Another Time Another Place - Jo Lovett

 

Has someone ever come into your life and you thought, what if you’d had the chance to get to know one another better? Would we be together?

When Liv finds herself locked in a shed with handsome stranger Ben (after both trying to rescue the same cat), the instant connection they make feels like fate had a hand in it. Has Liv finally found her perfect match?

But everything about the timing means there’s no way they can be together. Not least because Ben has a girlfriend and Liv is moving to Paris the next day.

Over the coming years their paths weave in and out of each other’s lives – together, but always fleetingly.

If only they could stop missing each other, who knows what fate may have in store for them…

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

 

My Review:

An adorable rom-com that actually pulls an emotional punch every so often. With a funny “meet-cute” (sounds like a nightmare but with added good looking benefits!) we chart the ups and downs of the lives of both Ben and Liv. We see how their stories play out, charting disappointments, highs and low. With both characters moving forward over the following months and years, we see how friendships, love interests and careers change. At various, random moments they come across each other, a bar at New Years, a work meeting; the connection and chemistry is electrifying. Something is holding them both back and timing always seems to be off, maybe both should forget the other and the connection they seem to share. 
The story plays out from both characters perspectives, we know that they are both not entirely being honest with the other. Drama, longing, missed chances all play a vital role in this story. It’s well written, and the pace is good so much so you won’t realise just how quickly you are reading, you will be so engrossed in the characters and the will they wont they plot. 
A cosy read, heartfelt yet funny – I could see it play out as a film!

Author Bio:
Jo was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping/ Orion First Novel Competition 2018 and shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Award 2019. She lives in London with her family. She started writing romantic comedy when she realised that she was regularly begging her oldest son to let her do his English homework but wasn't actually very interested in haunted houses or Macbeth analysis. When she can escape her laundry mountain, she enjoys reading, tennis and wine

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/JoLovettWrites

A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street - Jaimie Admans

A picture-perfect town; a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street's shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can't hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

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

My Review:

What an enchanting tale from Jaimie Admans, who never fail to capture my heart with her romantic, magical tales. This is a charming read, suspend reality and enter the fairytale world of Jaimie’s creation, where magic, fairytale endings could exist.

Whilst it feels very familiar in theme, you will pick up on the Cinderella-esque storyline, it is modern, full of funny and lightheaded humour as well as being romantic and a cute tale of girl meeting boy, overcoming some issues and trying to each find their own happily ever after.

Sadie is our modern day Cinderella, a great character with a heart of gold. Life hasn’t always been great to her and she dreams of being able to follow her mothers path, creating wonderful dresses in the shop she owned. Unfortunately she has an Aunt, who isn’t quite “wicked step mother” but isn’t exactly helpful nor appreciative of Sadie’s talents. Throughout the book Sadie gains confidence, belief in herself and in how she must do what is right, follow her dreams and show she is willing to leave the community she adores if it means doing the right thing.

Witt is our ‘prince’, I guessed the “revealing” information about Witt pretty early on but I loved how Sadie didn’t work things out. He is another character that has much to overcome, painful memories and personal problems. He may have no confidence himself but he certainly helps Sadie gain hers.

A romantic tale I didn’t want to finish, happy ever afters are all well and good but I would love a return to Ever After Street and more magical, fairy tale fun. 

Author Bio:

Jaimie is a 37-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching Hallmark movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She writes quirky and uplifting romantic comedies and loves nothing more than escaping into a good book, whether by reading them or writing them!

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/be_the_spark

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimieadmans1/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaimie-admans

Every Shade Of Happy by Phyllida Shrimpton

 

Algernon is at the end of his life.
His granddaughter is at the start of hers.
But they have more in common than they think...
 
Every day of Algernon's 97 years has been broken up into an ordered routine. That's how it's been since the war, and he's not about to change now.
 
Until his 15-year-old granddaughter arrives on his doorstep, turning Algernon's black-and-white life upside down. Everything from Anna's clothes to the way she sits glued to her phone is strange to Algernon, and he's not sure he likes it.
 
But as the weeks pass, Algernon is surprised to discover they have something in common after all – Anna is lonely, just like him. Can Algernon change the habits of a lifetime to bring the colour back into Anna's world?

My Review:

The intergenerational story of ninety-seven-year-old Algernon Edward Maybury and fifteen year old Anna (Algernon's granddaughter). A story told from both characters point of view, we start to see life from each perspective especially when both feel life isn’t going the way they thought.

I loved all the characters, from the initially grouchy Algernon, to Anna, Jacob next door and Helene – all so believable and real.

Algernon is all set in his ways and is a typical grouchy and grumpy old man, but we do see his softer, sweeter side as the book progresses. Its understandable that he is how he is because of his own upbringing. Anna is a teen who yearns for the life she has had to leave behind, her bright, colourful personality changes and something big is needed for both characters to break through the hard shells they have encased themselves in.

Algernon’s world is rocked with their arrival and initially it is awkward and difficult, they all need time and space to get to know and get used to each other. Jacob befriends Anna and plays an important part in her figuring out her new life.

A beautiful journey takes place with Jacobs help, both physically and figuratively for both characters and it’s fantastic to see how all grow as individuals, no matter of their age (Algernon) and that they really see one another, understanding them and supporting to live life.

A wonderful, emotional story that will stay with you for a long time afterwards. It’s written well and although it starts slowly, keep with it as you will not regret it.

About the author:

Phyllida Shrimpton obtained a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management, a career choice which was almost as disastrous as her cooking. Thankfully her love of books and writing led her to a new career as an author. Her young adult novel Sunflowers in February won the Red Book Award for YA Fiction in 2019. Having lived in London, The Netherlands and the Cotswolds with her husband, daughter, giant Saint Bernard and grumpy old terrier, she now lives on the Essex Coast in a place she likes to describe as being where the river meets the sea. Every Shade of Happy is her first adult novel.

Follow Phyllida:

Instagram: @phyllidashrimpton

Twitter: @shrimpyshrimpy1

#EveryShadeOfHappy

Follow Head of Zeus:

Twitter: @AriaFiction

Facebook: @AriaFiction

Instagram: @headofzeus

Website: www.headofzeus.com

Buy links:

Buy from Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3QaYSaG

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JI97ku

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

 

Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life - Carmen Reid

 

Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem.

Will Tess find what's she's looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?

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

My Review:

Having been a big fan of Carmen Reid a long time ago, I was really excited to hear a new book was being released. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and let me say that it didn’t disappoint.

A great book, interesting, life-affirming for those of an older age, it has moments of comedy but also moments of emotion, heartwarming and probably more serious than I thought would be. It is a rollercoaster and not as ‘cutesy’ as it’s cover may suggest. If you are expecting a light, fluffy rom-com then you will be given more depth and more sentiment, this story does tackle issues that some may find difficult.

Tess is almost fifty and realises she wants more from the wife/Mum life she is living. River is in desperate need of some success in her writing career, being presented an opportunity is finally her chance. Both ladies decide to fly away from home to see if they can find themselves again.

Out of the two main characters, Tess and River, I liked Tess and could sympathise whereas I couldn’t really get on with River’s character. I didn’t warm to her at all, even by the end of the book I wasn’t that bothered… I’m not sure why, I just didn’t connect. Tess really opened up in LA and pushed herself in new ways, I think she really made the most of the opportunity. Her family are out of sorts but they find their way back to each other by the end. 

Well written, I enjoyed the book and recommend for fans of Carmen as well as fans of fiction fans in general. Ups and downs that will entertain for a good few hours. I definitely recommend. 

Author Bio:  

Carmen Reid is the bestselling author of numerous woman’s fiction titles including the Personal Shopper series starring Annie Valentine. After taking a break from writing she is back, introducing her hallmark feisty women characters to a new generation of readers. Her first title for Boldwood will be published in July 2021. She lives in Glasgow with her husband and children.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter  https://twitter.com/thiscarmenreid

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

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carmen-reid

The Promise of Summer - Bella Osborne

 

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn't counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.   
 
As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R6Q4T66/

Universal Amazon link - http://mybook.to/ThePromiseOfSummer

KOBO - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-promise-of-summer

My Review:

A fun, heart warming romance, full of character, spirit, and happy times.

Bella is brilliant at incorporating humour alongside touching moments of emotion, creating intricate stories with complicated relationships and special characters.

I love the characters in The Promise of Summer -Ruby has given up on finding love, she’s met man after man and they have all let her down. She knows what she does want and is intent on making it happen. She is bright, sassy and full of life, so meeting an awkward Curtis, who is intelligent an super successful in his chosen field, on a train to London sets things off on a very different path.

I really enjoyed how these characters complimented each other and how they brought out the best parts of each other. I loved how their friendship blossomed.

Bella’s writing drew me in and kept me thoroughly engrossed from start to end. It is everything you want from a feel good, romantic fiction. Perfect for all reading occasions, I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy and enjoy!

Author Bio:

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Social Media Links –

Twitter - https://twitter.com/osborne_bella

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

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/

The Summer Seekers - Sarah Morgan

Get swept into a summer of sunshine, soul-searching, and shameless matchmaking with this delightfully big-hearted road-trip adventure!

Kathleen is eighty years old. After she has a run-in with an intruder, her daughter wants her to move in to a residential home. But she’s not having any of it. What she craves—what she needs—is adventure.

Liza is drowning under the daily stress of family life. The last thing she needs is her mother jetting off on a wild holiday, making Liza long for a solo summer of her own.

Martha is having a quarter-life crisis. Unemployed, unloved and uninspired, she just can’t get her life together. But she knows something has to change.

When Martha sees Kathleen’s advertisement for a driver and companion to share an epic road trip across America with, she decides this job might be the answer to her prayers. She’s not the world’s best driver, but anything has to be better than living with her parents. And traveling with a stranger? No problem. Anyway, how much trouble can one eighty-year-old woman be?

As these women embark on the journey of a lifetime, they all discover it’s never too late to start over.

As these women embark on the journey of a lifetime, they all discover it's never too late to start over...

My Review

An action-packed adventure - perfect for those still wanting to stay close to home. I love when a book can transport you thousands of miles and this latest release from Sarah Morgan does just that.

Kathleen is pretty cool; a kick ass 80 year old who feels no fear in bashing an intruder across the head. Determined to prove there is still adventures to be had, despite her daughters reluctance, she sets off on the trip of a lifetime. There may be an ulterior motive for this particular journey but she discovers more about herself and her relationship with her daughter along the way.

Liza is concerned about her Mum, she’s worried her marriage isn’t what it should be and she is constantly put upon by everyone around her. She’s lost sight of herself somewhere and as her Mum goes off to live out her dreams it makes Liza realise there may just be more to life, the question is what changes does she need to make?

Martha needs a direction in life. She’s not had the best of times and she doesn’t get any support from her family. Tasking a chance on an opportunity gives her a whole new lease of life, plus a little bit of romance! After a few weeks with Kathleen, Martha becomes more confident, carefree and able to see she isn’t the failure others lead her to believe.

All the components of a fun filled, adventure with laughs, love and drama along the way. I love all the characters in the book, Kathleen is awesome for her age and spirit, I felt sorry for Liza and really hoped she would loosen up a little and speak up and Martha; I really hoped she’d see the qualities in herself that were apparent to everyone who met her.

I think many people dream of doing the Route 66 adventure so was lovely to take this trip if only in book form.

Brilliant writing, which I have come to expect from this author and a story that moved along at a great pace. A brilliant summer read, I highly recommend. 

Order your copy HERE 

About the Author: 

USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.

Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Follow Sarah on Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/SarahMorgan_/
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com

A Perfect Paris Christmas - Mandy Baggot

 Keeley Andrews knows more than anyone that you only live once. So when she receives an invitation to spend two weeks in Paris, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance.

Ethan Bouchard has had the worst eighteen months of his life. He's ready to give up on everything, including his hotel chain. So when he meets Keeley, it simply isn't the right time.

As Keeley and Ethan continue to bump into each other on the romantic Parisian streets, they can't help but wonder whether this is fate telling them to let go of the past and leap into the future...

Head to Paris this Christmas and fall in love under the lights of the Eiffel Tower with best-selling author, Mandy Baggot.

My Review:
If you are a looking for a festive hug in a book; something to whisk you away and give you both heart warming and heart squeezing moments, then this is it. Perfect for cosy afternoons, ignoring the miserable wet, dreary weather. An escape via book form, Mandy Baggot always manages to whisk us away and give us brilliant stories, characters to adore and a smile from ear to ear.

With a host of characters that each bring their own special quality to love, I couldn’t pick a favourite. Instant chemistry between Keeley and Ethan, even with the added chaos of an escaped penguin. I was laughing at the thought. A classic Mandy Baggot book gives you a hero to love, this book is no exception you will fall in love as quickly as Keeley. Watch out for Pepe, your heart may just be stolen.

The references to living in a post COVID world were subtle but there i.e. anti-bacterial gel, distancing etc, I wasn’t bothered about this inclusion at all if I’m honest but can appreciate for some this may not be welcome.

The book does contain some quite deep and meaningful issues which show the fine lined balance between living a good life and actually fully living for the fun and adventure it should be; as its clearly shown how fragile life is. The difference in Keeley living her adventures after being given another chance and her friend Erica who is unable to have all the exciting adventures she desires (although she lives vicariously through Keeley).

It is a romantic treat, with heart and emotion. You will be left with the warm fuzzy feeling and definitely ready for the festive season. If you haven’t enjoyed any of Mandy’s books yet, treat yourself they are all wonderful and this is a perfect starting point!

About the author 

 

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:   

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor

Twitter: @mandybaggot

 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MpVrh4

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3072QtL

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gOPHvv

iBooks: https://apple.co/2D35zuK

bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/2Ih3gXS

 

Follow Aria 

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

The Winter Garden - Heidi Swain ** GIVEAWAY **

Fancy winning a signed copy of The Winter Garden from Heidi Swain? Read on... 

***The sparkling new Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!***

Freya Fuller is estranged from her parents and has been following her childhood dream of becoming a gardener ever since. When an opportunity to design a winter garden opens up at a Victorian property in Nightingale Square, Freya jumps at the chance to make a fresh start. But while the majority of the residents are welcoming, local artist Finn seems determined to shut her out, and when Freya's family make a surprise appearance, it seems that her new life is about to come crashing down . . .

The Winter Garden  is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Cathy Bramley and Sarah Morgan.

My Review:

Heidi’s writing is like a comfort blanket and the stories she creates are heart-warming, soul soothing and a perfect tonic to what’s been the most unsettling of times.

Heidi Swain books always shoot straight to the top of my TBR. I will ditch any other just to read them as I know I will adore them from start to finish. I’ve been looking forward to ‘The Winter Garden’ so didn’t hesitate to start and I was hooked from the off.
A return to Nightingale Square – YEY – we are familiar with this setting thanks to Heidi’s previous books, Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square and Poppy’s Recipe for Life but don’t worry The Winter Garden is a standalone, you don’t need to have read the others but for those of us who have we will be greeted with a few familiar faces.
Freya finds herself leaving a place she’s loved and treasured for years after it is inherited by heartless and awful sounding Jackson; she’s heading to Prospect Place and is keen to start work on The Winter Garden. Cue Freya finding herself in Nightingale Square and finally finding her home.
The locals all make Freya feel welcomed and she is soon in the thick of community activities. Freya is a lovely character, hard working, self-assured and confident in many ways. Her first meeting with Norse god like sculptor, Finn, leaves a lot to be desired and its clear that these two characters don’t see eye to eye which could become awkward having to work in such proximity.
The story progresses and we see how settled Freya becomes, how happy she realises she is and how well she fits into this community. I love catching up with the old favourites so I will look forward to a return to the square and a little catch up with her.
Although this book isn’t solely Christmas themed, there is the perfect amount of festive cheer to make you feel all cosy and ready to celebrate the season. A winter delight I’d say, it gives you all the right feels, with gorgeous characters and a heart-warming tale.

About Heidi:

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

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -

Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/

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

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



WIN A SIGNED COPY:

All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog with your favourite part of Winter.

Closing date is Sunday 11th October at 9pm and I will announce the winner on the blog and on Twitter (please follow me @TheComfyChair2 to see announcement there) on Monday 12th at 9am. 

 

The Cottage of Curiosities - Celia Anderson

 

 

Return to 59 Memory Lane with a new novel from the Kindle Top Ten bestselling author Celia Anderson!

’A brilliantly original and enchanting tale’ Sun ‘Wonderful characters make this a great read’ Good Housekeeping ‘Truly unique…unforgettable’ Woman’s Weekly

Grace Clarke is shocked to learn at the age of fifty-six that she’s adopted – it feels as though her whole life has been a lie. But it also explains a lot of things for Grace too. Including the gift that has plagued Grace since childhood – the ability to feel other people’s memories.

Could this gift be something she shared with the woman who abandoned her – the mysterious May Rosevere?

And as Grace travels to the small coastal village of Pengelly to find the answers she craves, she feels her gift growing stronger. As though May is somehow calling her long-lost daughter home…

My Review:

Having read and adored 59 Memory Lane I could not wait for this return to Pengally. I do think if you haven’t read 59 Memory Lane you should read it first (a) because its wonderful and b) it will give some clarity to this story. 

Celia Anderson is brilliant; her writing is gorgeous and the way she tells these stories, brings her characters to life is wonderful. I feel so involved with these stories it takes me days to be able to move on with another book. Ultimate book hangover!

With ‘The Cottage of Curiosities’ we have a lovely tale of self discovery, love, hope and acceptance. Friendships and relationships play such important roles within this story.
We meet Grace who is searching for information on her biological parents, and finds herself heading to the coastal village of Pengelly. Here she effortlessly fits into the community, making friends as she uncovers the truth about where she came from. All of that on top of managing and utilising an extremely special, maybe magical, skill to help those she gets close to. 

An absolutely heart-warming and uplifting book, a real curl up, get cosy kind of read. I cannot recommend this enough. One of my favourites of the year. 

PURCHASE HERE

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.