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

Sing me a Secret - Julie Houston

About the book
The four Sutherland sisters have all had very different paths in life, but one secret and a slighty tense production of Jesus Christ Superstar are about to bring them all back together again…

When the news that pop-superstar Lexia Sutherland is returning to Westenbury, not everyone is thrilled by the news – including Lexia. There are too many memories she doesn’t need to face – or need re-surfacing. Meanwhile, Juno Sutherland just wants a little peace and quiet.

As the local village doctor, she’s got her priorities in order; kids, job, husband, tenacious pony, a role in the village musical… So when the sexy new locum turns up – and steals her office – the last thing she needed was to be hit with rising temperatures and an over-active imagination.

Will these sisters be able to uncover the past, deal with the future and put on the performance of a lifetime?

My Review:

A charm of a book, a gorgeous read that will have you laughing out loud and will warm your heart. If this is a snapshot of village life, then I would love to be part of this kind of community.


As with families there are secrets as well as the emotional ups and downs but as you read through the story you do see strong family bonds, sisterly love, and support as they work through problems and situations.


Brilliantly written, I immediately felt like I knew these characters and that they were friends who I cared for.  Overcoming adversity, using the power of song to come together with each other and the community.

Julie Houston writes with nice attention to detail; characters feel realistic and the story develops at a lovely pace.

A genuinely uplifting book that I recommend for those looking to get lost in a book.

Highly enjoyable!

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GRaGwI

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2GOzOEp

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2vELIye

About the author

Julie Houston is the author of THE ONE SAVING GRACE, GOODNESS, GRACE AND ME and LOOKING FOR LUCY, a Kindle top 100 general bestseller and a Kindle #1 bestseller. She is married, with two teenage children and a mad cockerpoo and, like her heroine, lives in a West Yorkshire village. She is also a teacher and a magistrate.

Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Wrap up warm and prepare to explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets.
Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover. But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met. City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor. But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought. There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ...

Purchase Here

My Review:

Another of my absolute favourites, Jo Thomas always delivers a fantastic read that will transport you to amazing places with wonderful characters and brilliant story lines.

Ruby, unable to do what she loves and sing, finds herself on a journey of discovery – of how to make a very special gin but also in discovering who she really is, where she came from and importantly what she is capable of.

I adored the picturesque sounding Winter Island, described so well by Jo, I could really picture every aspect of the close-knit community. Yet another fantastic location for this book, which has become synonymous with every Jo Thomas book.

Aside from Ruby, who is a fantastic character and her rollercoaster relationship with Lachlan, I adored Hector and thought the inclusion of how he was suffering from Alzheimer’s but had periods of lucidity through music was absolutely breath taking and so emotional. As someone who has watched loved ones suffer, this hit home hard but thought it was written in the most tender, touching ways plus Hector is quite the mischievous character and added some extra heart to the story.

Such an eclectic bunch of characters within the community, moments of hilarity and then a rollercoaster of emotions. There are some interesting surprises and little twists that I didn’t expect, I think Jo Thomas is an absolute diamond for telling a story with such heart and soul, always with something delicious to tempt us with.

I couldn’t put this book down, as with every one I read from Jo. I couldn’t recommend this one any more to everyone that loves a great story with lovable characters, perfect to cosy up with.

BLOGTOUR: The Last Day of Winter - Shari Low

One December wedding. One runaway bride. One winter's day to bring everyone together again.

 

Today is the day Caro and Cammy are due to walk up the aisle. But Caro's too caught up in the trauma of her past to contemplate their happy ever after.

Stacey's decision to return from L.A. is fuelled by one thing – telling Cammy how she feels, before it's too late.

Wedding planner, Josie, needs to sort the whole mess out, but she's just been dealt some devastating news. Can she get through the day without spilling her secret?

On a chilly winter's day, they have twenty-four hours to prove that love can lead the way to a brighter future...

Perfect for fans of Isabelle Broom, Sarah Morgan and Amanda Prowse.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HWoiYA

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Zq1KFD

iBooks: https://apple.co/2ZssftV

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2ZxvpMR

My Review:

Shari Low gives us an intense yet uplifting, emotional rollercoaster for this final installment in the Winter Day series. If you haven’t come across any of the previous books, don’t worry you will still enjoy the story here – you can read it as a standalone, but you should treat yourself and read the others too.

Shari is a brilliant, emotive writer who beautifully weaves a story that is full of drama, love, friendships and heart; a story of which that will have you fully invested in the characters from the start. You will go through a whole range of emotions and there will be characters that you adore like Caro as well as characters you cannot abide like Stacey who seemed intent on ruining things – and my favourite character, Josie who will take you on such an emotional, heart wrenching journey this time around.

I love how the whole book written in two-hour time frames, a fantastic pace as so much happens throughout the course of the book it’s so easy to be immersed in the action. Such a credit to Shari’s writing style, I couldn’t put it down.

I think this final installment is a great ending, very fitting for the characters and finishes their stories off well. There are no real loose ends or parts I would’ve liked to see done differently, The Last Day of Winter is a fantastic read which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

About the Author: 

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

Follow Shari

Website: www.sharilow.com

Twitter: @ShariLow

Facebook: @sharilowbooks

BLOGTOUR: Bonfires and Hot Chocolate at The Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

Bonfires & Hot Chocolate (at the Little Duck Pond Café)

If you love all the colours of autumn, you're sure to warm to this uplifting story of love, loss and starting over.

Primrose Wilkins arrived in Sunnybrook with a burning desire to find the family she's never known. But after a heart-breaking false start, she's beginning to have second thoughts. Can she find the courage to battle on in her quest? And with her romantic life at an all-time low, will meeting the intriguing and attractive Callum Davy be just what she needs to renew her faith in love?

Meanwhile, Fen is also finding it hard to be brave. She's made it through to the final of TV show 'Battle of the Bakes' (thanks to Ellie entering on her behalf), but she's always shied away from being in the spotlight. How will Fen cope now that she's a famous 'celebrity', recognised in the street everywhere she goes?

Purchase Links

US - https://www.amazon.com/Bonfires-Chocolate-Little-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B07XF1FDQC

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonfires-Chocolate-Little-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B07XF1FDQC

My Review

So pleased to have another visit to The Little Duck Pond Café; such wonderful characters that feel like friends, I have grown very fond of them all. This wonderfully autumnal visit sees us enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night – where sparks fly in more ways than one (of course!)

This time we focus on the lovely, bright and relatively new addition to Sunnybrook, Primrose. She came to find her birth Grandmother and throughout this book we see her, finally manage to start piecing together the clues.

It is such a moving and heart-warming visit and there is a lot of emotion throughout; especially as Primrose goes to clear the farmhouse where she’d lived with her dearly departed Gran. I will leave you in suspense as to the discoveries Primrose makes but I’ll say that what does happened changes things for more people than just Primrose.

Two gorgeous, kind, and decent love interests for the delightful girl – I was always rooting for one over the other, I have a soft spot for the character anyway, and it was great to see how the relationship develops.

Every addition to this series is special, and I would completely recommend reading them all but you could read this as a standalone ( but go on, treat yourself to the others too!) I cannot wait to read more about Sunnybrook and these wonderful people, I know there is another coming up but I hope that Rosie can keep them coming!

A gorgeously cosy read, very feel good and ideal to snuggle up with this autumn. I highly recommend!

Author BioRosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by 'the baddies'.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all - unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Rosie's brand new series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, 'Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe', is out now.

Watch out for 'A Winter Wedding at the Little Duck Pond Cafe', which will be published Christmas 2019.

Rosie is also writing a full-length, standalone book for Christmas 2019, entitled 'Snowflakes over Moondance Cottage'.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

BLOGTOUR: The Secret Cove in Croatia - Julie Caplin

 

About the book:

Sail away to beautiful Croatia for summer sun, sparkling turquoise seas and a holiday romance that’s forever…

When no-nonsense, down-to-earth Maddie Wilcox is offered the chance to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, she can’t say no. Yes she’ll be waiting on the posh guests… But island-hopping around the Adriatic sea will more than make up for it – especially when Nick, her best friend Nina’s brother, is one of them.

Sparks fly when they meet on board and Maddie can’t believe self-entitled jerk Nick is really related to Nina.

But in a secret, picture-perfect cove, away from the real world, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they realise…

My Review:

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

I won’t hesitate in the slightest to rave on about how much of a fan I am of Julie Caplin and the Romantic Escapes series. With each one I am transfixed by idyllic settings, great characters, romantic storylines as well as the fun and frolics along the way.

I was beside myself with excitement with the opportunity to read ‘The Secret Cove in Croatia’ and take part in this book tour, I couldn’t wait to see what adventure was in store.

I cannot pick a favourite of this series, but I have to say this one is truly special. I was over the moon to discover our main character was Maddie and couldn’t wait to see what life had in store for her (we’d met her previously as a minor, but extremely ace, character in The Little Paris Patisserie’). I will add Nick (our rather yummy sounding leading man) is also mentioned in that same book but the characters do not meet or have anything to do with one another – their connection is Nicks sister! This book does go into that in some ways – they can all be read independently but honestly, if you haven’t read the previous books this is the perfect chance to give them a go.

Maddie is such a sweetheart, I adored her before, and I’m so pleased she has chance to shine. She hasn’t got confidence in her artistic abilities, so thinking she isn’t good enough and in between jobs the chance to crew the yacht comes at just the right time. It doesn’t start that well and she is looked down upon by members of the party, but she does meet genuinely good people, especially the ‘celebrity’ yacht owner who takes great care of her when she needs it the most. Bill ends up being one of my favourite characters, so down to earth and not at all what you would expect.

Croatia has never been a place that particularly interested me before, I’d genuinely never considered it to be a holiday destination but now I am sold. It sounds beautiful and full of special places; Julie writes about them so well you honestly feel like you are there and enjoying it for yourself.

Life aboard a yacht must be incredible, it sounded so glamourous and how lucky of Maddie to get herself a job aboard. I liked the inclusion of the Captain who added that authentic cultural flair and knowledge, even if at times his actions seemed to be a little suspect. I love learning something about the setting of books I read so enjoyed the scenes about his family, home life.

The range of quirky, fun characters encapsulated on the yacht was such a mix – each added something different throughout the book. Poor old Nick, blatantly being used by someone who had little care for anything other than outward appearance… I couldn’t wait for him to come to his senses and sort himself out, it was easy to see he was meant to be with Maddie.

Julie has done it again, whisked us away for a romantic treat. A gorgeous summer read that will not disappoint. I cannot recommend it enough for you travel, escapism and romance fans. 

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Cove-Croatia-Romantic-Escapes-ebook/dp/B07L7Y9LL5/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Cove-Croatia-Romantic-Escapes-ebook/dp/B07L7Y9LL5/

About the Author:

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 twelfth novel, The Secret Cove in Croatia published in ebook format this July.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @JulieCaplin

@Juleswake

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor

BLOGTOUR: Foxglove Farm - Christie Barlow

Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what…

Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life – a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm.

But, new mum Isla is struggling.  She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla’s lonely.

When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love.
Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm?  And can Isla save her home…and her marriage?

My Review:

I’ll happily tell you I adored ‘Love Heart Lane’ – this first book in this series so I could not wait to read this. Saying that, if you haven’t had chance to read that brilliant book rest assured you can read this as a standalone too.

Foxglove Farm focuses on Isla and Drew, married with a family and their farm; I was a big fan of these characters in Love Heart Lane so was really pleased that they were the focus of this book. What seems to be a perfect relationship and a perfect life slowly starts to unravel around Isla and she must rely on the support and guidance of the community, her friends and family to make sure she doesn’t lose everything.

This is a wonderful story based around a gorgeous sounding, close knit community. It’s so endearing to read this and feel part of a community that rallies around each other, Christie Barlow has created such warm, funny and caring characters that I genuinely cannot wait to read more about them all. (I’m so pleased to hear there will be a return visit!)

I feel like Isla and Drew had a mountain of hurdles to overcome in this one; just when I thought everything was ok there was another sucker punch that threatened everything. Honestly, how much could two people go through in one book. It held my interest and had be gasping, talking out loud at parts. As if my ‘telling off’ Drew would do something. What impressed me was how such serious topics were introduced and handled – encouraging people to talk about problems, reach out for help and trust in the ones who love us.

In this book we meet the crazy but kind, Martha. What a whirlwind she seems and it’s a breath of fresh air that balances some of the tougher parts of the book. I’m glad she came back to the village when she did, Isla needed her and what a rock she turned out to be.

I was totally absorbed by Christie’s wonderful writing, a beautiful style that will fully engage you in this story. I adored Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm is probably even better – I think the more we discover about this place and its characters there more we will enjoy.

I highly recommend this romantic, funny yet sensitive book. Thank you to all involved for the chance to read and review. 

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

US - https://www.amazon.com/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

 

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The

Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being.

Website www.christiebarlow.com 

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

BLOGTOUR: The Little Village of Happiness - Holly Martin

AVAILABLE HERE 

About:

Willow McKay needs a fresh start. Her recent break-up may not have left her heartbroken but it’s certainly wounded her pride. Desperate to escape the whispers and stares of her town’s gossips, an advert offering homes in a picturesque village in the grounds of a majestic castle on the Cornish coast sounds like just what she needs. Without thinking twice Willow applies for a cottage and packs up her life for the village of Happiness.

But when Willow arrives she finds a crumbling ruin and ramshackle cottages, nothing like the pretty picture the advert had boasted. It seems Happiness was too good to be true. That is until she meets the incredibly handsome estate manager Andrew Harrington…

His passion for restoring the village to its former glory is contagious and soon they are working together to bring happiness back to Happiness. And as sparks fly between them Willow can feel herself falling. But Andrew is holding something back.

Can Willow risk her heart again? And will they succeed in transforming the old village to its original beauty before it’s too late?

My Review:

Holly Martin has given us such a wonderful treat with this book – a lovely, summer read that will leave you wanting more. I smiled all the way through, it is SUCH  an aptly name book. Isn’t Happiness the most perfect village name – all you can imagine is everyone being lovely, kind and full of smiles.

I love the characters that Holly writes. Willow is my kind of girl, following her instincts and relocating on a whim. She finds that all may not be as it seems in the village she’d seen advertised. She soon settles in and makes her mark on the community – it more ways than one. She’s confident, lively and not afraid to get stuck in, I really like that.

When she meets hottest village handyman, you’ll come across then you just now it won’t be long until she lets love into her heart – their chemistry is instant, and they make a great pair.
There is so much more to Andrew than you first realise, and I think Holly has written about this fantastically. It added that little bit more to an already great story.

I enjoyed how they worked to get the village ready for the open day, the way the community joined together to make it as great as it sounds on paper. I LOVED the Secret Gifting Society as it was such fun to see who would get what gift next.

This book has an overriding feeling of wonderful community spirit, welcoming new additions and making them feel like they belong. It’s more than just your typical summer rom com read. Full of humour, romance and characters you will be keen to learn more about too. I was hooked from the moment I started and just couldn’t put it down.

This book will leave you wanting more – the village is an untapped source of many, many stories. I am so excited that there will be another, ‘The Gift of Happiness’ later in the year.

I highly recommend this book; it will leave you smiling for sure.