Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm - Della Galton

How can life be too busy for love?

Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.

She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?

Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.

Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/loveblossomssocial

My Review:

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Della Galton. This is the third book in the series although you could read it as a standalone (I recommend the other books though – they are wonderful!)

Finally, Phoebe and Rufus have got together, after an instant attraction they took a long time in actually making a go of things. I do like this coupling; I was hoping they would be together and all would be well, but we realise throughout this book that life just gets in the way. Both are guilty of prioritising other things and not committing to the relationship enough for it to work. I was massively disappointed, even though it makes complete sense, I just feel like their attraction could have developed into something amazing. Phoebe does make some romantic decisions and honestly, I think it was the easy way out. I will probably be in the minority, and it will be an unpopular option but to me it felt like she took the easy option.  

As always there are funny moments that had me giggling as I read, Saddam is hilarious really and I’d welcome hearing more of his crazy antics! Will anyone ever be able to tame that cat!

It was lovely to see some of the other characters developing and having wonderful things happening – proposals, pregnancies and business success.

A great read, a chance to escape and catch up with lovely characters. Highly recommended read.

About the Author:

Della Galton writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/DellaGalton

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

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DellaGaltonNewsletter  

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/della-galton

The Beach House - Nina Manning

 

It should have been the perfect weekend…

Work colleagues Nicole, Margo, Paisley and Audrey all appear to be looking forward to a weekend away at Nicole’s luxurious beach house on the Dorset coast. It should be a chance for the women to kick back, relax and regroup after a stressful moment at work.

But this is no normal girls’ getaway. And the beach house is no normal home. This place holds dark secrets for Nicole, which threaten to be revealed when its doors are opened.

And unbeknownst to host Nicole, each of the three other guests all have secrets of their own…and some of them could be deadly.

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

My Review:

When a group of employees plan a weekend away to “brainstorm” ideas to save the business, something a little more sinister is afoot. A group of people, each with their own secrets, some wishing to reveal all whilst others desperately hoping to keep theirs to themselves.

Honestly, none of the characters were that likeable (which added the intense atmosphere), all are very selfish in their own ways, all in it for their own benefit, although there is one who you may be surprised with by the end, I genuinely didn’t have them down as doing something to help another. I couldn’t really see a genuine friendship connection between them, even for a group of employees – it read as them being awkward around each other, which added to the tense and uncomfortable feel of the book.

The story was told from multiple points of view, which I like and really brought the story to life as each character gave a different twist on what was playing out.

I found the story played out quite slowly, it took quite a while for anything to really happen but once it did everything started unravelling quite quickly, culminating in dramatic events.

I wasn’t overly surprised with the outcomes, the clues are there all the way through, but I did like how it was put together, how the setting enhanced the mood of each character.

An interesting, tense read.

Author Bio:

Nina Manning studied psychology and was a restaurant-owner and private chef (including to members of the royal family). She is the founder and co-host of Sniffing The Pages, a book review podcast. Her debut psychological thriller, The Daughter in Law, was a bestseller in the UK, US, Australia and Canada. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/ninamanning78

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

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Your place or mine? Portia Macintosh

 

Your Place or Mine?

Two reluctant housemates. One question: Is this your place or mine...?

When Serena is kicked out of her flat, an offer from her friend, Taylor, to house sit for her while she and her husband go travelling could not be better timing. But unfortunately for Serena she’s not the only one to have received this offer…

Enter Ziggy: arrogant, messy (and annoyingly handsome) musician, and friend of Taylor’s husband. Living with him is far from ideal, especially when he claims the best room, has loud parties - and the least said about his kitchen manner the better...

There's just one solution for Serena – drive him out of the house by being twice as difficult to live with than he is! But Ziggy knows Serena's game and as war ensues between them, being forced together under one roof may result in some unexpected consequences…

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3fm70bl

My Review

Fantastic to be kickstarting my blog this year with an author I enjoy time after time! What a blast this book was, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. There is drama, fun, mischief and a true enemies to lovers trope that makes books like this so much fun to read. 

Serena is an interesting character, but one I instantly liked and was rooting for. She just has no luck and it all seems to happen at once for her. When we meet Ziggy, well it’s clear there’s a spark but crikey me they go head to head it trying to wind the other up. Of course, this leads to lots of fun, laughs for us reading but the inevitable romance. Loved how it played out, enjoyed how other characters adding more comedic elements. You have got quite the villain of the piece, a creep of a boyfriend but all isn’t as it seems and Serenas  attempts at outing him are hilarious despite how hurt she must feel. 

Written in true Portia style, it was well paced and entertaining. I know what to expect from Portias books and I wasn’t disappointed by this latest book. As always I look forward to reading  more. 

Author Bio – 

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

The Sleepover - Keri Beevis

 

The Sleepover

When you’re a kid, you imagine monsters to have horns and fangs. That they hide under the bed or in the wardrobe. And you believe they can only come after you when it’s dark.

You don’t expect them to look like everyday people or that they may be someone you already know…

The summer in question started out with hot, fun-filled days and new friendships.

We had just turned thirteen and had our whole lives ahead of us.

But that was before her…

Before we became known as the Hixton Six and our lives become defined by one night.

It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since she was locked away.

But now she’s free and strange things have started to happen.

When I close my eyes, the creeping anxiety and fear is overwhelming and all too real.

Because the monster is back, and I know she has a score to settle with us.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3o2ugfb

My Review:

Having read books by this author before, I thought I would be prepared for The Sleepover… but wow. A gripping and chilling thriller, with dark drama and a spooky tone, it kept my heart thudding throughout.

I always like to think I know what’s going to happen or who is responsible but this one kept me on my toes with some great twists and turns along the way. The writing style is one that keeps a reader in suspense, it’s easy enough to read whilst being really clever in leading us into false sense of security.

I was genuinely shocked by by the ending, I think I may have gasped or something out loud a few times too. 

Another fantastic read by Keri, definitely an author on my ‘must read’ list every time.

Highly recommended for thriller lovers! 

Author Bio:

Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell, Deep Dark Secrets, Trust No One, Every Little Breath and The People Next Door. Dying To Tell reached no. 1 in the Amazon chart in Australia and was a top 25 hit in the UK. Keri wrote her first novel at age twenty, but it was a further twenty years before she was published, after winning a contract in a competition run by a small press. She lives in Norfolk, along with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel).

Social Media Links:

Facebook: Keri Beevis - Author | Facebook

Twitter: Keri Beevis (@keribeevis) / Twitter

Instagram: Keri Beevis (@keri.beevis) • Instagram photos and videos

Bookbub profile: Keri Beevis Books - BookBub

The Silent Child - MJ White

When a body is discovered at an abandoned Suffolk farm, DS Rob Minshull and the squad believes it’s the latest casualty of the drugs war terrorising rural communities. But when the victim is identified as a well-respected local teacher, the case is thrown wide open.

While they hunt the murderer, the South Suffolk CID team face a new threat. A brutal vigilante group dispensing their own twisted justice puts the investigation in grave danger, as well as the detectives.

Educational psychologist, Dr Cora Lael, is called in to work with Lottie Arundel, a troubled teen who stopped speaking a year ago.

As Cora enters Lottie’s world, it seems that the teen’s silence might hold the key to the case. But as Cora and Rob work together to find a vicious killer, it’s clear that uncovering Lottie’s secrets will take Cora and Rob into the most dangerous of places – where the price to pay for the truth might be death…

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

My Review:

The Silent Child is the second book in the Cora Lael series by MJ White (otherwise known as wonderful Miranda Dickinson). I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and eagerly awaited this next one and it did not disappoint. An author that has definitely succeeded in crossing genres and doing both well.

The discovery of a body in a barn sets us on gripping and dramatic journey to find the killer whilst we see Cora start working with a teenager who has stopped speaking. When Cora’s work starts crossing into the police investigation she is soon back in familiar territory of working with the police.

I was hooked from the start, I really enjoy the premise of Cora’s special talent and so love seeing how it can be put to use within these storylines. The author draws us in and makes us feel like we are part of it all, I really enjoy trying to solve the investigation as we read along, although I’m usually wrong!

With many twists and turns along the way, this storyline is dark at times with themes that could make some uncomfortable but it is well written and necessary for the storyline. Sensitive issues that have been very well handled by the author.

I think we have seen more character development in this book than the first, almost like the first setting the scene and now we are really getting into knowing more of the characters and lengths they will go to for justice. I believe we have more to see from them and look forward to more books in the series. 

A fantastic crime drama that I love in book form but believe would adapt well onto the screen. I highly recommend and eagerly await number three!

Author Bio:

MJ White is the pseudonym of bestselling author Miranda Dickinson, author of twelve books, including six Sunday Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into ten languages, selling over a million copies worldwide. A long time lover of crime fiction, The Secret Voices is her debut crime series. She is a singer-songwriter, host of weekly Facebook Live show, Fab Night In Chatty Thing..

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/wurdsmyth

https://www.instagram.com/wurdsmyth/

The Empire - Michael Ball

 

Welcome to The Empire theatre

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes.

There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?

When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it's too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.

Enjoy the show!

Purchase Links - http://unbouncepages.com/Michael-ball/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

https://www.amazon.com/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

My Review:

Michael Ball, a family favourite, a personality, someone full of charm and with a twinkle in his eye who entertains millions, and now an author. I was intrigued when I heard that he was writing a novel and more so when I knew more about it’s setting. I hoped that Michael’s personality would lend itself to producing an entertaining read. I was not disappointed in the slightest, far from it, I was enchanted.

The book is well structured, sections aptly named in theatre terms i.e overture, various acts, finale etc. There are many, many characters though (you do get a long list of who is who at the start) and it takes a little while to get them straight in your head but once you do it’s fine; having such a huge cast of characters allows you to have favourites as well as those you love to hate; smaller storylines intertwine and create strands within the main plot very well.

I don’t want to give away much of the storyline but there is a lot going on, not in a chaotic way but a lot does happen so it’s great that it’s been written in such a captivating way. I didn’t want to put it down as I was completely in the moment and there alongside the characters.

The Empire encapsulates the theatre and musical world, from backstage to performance, cast to writers to owners; the love of theatre shines through Michaels words. Through his vivid descriptions and story you can imagine being both behind the scenes as well as out in the audience watching a smash hit show.

With glitz, glamour, and romance as well as drama, heart break and scandal, The Empire is a warm and entertaining read that will captivate and transport you to London old West End.

I was very impressed by this debut and I genuinely hope it is the start of a series or we, at least, have another set in The Empire. Highly recommended!

Author Bio:

Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums. The Empire is his first novel.

Social Media Links – Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmichaelball/   //  https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmichaelball/?hl=en // https://www.instagram.com/zaffrebooks/

Daggers at the Country Fair - Catherine Coles

 

Winteringham Village 1947

As a thank you for her previous brilliant crime solving, amateur sleuth, Martha Miller is guest of honour at the Winteringham Country Fair. However, this time she is looking forward to simply judging dog shows and eating cream teas rather than apprehending a killer!

And Martha is just beginning to enjoy spending quality time with Vicar Luke Walker away from the prying eyes and gossips of her own village, when disaster strikes, and the local teenage femme fatale is found stabbed to death behind the tea tent by Martha’s trusted red setter Lizzie!

But who would want to kill such a young girl and why? Someone in the village has secrets to hide and it seems Martha and Luke have another case to solve!

Let the investigation commence!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/39FO4RF

My Review:

A second cosy mystery, set in a rural village in 1947, Daggers at the Country Fair is another opportunity for Martha Miller to use her amateur detective skills yet again.

Martha has been asked to open a local village fair, what everyone doesn’t bank on is someone being murdered and the whole villages secrets start becoming public knowledge. Everyone is in the frame for this murder with most men having some connection to the victim.

I felt this book was a little more to the point than the previous one but contained more red herrings and some interesting twists along the way. I enjoyed seeing how the mystery was solved and it took me a while to piece the clues together.

I really enjoy seeing Martha’s character development from book one, she’s becoming more confident and her relationships/friendships are developing. She is making headway in getting locals in her own village she understand her and see her as Martha and not the woman with her husband buried in her garden (he ISNT, he walked out).

I’d love a little more romance with Luke, but as the story is very in keeping with the era I think we need to solve the missing husband mystery.

A charming read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will look forward to the next visit. 

Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.

Social Media Links:

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

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-coles

 

Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow

 

It's the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember...

It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.

Fizz's job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.

As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?

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

My Review:

I can’t believe we are here…. At the end! I’m so sad, I love this series, the characters and community that has been created by the wonderful Jessica Redland.

I implore you, read this series (in order if the best but all work as standalones)!

As always, this instalment is jam packed, drama, upset, highs and lows. There is never a dull moment and just because it is the last book in the series the fun has definitely not stopped.

Sam’s story is interspersed with more about Fizz, a character we know but only now learn more about and wow, what a story. It can be difficult to read at times but well written and I was safe in the knowledge Fizz was surrounded by great people in Sam and the Hedgehog Hollow family.

I won’t say too much about what happens in our final visit, but how great to read how far Sam has come and what she has achieved, how they have homed more than just hedgehogs and to see every relationship that has changed, developed, or improved.

A fantastic story to tie loose ends together.

Although we have had moments of heartache, trauma and upset, it has always balanced with love, kindness, and compassion. I will truly miss this series but look forward to what Jessica Redland brings us next.

Thank you for a wonderful series Jessica, I hope for glimpses into the lives of our favourites in the future.

 Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links: 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

One Last Secret - Adele Parks (HQ)

 

One Last Secret - Adele Parks
Published 7 July 2022 - HQ

Everyone has secrets, don’t they?
One last client A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort, and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front. One last chance It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems…One last secret Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life…

From the Sunday Times number one bestseller Adele Parks comes a blisteringly provocative novel about power, sex, money and revenge.

My Review:

There are certain expectations I’ve come to have with each new book by Adele Parks; that it will bring drama and tension; that things will not always be just as they seem and that I will not be able to put it down as I will be so engrossed in the story. One Last Secret did not fail to meet these expectations.

By the end of the first page I was hooked. This is a book where the tension builds as we go, we grow to know Dora, understanding her situation and what makes her tick. As we progress into the story there is suspense, drama, twists and turns that will keep you guessing – well mostly. You may figure some parts of this story out but you’ll still find yourself surprised along the way.

Primarily told from Dora’s viewpoint (with a few exceptions) we get to be drawn into her world, maybe changing initial opinions of what she does when we finally find out more about her life. By looking at her past we also get the depth of character we really need to fully support her.

Taking on one last ‘job’ leads Dora into the path of danger, and it’s only a matter of time before events take a dark and sinister turn. Parks writes this wonderfully, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, where Dora seems without options with time running out.

Engaging, dark and atmospheric, I think this is yet another hit from Adele Parks. I highly recommend One Last Secret. Thank you for HQ for the opportunity to read and review.

Available to purchase - HERE

A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow - Jessica Redland

 

It's time for the wedding we've all been waiting for...

Life at Hedgehog Hollow is never dull, although Samantha hopes that the new year ahead will be a little less chaotic as she prepares to marry the love of her life, Josh. But disaster strikes when she checks the rescue centre's bank account after the festive season and discovers it has been emptied. Who would do such a thing, and why? With the future of Hedgehog Hollow now in jeopardy, planning a wedding has lost its shine.

Phoebe is desperate to escape the shadow of her family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha's beloved rescue centre. Could the kindness of the Hedgehog Hollow team be the chance she needs for a fresh start, or will her family's secrets continue to drag her back?

My Review:

A lovely return to Hedgehog Hollow, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this next book in the hedgehog loving series and let me say – the wait was worth it!

I flew through this book; I just didn’t want to put it down as I was so keen to know what was happening. Jessica Redland has been so clever in encompassing many issues within this storyline, tackling some very serious and sensitive problems that will have readers riding an emotional rollercoaster. I was ranging from outraged to concerned, from upset but then full of hope, with lots of happiness and a heart full of love.

Whilst we primarily are catching up with Sam and her wonderful family/friends and hogs, we are also given a chance to discover Phoebe’s story. She is the accountant Sam has sources vis the local college and she has more then one secret she is trying to hide.

The more I read of Phoebes life, the angrier I became. Working in the profession I do; this is something I hear of regularly and it never changes how it makes you feel; Jessica Redland has done such a clever job incorporating this storyline into the book.

Sam’s character is slowly moving forwards after events in the past but that doesn’t mean she’s completely over them; when reminders threaten to set back the progress, she’s made she must be careful with choices she makes regarding the people she keeps close by.

An excellent and very enjoyable read, even if a little hard going to at time. I will (impatiently) wait for the next book in the series and see what happens next at Hedgehog Hollow.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland is the top 10 bestselling author of over thirteen novels, including The Secret to Happiness. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

Social Media Links: 

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

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