debut novelist whose first book My Christmas Number One was published by Boldwood in September 2020. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings!

 

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeonieMAuthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://bit.ly/LeonieMackNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leonie-mack



Thursday, 29 April 2021

A Taste of Home - Heidi Swain

 


Fliss Brown has grown up living with her mother on the Rossi family’s Italian fruit farm. But when her mother dies, Fliss finds out she has a family of her own, and heads back to England with Nonna Rossi’s recipe for cherry and almond tart and a piece of advice: connect with your family before it is too late…

Fliss discovers that her estranged grandfather owns a fruit farm himself, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, and she arrives to find a farm that has fallen into disrepair. Using her knowledge gleaned from working on the Rossi farm and her desire to find out more about her past, Fliss rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in. But what will she discover, and can she resurrect the farm’s glory days and find a taste of home…?

My Review:
Whenever I want a gorgeous, comfortable read from an author I adore I know I can always rely on Heidi to provide a hug in book form. Always warm and cosy, Heidi's books are special and leave you feel all emotional and fuzzy. I have been a huge fan for the longest time now and I always look forward for my next ‘fix’ #Swainette for life here.

‘A Taste of Home’ is a gorgeous, summer filled read that will have you craving strawberries like never before.
We meet Fliss after the death of her Mum, surrounded by her Italian ‘surrogate’ family. A letter from her Mum details last wishes that Fliss reconnect with family she never realised she had. So, a trip to the UK and our wonderful Wynbridge is quickly organised.

What Fliss discovers is so much more than she ever imagined, and I won’t spoil it and say too much but this book just highlights the importance of family and understanding where you come from. Although we haven’t met the majority of these characters, they are now firm favourites, and I can’t wait to see them again; you also come across some old favourites too which is always nice. Don’t worry – if this is your first Heidi Swain book, it is a standalone book, but I do recommend all her previous books as they are fantastic.

‘A Taste of Home’ is full of heart and emotion. It will make you laugh; make you cry and will leave you feeling content. I highly recommend, it will make the perfect summer beach read, cosy on up and take a trip to Wynbridge via Italy.

Purchase 'A Taste of Home' - HERE

About Heidi Swain:

Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -


Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/

Monday, 22 February 2021

Second Chances in Chianti - T.A. Williams

 

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking...

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

Purchase Link - mybook.to/SecondChancesChianti


My Review:

A charming, escapist read. Given the dreary weather this gorgeous, scenic story set in Tuscany, Chianti whisked me away and let me forget “the real world” for a few hours.

This is a brilliant story – stunning setting, an eclectic mix of characters and a funny, but cute, dog. What more do you need? Oh yes, a fantastic romance and gorgeous male lead!

Alice is quite the woman; having had a successful acting career she is know a Doctor in art history and wanting to pursue this as a career. An opportunity presents itself and she realises she may not have turned her back on fame after all.

I liked Alice a lot, she stuck to her principles and didn’t really suffer any fools. She was an independent, smart woman. She had plenty of male admirers to choose from, but she clearly had a spark with Matthew. It was great to read how they slowly got to know each other, the timings may not have been right but Guinness the dog clearly knew what he was doing, the little matchmaker.

T.A Williams has such a lovely way of writing, I felt I was there with Alice. I didn’t want to put it down at all and I read in one glorious sitting.

Highly recommended for those that enjoy a romantic, scenic escape!

Author Bio:

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

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



Monday, 3 February 2020

Dreaming of Verona - T.A Williams


Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past
holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of
star-crossed lovers… or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

Purchase Links

My Review


Verona is a place I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. TA Williams took me there in my mind with this book and let me live out the dream. I definitely can’t wait to see it in reality one day now. I could really envisage myself walking around and living in Verona like our main characters, the descriptions were so well written.


I loved the whole premise of the book and really enjoyed seeing the development of Alex’s character throughout the story – I hadn’t imagined that after I’d read the synopsis. A reflection of the book being a journey of discovery for all involved.


All the characters are lovely, there isn’t one that I was opposed to in any way. Even the father, I could understand his ways, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with them. Suzie is a delight, her guidance, calming and charming ways; easy to see why people would gravitate to her. She is a fabulous character and I was pleased she got the things she desired and valued the most.

No review would be complete without a mention of Dogberry, what a lovely addition and cute character.


There’s a fun mixture of content within this book that will keep you entertained and excited. A light, warm and captivating romance but with extra fun and interesting moments.

I was completely charmed by this wonderful mix of characters; their stories and the way TA Williams described the idyllic settings so well.

A gorgeous read that I recommend for fans of Italian settings, romance and reads that will take you away. 

Author Bio:
 I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.
The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…
Social Media Links –



Thursday, 11 July 2019

Publication Day Review - My Lemon Grove Summer - Jo Thomas


About:

Could the lemon groves of Sicily be the perfect place to start over? The irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, the author of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard, will transport you to the island of mountains and sparkling blue seas.

When life hands you lemons ... is it ever too late for a second chance?

Zelda's impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best?

But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can't hide the shadow hanging over Citta d'Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there's a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around...

Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart?
 

My Review:


It’s only fairly recently I’ve discovered the wonder that is Jo Thomas and her fabulous books. I’ve quickly devoured them all so imagine my absolute excitement to receive an advanced copy of ‘My Lemon Grove Summer’ – Thank you Headline!

This is a glorious summer read, full of idyllic sounding scenery, gorgeous characters and an emotional, heart-warming story that will have you hooked from the start. Jo’s writing always has the knack of taking us away somewhere – leaving behind our real lives and allowing us to be fully immersed in the story. My Lemon Grove Summer took us to Sicily alongside the lovely Zelda and Lennie who are trying to start a brand-new chapter of their lives.
With a fantastic cast of characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them all. I loved the friendship between Lennie and Zelda but I could see that although they did love each other, they weren’t IN love. I liked to see how supportive they were of each other and their ability to make friends and create their own little community when the one they’ve all found themselves in seems intent to turn them away.

When Sicily doesn’t live up to all that was promised, we see that you must fight for what you want in more ways than one. Can Zelda and Lennie have what they really want or are they facing too much opposition? You can bet there are ups, downs, twists and turns along the way that will keep you entertained. As always, the path of true love never runs smooth, but I’d expect nothing less.

Jo Thomas has firmly become one of my ‘always buy’ authors. I know any of her books will put a smile on my face, take me away and give me characters I will adore.

I cannot recommend this book enough - wonderful summer filled treat. 


Thank you to Jo Thomas and Headline for the opportunity to read/review. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Sicily-Jo-Thomas/dp/1472246012/

Saturday, 11 May 2019

Recent Read Round Up

It's been a wonderful few weeks of reading for me. I've had some great reads from the depths of my TBR mountain to discovering an author and promptly ordering everything she'd written. Here's a little round up of just a few:

Order here
The Olive Branch - Jo Thomas

As a new,found fan of Jo Thomas I am having a ball working my way through all her books. If you haven't read a book by Jo Thomas before, please take a look at her wonderful back catalogue as they are brilliant.


The Olive Branch is a warm, romantic book  with a wonderful story of adventure, risk taking and the rewards of hard work and determination. I love stories that give us a true sense of its setting and Jo does that wonderfully. I've never been to Italy but through such great description I could  imagine the rural, close community that Ruthie finds herself part of. 

The book is full of great characters – and very amusing guard goat! Ruthie faces opposition from the Bellanouvo family who want what they believe to belong to them and want nothing more than seeing the back of this latest outsider.  I found Marco to be charismatic and charming, I could imagine the stereotypical sexy, Italian, dark, broody man next door. 


I loved The Olive Branch, it was an interesting and enjoyable story, with a fabulous cast of characters, and delicious descriptions that'll have you whisked away to Italy. I recommend for a pleasurable and relaxing read. 


Available here

Dear Mrs Bird - AJ Pearce

Ohh how I enjoyed Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce. It's an amusing, charming read and for an historical fiction book is refreshingly light hearted - for the most part. There are some absolute heartbreaking, emotive scenes which really bring home the atrocities of the time. I was absorbed as soon as I started reading, I loved how easily the story flowed and how it progressed at a steady pace.

I loved the well written characters, the lovely Emmy Lake was quite a plucky young lady. She's a positive girl who remains optimistic even in dire circumstances; she is kind, caring and I'd say inspirational. Doing as much as she did for others in difficult times. I really enjoyed reading about a strong female from this time.

I really enjoyed the parts with the advice column – it added some funny moments, especially if deemed inappropriate for Mrs Bird. Her character seemed fierce and quite easy to dislike. No wonder Emmy wanted to do something nice for those that wrote in. I'd read that inspiration for Dear Mrs Bird came from real letters from wartime publications. I found this fact really thought provoking and quite sentimental.

Available here

Still Me - Jojo Moyes 
I'm a Louisa Clarke fan; she's a character that has given us happiness, love, fun and frolics but also heartbreak, agony and despair. I know there has been much discussion about the need for a second, and now a third book but honestly, this third book – took me right back and sucked me right in to her world again. I read and enjoyed After You, I can't say I loved it but always willing to give it a try so I admit I was apprehensive going into Still Me.


I knew the second I started reading I was back with Louisa Clark and I was happy these characters were back. I was reminded of Louisa's quirky character and matching that with being in New York – perfect.

It was quite an emotional read and as expected took you on quite a journey with Miss Clark – you don't think anything is ever straight forward or easy for her do you?! Jojo Moyes is a beautiful story teller and the story she gives us throughout Still Me is nothing less than brilliant. With introductions of some colourful characters, I felt Louisa had found the place she truly should be. I love how all characters have progression throughout and the ones you can't abide sometimes turn out to be the ones that make the book worthwhile.

As I finished this book I definitely felt that that's our time with Louisa at an end, and I honestly say I was a little bit emotional. It took me a few days to stop thinking about Still Me – it took me through so many emotions but I feel it was the correct journey for her final chapter.

Available to order 



The Second Husband - Louise Candlish 

I'm a fan of Louise Candlish's books. I've been trying to work my work through them all. I knew this was written earlier than the books I'd already managed to read so I wondered if the style would be any different.

I found that this was well written, familiar style and it flowed well. I was waiting for something though, I can't put my finger on what. I love a good twist or turn that you don't see coming but as I read I found myself wanting something more to happen. As I always expect to be surprised, I think my brain was coming up with extra twists on top of any the book threw at me. I'd guessed what would happen quit early on but I did wonder how it would be resolved (which ended up being done in a fairly “normal” way).

I did enjoy the book– I liked the story telling but would've liked some more unexpected turns. 

The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea - Jaimie Admans 
The cover attracted me to this book, it’s bright, colourful and cute. I found this read to be utterly charming - especially our leading man Nathan(iel), who sounds wonderful. I’d love to find a Train Man like him! Ness is a great character, quirky, funny and with Nathan it’s clear to see a perfect match. 


I laughed a lot throughout the book and was definitely smiling as I read their romantic tale. 

A sweet story that has such likable characters; it is a well written, feel good tale. I also loved the sound of Pearlholme; would love to return. 

Thank you to HQ Digital for the copy via Netgalley for an honest review