Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts

Saturday, 8 October 2022

A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen - Jane Linfoot

 

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

A clean slate in the world’s cosiest cottage by the sea…

When Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it’s the fresh start they both so desperately need. But when their new adventure begins with them unintentionally breaking into their neighbour, Ollie Lancaster’s cottage – thinking it’s their new home – and Gwen accidentally flashing the gorgeous Ollie before they flee, the life-long friends realise that life in Cornwall is going to be anything but quiet!

They also quickly discover that they’re in over their heads and it’s going to take a village to turn their cottage’s narrow walls into the luxurious hideaway of their dreams. St Aidan is full of colourful characters just waiting to welcome them, if only Gwen and Ella can find the courage to start leaving the past behind them…

Purchase Links

Ebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Warmer-Little-Cornish-Kitchen-ebook/dp/B09RQD3Y74/

Paperback

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Warmer-Little-Cornish-Kitchen/dp/0008537046



My Review:

A delight to be back in St Aiden, with characters old and new, Jane Linfoot has created a idyllic sounding community with another story full of ups, downs, laughter and romance of course. 

 

Ella and Gwen are following a dream, both wanting to enjoy a new start by the coast in a favourite village from their childhood but have perhaps “oversold” themselves when in competition to get the cottage of their dreams (or so they think!) Promises have been made  and the villagers are regularly keen to see what Ella and Gwen can do. Both are recovering from heartbreak, can a simple renovation project help heal their hearts? 

 

Upon their arrival to St Aiden they soon discover things are not exactly what they seem; an abrupt meeting with a neighbour and a realisation of the task they’ve taken on. 

 

Ollie is the new neighbour, he has his own secrets and own history that he is working through but it doesn’t stop him always being there for Gwen when she needs him, even if he doesn’t quite take to community life as she does. 

 

Gwen thrives in this small close knit community, slowly but surely she starts to rediscover parts of herself, with the help of our ‘Mermaid’ friendship group. Honestly you will be hungry throughout this book, with wonderful descriptions of yummy foods and tasty treats. 

 

I am a massive fan of Jane’s and thoroughly enjoy every book; this trip to St Aiden was a pleasure and although romance was plentiful it was slow, steady and allowed other issues to be resolved. It was well paced, characters that were realistic and likeable. 

 

A book to curl up with this winter, make sure you enjoy it with a hot choc and treat! 


Author Bio:

I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart. Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up the steepest hill in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the chaos. Happily, we're in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things French. When I'm not on Facebook, and can't find an excuse for shopping, I'll be out with my two Old English sheepdogs or in the garden. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

Social Media Links

Insta https://www.instagram.com/janelinfoot/

Facebook profile  https://www.facebook.com/JaneLinfoot20

Author page https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Linfoot-Books-110048451515364

Twitter https://twitter.com/janelinfoot

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janelinfoot/



Saturday, 20 August 2022

The Hub - Nicola May

 

ONE TURKEY FARM, FIVE WILD COLLEAGUES AND A BARN FULL OF MYSTERY

When jilted crime writer August Saunders returns from London to her roots in rural Wiltshire, she feels lost and lacking in inspiration. Determined to reignite her writing mojo, she responds to an advert for a shared workspace in a converted barn.

At the Hub, with its ill-equipped gym, inedible catering and motley array of fellow users, including a matchmaker more interested in her own conquests and a TikToker with a dodgy nocturnal sideline, August is confronted with a real-life mystery to solve.

Why is Max Ronson, the handsome but volatile owner of the Hub, so evasive about his past? And who or what is he hiding on the premises? She is determined to find out – but will her curiosity snuff out the spark of romance?

Nicola May mixes mischief with mystery in a fast-paced rural romp which will make Futtingbrook Farm as beloved a location as Ferry Lane Market or Cockleberry Bay.

Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary, Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Cathy Bramley.

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hub-uplifting-laugh-out-loud-romance-mystery-ebook/dp/B0B4PYPFWC/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Hub-uplifting-laugh-out-loud-romance-mystery-ebook/dp/B0B4PYPFWC/

My Review:

Nicola May is one of my ‘go to’ authors, I love every book and recommend them to everyone I meet. I am always hooked from page one and ‘The Hub’ was no different.

I am such a fan of her style of writing and the ability to make serious issues be delicately woven with comedy, romance, and the odd bit of drama here and there. Tackling some potentially upsetting themes, The Hub, is another book that presents them carefully and thoughtfully as part of the story and not just for the sake of it.

Our main character is author, August, and I think she is brilliant; she says it like it is but without hurting people’s feelings, she is empathetic and kind, it isn’t surprising that people seem to warm to her instantly.

Meeting the characters who also work from The Hub was a highlight, what a great group of characters who each bring their own element of fun. I loved they were all different yet down to earth and fun.

Max is a puzzle, so up and down. It is clear that he is hiding something but what and why remains a mystery, but one August is keen to solve.

Highs and lows, fun and sadness. Turkeys, police raids and matchmaking! I absolutely LOVED every second of reading The Hub. 

Author Bio:

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of sixteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Her books are translated into fourteen languages. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The SunThe Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year. Described by Winifred Robinson of BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours as ‘the invisible bestselling author’, Nicola campaigned successfully for the introduction of ebook charts in the publishing trade press.

 

Social Media Links:

T: https://twitter.com/nicolamay1

W: www.nicolamay.com

Nicola May - Home | Facebook

i: https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/


Wednesday, 2 March 2022

The One - Claire Frost

 

THREE PERFECT MONTHS

TWO IMPERFECT PEOPLE

ONE BIG LOVE STORY

What happens when you lose the love of your life just three months after you meet him?

Lottie Brown has finally found The One. Leo is everything she’s ever wanted – he’s handsome, kind, funny and totally gets her. Three months into their relationship, Lottie is in love and happier than ever before.

But then Leo tragically dies, and Lottie is left floundering.

As she struggles to stop her life falling apart, Lottie learns more about the man she thought she knew, and starts to question whether Leo really was as perfect as he seemed…

The brand-new heart-breaking novel of love, loss and learning to live again, from the acclaimed author of MARRIED AT FIRST SWIPE. Perfect for fans of Paige Toon, Holly Miller and Rosie Walsh.

‘A tender tearjerker’ HEAT – THE EMOTIONAL ONE

‘This moreish book will break your heart then fill it with love and hope’ FABULOUS


My Review:

A heart-breaking tale of loss, grief and putting the pieces of a life not quite lived together again. 

This book bits hard in your emotions, you can feel the raw pain felt by Lottie and how she gets lost in the loss of Leo but the ultimate loss of what could have been. 

She finally finds the man of her dreams, after years of seeing her sisters lives come together and already being let down by a man she loved, but that happiness is short lived. 

I won't say more about the plot but this is a story of rediscovering life, living it for you and not others. You see how to appreciate what you have and not to compare yourself to others. 

I liked Lottie, I empathised with her. I know loss and grief, I've experienced losing the one you love. My heart broke for her as I understood. I empathised but I was equally willing her to move forward, see what she did have and what she was capable of. She makes mistakes and sometimes her attitude stinks. I loved the bond between her and her sisters, a really lovely touch. Closer than friends and that means being able to be absolutely honest and know, deep down, they will always be there. 

I read through this is no time; I didn't anticipate massive twists and turns, but I got a powerful and emotive story full of heart and soul. 

Thank you Team BATC and Claire Frost for the opportunity to read and take part on the blog tour. 

Available to buy -  HERE



 


Friday, 3 September 2021

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café - Jessica Redland

 

Welcome to The Starfish Café - where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother's traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness, as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café...

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down...

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? Afterall, with courage, nothing is impossible...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/34I47Zk


My Review:

As a huge fan of Jessica Redland, I couldn’t wait to start this wonderful, festive romance. I have to admit there is seems to be an awful lot of tragedy and heartbreak in this story, I was concerned there would be no happiness or romance at all, but I didn’t need to worry. Although Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a great portrayal of loss, it is a glorious story of love and overcoming challenges and fears in order to achieve your dreams or mend your heart. A classic tale of finding happiness, or love, where you least expect it.

I enjoyed this new setting and all the characters and hope we will return, although fans of her previous books will not be disappointed as there may just be some familiarity.

Hollie and Jake are interesting, complex characters, both understanding and connecting through loss and pain. With some mystery as to what Jake gets up to on a Monday, his reason for it is incredible. There is so much packed into this book, you’ll get swept away by Hollie and her commitment to what her Mum started, bowled over by Jake and his determination.

Be prepared with some tissues for this emotional ride. Highly recommended!

Author Bio: 

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful 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 Link http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

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




Thursday, 26 August 2021

We Belong Together - Beth Moran


Eleanor Sharpley has been living a lie...

Needing to escape her London life quickly, Eleanor throws her things into the back of her car, and heads to her erstwhile best friend Charlie’s family farm.

But Charlie isn’t there. Instead she finds Charlie’s grieving brother Daniel, her eight-month old daughter Hope (a daughter Eleanor had known nothing about), and a crumbling and unloved Damson Farm.

Damson Farm lies at the edge of the village of Ferrington, with the river Maddon flowing at its heart. But Ferrington is a village divided by more than just a river - it is split in two by an age-old feud – between the Old Side and the New Side. Eleanor has run from her problems, straight into a family and a world that has problems of its own.

But Damson Farm has magic too, and as winter gives way to spring, the old farm starts to come to life under Eleanor’s love and care. The orchard starts to blossom with daffodils and bluebells, and the sound of bees busy in their hives fills the warming air.  Can Eleanor bring Daniel and the feuding village of Ferrington back to life too, or will her secrets catch up with her first?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3g55WF3

My Review:

A jam-packed romance with characters you will love and root for every step of the way! It is a story of personal growth, discovering yourself and dealing with tragedy and adversity. Heartwarming and endearing.

Eleanor is a great character, she is far from perfect, but she is likeable. She faces a lot of challenges and decides to ‘run away.’ Doing so means discovering fresh heartache but also new opportunities and we see how Eleanor makes the most of things, supports herself and takes care of those around her. She builds relationships within the (divided) community in Becky and Alice and makes it her mission to reunite the town and stop all the madness she witnesses during her stay.

Daniel is a brilliant character – he’s grieving and still puts others first. His dedication and love for baby Hope is so sweet. I love the way he helps Eleanor and gently nudges her in the right direction. It isn’t a story about love at first sight by a long way. It’s fair to say things are a little awkward at first but before long Daniel and Eleanor have a lovely bond and easy friendship and have created a great care system for baby Hope. As Eleanor works on making dreams come true, Daniel allows her free reign to do what is needed. How supportive!

When her past starts to catch up with her, Eleanor’s new life may be in jeopardy and the relationships she has nurtured during her stay may be torn apart.

I loved it... and I never read a book set fairly locally (although the town of Ferrington is fictional it is based locally) and there was even a mention for the mighty Mansfield Town FC (Come on you STAGS!)

Cleverly written and nicely paced, there Is so much happening but I felt the story played out in a nice way and I didn’t discover everything all in one go. As a story with multiple threads, they are cleverly woven so that I was always interested and wanted to read more.

I’ve never read anything by this author but I shall be rectifying that pretty quickly. I definitely recommend this fantastic story; romance, drama, humour with a little bit of mystery involved. What’s not to enjoy! 

Author Bio:

Beth Moran is the author of three previous romance novels, including Making Marion. She regularly features on BBC Radio Nottingham and is a trustee of the national women’s network Free Range Chicks. She lives on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest. Beth’s first novel for Boldwood, Christmas Every Day, was published in September 2019.



Social Media Links –

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/bethcmoran

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

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/BethMoranNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-moran


Tuesday, 20 July 2021

The Beginners Guide to Loneliness - Laura Bambrey


 Tori Williamson is alone. After a tragic event left her isolated from her loved ones, she’s been struggling to find her way back to, well – herself. That’s why she set up her blog, The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness, as a way of – anonymously – connecting with the outside world and reaching others who just need a little help sometimes.

When she’s offered a free spot on a wellbeing retreat in exchange for a review on her blog, Tori is anxious about opening herself up to new surroundings. But after her three closest friends – who she talks to online but has never actually met – convince her it’ll do her some good, she reluctantly agrees and heads off for three weeks in the wild (well, a farm in Wales).

From the moment she arrives, Tori is sceptical and quickly finds herself drawn to fellow sceptic Than, the retreat’s dark and mysterious latecomer. But as the beauty of The Farm slowly comes to light she realizes that opening herself up might not be the worst thing. And sharing a yurt with fellow retreater Bay definitely isn’t.  Will the retreat be able to fix Tori? Or will she finally learn that being lonely doesn’t mean she’s broken . . .

Welcome to The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness! Where you can learn to move mountains by picking up the smallest of stones…

Purchase your copy - HERE

My Review: 

A brilliant debut from Laura Bambrey; I enjoyed ‘The Beginners Guide to Loneliness’ from start to finish. It’s emotional, fun-filled, dramatic and covers some very sensitive topics that will resonate with many readers. You get a real sense of how much love and passion has gone into creating these characters and their stories. It’s such an impressive debut -I will be looking forward to more.

Tori is our main character, and she is one I immediately empathised with. She has been through so much and the pain/hurt she feels means she isolates herself from others and is determined to keep people from getting close. She feels lonely and has cultivated an online persona for herself, one in which she has control, speaks freely but is anonymous. Her online friends have been her rock and guide her into making some big decisions. When an opportunity comes for Tori to visit The Farm; a retreat where she can take more time for herself and her issues; the warriors are all for it and convince her to go.

The Farm is brilliant, very “out there” for Tori and I couldn’t imagine myself in her position at all! I adored the cast of characters, you could tell who would be good and who would cause trouble. I am a huge fan of Rowen though – that girl is going to go far and she really comes through for all involved in the end.

The Farm seems like the perfect place for some respite and to discover a little more about yourself; maybe we should all have a visit! I

With themes that can be sensitive like grief, torment, guilt, fear and betrayal, great care has been taken by Laura to write this with compassion and with great balance with funny, laugh out loud moments.

Keep an eye out for Dennis, he may be the star.

I highly recommend this one – enjoy!



Sunday, 21 March 2021

Who Do You Trust? Kirsty Ferguson

 


A perfect sunny day, a family celebration, a heart-stopping hour that changes everything...

Dana has all she ever wanted – a husband she loves, her four-year-old daughter Kelsey who is the apple of her eye, and another baby on the way to complete her perfect family.

But then the worst fear that Dana has, comes true, and everything she thought she knew, she now starts to doubt. As her world comes crashing around her, who can Dana trust?  

Her husband Logan who seems to be getting worryingly close to Dana’s best friend Pippa?

Her new friend Melanie who has a sinister habit of turning up in the strangest places?

Her parents and her sister, who Dana knows are keeping a terrible secret from her?

Matt, who says he’s Dana’s friend, but sometimes she’s not so sure?

Or will Dana discover that it’s a dangerous mistake to trust anyone…

Join Kirsty Ferguson on this heart-stopping, plot-twisting, roller coaster read, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Adele Parks.  

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/3ojpSH4


My Review:

Dana, Logan, and their four-year-old daughter Kelsey attend a family BBQ.  Tragedy occurs when Kelsey’s favourite bear goes missing and the family must keep going despite Dana’s world blowing apart around her and her realising, she doesn’t know who she is able to trust.

From the start, the book is an emotive read. It is very dramatic – so much relationship, friendship and family drama in one book. I will say I was kept interested because I wanted to see how it all would turn out.

I found the book is well paced and quick to read, it held my attention well enough to power through in one sitting.  

Whilst I didn’t personally gel with the characters, I could feel for Dana and how everyone else was towards her. The point is that you aren’t supposed to like all the characters I guess, so in that the author has done well. I think the dislike of characters means you are suspicious of them all, which for this style of book is great.

Although it wouldn’t be something I would read again, as a psychological thriller I felt it delivered some interesting twists along the way. 

Author Bio:

Kirsty Ferguson is an Australian crime writer whose domestic noir stories centre around strong women and dark topical themes. Kirsty enjoys photography, visiting haunted buildings and spending time with her son. Her first book for Boldwood was Never Ever Tell published in June 2020.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kfergusonauthor

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kirsty-ferguson





Tuesday, 28 January 2020

BLOGTOUR: A Reason to Grieve - Mick Williams



Tom and Emma drift through life, both burdened with a heavy sense of grief. Both have suffered devastating loss and have closed themselves off to the possibility of happiness. Then, at a funeral, their eyes meet and they feel something neither expected.

Supported by their quirky friends and a ‘right to the point’ pensioner, will they overcome their fears and find the solution to the pain within each other, or will they give up and go their separate ways?

In turns funny and sad, A Reason to Grieve is a romantic tale about two people fighting their feelings, about love and loss. And about funerals. 

Purchase Links

My Review

A lovely read by Mick Williams that is full of funny and touching moments. A sweet romantic comedy, it’s not overly soppy or gushing but is really sentimental in some parts.

Emma and Tom are our main characters who meet each other in quite the unique situation. With an instant connection it’s nice to see their relationship develop but also the relationships they have with their friends. Cue a lot of banter, jokes and moments of unfiltered truth.

My favourite character is Doris. Like a Mum to the salon girls, what she imparts through hilarious stories is priceless. I wish I could pull off blue hair like her!

Emma and Tom’s relationship doesn’t always run smoothly – they have to work through their own insecurities, the ghosts from their past that they’ve held onto for too long. It did make for some fairly emotional moments and I’m sure most readers will connect to them in some way.

Very well written and nicely paced I think this is a funny read that will entertain.
About the author:

Mick Williams moved from Stoke-On-Trent, England to Kentucky, USA. Then, after almost a decade, he moved back.
In between reading, writing and listening to good music he still watches proper football and, for his sins, follows his local team Port Vale. He does also still cheer for the Indianapolis Colts.
He was adopted by two cats, Crash and Thud, and resides with his patient wife in Staffordshire.

Social Media Links – www.mickwilliamsauthor.com and mickwilliamsauthor on Facebook​               


Thursday, 17 October 2019

BLOGTOUR: Snowflakes Over Holly Cove - Lucy Coleman


The perfect Christmas romance for fans of Karen Swan.

 

As the snowflakes start to fall, Holly Cove welcomes a new tenant to the beautiful old cottage on the beach...
For lifestyle magazine journalist Tia Armstrong, relationships, as well as Christmas, have lost all their magic. Yet Tia is up against a Christmas deadline for her latest article 'Love is, actually, all around...'
So, Tia heads to Holly Cove where the restorative sea air and rugged stranger, Nic, slowly but surely start mending her broken heart.
Tia didn't expect a white Christmas, and she certainly never dared dream that all her Christmas wishes might just come true...
Set in Caswell Bay on the stunningly beautiful Gower Coast, the cottage nestles amid the limestone cliffs and the woodlands, where the emotions run as turbulently as the wind-swept sea.
As cosy as a marshmallow-topped mug of cocoa, fall in love with a heart-warming festive story from the bestselling author of The French Adventure.
Buy links:



My Review:

A beautiful, warm and cosy read that drew me in immediately. I couldn’t put in down. There is stunning, descriptive settings and wonderful characters who will keep you amused and take you on an emotional journey. Although a festive read it is much more and a book that would be well received at any time of year.

Our main character Tia is one that you see develop throughout, I can empathise with her situation and I liked her attitude and approach to life when settled in Holly Cove. I think she is a character any reader would fully support and want the best for – it’s obvious that she and Nic are destined to help each other through their different, but equally as troublesome personal and emotional issues and I thought it interesting how their relationship developed at a steady pace, with ups and downs and plenty of tension that kept me hooked. I genuinely wasn’t sure if this was a relationship that would ever go the distance.

 I loved the array of other characters, each adding something extra to the book. Some you couldn’t stand and were wary of immediately but then some I adored like Max – I thought he added something special. I really did not figure out some of the revelations towards the end either.


A very addictive book that looks at a whole host of issues; grief, loss, families and relationships and all the varying challenges that someone can have to face. Although it does deal with some serious and emotional things, it is heart-warming and definitely one to cosy up with. 


About the Author 


Lucy lives in the Forest of Dean in the UK with her lovely husband and Bengal cat, Ziggy. Her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards. Lucy won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award.

Follow Lucy:  




Thursday, 8 August 2019

BLOGTOUR: The Time of our lives - Abby Williams

 

Pre-Order Links:

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xMa5Il


About the Book

Two women from two very different generations are brought together through dramatic circumstances and help each other to forge new paths.

Twenty-six-year-old Erin has everything she’s ever wanted – a good job, a gorgeous fiancé and a best friend who’s always there for her. But suddenly her life comes crashing down around her. Unable to return home to her parents, she takes a room in a house nearby and her life starts over in the most unexpected of ways…

Seventy-six-year old Lydia, who, shocked by the sudden death of her husband, is devastated to discover that he has left her in crippling debt. With no choice but to take in a lodger, Erin comes into her life. When they find a letter hidden in the attic old secrets come to light and, with Erin by her side, Lydia finds herself going on a trip of a lifetime.

Perfect for fans of The Flatshare, 59 Memory Lane and If Only I Could Tell You

My Review:
We meet the wonderful Lydia recently after her husband passes away. She realises her beloved husband had been keeping secrets leading her son to convince her that she must take in a lodger to make ends meet. With this in mind she meets with the lovely, yet sad, Erin. We’ve seen that twenty-six-year-old Erin has had a difficult time and needs a new start - her fiancé and best friend betrayed her.

Erin moves in and over the following days and weeks we see how both women bring out the better qualities in each other and provide the support each needs to move forward instead of looking back and dwelling on the past.

Honestly, I adored it from the moment these two women met. I was totally absorbed into their lives. Both characters complimented each other fantastically, although both were quite feisty and opinionated. I think they are both brilliant and loved that the emphasis of the book was their relationship and how they helped each other.

We read how each character dusts themselves off and both move on with their lives – even with an age difference they learn so much from the other. They both go on quite a journey in the short time they know each other, there are great successes, heart-warming moments that had me smiling from ear to ear but also failures and disappointments. Throughout it all they have each other; I found myself smiling, laughing but then feeling very empathetic to their situations.

This book is very nicely written, you get a good sense of the atmosphere – their excitement, disappointments, the sadness and the loves each character lives through. We are introduced to a lovely selection of additional characters, although there will be a couple you will instantly dislike.   The perspective changes between Erin and Lydia but it’s done very well and I really enjoy getting two views of events throughout.

I enjoyed how the book encompassed the realities of life, that everything isn’t always perfect, but you live through the moments, you learn, and you continue the best path for you.

Here’s to friendship and having those who support and love you always.
I would highly recommend this book to all, definitely worth a read. 


About the Author 



Abby Williams is the pseudonym for Fiona Ford, writer of romantic up-lit and historical fiction. Fiona started out as a freelance journalist for titles such as Grazia, Sunday Mirror and Stylist before realising her passion lay in novels. Now she spends her days immersed in made-up worlds and reckons she has the very best job in the world. When she's not writing, Fiona is a gym nut, but only so it means she can eat lots of cake and drink lots of wine - not necessarily in that order. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and two cats who she sometimes thinks she might love just a little bit more than all the humans she knows. The Time of Our Lives is her first romantic novel and she is now busy scribbling away her second. 

Follow Fiona:

Facebook: @Fionafordauthor
Twitter: @Fionajourno