Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 July 2023

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



Sunday, 17 July 2022

The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove -Jaimie Admans

 

Her new start is about to bee-gin!

Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees an opening for a new beekeeper at the old manor house at Elderflower Grove she jumps at the chance – despite not knowing a thing about bees…

 The abandoned house holds a mystery of its own – the previous owner vanished years ago – and locals have been inventing stories about the manor ever since. Unable to resist the urge to look around, Kayleigh is shocked to find drop-dead-gorgeous gardener Carey living inside!

 Carey explains that the house and surrounding land is at risk of being demolished, endangering the bees, and he has been staying there to protect it.

 Convinced the secret of the house holds the key to saving Elderflower Grove’s bees, Kayleigh is prepared to do everything she can to help. But is she ready to find her own happy-ever-after too…?

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09Z757JFW

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z757JFW

My review:

Wonderful summer read, instant sunshine and happiness in a book. This is down to Jaimie’s unique style and interesting storylines. As a fully fledged fan of all Jaimie’s books, I knew to expect some crazy antics, mysterious shenanigans and things that just can’t be explained. 

Great characters, a setting that is so descriptive you feel you are right there, and a lot of information about bees and beekeeping I never knew before. I loved Kayleigh, she has a great attitude and a character I wanted to see do well. Carey grew on me, I had doubts and couldn’t believe he was for real. Elderflower Grove just sounds magnificent, also a little mysterious as Kayleigh and Carey discover.

If you suspend your sensible head and go with your imagination, this book will leave you make you smile from start to finish.

As always, great writing, interesting themes and a smashing summer read. 

Author Bio:


Jaimie is a 36-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.


She is the author of several romantic comedies for HarperCollins - The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters, The Little Wedding Island, It's a Wonderful Night, The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea, Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm, The Little Bookshop of Love Stories, The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore, The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane, The Post Box at the North Pole, and The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/be_the_spark

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


Saturday, 1 January 2022

The Cocktail Bar - Isabella May

 

Rock star, River Jackson, is back in his hometown of Glastonbury to open a cocktail bar… and the locals aren’t impressed.

Seductive Georgina is proving too hot to handle; band mate, Angelic Alice, is messing with his heart and his head; his mum is a hippie-dippy liability; his school friends have resorted to violence – oh, and his band manager, Lennie, AND the media are on his trail.

But River is armed with a magical Mexican elixir which will change the lives of three lucky people. Once the Mexican wave of joy takes a hold of the town, he’s glad he didn’t lose his proverbial bottle.

Pity he hasn’t taken better care of the real one…

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

 

My Review:

The Cocktail Bar is a definitely a read that is full of fun, humour and drama. We have magic, mystery, and of course enough cocktails to please every reader. A really interesting read!

Whilst I didn’t think all the characters were likeable, they were all so well written. River has returned to Glastonbury to open a cocktail bar; throughout the story we are taken to further climbs – from Mexico to Prague, Bath to London.

River is hoping the locals take to his new bar, although met with instant trouble and disdain. He really needs to get locals onside and uses every trick in the book to do that. Georgina is using her feminine charm to lull River into trusting her, get ready for the crazy there. When we see the return of Alice, well, sparks fly, and we see that Georgina will not give up without a fight.

The mystical elixir given to River is going to change lives and I couldn’t wait to see what happened and how their lives would “change.” Is it really this special ingredient that has such powerful effects?

Spiritual and sexy, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish. A lovely escape and perfect for those heading off for a beach holiday, sip on a cocktail or two and enjoy The Cocktail Bar

Author Bio:

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Social Media Links:

www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @
IsabellaMayBks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/

Instagram - @isabella_may_author

 

Giveaway to Win Kindle Copies of all of Isabella May’s Eight currently published books in the Foodie Romance series (Open INT)

Prize includes, The Cocktail Bar, Oh! What a Pavlova, Costa del Churros, The Ice Cream Parlour, The Cake Fairies, The Chocolate Box, Bubblegum and Blazers, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


Tuesday, 18 May 2021

The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday - Kiley Dunbar

 


The Fully Booked Bookshop Café invites literature lovers to run their very own bookshop … for a fortnight.

Spend your days talking books with customers in your own charming bookshop and serving up delicious cream teas in the cosy café.

Bookworms, what are you waiting for? Your holiday is going to be LIT(erary).

Apply to: The Fully Booked Bookshop, Down-a-long, Clove Lore, Devon.

Jude Crawley should be on top of the world. She’s just graduated as a mature student, so can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.

Until she sees Mack kissing another girl, and her dreams crumble. And worse, their dream holiday – running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore for two weeks – is non-refundable.

Throwing caution to the winds, Jude heads down to Devon, eager to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart.

But there’s one problem – six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot, who’s also reserved the bookshop holiday for two weeks…

As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside to run the bookshop, it seems that Jude might be falling in love with more than just words. Until she discovers what Elliot is running from – and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.

Can Jude find her own happy ending in a tiny, tumbledown bookshop? Or is she about to find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale…

My Review:

This is just every reader and book lovers dream – the chance at running a bookshop complete with sweet treats! Where can I sign up? I would absolutely love it. My mind was running wild before I even turned the first page.

Jude is a great character – I really was on her side from the start and just hoped she had the best time in Devon and in the bookshop. She’s in need for some direction in life and thinks some time away following a dream might help, even if she’s doing it alone.

Arriving in Clove Lore, Devon, is quite an experience and full of interesting characters and locals. She soon finds that her alone time isn’t quite as she imagined. Elliot crashes into Jude’s life and although he is clearly hiding something, he balances her out and helps her in ways she doesn’t realise at first. They may have a rocky start but the chemistry is there from the moment they meet.

I enjoyed the story and seeing both characters work through their issues. I enjoyed the locals and would love a return trip to hear more of their exploits, plus see what other magic the bookshop could weave.

Nicely written with some fun, lighted moments as well as more heartwarming scenes too. A pleasurable way to spend a few hours. 

Purchase Links

AMZ: https://amzn.to/30a8F8w

Kobo: http://bit.ly/308giMP

Apple: http://apple.co/3q8A4Ch

Author Bio:

Kiley Dunbar writes heart-warming, escapist, romantic fiction set in beautiful places.

Kiley also works as a senior lecturer, teaching creative writing at the Manchester Writing School. One Winter's Night is shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel Award 2021.



Social Media Links:

'Kiley Dunbar Author Book Page' on Facebook
website and newsletter:
http://www.kileydunbar.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8wM4Fmkbyg4S_XGSnfUCA

https://twitter.com/kileydunbar

https://www.facebook.com/KileyDunbarAuthor/



Sunday, 20 September 2020

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


Friday, 12 July 2019

BLOGTOUR: The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows - Jenni Keer






When Maisie Meadows finds herself single and jobless on New Year’s Day, she resolves that this will be the year she focuses on bringing her scattered family back together. Romance is all very well, but it’s the people you grew up with that matter the most.
But a new job working at an auction house puts her in the path of Theo, a gorgeous but unattainable man who she can’t help but be distracted by. As their bond begins to grow, Maisie finds herself struggling to fulfil the promise she made to herself – but the universe has other ideas, and it’s not long before the Meadows family are thrown back together in the most unlikely of circumstances…
Can dealing with other people’s treasures help Maisie to let go of the past, and teach her who she ought to treasure the most?


My Review:


What a magically fun read! An array of characters and wonderful moments that will tug on heartstrings. The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is enchanting, a great read that gives us Maisie and her quest to reunite a very special tea set. During this search we see how Maisie’s perspective on life changes and how this affects the relationships with those around her.

It’s a story about family, friendships, and love; it encourages you to embrace whatever comes your way, enjoy life and it’s unexpected occurrences. I also love the idea of perfection not being celebrated and that you should welcome all those quirky differences that make people special.

I loved Maisie, she’s gutsy and funny, she makes mistakes and will hold her hands up to them. I loved how she was so caring and considerate; she likes order and everything ‘in it’s rightful place’ so to speak but then we know she has that hidden ‘messy’ side where she can let go and lose control through her art. She evolves throughout the book and it only makes her more endearing, I was rooting for her all the way through – even if cringing at some of the moments of misunderstanding!

Theo is a complete contrast to Maisie, which is nice. He’s a character I instantly liked; his charm leapt from the page and I could totally understand Maisie’s increasing fondness towards him. He brought out the best in Maisie.
There is a whole host of secondary characters you will adore – each with their own quirks they learn to embrace. Each has their own story to tell but all contribute to Maisie’s story in their own way. Honestly watch out for Arthur, he’s brilliant and your heart will just burst for him.

There is just so much going on within this story, so many potentially cringy moments and misunderstandings but that just added some honesty and comedy to the story.
I highly recommend this book and definitely keep a watch out for Jenni Keer in the future!


Purchase Link - http://bit.ly/UnlikelyLife

Author Bio:
Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women's fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker was published in January 2019.

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is out in July 2019.

Social Media Links –
Twitter @JenniKeer
Instagram jennikeer

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker,  pack of Scratbag notelets,  pretty purple pen and a Maisie bookmark (Open to UK Only)


*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


a Rafflecopter giveaway