PUBLICATION DAY: The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim - Jules Wake

 The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim

She’s trying to figure out her future.

He’s trying to forget his past.

But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, and a scruffy dog who just can’t help getting into trouble, a new community is formed – just when they all need each other the most.

Purchase Link - http://mybook.to/WednesdayWildS

My Review:

There isn’t a Jules Wake book that I don’t rave about – I can’t help it; I genuinely love them all. Jules has such a great style of writing, realistic and combining humour and wit with a down to earth feel. This allows us to relate to the characters, love them and take them to our hearts.

The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is quirky, jam packed with great characters and a heart felt story of acceptance. Accepting who you are, accepting the challenge of moving past your fears and accepting that you are enough.

If you are a fan of Jules’ books, you may remember (one of all time favourite old ladies) – Hilda. She was a force to be reckoned with in The Saturday Morning Park Run and here she is again, being her fabulous self.

Ettie, our dynamic main character, has stumbled from career to career, not fully settling. When her latest job blows up she returns home, back to her family. Finding work locally at a soon to open hotel, Ettie soon finds the pull of the lake calling her. Swimming helps her mentally and she soon discovers that others have that same desire too. Wild swimming is new to Ettie but soon becomes something she craves – and she isn’t the only one. Unfortunately, it’s banned and the owner is absolutely against anyone swimming in his lake.

As Ettie settles into her new role she finds herself getting closer to her new boss, she starts to understand why he doesn’t want anyone near the water. Will Ettie and her new friends be able to curb their desires or will Ettie make him change his mind. When Dominic discovers the biggest lies are the ones told by those close to him, he really sees no way back to trusting them again.

Ettie is a breath of fresh air; funny, random and really not afraid to put herself out there. She is a little economical with the truth, but not in a malicious way, in fact it’s usually to help others. She learns a lot about herself as the story progresses, but she is also instrumental in helping others do the same. She is kind, considerate and a little bit sassy.

Dominic sounds dishy, he’s been through a lot and doesn’t suffer fools. He isn’t overly impressed with Ettie but her confidence and charm win him round to giving her a chance. Ettie surprises him a lot, it’s clear he struggles to hide how entertaining he finds her but he is holding back some truths of his own. I loved seeing him start to open up and I always believed he would end up doing the right thing by everyone around him.

Reading this book has been the highlight of my week – its full of friendship, romance and humour. A feel good story that will leave you with a smile on your face. Great characters and superb writing, I highly recommend to all.

Author Bio:

Jules Wake is the internationally bestselling author of over ten books including The Saturday Morning Park Run. She also writes as Julie Caplin and her Romantic Escapes series has hit the bestseller charts around the world.

After reading English at the University of East Anglia, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases.  She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

Social Media Links – @Juleswake Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

The Spark - Jules Wake

 

Jess is falling for Sam.

Sam is falling for Jess.

But it seems life will do whatever it takes to make them fall apart.

When Jess and Sam lock eyes at a party, a spark ignites. The spark. But love at first sight isn’t like the movies, especially when Sam’s ex, Victoria, is determined to make their honeymoon period a living hell.

Is love at first sight enough?

My Review:
A fantastically emotive book. I was engrossed from the moment I started in reading. I loved the connection between the lead characters, the instant spark between them was almost jumping from the page, it was evident to see how much these characters were drawn to each other yet were still both trying to do the "right" thing whilst also following their own happiness.

I liked Jess; a gutsy girl who had experienced a lot but used that to her advantage in many ways. She did absolutely nothing wrong yet was seen as a baddie by some. She was careful, delicate and sensitive yet determined and passionate. I really liked her relationship with her Aunt and Uncle, although the struggle with her Mum was very clear and almost awkward to read.

Sam sounds like a dream guy who tried to do the best for everyone. I think he sounds brilliant and I loved the relationship between him and Jess, it was clear they should be the perfect couple.

On the face of it a simple, romantic tale of meeting your soul mate and doing what is needed to be together but again Jules Wake delivers something with layers of complexity and showing the fragility of perception in relationships. Families and memories can be something different from what we think we know.

I adore all books from Jules, her ability to take us into her characters world is outstanding. I was consumed by The Spark and I read it in a few glorious hours one Saturday afternoon. Brilliant.

Purchase Links

🇬🇧 amzn.to/36wkD0N
🌎 mybook.to/TheSparkJW

Author Bio: 

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her creative writing skills.

She writes best-selling warm-hearted romantic contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and was shortlisted for Romantic Novel of the Year 2019 with Notting Hill in the Snow.

Under her pen name Julie Caplin, she also writes the warm and witty Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written sixteen novels, The Spark being the latest.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

The Saturday Morning Park Run - Jules Wake

This is the story of two women.

One old, one young.

One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.

Both needing a friend.

And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).

Some people come into your life when you need them the most.

                                      

My Review:

No matter under which guise she is writing as, Jules (or Julie) is one of my absolute top ‘read-their-book-above-all-others-ASAP’ authors. I will happily toss all other books aside to read the latest one from her.  Favouritism? You bet but when the books make you as happy and a million miles away from real life problems as these do me then you’d be the same.

Following Jules on social media I know how she has been involved in park runs, all credit to anyone who does them because I couldn’t but I love the idea of them and the whole social/spirit of them. Jules’ love of park run shines through this whole book. The positive light shed upon the finer details, the inner workings of getting these events put together really does wonders and almost made me want to head out in trainers… It is a wonderful side to this special story that really is about making people appreciate their lives, skills, and opportunities in a different way.

With some wonderful characters that will cement a place firmly in your hearts, The Saturday Morning Park Run would not be the same without the treasure that is Hilda. Everyone will rave about her but its deserved, she is a powerhouse and the one that ties everything so nicely together. I wish I had a Hilda in my life... maybe I should hang around a park bench a little more often!

I love Claire and Ash. Our lead characters: we meet them at a place in their lives where both seem on top. They are both killing it career wise, they have the flirty, hot chemistry and both know what they want from life. Typically, everything changes, both end up in unexpected positions and through some helpful Hilda intervention they start to realise their previous lifestyle may not be all their hearts desired.

Claire gets to look after her nieces Poppy and Ava, whilst providing some fun moments, their relationship develops and becomes so special that, in parts, it almost had me in tears.

With overriding ideas that family can be made up from those you chose to have in your life; this heart-warming read will leave you feeling happy, emotional, and potentially ready for a run.

I always champion Jules’ books, they are brilliant and I recommend them as I genuinely love each one. I wouldn’t pick a favourite but this is up there.

A gorgeous, engaging, charm of a read.

Pre-order Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

https://www.amazon.com/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written fourteen novels, The Saturday Morning Park Run being the latest. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

The Little Teashop in Tokyo - Julie Caplin

The Little Teashop in Tokyo

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?

Purchase Links

UK - https://amzn.to/39JCFL9    

US - http://amzn.to/39QbGhh

My Review:I am always happiest when I get to be whisked away to another fantastic location by Julie Caplin. This series of books is a wonderful mood booster, a great source of happiness and the stories are always fun and full of heart. This latest book, The Little Teashop in Tokyo, lives up the same wonderful standard as it’s predecessors. If you haven’t read any of the others in this series, do not worry. They can all be standalone books; the characters sometimes appear in other places, but the stories are different. (Please do go and read the others though - they are fab!)

Here we have Fiona, who wins the chance to go to Tokyo and experience the Japanese culture whilst being mentored by a top photographer. Cue some changes and she find herself in the very capable (but familiar) hands of famed photographer Gabe. The sparks fly from the off between these two characters and it was fun to see how they pushed each other’s buttons.  I have to hand it to Fiona, she certainly gave as good as she got in many ways!
Each location is beautifully described, as I read sat out in the sunshine, I could imagine myself in Fiona’s shoes; gazing at the cherry blossom or being wowed by Mount Fuji. I have never really had any interest in Japan/Tokyo, but I found myself being pulled into wanting to know more about the culture and traditions and Julie incorporates so much of this into the story.
Haruka is possibly one of my favourite characters; fiery yet calm, smart and sensitive – not one to cross, as Gabe found out. If I was to go to Japan, she is exactly the type of person I would like to meet.
This is a story of self-discovery, moving forward from the past and embracing what is meant for you. It shows how to see things from new perspectives, and I think it is a wonderful way to escape the current anxieties and worries.
I cannot recommend this one enough!! Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands, taking journalists on press trips to
awful places like Turin, Milan, Geneva, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and occasionally losing the odd member of the press in an airport. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to eat amazing food, drink free alcohol, hone her writing skills on press releases
and to research European cities for her books.
She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for HarperImpulse.
Under her pen name, Julie Caplin, her thirteenth novel, The Little Teashop in Tokyo will be published in ebook and paperback this June.
Social Media Links :
www.twitter.com/juliecaplin
@Juleswake
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor

2019 Round Up

Hard to believe 2019 is almost done. What a year. What a fantastic book filled year. I admit I set my Goodreads target low but wowzers...

There are many many books I loved this year. There are characters that I adore and places I wish I could live. I didn't want to to a 'Top 10 of the Year' but I do want to sum up some special reads.

Beth O Leary – The Flatshare: 

The whole premise of the book is wonderfully bonkers; but it works. I assumed this would be a light hearted, simple but lovely read but it is emotional and thought provoking - far more than the romantic comedy books we all love. Touching on some serious issues that will resonate with many readers; the serious moments were cleverly balanced with comedy that had me laughing out loud






 Heidi Swain – Poppy’s Recipe for Life and The Christmas Wishlist:

A whole host of fun and quirky characters await you in Poppy’s Recipe for Life, all so lovely in their own way and bringing different elements to the story. It's an eclectic bunch of residents in Nightingale Square that I hope we will learn more about in the future.

Heidi writes with such care for her characters and settings. You think of them as friends, and Poppy is now amongst them. A firm favourite for her positive outlook on life. I love Heidi's feel good style of writing and I often wish I could live in these fictional places. 

This book is a pure uplifting, romantic comfort read. A hug in book form!




The Christmas Wishlist:

With themes of friendships, being true to yourself and embracing the things that happen to come your way, this is a read that will stay with you for quite some time.

Festive feelings galore, if you love all this Christmas then this is for you; if you are yet to get in this festive spirit then you should give this one a read. It left me with the warm and fuzzies for a very long time after I’d finished reading. I absolutely loved it.



This is a very special book and will be one of my ‘must read’ festive books every year.

Caroline Roberts  - Rachel’s Pudding Pantry and Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry:

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book. I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

A very lovely return to Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. Caroline Roberts has a lovely writing style that is easy to read, nicely paced as nothing feels rushed or prolonged. The story is heart-warming, you feel comfortable with the characters and that you take them to heart. I think there is the right balance of humour and tension throughout the book with a copious amount of festive frolics to really get you in the Christmas spirit.



 

Christie Barlow – Love Heart Lane:


A gorgeous tale of renewing friendships, accepting situations beyond our control and fighting hard for those you love. With plenty of drama, some laughs and a long lost romance, I know Heartcross is going to be a fabulous setting for some great stories. I look forward to finding out even more about the other characters of Heartcross.





Celia Anderson – 59 Memory Lane: 

Absolutely beautiful. This book was in my mind for days after I finished it. I loved everything about the story, the characters and they way Celia wrote this for us. Wonderful and highly recommended.









 

Jane Linfoot – Edie Browne’s Cottage by the Sea:


I adored everything this book is and what it stands for – acceptance, perseverance, following your heart and being true to yourself. I love how Jane combines the highs and lows of their journey; one moment I was laughing, the next feeling quite emotional.  Well written characters who you fall in love with, root for and would love to meet again.

Lisa Jewell – Watching You:

Compelling and a book I couldn’t put down (then again anything Lisa writes has me from page one!) A brilliant array of characters with intrigue, mystery and drama. A definite must read from me.

Eliza J Scott – A Christmas Kiss:


A Christmas Kiss is a cosy, feel good romance that will have you yearning for log fires, snowy days and a special someone to snuggle up with. It has a beautiful storyline that will warm the cockles of your heart this festive period. A very special read, perfect for the changing weather. I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t read it quick enough.

Jules Wake – Notting Hill in the Snow:

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I had THE biggest book hangover from Notting Hill in the Snow. I found it to be far more emotional that I anticipated, and I admit it nearly got me a little teary and that NEVER happens.

With a lot of really laugh out loud funny moments, gorgeous festive shenanigans and wonderfully developed relationships Jules Wake has given us something very special.

I am such a huge fan of Jules Wake in every guise, I know that any time I open her books I will be transported to an amazing place with gorgeous characters who will imprint on my heart. I’ve loved every book from Jules and when written as Julie Caplin – really check them all out.



The Secret Cove in Croatia:

A range of quirky, fun characters encapsulated on a yacht was such a fun mix – each added something different throughout the book. Julie has, yet again, whisked us away for a romantic treat. A gorgeous read that will not disappoint. I cannot recommend it enough for you travel, escapism and romance fans.

Mandy Baggott – A Christmas Star

Packed with genius comedic moments, this book will have you laughing your socks off, but it will also have your heart full and your emotions singing. Such a gorgeous festive treat, it isn’t all fluff, tinsel and turkey, there are some serious moments and issues addressed... I love how Mandy can take something and interweave it in a happy, love filled read.

With the most amazing festive atmosphere being created, I'm almost ready to get my Christmas Tree out now! I cannot recommend this superb festive, feel good smasher enough.



Oh 2019 I have loved thee...

I have loved far too many books to mention in this very short summary. I could rave about them all. I’ve found some incredible authors that take time to support us bloggers and give us such wonderful books.

Authors to adore (amongst others)


Rosie Green and the brilliant ‘Duck Pond Café’ series is one you MUST get into. They are funny, charming tales of a gorgeous community of characters. I always love a visit and will never tire of Rosie’s writing.


Jo Thomas is just incredible at taking us to amazing destinations and feeding our souls with mouth-watering, tasty treats in book form. Every book is special, with amazing characters who you will adore.


Holly Martin has given us Happiness in village form. A couple of absolutely smashing visits to a community I wish I could join. Fun, caring characters with lots of heart.


Lucy Knott – Given us some gorgeous books, wonderful characters and Is super nice. I can’t wait to read more.


Anstey Harris is loveliness personified and I loved Grace Atherton, more more more please Anstey.


Lindsey Kelk is a longtime favourite. I’ve loved her books forever – well ok for as long as she’s been writing them. I mourned the end of the I Heart Series, but I cannot wait for more from Lindsey. I even got to meet her and Paige Toon this year – finally!


Paige Toon is another superstar to me. Her books make me cry, well very nearly, and that’s quite an achievement. Always guaranteed a gorgeous read.



There’s so many I could rave about. Bring on 2020 with more reviews, my ramblings and my ravings on the authors that bring us fabulous books! 

BLOGTOUR: Notting Hill in the Snow - Jules Wake

It's mayhem in Bethlehem…unless they can work together!

Viola Smith plays the viola in an orchestra (yes really!), but this year she's been asked to stretch her musical talents to organising Notting Hill's local nativity.

Nate Williams isn't looking forward to Christmas but as his small daughter, Grace, has the starring role in the show, he's forced to stop being a Grinch and volunteer with Viola.

With the sparks between them hotter than the chestnuts roasting in Portobello market, Nate and Viola can't deny their feelings. And as the snow starts to fall over London, they find themselves trapped together in more ways than one…

My Review:

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I read it days ago (and have read a couple of books since) and I just can’t shake this book from my mind and my feelings. I have THE biggest book hangover from Notting Hill in the Snow.

I am such a huge fan of Jules Wake in every guise, I know that any time I open her books I will be transported to an amazing place with gorgeous characters who will imprint on my heart.  This book is not an exception, it will be one of my annual festive reads for sure, there is no way I can forget Viola, Nate and the adorable Grace.

Grace is the lynch pin that completely ties this story together; older than her years and so vulnerable, the relationship that develops between her and Viola is heart-warming to say the least. I enjoyed how that was the most prominent and important relationship – leaving the relationship with Nate as a complete slow burn. I wanted that to happen, don’t get me wrong but for me, what won my weary heart round was that lovely little girl finding someone she could truly rely on.

Jules writes such warm, cosy stories that are both full of emotion and amusing wit, with a patchwork of characters who will charm, some who will annoy and some who mean well but often miss the mark. Viola is a gorgeous leading lady; she’s a bit of a doormat at first and her family take advantage of her massively but as the book progressed and she got herself sorted I was cheering her on to stand up to them and say something. She is smart, funny and has an incredible heart.

Even though I had a sneaky feeling what may happen, I found it to be far more emotional that I anticipated, and I admit it nearly got me a little teary and that NEVER happens.

With a lot of really laugh out loud funny moments, gorgeous festive shenanigans and wonderfully developed relationships Jules Wake has given us something very special.

I couldn’t recommend this more if I tried. Absolutely wonderful. 

Purchase Links

UK  - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Notting-Hill-Snow-heartwarming-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07RNFF9Q1/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Notting-Hill-Snow-heartwarming-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07RNFF9Q1/

Author Bio: 

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written twelve novels, Notting Hill in the Snow being the latest.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswake.co.uk/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor